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A Very Large Expanse of Sea
Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature!
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series comes a powerful, heartrending contemporary novel about fear, first love, and the devastating impact of prejudice.
It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped.
Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments—even the physical violence—she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she’s built up protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her. Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother.
But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down.
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Reviews
This book is SO GOOD! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that made me feel as intense emotions as this book did. I loved that there was not only a journey through love, but also her journey through racism and discrimination. Super well written and so powerful, definitely recommend!!
By grl hayyy
I absolutely loved this book! I’ve shed so many tears reading this book it was absolutely beautiful. The character growth of Shirin throughout the book was so inspirational!
By Miya Heli
This might be the best YA book I’ve ever read. I’ve noticed that Mafi’s strongest suit is writing characters. She shows this strength in this book in particular; I don’t think these characters would leave me anytime soon. The book tackles serious subjects such as islamophobia and racism and handles them well. The story was really touching and really hits home. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and recommend everyone to read it. ‘A Very Large Expanse of Sea’ is SUCH an important book, especially in today’s political climate.
By saainnn
Dating is not allowed in any of the three Abrahamic religions, especially Islam. If you are in a premarital relationship and you don’t have the intention to marry it’s considered haram.(sinful/prohibited) Its bad enough that social media is filling Muslim youth with western immoralities, don’t do the same with books. #saynotoliberalism #libtards #ignorance
By Sir Rami #21
This book was fantastic! Every once in awhile you come across a book you’ll never forget, this is certainly one of them.
By kelpcifer