In this episode of Fictional Hangover, we discuss A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi. https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=326443
(Normally that is inserted as a link hidden in my first sentence, but I'm traveling and on my phone instead of a computer and things are a little more difficult this way. And no, I wasn't doing anything fun, although I did get to see my family. I had to go to a funeral. But that's not why you're here. Let's get back to the book and podcast.)
Look at us here, discussing the book.
The book was excellent, especially for a realistic fiction book, because you know how much we don't love those, right? I mean, I enjoyed this one much more than I thought I would. I didn’t realize there would be breakdancing! Also, it’s nice to read a diverse book. (#WeNeedDiverseBooks is definitely true. If you don't know what that means, check out the website all about it here!) I'm not Muslim and I don't wear hijab, but think of all the people that do! There is a strong character in this book that also wears hijab! I love it when a person can open a book and see a representation of themselves inside. Maybe it's not even the person that they are, but it could be the person they aspire to become. Inside a book! It's amazing to me!
Anyway, I'm not saying that this book is all sunshine and roses because it's not. Terrible stuff happens to Shirin, the main character, all because she is Muslim. This book takes place in 2002 and I bet you can remember what happened in 2001 right? In September? Yeah, so that makes Shirin's life terrible, even though she was born and raised right here in the United States. The book doesn't have a happy ending though. I mean, it doesn't have a sad ending either. It just ends. And it was good. So you should read it.
Same time next week,
Amanda