If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan

Title: If You Could Be Mine
Author: Sara Farizan
Series: Stand Alone
Source: Netgalley and a second hand shop
Format: eBook and Hardback, I read the hardback version
Publisher: Alqonquin Young Readers
Publication date: August 20th 2013 (happy 3rd birthday)
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.74*s
My Rating: 5*s
Description: In this stunning debut, a young Iranian American writer pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture.

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love—Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light.

So they carry on in secret—until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they have been, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively—and openly.

Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants, in the body she wants to be loved in, without risking her life. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self?

Review: This book in one word for me is; heartbreaking. As a WLW who suffers discrimination as it is the place I live where being a lesbian is legal I can scarcely imagine my love being illegal. It doesn't seem possible. It definitely isn't right. At all.
Nasrin is a spoiled brat. In the end, and even a little bit through the book Sahar does see this. There are definitely some things I don't like when it comes to what the characters do. But...the reason I love this book so much is that I understand their desperation. I understand why they would do these things. For life, or for love.
It is honestly hard to put into words the reasons why I love this book. Although at times it was hard to continue reading because of the pain. Even though it made me cry more than it made me laugh. I love this book and I would recommend it to all of you, wlw or not.