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beloved_bridget's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I liked the vast majority of this book. I thought it was a really well written debut that portrayed the themes of youth, family, and faith in a nuanced way through a close examination of one character throughout time.
That being said, the parts about the school shooter just did not work for me at all. They felt so out of place and constantly interrupted Afaf's narrative with horrific imagery (especially the one between 85-93) in a way that didn't feel productive to the book. The one between 93-2002 was so overdone, it made me roll my eyes with how obvious it was. Which is disappointing because the rest of the book did not feel that way at all.
That being said, the parts about the school shooter just did not work for me at all. They felt so out of place and constantly interrupted Afaf's narrative with horrific imagery (especially the one between 85-93) in a way that didn't feel productive to the book. The one between 93-2002 was so overdone, it made me roll my eyes with how obvious it was. Which is disappointing because the rest of the book did not feel that way at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Mass/school shootings
salma_i's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
laurendeen's review against another edition
4.0
This was so close to being a 5 star read, but there were so many little mistakes that really drew me out of the book (ie saying Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac instead of Ishmael)
verybooksessed's review against another edition
4.0
This was a profoundly resonant read. it evoked a quiet hum and left my heart feeling soft and warm.
The book explores spirituality, forgiveness, and the struggles of Muslims in the West, exposing the injustices driven by fear.
It encourages you to question your own prejudices and reflect on the way you interact with people on a daily basis, unbeknownst to their personal battles, and accepting them just as they are.
Personally, it instilled a deep appreciation for religion, God's mercy, and the desperate need of compassion in a divided world.
The writing was simple but powerful, impactful in a way which offers much room for introspection.
The book explores spirituality, forgiveness, and the struggles of Muslims in the West, exposing the injustices driven by fear.
It encourages you to question your own prejudices and reflect on the way you interact with people on a daily basis, unbeknownst to their personal battles, and accepting them just as they are.
Personally, it instilled a deep appreciation for religion, God's mercy, and the desperate need of compassion in a divided world.
The writing was simple but powerful, impactful in a way which offers much room for introspection.
samahkhan01's review against another edition
reflective
medium-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
4.0
hadestorm's review against another edition
4.0
“maghrib has come, the sun went down,
the shine is left on your face.
maghrib has come, your face
shines more beautiful because of the sun.
i would like to warm myself
in the beauty of your face.”
the shine is left on your face.
maghrib has come, your face
shines more beautiful because of the sun.
i would like to warm myself
in the beauty of your face.”
lottie1803's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
acstedn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
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
4.75
eriley's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Beautiful prose and story -- was a bit slow at first but once I got into it I finished it pretty quick. It was definitely sad but somehow it wasn't overwhelming. It felt very hopeful at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia and Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Alcoholism