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224
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
United States • 1990s
2021
YA
12-18 years
NP
In Home Is Not a Country, Nima, a Muslim teenager in America, struggles with her cultural identity, feeling disconnected from her US surroundings and longing for a homeland she has never seen. With her best friend Haitham and inspired by magical realism, she explores her heritage and grapples with racism, ultimately seeking solace and belonging within her diaspora community. This book includes depictions of racism, Islamophobia, and hate crimes.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Emotional
4,907 ratings
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Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo is praised for its lyrical prose and evocative exploration of identity and belonging, resonating deeply with readers through its poetic style. However, some critique its pacing and abstract narrative structure. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking debut that tackles complex themes with sensitivity.
Readers who would enjoy Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo are likely drawn to poignant, lyrical explorations of identity, displacement, and belonging. Similar audiences appreciate books like The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, which also feature poetic narratives and themes of cultural identity.
4,907 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Yasmeen
Initially Nima's imagined alternate self who seems perfect and confident. As a jinni, she embodies possibility and transformation.
Haitham
Nima's quiet and close friend, social and confident, who shares cultural interests with her. His experiences parallel Nima's but he maintains a positive outlook.
Aisha
Nima's mother, characterized by her grief but also her strength. She deeply loves her daughter and insists on maintaining pride in their cultural heritage.
Hala
Haitham's mother, a single parent and Aisha's best friend. She has a complicated past in Sudan but plays a supportive role for her loved ones.
Mama Fatheya
Hala’s mother and a source of cultural wisdom. She offers insights into the past and spirit world while acknowledging the drawbacks of nostalgia.
224
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
United States • 1990s
2021
YA
12-18 years
NP
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