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melgonzalez's review
4.0
"You want me to make it easier for you to confront your privilege because God knows even anti-racism has to be done in a way that makes the majority comfortable?"
I think political contemporaries are now my new favourite thing, the combination between the social commentaries and the cute romance is perfect to me, it kept me reading because both the relationship and the politics interested me. I don't think I've read a lot of books that take place in Australia but I was incredibly intrigued about how the system worked there and how some ideas were so ingrained in people's minds that stopped them from evolving. What I loved the most about this book is how Michael decided to go against his established opinions that were imparted by his parents and he decided to make his own research. Mina is also an amazing character, she's outspoken and passionate but at the same time she knows she shouldn't be an example so that people learn about refugees and so that people feel better about themselves.
The romance wasn't overpowering, if anything, both of them had their own stories and they grew separately and only when they were sure their thoughts and principles were compatible, they started to hang out more together. At the same time, it did feel a little instalove which is why I didn't give it more stars, that initial attraction was okay but later their interest for each other felt almost too easy and too convenient. But I can't deny that their romance was very slow burning since both of them had their own problems that stopped them from getting past that initial attraction, they had to build a solid foundation to go past that. But Michael's social and political compassion and Mina's journey made me invest in these characters and root for them.
This is such a relevant book to understand the refugee crisis and you could feel the author knew what she was talking about, I know she did a lot of research about this and it doesn't only feel like she knows her side of the story but she also knows what the justifications and the arguments are to be against refugees, but she also knows how to refute and debate them. And I understand that Mina's arguments are important and that she has to fight an oppressive and racist system that wants to put her in the bottom all the time, no matter how much she fought to get to the surface but at the same time it felt like she wasn't open to other's opinions. I'm not saying that she should have changed hers, or accept the racist comments but maybe it would have been nice to see character development in her as well. Overall, this novel was a combination between an intense political debate and a cute contemporary love story and it was brilliant.
artfromafriend's review
4.0
It's been such a long time since I have read a book that possessed such electrifying energy. I don't find it difficult to put a book down, but with When Michael Met Mina, I genuinely struggled. Needless to say, I was addicted.
When Michael Met Mina is a powerful combination of political discourse and lived experiences, contributing to the conversations and debates surrounding the ongoing global refugee crisis. Whilst such conversations can be cold, disconnected, and forgetful of the suffering that refugees face, When Michael Met Mina is full of compassion and humanity. The story remembers, acknowledges, and humanizes the lives and real experiences of refugees. In this way, When Michael Met Mina has its heart and roots in the right place.
The topics and themes within When Michael Met Mina are predominantly driven by its fantastic cast of complex characters. Michael's character development was particularly enjoyable, especially his internal conflict with political ideas and perspectives as he begins to consider another side to the coin. I've met people like Michael: people who have unquestioningly accepted their parents' beliefs and ideologies and parrot them to others, thinking that the opinions are their own. Michael is an example of an individual whose privilege has made him ignorant, but, with awareness and education, changes. Abdel-Fattah's portrayal of him, as an individual who is genuinely trying to grapple between two colliding worlds, was realistic and compassionate and I couldn't help but to empathize with him. It was refreshing to see a multifaceted portrayal of someone who was ignorant not because of malice, but due to lack of awareness.
Mina, on the other hand, was fantastic; brave, kind, and strong in so many ways. We see the ins and outs of her life and how she deals with adversary. Through Mina, we are immersed in her past and present; we get insight into what it's like to be a refugee, the pain of escaping war and losing family, and the struggle of living in Australia, their new home but also a place where she and her family feel unwelcomed. However, what makes When Michael Met Mina such a fantastic book is that Abdel-Fattah doesn't portray Mina and her family as tragic people. Indeed, they have experienced trauma, war, heartbreak, and pain. However, When Michael Met Mina powerfully challenges the one-dimensional, stereotypical portrayals of refugees often found in the media, and shows them for who they are: people who feel hope, feel happiness, feel sadness, and feel alienated; people who are complex human beings.
The perspectives in this book were confronting - but in ways that I did not anticipate. It should go without saying that the book is heavily political and includes ideological debates between characters. Some parts were difficult to read - namely, the parts where some characters experienced Islamophobia and racism - but these stances are challenged and addressed. But there wasn't any sugarcoating or excessive antagonism. With this book, Abdel-Fattah presents two sides vulnerably and honestly, allowing berth for meaningful discussion that considers the perspectives of both sides without justifying ignorance. This, perhaps, was my favourite part of the book.
However, the book further challenges you by presenting two individuals, founders of Aussie Values, who are 'morally grey' characters. They are characters who are causing hurt, speaking out of ignorance and fear, and spinning the refugee debate into not one of compassion but economics, but they weren't portrayed as inherently 'evil', antagonistic, or malevolent individuals. Indeed, a point the book raises is that sometimes people who do bad things can also be kind too; people are complicated and are held together by contradictory beliefs, and it's these people - who we cannot diminish into one singular trait - that are the most difficult to approach and understand. It's a fine line, but Abdel-Fattah explores and unravels this excellently.
To address the 'insta-love': I disagree that there was insta-love in this book. Instead, there was certainly an attraction between Michael and Mina when they first met, but what transpires between them grows over an extended period of time. The romance in this book, a modern twist on the 'forbidden love' trope, is done well and also developed.
Given its subject matter, Abdel-Fattah did a splendid job at addressing the questions prevalent in such discussions whilst also offering answers through the story's narrative and discourse. When Michael Met Mina is a rare book; one that everyone - teenagers and adults - should read. And despite all the talks of politics, When Michael Met Mina is ultimately a story that celebrates passion, love, and hope. The message at the end is so raw and beautiful. Needless to say, I enjoyed everything about this book immensely and is probably one of my favourite reads in 2017 so far.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
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Is this book for you?
Premise in a sentence: A white Australian and Afghanistan refugee are on opposite ends of the refugee debate and how their worlds collide.
For readers: Those who love politically engaging and balanced narratives, girl power, and nuanced discourse.
Genre: Young adult, contemporary, romance
Recommended? Yes yes yes!
Possible trigger warnings: Islamophobia
-
This review and other book reviews can be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
When Michael Met Mina is a powerful combination of political discourse and lived experiences, contributing to the conversations and debates surrounding the ongoing global refugee crisis. Whilst such conversations can be cold, disconnected, and forgetful of the suffering that refugees face, When Michael Met Mina is full of compassion and humanity. The story remembers, acknowledges, and humanizes the lives and real experiences of refugees. In this way, When Michael Met Mina has its heart and roots in the right place.
I'm grateful that I made it to a country that offers peace, but what upsets me is that it offers peace to some and not others. That's the way the world works, isn't it? A lottery of winners and losers.
The topics and themes within When Michael Met Mina are predominantly driven by its fantastic cast of complex characters. Michael's character development was particularly enjoyable, especially his internal conflict with political ideas and perspectives as he begins to consider another side to the coin. I've met people like Michael: people who have unquestioningly accepted their parents' beliefs and ideologies and parrot them to others, thinking that the opinions are their own. Michael is an example of an individual whose privilege has made him ignorant, but, with awareness and education, changes. Abdel-Fattah's portrayal of him, as an individual who is genuinely trying to grapple between two colliding worlds, was realistic and compassionate and I couldn't help but to empathize with him. It was refreshing to see a multifaceted portrayal of someone who was ignorant not because of malice, but due to lack of awareness.
Mina, on the other hand, was fantastic; brave, kind, and strong in so many ways. We see the ins and outs of her life and how she deals with adversary. Through Mina, we are immersed in her past and present; we get insight into what it's like to be a refugee, the pain of escaping war and losing family, and the struggle of living in Australia, their new home but also a place where she and her family feel unwelcomed. However, what makes When Michael Met Mina such a fantastic book is that Abdel-Fattah doesn't portray Mina and her family as tragic people. Indeed, they have experienced trauma, war, heartbreak, and pain. However, When Michael Met Mina powerfully challenges the one-dimensional, stereotypical portrayals of refugees often found in the media, and shows them for who they are: people who feel hope, feel happiness, feel sadness, and feel alienated; people who are complex human beings.
"I'm not going to do the refugee myth-busting thing with you. If you're still running those slogans, you're the one with work to do, not me."
The perspectives in this book were confronting - but in ways that I did not anticipate. It should go without saying that the book is heavily political and includes ideological debates between characters. Some parts were difficult to read - namely, the parts where some characters experienced Islamophobia and racism - but these stances are challenged and addressed. But there wasn't any sugarcoating or excessive antagonism. With this book, Abdel-Fattah presents two sides vulnerably and honestly, allowing berth for meaningful discussion that considers the perspectives of both sides without justifying ignorance. This, perhaps, was my favourite part of the book.
However, the book further challenges you by presenting two individuals, founders of Aussie Values, who are 'morally grey' characters. They are characters who are causing hurt, speaking out of ignorance and fear, and spinning the refugee debate into not one of compassion but economics, but they weren't portrayed as inherently 'evil', antagonistic, or malevolent individuals. Indeed, a point the book raises is that sometimes people who do bad things can also be kind too; people are complicated and are held together by contradictory beliefs, and it's these people - who we cannot diminish into one singular trait - that are the most difficult to approach and understand. It's a fine line, but Abdel-Fattah explores and unravels this excellently.
To address the 'insta-love': I disagree that there was insta-love in this book. Instead, there was certainly an attraction between Michael and Mina when they first met, but what transpires between them grows over an extended period of time. The romance in this book, a modern twist on the 'forbidden love' trope, is done well and also developed.
Given its subject matter, Abdel-Fattah did a splendid job at addressing the questions prevalent in such discussions whilst also offering answers through the story's narrative and discourse. When Michael Met Mina is a rare book; one that everyone - teenagers and adults - should read. And despite all the talks of politics, When Michael Met Mina is ultimately a story that celebrates passion, love, and hope. The message at the end is so raw and beautiful. Needless to say, I enjoyed everything about this book immensely and is probably one of my favourite reads in 2017 so far.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
-
Is this book for you?
Premise in a sentence: A white Australian and Afghanistan refugee are on opposite ends of the refugee debate and how their worlds collide.
For readers: Those who love politically engaging and balanced narratives, girl power, and nuanced discourse.
Genre: Young adult, contemporary, romance
Recommended? Yes yes yes!
Possible trigger warnings: Islamophobia
-
This review and other book reviews can be found on my book blog, Read, Think, Ponder!
wordwoonders's review
5.0
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
This was hands down the most difficult book I’ve had to read in my life. It’s just too personal and real to be an easy read, it hit too close to home, add that to the fact that I read it during a very difficult week for the muslim community… let’s just say that I was in a rough state. But I loved it, every page of it was amazing and brilliant and so spot on that I couldn’t help nod my head with every relevant phrase, sentence or comment.
The writing is straight to the point, no flowery prose of any sort but at the same time it is very emotionally loaded, it made me feel every struggle the main characters felt, every battle they were fighting, it helped a lot with getting me invested in the story very fast (not like I needed much convincing to begin with). Randa Abdel-Fattah does an amazing job in integrating political discourse into these people’s lives, deconstructing and giving counter-arguments for every islamophobic, racist, anti-refugee argument. And this is very proeminent through the whole book.
To be completely honest, I wasn’t expecting When Michael met Mina to be as confronting as it was, I knew it would be to some extent, because you can’t bring up the refugee crisis without it being that way but this was a lot. It never sugar coated any of the issues, any of the conversations, all of it was blunt and layed for the reader to experience, and to make them think. Which was hard for me to read, and I had to take multiple breaks while reading because I’d be either angry, shaking or crying.
I loved how brilliantly the author tackled Islamophobia as well as racism, not only through lived experiences (re: showing rather than telling) but also through discourse and thoughtful commentary. And she does so with so much care and empathy, I’ve never felt like it was harsher than necessary (because some things are bound to be harsh) or like it was some kind of political agenda, it was just refugees’ lives, things they have to deal with on a daily. It’s nauseating, it’s heartbreaking but I loved how in the middle of it all there’s was hope for better as well as a sense of community and family that is heartwarming.
Some of things that happened in the story (and happen in real life as well as even worse) were gutting, it wasn’t just the loud racist acts, it was also the micro-agressions, the jokes, the pokes and jabs. They really hurt. Some quotes from the book:
Here’s one from an anti-refugee that made me sick to my stomach, because it’s something I’ve heard many MANY times before, everytime before someone starts nitpicking from my culture and appropriating it:
And this last one is one of the many that made me cheer and clap as well as fall in love with the book even more:
This was hands down the most difficult book I’ve had to read in my life. It’s just too personal and real to be an easy read, it hit too close to home, add that to the fact that I read it during a very difficult week for the muslim community… let’s just say that I was in a rough state. But I loved it, every page of it was amazing and brilliant and so spot on that I couldn’t help nod my head with every relevant phrase, sentence or comment.
The writing is straight to the point, no flowery prose of any sort but at the same time it is very emotionally loaded, it made me feel every struggle the main characters felt, every battle they were fighting, it helped a lot with getting me invested in the story very fast (not like I needed much convincing to begin with). Randa Abdel-Fattah does an amazing job in integrating political discourse into these people’s lives, deconstructing and giving counter-arguments for every islamophobic, racist, anti-refugee argument. And this is very proeminent through the whole book.
To be completely honest, I wasn’t expecting When Michael met Mina to be as confronting as it was, I knew it would be to some extent, because you can’t bring up the refugee crisis without it being that way but this was a lot. It never sugar coated any of the issues, any of the conversations, all of it was blunt and layed for the reader to experience, and to make them think. Which was hard for me to read, and I had to take multiple breaks while reading because I’d be either angry, shaking or crying.
I loved how brilliantly the author tackled Islamophobia as well as racism, not only through lived experiences (re: showing rather than telling) but also through discourse and thoughtful commentary. And she does so with so much care and empathy, I’ve never felt like it was harsher than necessary (because some things are bound to be harsh) or like it was some kind of political agenda, it was just refugees’ lives, things they have to deal with on a daily. It’s nauseating, it’s heartbreaking but I loved how in the middle of it all there’s was hope for better as well as a sense of community and family that is heartwarming.
Some of things that happened in the story (and happen in real life as well as even worse) were gutting, it wasn’t just the loud racist acts, it was also the micro-agressions, the jokes, the pokes and jabs. They really hurt. Some quotes from the book:
Was part of our contract here in this country that we should be walking around depressed and broken? Wearing our trauma on this outside? And what about everybody we’d left dead or living in fear back home? Didn’t we owe them? How could I just lead this ordinary life?
Here’s one from an anti-refugee that made me sick to my stomach, because it’s something I’ve heard many MANY times before, everytime before someone starts nitpicking from my culture and appropriating it:
I celebrate our diversity – so long as people assimilate to our values. I don’t have a problem with different foods and festivals. That enriches our country. But people need to fit in with the majority instead of trying to mark themselves as different.
And this last one is one of the many that made me cheer and clap as well as fall in love with the book even more:
“You want me to make it easier for you to confront privilege because God knows even anti-racism has to be done in a way that makes the majority comfortable?”
I love how through two POVs on opposite side, the author took appart every argument and misconception people have. Some of which are:”They can’t be racist, they are nice people” because if you’re not on their islamophobic, racist visor, Michael’s parents and entourage could be the sweetest. I loved how that was showcased through their nice interactions with family/friends vs. their borderline vicious (and sometimes straight up vicious) behavior when it came to refugees.
Racism comes in different forms. There are the big loud, disgusting acts as well as the casual racism that can seem harmless unless you’re on the receiving end of them.
You can’t expect marginalized people to craddle you while you face your privilege. And this is something I see so often that I yelled yes when I read it in the book, because it’s true, refugees (in this case) are going through enough for you to add the weight of your own discomfort to it.
There are so many other issues discussed in this book that this is just a small sampler of what awaits you if you decide to pick it up.
Mina is such a strong, determined and caring character, she’s the kind of muslim rep (among others) I want more of. An independant, opinionated, brave girl who stands up for what she believes in, for her people and what’s right. I honestly loved seeing her become that girl because at the start of the book, living with *her* people, she was relatively shielded from the racism but onces that shield was off, seeing her bloom into the activist the becomes at the end was beautiful.
But Michael‘s transformation was better to watch because it was different from where I stand (where I stand being next to Mina probably hugging or high-fiving her). A lot of us believe what our parents tell us at that age, and even later in life, not questioning anything unless someone shakes those beliefs to the core (been there, done that) so witnessing his internal debates as well as him uncovering layers upon layers of privilege and using them for good was fantastic albeit not always pleasant to read. He was an example of what lack of education and one sided “opinions” (re: bigotry) can do to a person and how they can be overcome when the person is willing to listen and learn.
I loved how complex the characters were, staying as far away from stereotypes as possible not only with the refugees but with people on the other side of the debate as well. The cast only made the book more powerful. I particularly loved Mina’s family dynamic, with how close and supportive of one another they were. Speaking of characters, I am pretty sure Michael’s brother is written as autistic (even though the word is never used) and I cannot speak for that rep, so if any reviewers with autism have read this book I’d love to hear their thoughts on it.
All in all this was such a brilliant, thought provoking read that I would recommend to anyone, especially if you’re interested in knowing about Islamophobia, racism and microagressions as well as unpacking privilege. Highly highly recommend this one.
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