An insightful memoir about Samra’s experience growing up as an Ahmadi Muslim in Pakistan, immigrating to Toronto with her family, and searching for happiness. She continually lived her life with courage and perseverance as she engaged in self-exploration and found her ‘people’ and her purpose.

I really enjoyed this memoir. It read likes a long journal entry as Samra shares her thoughts and experiences in a narrative form. She doesn’t really give details about her siblings, other than her relationship with her parents. It’s a very self-focus memoir. It’s also a quick and easy read. I read it in only two sittings, which is rare for me!

I had a very different upbringing from Samra. I was in one of those families where the parents were involved in the community and we went on summer vacations. My parents were, and still are my greatest supporters. She alludes to not knowing what that is like. But where I did find common ground with the author is in the expression that chosen families are a cornerstone of queer culture. I would add that this is true of many other cultures too, but I do understand it’s increased importance in her eyes. I just know that my chosen family are my dearest friends who I share interests, values and morals with. Maybe more so than my own biological family.

It’s always important to read #ownvoices books. Nominated as a Canada Reads title this year, I would say this is an important story to digest.