Reviews with content warning for Racism - A Very Large Expanse of Sea

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

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wrinnola's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. Easily a 5 star book.

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jordan21's review against another edition

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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.

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meb1073's review against another edition

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dark 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

3.5

I really enjoy books with an inclusion or focus on characters with a unique background. What stood out to me with this story is how it focused and discussed the main character's culture, especially with the time period. That being said, I believe the main concept of the story was something interesting to explore.
Unfortunately, the story largely fell flat with how unrealistic it was. Could Ocean, despite the given circumstances, truly have fallen in love with her? Absolutely, it's possible. But

to be chasing after someone who is so clearly giving out signals that they're NOT interested

, combined with everything else, is not. I find it hard to believe that a 16 year old boy in high school would

punch his own coach in the face over a girl

like....really? Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but most boys in high school don't even give relationships the light of day. And in all honesty, it felt like Ocean had a white savior complex. I think it would've been nicer if he toned it back a bit or, even better, was just a supportive friend. I feel like that's what she really needed more than anything, and it would've had a much better ring to it.
Great concept, poor execution.

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