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bookhatun's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
plandocalrisian's review
4.0
3.5⭐️
Please check trigger warnings.
This should be required reading for young adults. As someone who was in middle school when 9/11 happened, I wish it came out when I was younger. It’s an imperative and relevant perspective always, but especially now.
An Emotion of Great Delight is an important perspective of the life and struggles Muslims experience post 9/11. Although 9/11 wasn’t a central event in the plot, we follow a young woman and her family who experience the tribulations of life and loss, while also being affected by the stereotypes, paranoia and pressures 9/11 brings on their community a couple years after.
Please check trigger warnings.
This should be required reading for young adults. As someone who was in middle school when 9/11 happened, I wish it came out when I was younger. It’s an imperative and relevant perspective always, but especially now.
An Emotion of Great Delight is an important perspective of the life and struggles Muslims experience post 9/11. Although 9/11 wasn’t a central event in the plot, we follow a young woman and her family who experience the tribulations of life and loss, while also being affected by the stereotypes, paranoia and pressures 9/11 brings on their community a couple years after.
mollyj099's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shahja's review
2.0
did not finish reading this book
For me, I think I’m just not a fan of the writing style in terms of how descriptive each emotion is. This may be intentional to really bring the reader into Shadi’s emotional state but it was too heavy and drawn out for me personally.
I was original drawn to the book because, as a Muslim growing up during 9/11 I’m always interested in this point of view. Also, I do love a good heart-wrenching sad story, but I felt like I was drowning in so much description of the emotions I couldn’t really get into the plot and the family dynamics. I could have just been impatient with this story, wanting the narrative to reveal itself faster.
All in all, I think this book just wasn’t for me stylistically and pacing wise. I was really interested into the premise of the story but couldn’t stick around to finish it. For now at least. Maybe I’ll come back when I’m in more of a mood to drown in the sadness of it all.
For me, I think I’m just not a fan of the writing style in terms of how descriptive each emotion is. This may be intentional to really bring the reader into Shadi’s emotional state but it was too heavy and drawn out for me personally.
I was original drawn to the book because, as a Muslim growing up during 9/11 I’m always interested in this point of view. Also, I do love a good heart-wrenching sad story, but I felt like I was drowning in so much description of the emotions I couldn’t really get into the plot and the family dynamics. I could have just been impatient with this story, wanting the narrative to reveal itself faster.
All in all, I think this book just wasn’t for me stylistically and pacing wise. I was really interested into the premise of the story but couldn’t stick around to finish it. For now at least. Maybe I’ll come back when I’m in more of a mood to drown in the sadness of it all.
samiisreading's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
There was just so much unnecessary angst in this book and every character was so awful. Somehow a lot was revealed but nothing actually happened. The ending was so disappointing and felt rushed. The portrayal of life for the Muslim community in the tense time of 2003 was interesting and important, but there wasn’t enough of that to really grip me. I love Tahereh Mafi’s writing style and voice but that couldn’t make up for all of the flaws presented.
pixiepages's review
4.0
This book was just sad but also good. Shows the struggles of being a muslim girl that wheres a hijab. It definitely took you through all the emotions.
l_noona's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
riv2002's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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
missbookiverse's review against another edition
4.0
Don't be fooled by the title. An Emotion of Great Delight offers a glimpse into the post 9/11 daily routine of a Muslim teenage girl who's life is falling apart. Shadi mourns the death of a family member while also dealing with her (sometimes physically, sometimes mentally) absent parents, feelings of anger and sadness, a toxic friendship, racist attacks and micro aggressions, school work, and keeping herself fed and getting enough sleep. She's at the limit of her strength and the flowery prose lays bare her raw insides. It hurts to listen but her story is not without hope. She finds courage in her faith and some unexpected people in her life, one of which leads to a very explosive kissing scene. It's a short novel and Shadi's problems aren't solved at the end of it but I highly enjoyed being granted this small insight.