When hate shadows your world,even the safe, small corners- in places you didn’t imagine to find it, it can be utterly terrifying.
This beautiful, heart wrenching debut drew more tears than I dare admit because in all the years I have lived and read ( I have read much in those years, sometimes it feels close to an entire library) never have I read about a character who is Muslim in the 21st century being a badass teenager in the face of adversity. A world where control and freedom feel less as emotional tidal waves rush us at what feels like all sides, so when you’re deepest dreams in the darkest shadows of your inner being is encapsulated in paper and ink so beautifully, almost painfully so- it can be a shock but of the awe filled variety.
The message Samira Ahmed is clear, regardless of your race or religion- you’re worthy of badassery of epic proportions; the sort that written about and told over and over.
Just follow your dreams with your heart lighting the way. Be brave.
This beautiful, heart wrenching debut drew more tears than I dare admit because in all the years I have lived and read ( I have read much in those years, sometimes it feels close to an entire library) never have I read about a character who is Muslim in the 21st century being a badass teenager in the face of adversity. A world where control and freedom feel less as emotional tidal waves rush us at what feels like all sides, so when you’re deepest dreams in the darkest shadows of your inner being is encapsulated in paper and ink so beautifully, almost painfully so- it can be a shock but of the awe filled variety.
The message Samira Ahmed is clear, regardless of your race or religion- you’re worthy of badassery of epic proportions; the sort that written about and told over and over.
Just follow your dreams with your heart lighting the way. Be brave.