“In a world of grey, an act of kindness can make a big difference.”

Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the gifted ARC of Like A Brother, I’m so grateful to have had the chance to read this one early.

Like A Brother follows Owais, whose laidback, easy-going life is turned upside down when his estranged cousin Abass comes to stay. After years of distance between their fathers, Abass suddenly arrives, loud, unpredictable, and seemingly one bad decision away from serious trouble. What starts as an awkward family obligation slowly becomes something deeper, as Owais begins to realise there’s more to Abass than chaos and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life.

I’ll be honest, I initially struggled with the writing style, but I think that’s more about my age than the book itself. It’s definitely aimed more towards a middle grade/secondary school audience, and once I settled into that rhythm, I found the flow really easy and engaging. The dialogue feels natural for that age group, and the chapters are quick, snappy, and each one has a tongue-in-cheek title that adds to the charm.

Owais is such a hilarious main character. Between the poor dad-type jokes and lines about having a “bounty on my head”, I found myself smiling a lot. But underneath the humour, there’s real insecurity and growth. Owais isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes him work. He learns, he reflects, and he slowly understands what it means to truly show up for someone.

I absolutely loved his relationship with his sister Lara, their easy banter felt authentic and warm. Add in Savio and Abass, and honestly, the four of them are complete squad goals. Their dynamic felt genuine, messy, funny, and heartfelt all at once.
One of my favourite lines, “You do realise you can’t be a nobody if you’re already somebody to someone” perfectly captures the heart of this story. At its core, this feels like a love letter to young people who feel lost, who don’t know what they want to be yet, and who feel the weight of societal pressure far too early. Because really, at fourteen, who truly knows their future? Why do we expect teenagers to have it all figured out when they’ve barely had time to experience the world?

I also have to say, Owais’ parents were beautifully written. The way they showed up for Abass when he needed it most was incredibly moving. In contrast (and I’m looking at you, Serge), the book doesn’t shy away from showing what not showing up looks like either.

The humour throughout, the corny jokes, the light teasing and banter really helps balance the deeper themes so the story never feels too heavy or overwhelming. It keeps the reader engaged while still tackling belonging, identity, family rifts, and growing up.

And that epilogue? Absolutely stunning. It felt hopeful, encouraging, and genuinely had me in my feelings. I really loved this book. Once I found my rhythm with the voice, I was completely invested in the journey. Funny, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. Like A Brother is a reminder that sometimes the people who turn your world upside down are the very ones who help you figure out where you’re meant to be.