What a powerful story! It was a good read from the beginning but somewhere after the midway point it turned into one of those incredible reading experiences. The writing just grabbed a piece of my soul and wouldn't let go. If you love YA fiction, do yourself a favor and put this book on your tbr list.
Misbah and her husband Toufiq leave their home country of Pakistan and come to America hoping for a fresh start. They open the Cloud's Rest Inn Motel in Juniper, California and have a son named Salahudin, aka Sal. After tragedy struck, Noor was brought to the United States from Pakistan and she's been best friends with Sal for years but they become estranged after a big fight. During their senior year of high school, Sal deals with his mother's failing health and his alcoholic father. Noor awaits word after submitting her college applications as she can't wait to escape her life in Juniper.
There's a lot going on in terms of what the characters face throughout the novel. Sometimes authors are overly ambitious and try to cram in so much substance that it ends up detracting from the overall story. I'm impressed in this case it enhanced everything and made it a thought-provoking read with well-developed characters. I also appreciate the fact Sabaa Tahir was not afraid to show that life sometimes takes you in unexpected directions.
I won a free copy of this book from the publisher and BookishFirst. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Misbah and her husband Toufiq leave their home country of Pakistan and come to America hoping for a fresh start. They open the Cloud's Rest Inn Motel in Juniper, California and have a son named Salahudin, aka Sal. After tragedy struck, Noor was brought to the United States from Pakistan and she's been best friends with Sal for years but they become estranged after a big fight. During their senior year of high school, Sal deals with his mother's failing health and his alcoholic father. Noor awaits word after submitting her college applications as she can't wait to escape her life in Juniper.
There's a lot going on in terms of what the characters face throughout the novel. Sometimes authors are overly ambitious and try to cram in so much substance that it ends up detracting from the overall story. I'm impressed in this case it enhanced everything and made it a thought-provoking read with well-developed characters. I also appreciate the fact Sabaa Tahir was not afraid to show that life sometimes takes you in unexpected directions.
I won a free copy of this book from the publisher and BookishFirst. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.