Book Review - These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany

 

These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany explores the lives of three Muslim best friends navigating the complexities of love, sex, and faith. Malak, Kees, and Jenna have been best friends since childhood. Under the watchful eyes of their families, they learn to live their lives while trying to meet expectations of being good Muslim women. They often blend lies to fulfill those expectations; for example, they disguise staying at their boyfriends’ places as sleepovers at each other’s houses. They spend their days partying and blame fatigue from studying. 

They live in a moment of perceived perfection, knowing that as they grow older, they will have to change. The delicate balancing act between rebellion and religion will become harder to manage. Malak desires a Muslim partner and community, wanting her love and faith to coexist harmoniously. She longs for this so badly that she's willing to break her own heart to obtain it. Kees is in love with Harry, a white Catholic man her parents don’t know about. When Harry proposes, Kees will face the heartbreaking choice between the man she loves and her family and community. Jenna is the lively, adventurous one, always ready for something new. Yet, despite her numerous relationships and activities, she often feels lonely. Though the three have always supported each other, a single incident as college ends will change their lives forever.

I am not a Muslim, but I can understand what these women are experiencing. Still, I struggled to fully relate, especially when two of the characters pursue relationships outside their faith, despite wanting someone within it. It felt like they might be setting themselves up for heartbreak, particularly since their relationships seem serious. Aside from that, I found the characters well-written, even if they are frustrating at times. I was worried about some risky choices they made, and some situations seemed downright dangerous. My inner older sister or mom personality kept saying, “don’t do that!” Overall, I found the book emotionally compelling, and I even shed a few tears. I would be interested in reading more works by the author.

Book Review - Abeni's Song by P. Djèlí Clark

 

Abeni's Song by P. Djèlí Clark tells the story of a young girl named Abeni, who witnesses her village being destroyed and her struggles to save her friends and family. While celebrating a festival in their small village, Abeni and her family are visited by Asha, an old woman from the forest, who delivers an ominous warning. She warns that the villagers ignored her prior cautions, and now it is too late to escape.

Soon after, warriors with burning swords attack the village. A horned man plays a cursed flute, enchanting children to follow him blindly. Abeni narrowly escapes but sees her friends and family being captured or led away by the horned man. The old woman magically teleports Abeni away from the destroyed village. They then live together in the forest, where Abeni reluctantly begins her magical training. All she can think about is rescuing her loved ones instead of hiding. Will Abeni succeed in saving her family?

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I found it well-written and entertaining. It strikes a good balance of humor and emotional depth. I loved watching Abeni grow into her own person, discovering her voice and courage to do what is right. This book is the first in a series, and I plan to keep reading the subsequent books.

Book Review - The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes

 

The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes is a mother’s love letter to her daughter she abandoned. April Soto is a young mother raising her daughter, Noelle, in an intergenerational home. April’s only refuge is to hide in the bathroom, lock the door, and listen to music. One day, she finds herself spiraling into a deep rage she calls the white hot. The voice in her head tells her to walk away. April decides to buy a one-way ticket to the furthest destination she can afford. Her journey triggers an awakening that will change April and Noelle’s lives forever.

I thought the book had an interesting premise, and I was excited to read it. I found the writing style difficult to get into at times. I felt like the writing was raw and emotional, but sometimes I struggled to understand what the author was trying to convey. I also found the book quite boring. I read more than half of it, and nothing really happened. I don’t have children, so I couldn’t relate to April and her situation, and I didn’t feel invested enough to finish the book. While the book isn’t for me, I can see others enjoying it, but I won’t be reading any more books by the author.

Book Review - The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala

 

The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala follows three friends dealing with an outbreak that’s quickly impacting their friends and family on their island home. Ollie Veltman is returning home to Anchor’s Mercy after being away for a year while his mom, Grace, fought cancer. His homecoming should be joyful since his mom is now cancer-free, and she is determined to make this summer the best ever. However, Ollie’s two best friends, Elisa and Bash, are wary of his return. When his mother had cancer, Ollie had shut down and distanced himself from their friendship.

Ollie comes back with many questions about the island. He feels that the island might somehow be causing his mom and others to get sick. His search for the truth becomes dangerous when a storm hits the island, revealing long-buried secrets.

This is the first book in a series. I didn’t realize it initially, but it is a series, and the book ends on a cliffhanger. I’ve read the author’s previous book, “The Honeys,” and was excited to read this one. The writing is very vivid and descriptive; at times, I felt like I was experiencing the outbreak firsthand. However, I thought some characters acted more childish than their actual ages. I also wish the author had ended the first book differently. It didn’t feel like there was enough material for a second book, especially since the first moved quite slowly at times. Overall, I found the novel to be a decent read, but I’m not sure I was invested enough to see what happens next.

Book Review - The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson

 

 

The Lost Children by Shirley Dickson follows eight-year-old twins Molly and Jacob as they struggle to survive after being sent away from home. In 1943, the siblings endured night after night of bombs and screeching planes overhead. They live in constant fear, never knowing if they will survive long enough to see the next day. Their mother, Martha, is desperate to keep them safe and decides she has no choice but to evacuate them to the countryside, where many families are sending their children to escape the bombings.

At the train station, Martha is heartbroken at the thought of saying goodbye, but she knows this is the only way to protect them. Fearing she may never see her children again, she gives Jacob a letter and tells him to keep it safe. Under strict instructions, he is to read it only if they are in danger and have no other options.

Molly and Jacob try to adjust to their new lives with strangers in the countryside. They dream of returning home to their beloved mother. However, they soon receive devastating news: Martha has been killed in an explosion, leaving them orphans.

The war has taken everything from Molly and Jacob except each other. They fear that no one will want them and that they will spend the rest of their childhood in an orphanage. When Jacob finally opens the letter, they must face whether its message will change their lives for the better or worse.

I thought this was a heartbreaking read, though it had a few moments of joy. I felt deeply for the twins and liked seeing how they navigated life at such a young age. The book was well written and compelling. The only part that confused me was the storyline about the twins’ parentage. It felt like the narrative led readers to believe one thing, but then a character suddenly made an offhand comment about their father that contradicted it. I’m still unsure who the father actually is or why the author chose to present it that way. I also found the pacing uneven—the middle moved slowly, while the ending felt rushed. Overall, though, I would be open to reading more books by this author.