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4.59 AVERAGE
4.59 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
a really beautiful read and concept all around!! the framing of the author's own queer muslim narrative through the stories from the Quran is so well done and highlights the nuances of intersectionality and religion in an engaging and poetic way. though i'm not muslim, i found parts of her writing and life resonating with my own cultural dissonances. it's such a joy to read about someone reconciling and reclaiming their identity - all parts of it - through something they once felt shackled by
This is so wonderful. So full of love, spirit, and hope. I relate to Lamya so much. Although not religious myself, her journey with her sexuality and religion and navigating relationships as a result speaks to me and my own experiences in a way I didn't know I needed. I feel warm and dizzy in the best way finishing this.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
powerful bio about a person navigating the world as a queer muslim and learning to trust people and loved ones. liked the weaving of various stories from the Quran throughout
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
A deeply moving memoir that excavates the intersectional complexities of being an immigrant, queer, and Muslim in the US. And incredibly brave - I can totally see why they'd choose to write under a pseudonym.
The personal stories were framed around the lives of prophets from the Quran. I'm atheist, so always a bit suspicious of religious texts. But there wasn't a trace of trying to indoctrinate other people. Instead, it was about exploring their own personal and shifting relationship with these stories, which feels way more authentic - so instead of shutting down, I was drawn in and could read these parts with curiosity and respect.
I loved the dating stories, their attempts at finding community, and the friends - like 'queer mentor' Zu - who hold them along the way.
The last few chapters were particular ly emotional. I cried at the end, and am now worrying over this person under the current extreme hostile political climate in the US. I hope they're OK.
The personal stories were framed around the lives of prophets from the Quran. I'm atheist, so always a bit suspicious of religious texts. But there wasn't a trace of trying to indoctrinate other people. Instead, it was about exploring their own personal and shifting relationship with these stories, which feels way more authentic - so instead of shutting down, I was drawn in and could read these parts with curiosity and respect.
I loved the dating stories, their attempts at finding community, and the friends - like 'queer mentor' Zu - who hold them along the way.
The last few chapters were particular ly emotional. I cried at the end, and am now worrying over this person under the current extreme hostile political climate in the US. I hope they're OK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry
Minor: Police brutality, Colonisation, Classism
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
This book is what I needed. As a queer, brown, sociological researcher, I deal with A LOT of both personal and secondhand trauma from the issues i research. I really love her reflection and journey through learning to handle her pain and anger.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This was an incredible memoir. I grew up reading the Bible but I have little to no familiarity with other religions. It was fascinating to see the similar patterns and to learn the cultural specifics that come with the Koran.
I especially loved hearing about how the author's faith was part of their queer identify—strengthened and informed it—rather than alienating it.
I especially loved hearing about how the author's faith was part of their queer identify—strengthened and informed it—rather than alienating it.
first part was stunning. got distracted by the author being allergic to the word lesbian
I highly recommend this memoir. Her trust and faith in her religion and in the Quran is compelling, especially considering how it sets her apart and vulnerable not only from white Christian society but also within her own Muslim community as she lives a queer existence. I think it is beautiful how she can find herself in her scriptures, gain insight and courage from the scriptural characters as she gradually dares to become more authentically real within her circles as a queer woman. I appreciated the insight into the Quran and the stories it holds. I found it interesting how the stories there mirror the same stories found in the Bible. I found comfort somehow in knowing that she could remain in her faith when for so many that becomes almost impossible to reconcile with a non-traditional life.