![]() ![]() The plot is also fairly predictable, so the tension is situational rather than a consistent story arc. It seems like every three pages or so, this lesson gets pointed out to be sure the reader doesn’t miss it. I’ve rounded this down a star because while it’s a fast, fun read, full of sunshine and humor, it’s also a bit heavy-handed in its message about being yourself and not letting the buzzards grind you down. She also wants to be closer to people - both her family and her friends - but is smacked in the face by the wall formed by keeping secrets and compartmentalizing her life. She wants to do the right thing, but struggles to figure out how she can both be honest and protect herself from the cruelty and hatred expressed by some of her classmates. Jamilah has a great voice, and sounded genuinely 15 years old, with a mix of maturity and childishness. Racism is loud and proud in her school hallways, but how can she speak out when she’s spent so long hiding her identity and muzzling her voice? I mostly loved this book (so maybe my review should have aimed for Ten Things I Love, but I’m not sure I could fill out the whole list). Now in grade ten, that decision is starting to wear on her. When Jamilah Towfeek started at a new school in grade seven, she saw a chance to change other people’s perception of her from “ethnic” (and possibly “terrorist”) to plain old “Australian.” So she dyed her hair blond, got blue contact lenses, and told everyone her name was Jamie. Racism is loud and proud in her school hallways, but how can she speak out when she’s spent so long hiding her identity and muzzling he 3-1/2 stars, rounded down ![]() And by the looks of the other reviews, it works.moreģ-1/2 stars, rounded down When Jamilah Towfeek started at a new school in grade seven, she saw a chance to change other people’s perception of her from “ethnic” (and possibly “terrorist”) to plain old “Australian.” So she dyed her hair blond, got blue contact lenses, and told everyone her name was Jamie. They were included to appease non-Muslim readers. ![]() And THAT'S why there is some things in there that I feel are controversial. I think this book was written for non-Muslims and non-Arabs so that they may sympathize with those groups. On the other hand, I don't think I am the audience for this book. They went through some hardcore s*** and still believed and followed their religious practices. That's why I love the stories of the prophets of my faith. Stories about believers dying and standing up for their faith are much more inspirational and encouraging to me. Because for a person like me, reading about someone else's cowering and fear actually only makes me more self-conscious about my religious identity too. Not every Muslim hides their faith and for once I would like to read a book about a girl proud of her religion and standing up for it as the main character (man vs world instead of man vs self). On the other hand, I am really disappointed by the portrayal of my religion in this book. You see, I am a Muslim girl growing up (living) in the United States so I get the whole growing up between two cultures thing. In fact, the main character is quite annoying. Maybe it's because I already passed this phase in my life that I didn't find it very relatable. Not every Muslim hides their faith and for once I would like to read a book about a girl proud o eeeeeehhh. ![]() Even if it means pushing her friends away because she's afraid to let them know her dad forbids her from hanging out with boys or that she secretly loves to play the darabuka (Arabic drums).moreĮeeeeehhh. She doesn't want to be seen as a stereotypical Muslim girl, so she does everything possible to hide that part of herself. I should win an Oscar for my acting skills. At home I'm Muslim Jamilah - driven mad by my Stone Age dad. and learning to accept yourself and your culture.Īt school I'm Aussie-blonde Jamie - one of the crowd. She doesn't want to be see Randa Abdel-Fattah's new novel about finding your place in life. At school I'm Aussie-blonde Jamie - one of the crowd. and learning to accept yourself and your culture. Randa Abdel-Fattah's new novel about finding your place in life. ![]()
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