Wow, just wow.

I absolutely adored this book. This story centers around a shy, quiet girl named Yasmin who is dedicated to her family and her culture. She doesn’t want to get married as is expected of her and instead clings to the hope of an education and making something of her life. She’s envious of her educated, strong friend, Noor, and wishes she could be more like her. That is, until she meets Dean and her entire world is flipped upside down.

This is a powerful, powerful read. Even after finishing the book, I just can’t stop thinking about it. That ending had me in tears and it was the most realistic epilogue I think I’ve ever encountered in a book. I loved poor Yasmin’s character from the start to the finish and the way the author developed her from a quiet, girl to a strong girl, to a broken girl all over again. It’s not very often that I read books that go into so much detail about the Islamic culture but this book was so realistic that I felt as if I was reading someone’s memoir.

Heartbreaking and captivating, I recommend this book for all readers.
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