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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
2025 reads: 177/300
content warnings: islamophobia, racism, bullying, hate crime, death of parent (past)
this novel in verse follows nima, a girl who doesn’t feel understood by her peers, family, or community. luckily, she has has her childhood friend haitham, but when she isn’t able to rely on him anymore, she begins to grapple with what could’ve been had she been named yasmeen, had her dad been alive, had she and her mom stayed in their home country. but yasmeen might be more real than nima knows.
this was such a beautiful story about identity, family, and belonging. i loved how nima’s internal struggles were depicted, especially once yasmeen showed up. i loved how this part dipped a bit into the paranormal realm; that was very interesting! nima also had such a complex relationship with her mom. she always grieved the parent she never had, and resents her mom for bringing her to the u.s. and away from home, but throughout the story, realizes her mother’s sacrifices and learns to see her mom in a new light. overall, this was a lovely novel in verse. i would love to read more from safia elhillo in the future.
Trop mélodramme à mon goût même si j’apprécie les personnages
C'était très beau mais trop court, les sujets abordés le sont avec justesse
This reminded me a lot of Black Girl Unlimited, in that I appreciate the protagonist of color's story, but I am not a fan of the magical realism. This was short and I didn't really feel like I was invested in the characters, even though I was invested somewhat in their story.
There were also a lot of time jumps that made the story more confusing than it should have been. Nima learning to love herself is important, but this was too convoluted to me. I really did appreciate the cultural aspects, but not the actual book.
There were also a lot of time jumps that made the story more confusing than it should have been. Nima learning to love herself is important, but this was too convoluted to me. I really did appreciate the cultural aspects, but not the actual book.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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:
No
emotional
emotional
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
A beautiful coming of age story told in verse. Nima thinks she should have been someone else, someone more out going, more beautiful. She learns a little more about her mother’s past, her immigration to America and starts to see her present a with different eyes. The authors use of magical realism gives depth to the story and helps Nima take off the rose colored glasses.
YMA 2022 Coretta Scott King Author Book Award honor
YMA 2022 Coretta Scott King Author Book Award honor