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A review by bekkabergamot
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I am so glad that I gave this audiobook a listen to. <i>A Very Large Expanse of Sea</i> follows a sixteen year old Muslim girl as she navigates an American high school in 2002. Shirin is not only Muslim, but she wears a hijab which makes her especially vulnerable and visible to racists. After bouncing around multiple schools and towns with her family, Shirin shows up to her newest one with a heartbreaking, but unsurprising outlook that everyone sucks and she's better off if she just stays isolated. Then she meets Ocean James, a white classmate who is determined to get to know her no matter what the consequence is.
This book is so important. Firstly, it acknowledges the extreme islamophobia and xenophobia that were displayed after 9/11. Secondly, it depicts the obstacles that BIPOC youth navigate both externally and internally. Part of this book is Shirin working on lowering the defense systems she had to put up as a coping mechanism. TW: the racism in this book made me feel physically sick, but I recommend this book to anyone who has not been personally victimized by racism, especially islamophobia. Too often people dismiss people of color for being angry, and a book like this provides a good reason why one would be enraged after dealing with injustices, hostility, and abuse. Shirin is so clever, funny, and she will have you rooting for her.
I will definitely be seeking out more of this authors books to read.
4.5 Stars Rounded Up
This book is so important. Firstly, it acknowledges the extreme islamophobia and xenophobia that were displayed after 9/11. Secondly, it depicts the obstacles that BIPOC youth navigate both externally and internally. Part of this book is Shirin working on lowering the defense systems she had to put up as a coping mechanism. TW: the racism in this book made me feel physically sick, but I recommend this book to anyone who has not been personally victimized by racism, especially islamophobia. Too often people dismiss people of color for being angry, and a book like this provides a good reason why one would be enraged after dealing with injustices, hostility, and abuse. Shirin is so clever, funny, and she will have you rooting for her.
I will definitely be seeking out more of this authors books to read.
4.5 Stars Rounded Up
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia