Tag Archives: Moving

Apr9

Ramadan Reflections: A Guided Journal by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

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Ramadan Reflections: A Guided Journal by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

I had started this book on the first day of Ramadan thinking I could double up some days and finish it early with enough time to offer up a review for those wanting to know if they should acquire the book  and take advantage of it during the blessed month.  But alas, here I am nearly 10 days post Eid, finally finishing, and getting around to sharing my thoughts.  The 277 page book spans 30 days, it is divided into three parts, with each chapter/day covering a theme with the author’s personal connection, outside sourcing illuminating the thought, then moving on to a section entitled, “Let Your Heart Ponder,” followed by a “Dua Invitation” and then a few pages of guided journaling prompts, questions, and considerations.  I did not write in the book, I struggle to mark up pages since leaving school, and even annotate by taking pictures and attaching notes on my phone.  But even not using the journal as intended, the book requires you to slow down, to savor the reflections and insights, and put them in to practice.  To read it in one sitting, or to rush the chapters would not accomplish for the reader what the book sets out to do.  Even the chapters that did not directly resonate with me, I found still offered nuggets of empathy, or consideration, and the short chapter style allows it to not be a burden to spend time with.  The days that hit me the hardest, that taught me something, or reminded me of something long forgotten, or inspired me to be better, more intentional, more forgiving, more present, I look forward to discovering again and again in future Ramadan rereadings.  That isn’t to say that this book can only be read in Ramadan, or that next Ramadan chapters that I found unremarkable, won’t suddenly hit different, but there are some chapters that felt rather repetitive and memoir style anecdotes that were not developed enough to reach the reader beyond surface level understanding.  Had the whole book been like that, perhaps I wouldn’t remark on it as the Islam centered hadith, ayats, and quotes are consistently strong, but when the author’s personal reflections on her own life, and those close to her, were more deeply explored, a deeper resonance to the theme of the chapter emerged.  Perhaps because I read more fiction, but when character development, so to speak, was present, the connection to the message, and the empathy to others and one’s self bloomed very naturally, and thus those chapters became more memorable.  

I felt the latter half of the book was stronger than the beginning, perhaps intentional as the end of Ramadan draws near and our hearts desperate to cling to the closeness of Allah swt.  I love the thorough glossary at the end, I believe it is the same one in the author’s second book, “The Power of Dua” and it is such a benefit to truly understanding the words used that non Arabic speakers might think they know, but can benefit from having clearly articulated. 

It is never fair to compare books, but having read the author’s two books nearly together, I anxiously await and sincerely hope that there is a third.  I read them out of order, and the second is definitely stronger, but I struggled with the “memoir” style in both.  Reflections was the author’s own story, and Power of Dua was other people’s stories, and both felt forced and distracting for me more often than not.  I hope if there is a third book, that disconnect can be resolved and the author’s commentary and Islamic references in her signature palatable style can be expressed without being contingent upon a story that the reader may or may not relate too, or more personal info will be shared so that if the reader can empathize more readily.  The repetition of hearing the name Solace UK and that she started a charity from scratch, started to feel almost promotional, as I still am not sure, two books later, what the day to day work of the charity is, or what topics Honest Tea Talk seeks out to cover, only that they are constantly name dropped.  I would love to know who the author studied with and where.  The little snippets make the reader wanting to Google, but I think it distracts from the connection to the words in the moment.

Overall a solid addition to spend time with in Ramadan, or any time, and to reference when the heart needs to feel connections.  The writing makes for an easy read, the duas and parts to ponder allow you to put in to practice the teachings immediately, alhumdulillah.

 

Jan27

Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia

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Cookies and Crescents: An Eid Story by Nada Shawish Dutka illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia


We can always use more Eid al Fitr stories, but to stand out in an increasingly crowded field, really requires something special, impeccable story telling, and repeatability.  Unfortunately for me, this book just comes up short.  Food centered books are already so over done, toss in small font that nearly bleeds into the binding where you would hold the book for story times, top it off with a vague story lacking the OWN voice charm that a religious holiday centered book, by a Muslim, that is noted to be slightly autobiographical should have, and the recipe is just going to feel lacking.  There isn’t anything “wrong” with the book, it just doesn’t really seem like it will be memorable or asked for again. Focusing on a mom and daughter moving the night before Eid, the book has elements of adjustment, new traditions, change, nerves, salat, iftaar, looking for the moon and making a new friend- layers that should resonate with readers, but somehow for me, stayed on the surface of this 32 page book for preschool to early elementary aged children.

The book starts with the protagonist talking about the city where she was born, the community, the family atmosphere, and her mama’s famous Eid cookies.  But this year will be different, it is almost Eid and Reem and her mama are moving away from the city to a house with a yard. Reem is not excited, in fact, she spends much of the drive feeling carsick.  Once they arrive it is time to unpack, break their fast, pray and look for the moon.  The excitement of making making cookies with her Mama sustains her, until she notices the walnuts are missing. Change is inevitable, and Mama is determined to show Reem that they can make do with what they have.  When neighbors come over to welcome them to the neighborhood, a new friend might be just what Reem needs to settle in.

The book seems to be deliberately vague, and I don’t know that it will bother children, but it bothered the journalist in me.  Why are they moving, what city are they leaving, is Sarah Muslim or just knows to say Eid Mubarak, but doesn’t say walaikumasalam.  I also feel like the publisher didn’t properly invest in the book.  The text is tiny, when ample space is available on nearly every spread.  Blocks of text on the lower inner binding make one’s hand cover the words when reading to a group, and certain paragraphs seem to be erroneous or at the very least awkward.  Take for example this paragraph when they are unpacking, that I stumbled over every time I read it. “Tonight, it’ll be just me and Mama who look from between tall boxes.” Maybe it is in reference to looking for the moon, but the next page does have her and Mama planning to look for the moon.  Similarly, when the walnuts can’t be found, Reem wants to go back, but Mama says the store is too far. The mother in me was fuming that she didn’t see it was more than about the nuts, go give the girl a hug. Earlier Reem remarks that “Finally, Mama kept her promise,” in regards to the cookies, but is it finally they are making cookies or does Mama not normally keep her promises. I know I’m being picky, but it starts to add up, the reader doesn’t feel that Mama and Reem are in this together. That they listen to each other. So it is hard to get emotionally invested. And when I review I try and unearth why a book doesn’t work for me, and all these little hiccups for me, become obstacles that keep the book from being great.  Sadly all it needs is some good editing and my critiques really could have been resolved, sigh.

Even though the book is set at Eid, and shows the mom and daughter praying, they say salaam, they look for the moon, there is no real Eid as a religious holiday stressed, the focus is the cookies and the new friend.  Culture also seems to be noticeably absent, the cookies are Arab, the phrase “Al Harakah Barakah” is Arabic, but it isn’t sourced, the reader is never told where that sentiment comes from and it isn’t explored as much as the inner flap would suggest. The book concludes with an author’s note and a recipe for ma’amoul.

 

Apr5

Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

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Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

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After years of teaching, librarian-ing, and mothering, my reviewers are for adults, but with kids in mind. I read in different environments and try and balance what children will think with my more critical literary impressions. But honestly, my first reaction when I see Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow has a new book out, is not about the children, or their parents, it is incredibly selfish, and I want to read the picture book for me.  It has been about a year since I first read my all time favorite, Salat in Secret, and I still feel all the feels, every time I read the book. I even enjoy handing the book to people and watching them read it for the first time.  So, I was both excited, and nervous to read this new book, not knowing if it would measure up to my expectations or rather hopes, so to speak.  I needn’t have worried, subhanAllah, this book in it’s own right is moving, heartfelt, layered, powerful, hopeful, relatable, tender, and while staying on a kindergarten to second grade level is also unapologetic with its centering of Islam, race, and feeling invisible, being new, and making a friend.  The illustrations and words blend beautifully, and by the second page of the 40 page book, I was already emotionally attached to the little protagonist Ameena.  Good writing is good writing, and as a result this beautiful book works for all ages and will be appreciated on multiple layers even after dozens of readings, alhumdulillah.

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The book begins with Ameena playing a game by herself.  She always plays by herself at school, where she tends to be invisible.  Maybe it is her hair in twists or her brownness, she doesn’t know.  One day a new girl comes, her name is Sundus, she wears hijab like Ameena wears to the masjid.

All day Ameena tries to talk to Sundus, but something always seems to keep them apart.  When they finally meet,  Ameena’s excited words get all tangled, and a misunderstanding occurs.  Ameena decides the next day to transform into a rockstar: red-orange hijab and matching boots. The other kids say she is copying the new girl.  Sundus doesn’t say anything.

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Ameena disappears again at school, but family night at the masjid is her happy place.  Where she doesn’t play alone, and there are lots of browns, and she is seen.  When Mama meets a new sister, and greets her with Assalamu Alaikum, Ameena sees how a greeting and a hug can be the start of sisterhood and friendship. And the next time Sundus and Ameena meet, they know just what to say.

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The joy at the end forces you to smile, just as Ameena playing alone at the beginning tugs at your heart.  It is a great book to see yourself and see others in a beautiful, authentic way.  The universal themes of not being seen, making a friend, and being the new kid, are woven in just as hijab, masjid and Assalamu Alaikum are, making the book powerful for Muslim and non Muslims alike.

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I particularly love that their is no glossary, and that the text uses the word masjid not mosque, hijab not scarf and Assalamu Alaikum not salam.  That the masjid is her safe place to laugh and play, and that this book is mainstream published and will find its way to public spaces and be widely accessible.

You can preorder your copy here on Amazon.

Mar31

Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi

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It doesn’t matter how many Word documents you read, Goggle docs you add comments to, and screen shots you revise; to hold a physical book in your hands that you have been blessed to observe from the sidelines through numerous revisions, is mind blowing.  Reading the final version from page 1 to page 324, plus the backmatter, has left me at a loss for words with tears streaming down my cheeks. I truly cannot imagine the book any other way. All past drafts and storylines, were just stepping stones to get the book to this version, and as a fan of literature my whole life, to see this metamorphosis in real time has added to my respect and admiration of authors.  Enough about me though, this review is of the middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of Syrian American Kareem, a loveable boy caught in between choices, siblings, friends, labels, and global acts beyond his control.  He makes mistakes, he tries to make things right, and at the center of it all is his Islamic identity, love of football, and genuinely good heart.  I am biased in that I have self appointed Kareem as my nephew, but even after dozens of readings, I was moved to tears three times during the course of this reading.  I made my teens read the book and they loved it, and like them, we hope we get more Kareem in the future.

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SYNOPSIS:

Kareem loves football, particularly the Bears, and dreams of seeing his Arabic name on an American jersey one day in the NFL.  Unfortunately, he hasn’t made the school team, his best and only friend Adam has moved away, and the coach’s son is offering to talk to his dad for Kareem in exchange for some school help.  Add in a new Syrian kid at school, his mom going to Syria to take care of his grandfather, and the fruition of Executive Order 13769 aka the Muslim Ban, and seventh grade has Kareem scrambling on every down to say the least.

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WHY I LOVE IT:

The football framing, the literary inclusions, the Arabic, the Islam, all combine with such tangible heart to create a seamless read both as a compelling story and as an example of literary craft.  The language is on point and intentional, that even if you don’t know the character or novel referenced, the Arabic words included, or football terminology used, you will be invested in the characters and plot, and find yourself cheering for Kareem.  Often debut authors show promise, but their stories have plot holes, or pacing issues, or inconsistencies, that is not the case with this book.  The crumbs are there that tie everything together, the depth of the characters’ personalities reveal how developed they are, and the timeline keeps the book moving forward.  There are no dry or slow spots in the entire novel, it is easily read in one sitting as you find yourself nervous for Kareem, and curious how it will resolve.

Boys and girls, Muslims and non Muslims, Arabs and non Arabs, all will find themselves drawn to this book, and thinking about the characters, particularly Kareem, long after the final page is read.

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FLAGS:

Some stress and anxiety with missing parents.  Death, bullying, cheating, fighting, lying, racism.

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TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book is a solid middle grade, but the quality of writing and engaging plot makes it work for a middle school book club read as well.  I cannot wait to share this book widely.

Preorders speak volumes and I truly hope if you are able that you will preorder a copy, you can do so here.  Requesting your local public library to shelve the book is also a tremendous help to signal to publishers what type of stories and OWN voice authentic representation consumers will support.

Feb29

A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

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A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali illustrated by Najwa Awatiff

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A problem solving kid that loves his faith, finds himself in a new neighborhood at the beginning of Ramadan without a mosque or a Muslim community.  I appreciate that this 32 page book actually has a bit of a plot, not just the overly done fictional story crafted around basic Ramadan facts of a child’s first fast.  Sure, it mentions most of the expected concepts in a similar manner, but it also centers acts of ibaada, shows more than tells, is brightly illustrated, and is unapologetic. The kid is a doer, a problem solver, and isn’t unsure about who he is, which is refreshing. That isn’t to say that it gets everything right, it still attributes fasting to feeling compassion for the poor.  Even when a side character challenges the notion, the character doubles down that it makes us more appreciative, which inshaAllah it does, but it isn’t WHY we fast.  Overall though, I think the book still is a benefit in Muslim and non Muslim spaces. The story and illustrations make it appealing at story times and bed times, and the backmatter is equally engaging.

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The book starts with Zain getting excited for his favorite time of year, Ramadan.  Only this year the decorations are still in boxes, Mama and Baba are busy with their new jobs, and there is no mosque or Muslims in the neighborhood.  Zain knows, he rides around looking for clues, has even checked the newspaper, and had his dad look on his phone.  It is a big change from the Islamic school he used to go to, and the busy mosque he used to volunteer at.

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Then Zain gets an idea, to build a mosque with all the moving boxes.  Neighbor kids come and ask questions, and Zain is happy to explain as they join in the building.  One night while praying outside under the stars in the cardboard mosque, a friend joins the family, and this Ramadan just might turn out to be pretty wonderful after all.

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I love that Zain doesn’t wait around for his parents to figure everything out, he is motivated. I also really like that he knows who he is, is comfortable sharing his faith and beliefs, and that the neighbor kids find connections to him, not the other way around.  I wish he would find a place to volunteer at, our charity isn’t restricted to helping only Muslims, though I might be the only one to pick up on that unresolved thread.  I also get that the kid that joins the salat for story purposes, is seen after prayer, but he didn’t join the prayer right and my older kids were sure to point that out.

The backmatter has a glossary, but in a more engaging format that I think kids will actually stick around for, and the Ramadan essentials and crafts make for a nice extension for those wanting to add a craft to the story time activity.

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The book is traditionally published and widely available.  You can find it here at Amazon, or here at my favorite store Crescent Moon.  It is also available in public libraries and would be a great addition to classroom and school library shelves.

Oct17

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

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Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

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The power, the lyricism, the images, the layers- this book is not just for children, it is for everyone.  I have spent time with this book and it cannot be rushed, it needs to be felt and explored and reflected upon to feel the emotion that seeps from each and every page.  The book is remarkable in the amount of hope and warmth combined with history and social activism present.  It weaves together the personal with the community with the struggle past and present so flawlessly, but for me it is the pictures that complement the text so well that make this book spectacular on so many levels.  It is not a book for me to review, it is a book for me to support and elevate in any way I can.  The author is Muslim, there is nothing Islam specific in the text, aside from mentioning Malcolm X, and it should be required reading and sharing for everyone.  May Allah swt make us better to one another and actively work against oppression, ameen.

The book is framed as a letter, encouraging happy things to be held close.  For the young and old with stars in their eyes to be be held and elevated.  For stories of greatness to be passed down.  Stories of Kings, of Sojourners and Malcolms.  

The book encourages pushing away the disappointments, but to let the tears come. To not forget the lynchings, slavery, police brutality, oppression.  To stand and make it heard that you matter.

The illustrations are a mix of photographs and collage style layers.  The joy in a child that is very real, carrying those that came before.  Images of the past pulled to be seen in the present, very much a part of today.  The colors, the expressions, the hope, it radiates off the page with the coaxing of the text and becomes a feeling of both being held, and feeling support to take the next step.  Absolutely beautiful from beginning to end.

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The backmatter contains an Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, Background information, and Selected Sources.

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Available in libraries and book sellers, including here.

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Aug29

Mona’s Scrapbook Adventure by Nouha Deliou illustrated by Kadhima Tung

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Mona’s Scrapbook Adventure by Nouha Deliou illustrated by Kadhima Tung

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Algerian culture, as far as I’ve seen, is incredibly underrepresented in western literature and not represented at all in children’s books.  I love that this author, who felt the same- did something about it.  This 40 page colorful story incorporates Algerian traditions and culture with universal themes of sibling love, wedding excitement, and being sad about change.  The OWN voice warmth shows Muslim characters in America holding to traditions and making new ones.  The book is long, but is not text heavy.  For toddlers and preschoolers up to second grade, I can see readers enjoying the detailed descriptions of the dresses and foods, and feeling the feelings of little Mona as her beloved older sister prepares for her wedding and ultimately leaving with her husband.

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The book starts on the morning of the big day, Layla’s engagement.  Mama explains to Mona that the Imam will do the kitab and that her older sister is excited because she has known Ahmed since school and likes him a lot.  Once dressed Mona watches Layla get ready in traditional Algerian clothes.

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When Ahmed and his family arrive, he and Layla announce that after the wedding they will be moving from New York to Arizona.  Mona is devastated, as the women start to zaghreet in celebration. She wonders if she can go with them, but decides she can’t leave her parents.  Later that night, Layla and Mona chat and decide that Mona will help plan for the wedding and they will make a scrapbook.

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Over the next few months, clothes are bought, cakes are tasted, flowers are decided upon, and Arayech is made.  The night of the henna is fun, but then it is the wedding, and then time for Layla and Ahmed to go. Happy tears and promises to always be connected conclude the story before a scrapbook page for the readers is revealed to make their own designs.  That is followed by a glossary, and information about the author and illustrator.

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I love the detail about the different cultural and regional Algerian dresses in the illustrations, the Algerian traditions shared through the text, and the connection between the two sisters. The book is available in hard back or paper back and I got mine from Crescent Moon Store  

https://crescentmoonstore.com/products/monas-scrapbook-adventure?sca_ref=1601585.fIPhoqtScY

Jul29

Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui

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Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui

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We tend to love people and books that do things first, for good reason, they raise the bar, set the standard, and pave the way for all those that come after.  And no, this is not the first middle grade traditionally published book to have Muslim characters having a completely non-Islamic-identity-centered plot, BUT it might just be the best one I’ve read.  The amount of Islam woven into the characters and storyline is absolutely incredible and seamless. The writing quality keeping dual male point of views separate, engaging, and unique without judgement, is nearly flawless.  The emotional connection of the writing and characters and plot had me both laughing out loud and crying unapologetically within the span of the 276 pages of the book.  This book is a treat for the readers and everyone eight and up I’m quite nearly certain will enjoy this Muslim authored, unapologetically Muslim approach about two 8th grade strangers realizing they are twin brothers and getting to know each other.

SYNOPSIS:

Shaheer lives with his dad and paternal grandfather.  They are well-to-do with his father being an ER physician, but they move around a lot, and never stay in one place long enough to make friends, unpack boxes, or feel like they have a home.  Ashar has lived in Virginia since he was four.  He and his mom recently moved out of living with her brother and his family, but they are next door so even though money is often tight, family and love are always present.

The first day of eighth grade finds the two boys at the same school, staring at each other and wondering how they can maybe find the pieces of themselves that have always been missing. The idea is good, but the reality is complicated.  Ashar and Shaheer’s parents have refused to even acknowledge each other to the boys over the years, extended family plays along, and the boys have to decide if they can even forgive their parents for doing this to them.  Throw in a cousin who knows the boys are switching places, hockey practices, a masjid remodel, and the ever looming threat that Shaheer will be moving yet again and the stage is set for a lot of laughs, tears, and characters that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The retelling of “The Parent Trap” is not predictable, nor does it talk down to the reader and tie everything up in a nice unrealistic bow.  There are twists and disappointment and hope and joy, not just for the characters, but for the readers as well.  The side characters are even fleshed out and memorable, not just as foils for the protagonists (I loved cousin Zohra), but as characters with a vested interest in how it all plays out.  I was surprised how clearly different the characters are, even when imitating one another and how nuanced their differences are.  They are not simply opposites: one is not good the other bad, one outgoing one an introvert, rather they are just different, as any two siblings undoubtedly would be.

I absolutely love how Islam is so much a part of the story, a part of the characters, a part of the details, but is not the whole story.  There is no Islamophobia, internal or external, there is no religious othering, it is masterfully done and Muslims and non Muslims alike will benefit from the real tangible expression, growth, and presentation of faith for the characters.

Similarly, culture is presented as a part of the characters in various forms without overly explaining or white centering.  This is who the characters are and their present predicament, as crazy as it is, could happen to anyone, of any culture or of any faith, the two are not corollary. But because it is happening to Ashar and Shaheer, the reader is brought into their world where salat/namaz, athan, mosques, hockey, entrance exams, volunteer work, finances, naan, pineapple on pizza, donuts, and nihari are all present and all unapologized for.  Well, except for the pineapple on pizza.

The best part of it all, is that it is also clean.

FLAGS:

Nothing an eight year old can’t handle, but there is deception as they imitate each other, parental arguing.  There is mention of Shaheer putting his headphones on and listening to music. Zohra plays flute in the band and it mentions when she has practice or that the family all goes and supports her. Male cousins and female cousins interact with each other freely.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

If my middle school book club is mostly 6th graders in the fall, I think I will feature this book as soon as it is released on October 4th.  Even if it is a bit below “reading level” the writing is engaging and I don’t think even the most cynical book club member will be sorry they spent time with this book.  It would be a quick read for them, but an enjoyable one for sure.

It can be preordered here on Amazon

Jul25

Salih by Inda Ahmad Zahri illustrated by Anne Ryan

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Salih by Inda Ahmad Zahri illustrated by Anne Ryan

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This is an example of a picture book that should not be categorized as being only for children.  The passages of short simple text and the expansive illustrations that pull the reader in, combine to set a powerfully moving tone that holds you in it’s grips until the final page.  The names and hijab clad women could make this book a refugee tale with #muslimsintheillustrations, but because the author is Muslim, and the book so beautiful, I wanted to do a full review.  Some of the vocabulary is a bit advanced for younger children, so I think the best application of this book is not to hand it to a small child to read independently, but rather to read it to a child and let the words tickle their hearts while they immerse themselves in the pictures.  I look forward to sharing this book at story time to kindergarten through third grade.  I think the imagery, concepts, and emotion will resonate and open minds and hearts.

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Salih is like a turtle, he carries his home on his back. He and others are heading to the sea.  He tries to remember when things were better, and forget the bad times.

An old man shows him how to paint.  Salih shares this creativity with others.  Then he slips all the paintings into bottles and when he is on the rough sea, the bottles float away.

The storm rages, but then it calms, and land is seen, and hopes and dreams return.

We, collectively, have become numb, apathetic even, to the plight of refugees.  I have been trying for a while to get this book from Australia, and even though I am over a year late since its publication, it is still timely.  It will always be timely.

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We cannot be so arrogant to dismiss the plights and challenges faced by those in our world.  That is why I say, yes it is a children’s book, but people of all ages, need to be reminded.  It isn’t the worst of the worst incidents that need to only be shared, or the over the top happy stories.  We need to not let our hearts grow so hard. And this gentle book, with a sweet boy and turtle shell imagery has a lot of potential to remind us of the human element of global conflict.

Available to purchase in the USA here

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Mar18

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

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All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

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The hype is correct: this book is moving, impactful, powerful, reflective, all the feels.  The writing superb, the plot gritty, the characters seem real, so real.  One of my all time favorite authors is John Irving because every word seems deliberate in his books, not every plot point or every paragraph, every. single. word.  And it has been a long time since I’ve read a book that strikes me in that same vein of the author being so in control of the story, and my (the reader’s) emotions being so completely at the mercy of the words to come.  I think I could read this book five more times and each time peel back a new layer and see something I hadn’t seen, or understood, or felt before.  I cried, I cheered, I sighed and unclenched my jaw, and I am still haunted by the lives of the characters.  Not just the “main” ones.  All of them, they all are real and fleshed out and have character arcs and live in shades of gray.  There are no checkboxes for skin tone or religion or sexual preference they each are more than a label, they are complex and real.  I could easily be convinced that they are in fact real people and that their world and stories are not fiction at all.  That is how well it reads, that is how hard it is to close the window on the world they let us see.  The book is YA (374 pages) and with the drugs, abuse, alcohol, relationship, complexities of it all, I would think 16 year old’s and up can, strike that, should, read this book.  The characters are Muslim, but it never even goes near being preachy, these are complex characters and stories, and remarkably there is no internalized Islamophobia or watering anything down, each character deals with faith, like everything else, in their own way.

SYNOPSIS:

The story bounces between the past in Lahore, Pakistan and the present in Juniper, California.  In Lahore it is Misbah’s story and in the desert it is her son’s, Salahudin and a girl she has taken under her wing, Noor’s.  When the book starts we see Sal with a drunk father dropping him off at school where his girlfriend is waiting, and his best friend, Noor, not speaking to him for the last few months after she confessed to bein in love with him.  Noor lives with her uncle after her entire village in Pakistan was destroyed when she was 6, and he wants nothing to do with Pakistan, Islam, or Noor going to college.  He owns a liquor store and makes Noor work there.  Sal’s mom is sick and has always been there for Noor, so when she takes a turn for the worse, Noor and Sal are brought back together, Noor’s uncle is enraged that she is missing shifts, and Sal’s father is constantly searching for the bottom of a bottle.  Things are bad, but they are about to get a whole lot worse.  Sal’s mom dies, the motel Sal’s family owns is in severe debt and the options for saving it are less than ideal.  The small town starts to feel familiar as everyone’s stories are fleshed out in Juniper and Lahore and two star-crossed narrators are forced to confront both the stresses of high school and impending adulthood, and deep, dark realities of abuse, loss, and generational trauma.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The book could have been a thousand pages, and it still would have felt too short.  Much like her fantasy writing, the book seems to start with world building and roping the reader in to thinking that they can handle what is about to come, then much like a band-aid being pulled off, the pain hits, and the wound starts bleeding again.  Somehow despite it all, you can’t look away, you can’t stop reading, there is hope.  Hope for the characters, hope for happy endings, hope for survival and peace.

I absolutely love the quality of writing, things dangled early on, come back, often with subtly and restraint that you could easily miss them.  When discussing the book with @muslimmommyblog, I felt like we both were finding threads we had possibly not considered and connections that added nuance and staying power to the plot.

So often, the more religious a character in literature is, the stricter they are presented, the less kind they are seen, but in this book it was the opposite, the loving couple were the imam and his defense attorney wife, the glue that radiated kindness to Sal, Noor, and so much of the town is a hijab wearing strong woman.  So many tropes and stereotypes were uprooted, tossed aside, and reimagined.  There is compassion for a Muslim alcoholic, a liquor store being the employment of a Muslim, consequences for dealing drugs, yet nothing “haram” is really ever glorified, it is gritty and repulsive, but there is no judgement, there is only understanding and sadness.  Palpable despair that rattles your bones and makes you wish the world was different.

I don’t want to spoil the book, I was able to read it largely not knowing what the plot would delve in to. In many ways the trigger warning at the beginning was the only thing that braced me for what was to come. The level of religion and how it was woven is through the gentleness of some of the characters and hatred of others, was expertly done.  There are not ayats in the Quran quoted or speeches given, there is love, and faith and hope that manifest as duas and longing and finding ways to be Muslim in action, not just in appearance. When the characters start to make-out their Islamic conscious is drawn in, when they grapple with their hope and future- trust in something bigger is considered. It is not a Muslim book, not even an Islam centered book, perhaps Muslamic, but really about characters who are Muslim and dealing with the cards they have been dealt.

FLAGS:

Alcohol use, drug use, relationships, kissing, touching, longing, language, physical assault, physical violence, domestic violence, hate, racism, stereotyping, Islamophobia, there are mentions of a lesbian relationship and a bi relationship, a child out of wedlock, death, addiction, sexual assault, repressed trauma, bullying, teasing, lying, music,

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I have a 15 year old daughter, and I probably will have her read the book this summer, I think there is a lot to discuss and I think in the right hands the book could be used for a high school book club.

Available to purchase here on Amazon or here from Crescent Moon Store