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moniipeters's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
booknerdkc's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
teereadss's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The Next New Syrian Girl is a ya contemporary, which follows the story of 2 girls, Khadija who belings to the Syrian American diaspora community and boxes to cope with life (and most of all her condescending mother), and Leene, a Syrian refugee who has recently been granted asylum in the US and appears to be the perfect Syrian daughter.
The book alternates between chapters from the povs of both Khadija and Leene, which perfectly portrays how no matter how perfect someone's life may seem, in reality, it's far from being perfect. For Khadija, Leene is the epitome of Syrian values and is one of the lucky ones to be granted asylum and for Leene on the other hand, Khadija is the wealthy American blessed with both family and material abundance.
An unlikely event happens to bring the two girls closer, which challenges their preconceived notions and teaches them how everyone deals differently with grief.
Character development is not everyone's cup of tea and is often written very poorly, but Khadija's character development was chef's kiss, very natural and beleiveable. I literally went from despising Khadija to empathising with her.
Highly recommended for Zoulfa Katouh and Khaled Hosseini fans.
The book alternates between chapters from the povs of both Khadija and Leene, which perfectly portrays how no matter how perfect someone's life may seem, in reality, it's far from being perfect. For Khadija, Leene is the epitome of Syrian values and is one of the lucky ones to be granted asylum and for Leene on the other hand, Khadija is the wealthy American blessed with both family and material abundance.
An unlikely event happens to bring the two girls closer, which challenges their preconceived notions and teaches them how everyone deals differently with grief.
Character development is not everyone's cup of tea and is often written very poorly, but Khadija's character development was chef's kiss, very natural and beleiveable. I literally went from despising Khadija to empathising with her.
Highly recommended for Zoulfa Katouh and Khaled Hosseini fans.
adleekay's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
febrianikmadusari's review against another edition
4.0
Khadija Shaami adalah gadis Suriah-Amerika yang sudah muak dengan ekspektasi untuk menjadi putri Suriah sempurna. Dibebani dengan ego dan pengharapan ibunya, dia akan melakukan apa saja demi bisa meninggalkan Detroit dan berkeliling dunia dengan sahabatnya, Nassima.
Leene Taher pengungsi dari Suriah yang terpesona oleh kehidupan mewah para gadis Suriah di Detroit. Dia memulai hidup baru di Amerika, namun dia masih dihantui oleh masa lalunya.
Dari POV Khadija, kita dibawa bagaimana hidup sebagai warga Amerika Serikat keturunan Suriah. Sering merasa "tidak cukup Amerika" di negeri dimana dia lahir dan dibesarkan, juga "tidak cukup Arab" dalam komunitas keturunan Suriah.
Jika dalam As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow, menceritakan bagaimana perjuangan Salama untuk keluar dari Suriah, maka dari POV Leene kita akan menyelami bagaimana kehidupan pengungsi yang berhasil keluar dari Suriah. Selalu ada perasaan bersalah, kenapa dia berhasil keluar sedang banyak lainnya yang hidupnya berakhir dalam perjalanan (di laut).
Untuk sebuah novel debut, menurutku buku ini cukup bagus. Aku sangat merekomendasikan buku ini dibaca saat ramadan, dengan tokoh utama berhijab dan romansa halal.