Details

Length: 276
Story Build: quickly paced 
Character development: solid 
Age Recommendation: 7th and 8th grade (with parent knowledge), high school
Reasoning: language, sexual content (briefly talked about but no description etc..), terrorist violence mentioned 

Summary and Review

I picked up this novel from my favorite place; you should know by now because I reference them on the ‘gram and in my blog posts, but if you don’t, I bought my copy at Twenty Stories. If you live in RI, please check them out at their Providence location, or find their book van when they are out and about! Such a treat either way. 

Anyway, I picked this book out based on the title, and then I flipped through the reviews on the inside and was drawn in because of its comparison to The Hate U Give. I devoured Thomas’s novel in less than 24 hours, so I figured I would probably be immersed in this as well. I also was drawn in because of the desire to read something different–something about a Muslim teen growing up in America. Talk about a different perspective from my own! 

I have always enjoyed learning about Islam and the Middle East. I had a social studies teacher in 7th grade who did a three month (yes, 3 whole months) on the Middle East. It opened my eyes to another world, one that is often times painted as violent and terrifying. I was transfixed by the culture and the Islamic religion. Therefore, I was excited to read this novel. 

Maya Aziz is an Indian Muslim teenager growing up in Chicago, the daughter of two immigrants who have forged a successful life for themselves in America. Like every teenager, Maya is expected to work hard at school, spend time with her family, and also follow her parents’ rules. In this unique case, Maya’s parents’ ideas are that she go to college close to home, become a doctor or laywer, and marry a fellow Indian Muslim.

Obviously this is not Maya’s jam. 

Maya is super interested in film, something her parents consider a hobby. She is also very intrigued by Phil, a white boy from her highschool who also seems to have an interest in Maya, an interest that includes teaching her how to swim and encouraging her to be the person she wants to be. 

Running parallel to Maya’s story are short vignettes that lead up to and follow the aftermath of a tragic incident, which only works to increase the Islamophobia in Maya’s life. This becomes a problem for Maya as it also increases her parents’ fear for their only child’s safety. Because of this situation, Maya is forced to fight for what she wants, but what will it cost her? 

The novel allows us to glimpse into a world that is very real for a portion of our population. It was one that I feel fortunate to have been able to see because of Ahmed’s writing. We should be hearing from this voice more often, and I hope we do. She is a lovely writer and her ability to draw us into her experiences, whether fictional or based in reality, is strong. 

Readers will also be able to relate to Maya’s struggle to choose what her heart really desires–whether that is school or a relationship or family. You might get annoyed with her at times, feeling like she might be selfish or immature, but that is a typical teenager. You will also feel angry for her, the victim of ignorance and bullies. You might also feel a sense of triumph and pride for Maya as she finds her voice along the way in this journey of self-confidence and self-discovery. 

Celebrations

I really enjoyed the ending of this novel. I think what I really appreciated was that not everything was tied together in this neat bow. While Maya loves movies and there are little bits of movie comparison throughout, the ending isn’t a typical rom-com ending. Yes, there is happiness, but it’s also totally realistic and what life is like. I think YA novels that present what real life is in actuality should be celebrated! I also was really drawn into the title of the novel, and I think it works really well with the content of the text. It was also a privilege to read from the perspective from someone who belongs to a community who feels marginalized in our current America. It was a unique perspective and one that should be read from more often. I cannot say that I understand how Maya or even the author, Samira Ahmed, feels; but I felt that she was able to give me a glimpse into this world of fear, hurt, and isolation based on assumptions that people have made. 

Hesitations

I thought the backstory with Phil could have been expanded upon, which would have made the swimming lessons and the time spent together more realistic. I felt that portion of the text was a bit rushed.