A review by stormnatreadseverything
You Think You Know Me by Ayaan Mohamud
4.0
This was such a thoughtful read, approached in a very tender way. Despite exploring some difficult topics - bullying, the complexities of friendship, Islamophobia and the growing difficulties of being an immigrant in an area that has always seen you as other – it also has no shortage of touching, heartfelt moments as we experience first-hand the comfort Hanan finds in her faith and the dynamics of the different relationships she has with her friends and family, especially her twin brother Hussein.
I felt truly part of the journey as Hanan discovers her voice and her role in speaking out about prejudice. I also felt that Mohamud’s writing helped me understand the extent of the burden placed on minorities to be positive representations and the high level of pressure this entails.
While some portions of the book felt a little slow paced, this was an overall well-written YA story and would be worth reading for anyone who enjoys general contemporary or YA fiction. I read this initially as an ARC on NetGalley, but this will be making its way onto my physical shelves once it’s been published.
I felt truly part of the journey as Hanan discovers her voice and her role in speaking out about prejudice. I also felt that Mohamud’s writing helped me understand the extent of the burden placed on minorities to be positive representations and the high level of pressure this entails.
While some portions of the book felt a little slow paced, this was an overall well-written YA story and would be worth reading for anyone who enjoys general contemporary or YA fiction. I read this initially as an ARC on NetGalley, but this will be making its way onto my physical shelves once it’s been published.