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There are currently 62 member reviews
for A Place for Us
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Doris MN
A Place For Us
This is a well written novel which gives the reader great insight into the lives of a Muslim family living in the United States. The wife, Layla, came with her husband to America and tried to keep her culture intact. Raising three children who were born in the United States and adapted to the culture in various ways was a challenge. The author shows the difficulties of trying to raise the children in the Muslim beliefs and yet wanting them to be accepted and have happy fulfilled lives. How each person in the family adapts to the stresses (especially after 9/11) that present themselves makes fascinating reading.
Throughout the book the author brilliantly shows how each one reacts as they face a variety of situations. This is a good read that would lead to an interesting discussion in a book group.
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Susan T. (Bahama, NC)
Really struck a chord
I really loved this book. It was very different from what I was expecting. Instead of focusing on differences, it really focuses on how families, no matter where you are from, go through similar things. At the same time, it did give insight to the special circumstances that an American Muslim family faces--especially one trying to maintain their heritage and religious beliefs. I was initially afraid that it was going to be very depressing and focus on the hatred that unfortunately and unfairly exists in American society for Muslims, and while it touches on that, it does not consume the book. Rather, it really made me think about my own familial relationships, both with my parents and my children. I highly recommend this book--it is incredibly well-written and very insightful.
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Susan B. (Sarasota, FL)
Family at its authentic best
I loved this book, it is very well written and the story is authentic. The author captures the essence of each member of an Indian Muslim family, the father and mother moving to California from India and the children all born in America. We meet the family at a wedding of the oldest daughter and then move back in time and learn how each membe's life has been and how they see it. Like all families reality is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. There are kind, gentle moments, first forbidden love, and true family loyalty. Much is said about living as a Muslim and adds to the depth of the story. Layla, the mother, has a strong sense of being a good mother, the two daughters, Hadia and Huda, are smart, pretty, and trying hard to live their lives as Muslim American women in this new age after 9/11. The son, Amar, is so conflicted, the pain so real, and the father's attempts to make it better making it worse, all will stay with me for a long time. A great read for book clubs, this will make one of the top 10 books for 2018.
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Peggy C. (Wyckoff, NJ)
An Unforgettable Read
An interesting and engaging story of a Muslim family in America. As I expected, the book provides much about the Muslim religion and culture, but the primary story is about the family. Many of their issues and conflicts could also be experienced by non-Muslim families. The book is therefore very relatable.
Fatima Farheen Mirza's writing style is beautiful, she presents the story of a family that is heartfelt and develops the characters so well that you can feel their emotions as you read the story. I could not put the book down and was sorry to see it end, but I suspect the story will stay with me for quite some time.
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Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)
A profoundly moving story of family
I loved this book. At first I was afraid the cultural gap was so big that I wouldn't be able to relate but it quickly became clear that the story related the joys and sorrows of family in a way that crossed all societal, religious, and cultural boundaries. Truly a beautifully written book that was a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
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Beth M. (New York, NY)
A beautiful and heart wrenching story a Muslim American Family
An incredibly perceptive story of the wonderous moments, deeply felt frustrations and heartbreaking pains of being part of a family. When a son returns home after a long absence he says: "That it feels unexpectedly comforting is, in and of itself, difficult." Wow. It's lines like that touched me deeply and brought me to tears. It describes in intimate details the sacrifices we make for our loved ones and the many ways we cause pain. And through it all, love survives and often triumphs. A great book for book groups. This is a book where you really connect with and care about the characters.
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Patti P. (Phoenix, AZ)
Emotionally impacting
I am so thankful I was selected to read/review this ARC. The emotions it created will stay with me for quite some time. The rich detail and the author's chosen words, so greatly impacted me, that I am rendered speechless. A story of Love, Identity, and Belonging and the impact of who we are, how we affect others, and what it means to be completely human. This novel is oh, so beautiful and will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
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