Mixed thoughts about this book but if I’m being honest I think it’s just an OK book.
Let’s talk what I love about this book:
“I’m scared. I’m not just scared that somehow I’ll be next; it’s quieter fear and more insidious. I’m scared of the next Muslim ban. I’m scared of my dad getting pulled into Secondary Security Screening at the airport for “random questioning”. I’m scared for the hijabi girls I know getting their scarves pulled off while they’re walking down a sidewalk – or worse. I’m scared of being the object of fear and loathing and suspicion again. Always “
• Islamophobia is not a joke. The MC has to suffer from racial discrimination after a terrorist attack occurs in the US. I think the author did a good job in discussing Islamophobia in this book as it can help the readers to understand how challenging is living as a Muslim in a world which they are often seen as an “object of fear and loathing and suspicion”.
• I love how amazing female friendship between Maya and Violet were portrayed in this book. Totally in love with Violet character – who is always there for Maya.
Moving on to the parts that kinda turned me off:
• This book is known as Muslim Rep but I don’t see how it can be related. The MC never acknowledges her beliefs in God and never even practices the religion. It’s like her religion is some kind of burden to her life and simply just a label. I just don’t like how the author tried to normalize some “behavior” that is totally forbidden in Islam.
Overall, if you want to know about Islam or Muslim rep, I think this book is not for you but if you’re looking more about the harsh blame of terrorism on Muslims – this book is definitely worth a try.
Let’s talk what I love about this book:
“I’m scared. I’m not just scared that somehow I’ll be next; it’s quieter fear and more insidious. I’m scared of the next Muslim ban. I’m scared of my dad getting pulled into Secondary Security Screening at the airport for “random questioning”. I’m scared for the hijabi girls I know getting their scarves pulled off while they’re walking down a sidewalk – or worse. I’m scared of being the object of fear and loathing and suspicion again. Always “
• Islamophobia is not a joke. The MC has to suffer from racial discrimination after a terrorist attack occurs in the US. I think the author did a good job in discussing Islamophobia in this book as it can help the readers to understand how challenging is living as a Muslim in a world which they are often seen as an “object of fear and loathing and suspicion”.
• I love how amazing female friendship between Maya and Violet were portrayed in this book. Totally in love with Violet character – who is always there for Maya.
Moving on to the parts that kinda turned me off:
• This book is known as Muslim Rep but I don’t see how it can be related. The MC never acknowledges her beliefs in God and never even practices the religion. It’s like her religion is some kind of burden to her life and simply just a label. I just don’t like how the author tried to normalize some “behavior” that is totally forbidden in Islam.
Overall, if you want to know about Islam or Muslim rep, I think this book is not for you but if you’re looking more about the harsh blame of terrorism on Muslims – this book is definitely worth a try.