After a late-night hit-and-run that leaves her father dead, Nora Guerraoui returns to the small town in the Mojave. Through alternating POVs of Nora, her parents, her high-school friend, the detective, a neighbor, and an eyewitness, Lalami beautifully explores the struggles of different communities and what it means to pursue the American dream.

Lyrical and evocative, OTHER AMERICANS paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, including Muslim Americans, undocumented immigrants, and war veterans. While the novel opens with a hit-and-run, OTHER AMERICANS takes on a slower pace than traditional mysteries and instead centers on portraying each character's diverse American experience.

I usually have trouble focusing on books with 3+ POVs; in the case of OTHER AMERICANS, Lalami's captivating and profoundly compassionate writing transports me into the lives of the different characters, allowing me to peer into their motivations, fears, and desires. I savored every moment of the story and didn't want it to end. OTHER AMERICANS shines a light on the humanity and resilience of Muslim immigrants and is an insightful work that explores the complexities of identity & prejudice.