Reviews

five stars.. i loved all the details, for example Zayneb's blue scarf, all the detailed descriptions by both of them. so carefully crafted. i loved both character's complexity.

quotes:
"girls like me who see and feel the pains and problems of the world don't make sense to people. so maybe we're meant to be alone, or only with the people exactly like us."

"but then i tought about the hard parts of speaking up. about why it's so difficult to do the right thing in front of those with the power to affect your life. say, to affect your future, your grades at school, your experience learning. your experience living."

"because, the way she explained it, it wasn't her season at that moment; it was Vernon's turn to shine.she believed in such a world,where everyone got a turn, a season in the sun.she was a beautiful soul like that. - that was deep. to think you were one of many who deserved great things. to be so unbelievably gracious, grateful."

"you need to have a way to take care of yourself. a way to recharge. otherwise the world will get you down so fast, you won't be able to hold your head up."

"and now here we were, almost a thousand years later, still doing it. trying to make sense of what was happening around us. maybe that's what life is, really."

"i let her in. because, now, this was what it was all about. i was ready to let people in. i'd still keep some people out. but i saw- in this room, out through the window into the library, even in my pocket, with the small goose- that there were so many more that wanted in than out. and that was one of the most marvelous things in the world."

"i would be studying the only thing i wanted to konw the most about: human rights.for everyone."

"if everyone listened to their parents-or to anyone- who feared the consequences of fighting for justice, this world would be a more awful place than it is now."

"that itch in your heart for justice was put there by God. your bravery, too. don’t let anyone squash it- it’s like squashing the source of it."

bluehoolia's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

very heartfelt, i lived the story and the characters

pamelina's review against another edition

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4.0

4/5

PLEEEAASEEE this book was so fluffy and cute but also included so many intense, important themes as well.

Seeing the way Zayneb was treated time and time again for being a visible member of her faith actually made me so frustrated to the point of tears. The fact that this is the real lived experience of Muslims made me even more emotional. People shouldn't have to face hatred for their faith or simply for existing. i'm honestly in awe of people who wear the hijab and their resilience. Zayneb is technically younger than me, but i wanna be as brave and courageous as her when i grow up

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