Scan barcode
bootrat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.0
A really good book, that deals so well with the lived experience of Muslim girls in America - especially following 9/11. It's based on the experiences of the author, though it's not autobiographical and one assumes that the entire relationship with Ocean is fictional, but the fact that you know that the author experienced a lot of the same things makes it really authentic.
Very well written, and you could really feel the emotions that Shirin was feeling the whole time - I got so angry reading it! Everyone should definitely read this, especially if you're white and don't know what it's like to experience prejudice and racism like that on a daily basis.
Very well written, and you could really feel the emotions that Shirin was feeling the whole time - I got so angry reading it! Everyone should definitely read this, especially if you're white and don't know what it's like to experience prejudice and racism like that on a daily basis.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Bullying and Hate crime
taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi was a huge step away from her Shatter Me series, but maintained the same type of complex characters, well paced plot, and digestible language. This book offers a first hand look into the life of a Muslim American after the events of 9/11. This book utilizes a realistic fiction lens to communicate the experiences that so many of us would never have experienced without works like this. It is also an estimate to Madi’s talents as a writer, seeing her abilities to craft a powerful narrative in both dystopian fantasy and a hard-pressed realistic setting. Though some of the scenes were hard to read given the content of the novel, it is supposed to make us feel uncomfortable and does it in the best way. I think this is a thought provoking novel, even though we are no longer living in the immediate aftermath, the lessons we can learn about how to treat one another are absolutely still relevant 20+ years later. I truly couldn’t put this book down and finished it from cover to cover in about 3 hours (give or take a few minutes). I’m certainly recommending this book to everyone I can, including all of you, so go check it out if you have t read it yet!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
themichellegray's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
I don't have any words that could do this book justice; the writing is absolutely beautiful and the story will shatter your heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Violence and Gaslighting
wiktoria_bojda's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Islamophobia
Moderate: Bullying and Hate crime
fionamatilda's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Bullying and Hate crime
a_alves00's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, and Islamophobia
siriface's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Racism
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
This def was a little tough to read for me as someone who was raised Muslim, with a brown immigrant parent, pre and post 9/11. I was only a little kid at the time and I have never worn hijab but I still faced a lot of Islamophobia and racism growing up. I can't imagine what it would've been like to have been a teen or adult immediately after the events of 9/11 especially one who wore hijab. I related a lot to Shirin and her experiences throughout the book. One example that really stood out was how throughout middle school, high school, and even college I was the token and put on the spot like Shirin was in her one class. The romance was cute enough but I didn't feel any strong feelings one way or another outside of the rage over the assholery of people viewing/treating the interracial/interreligious relationship (which I feel super strongly about because it mirrors my parents relationship and how people viewed/treated them. even to this day, they'll get a sideeye from some people).
Loved the breakdancing group though
Loved the breakdancing group though
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
jordan21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
While I’m not usually interested in reading about teenage romance, the overarching narrative of this book was satisfyingly complex and stunning. Mafi’s writing style is casual, funny and serious all at the same, perfectly illuminating the experience of Muslim women in America.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Hate crime
donotdisturbimreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was beautifully written, but nothing could prepare me for the last few chapters. It was heartbreaking in the best way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Hate crime and Physical abuse