Shirin is an American Muslim girl who daily faces racism and sexism after the events of 9/11 things become worse for her. The way Shirin was treated was shown for choosing to wear the Hijab was shown in a few ways. Her brother was treated better becaUe he was male and another girl was treated better because she didn’t wear the hijab.

I really enjoyed this book. It touched on so many issues that are ignored, or denied in today’s society. I felt that Shirins point of view throughout was raw and honest. She struggles to find a balance between being careful, strong and smart while allowing herself to be open and vulnerable.

The language used wall perfect for teenagers. I could hear 16 year old me talking the way these kids did. It often felt awkward when Shirin and Ocean were talking to each other, but in a completely innocent and normal way. It wasn’t incredibly poetic and unbelievable, it was teenagers navigating horrible treatment, broke hearts and discovering themselves.

Shirin is repeatedly treated poorly based entirely on her looks. The ignorance and blatant abuse shown throughout this book infuriated me. The racism in this town is acknowledged and brushed off constantly.

The ending broke my heart. I wanted to scream. After everything that happened how could it end this way... and then I realized this is realistic. This outcome is what probably would happen on real life and it couldn’t have ended better.

TW; racism, sexism