People like me are devils before we are angels.
Hanan has always been good and quiet. She accepts her role as her school’s perfect Muslim poster girl. She ignores the racist bullies.
A closed mouth is gold – it helps you get home in one piece.
Then her friend is murdered and every Muslim is to blame.
The world is angry at us again.
How can she stay silent while her family is ripped apart? It’s time for Hanan to stop being the quiet, good girl. It’s time for her to stand up and shout.
A stunning debut about finding the strength to speak up against hate and fear, for fans of The Hate U Give and I Am Thunder.
Title : You Think You Know Me
Author : Ayaan Mohamud
Format : Physical ARC
Page Count : 368
Genre : Contemporary YA
Publisher : Usbourne Pubishing
Release Date : February 2, 2023
Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★ ★
Micky’s 4 star review
Headlines:
Insider young person’s view
Racism in the UK
Pervading hope for better
I read this blurb and knew the book would hurt, and so it should. Reading this was tense because I came to care for Hanan. Her life had it’s tough elements, then the things that happened around her and to her increased that difficulty ten fold. Hanan had a strong family but it was fraying in many ways.
As a character Hanan was determined and strong but she could be bruised, battered and crushed by events and people. The events in this book felt authentic, relatable to things I’ve read in the media but haven’t experienced myself. That said, I feel like I lived and learnt through this book, carried away by the characters and stories.
Don’t expect a comfortable read here, expect discomfort, some bubbling rage and frustration with processes and people. Expect heartache too, a longing and some hope on the horizon. I’ve been purposely vague in my thoughts because this is a read to experience for yourself.
Ayaan Mohamud has a compelling narrative voice that seeks to advocate and empower. Please check out some Muslin reviewers on this title.
Thank you to Usbourne Publishing for the review copy.
A Take from Two Cities 