2.5/5 ALC gifted by prhaudio

This book is best described as contradictory, which also sums up my conflicting feelings about it. On the one hand, the writing is aesthetically pleasing. While I appreciate the writing style, the overwritten sentences overshadows the message, making the book read like an MFA project at times

The heavy use of stereotypes, especially describing Muslim culture, and one’s self-hatred of their heritage is another reason I have complex feelings for this book. I can see this coming of age story making younger readers feel less alone about their identity when they’re trying to fit into whiteness. However, the heavy emphasis of drug and sex makes this a book that isn’t fit for younger audiences. So I just have a hard time imagining a readership that will benefit from reading this book. Like one is either old enough that hopefully they’ve overcome these identity crises, or not old enough to read about doing drugs and skipping school