Hijab Butch Blues

Hijab Butch Blues, written under the alias of Lamya H, is the memoir of a queer Muslim finding their place in the world. 

When Lamya was 4 years old, her family moved from her birth country to a rich Arab country. They moved for a better job for her father. But in the new country, the family had to make changes – her mother could no longer drive, they could go nowhere without being accompanied by her father, and she had to start over at a school where she knew no one. 

At seventeen, Lamya starts over again in the United States, purposely moving away from family for college. 

A devout Muslim, they use the lens of a feminist reading of the Koran as signpost of their life. This is a beautiful memoir of faith, choices and chosen family.

H, Lamya. (2023). Hijab Butch Blues. New York: The Dial Press.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a delightful novel. 

Tova Sullivan works the Sowell Bay Aquarium night shift – cleaning up after the visitors who come during the day. She talks to the sea life as she goes, never thinking that there is someone who understands her. 

Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. He has been at the aquarium for most of his life, but still longs for the openness of the Puget Sound. At night he roams the various tanks looking for snacks, but careful not to eat so many that his captors do not notice. 

One night Tova has to help Marcellus back to his tank. He has been caught in a cord while raiding the lunchroom. This starts a unique friendship that will lead to Tova solving a mystery that has haunted her since 1989. 

If this first book is a hint as what is to come from Shelby Van Pelt, we can only hope that she becomes a prolific writer! Buy a copy of this book today – you will likely loan it to everyone you know to share in the delight.

Van Pelt, Shelby. (2022). Remarkably Bright Creatures. New York: Ecco.

Brown Girls

Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades is the story of all the disparate young women of Queens – lumped together by our society. 

Her writing encompasses all of them, both what all first generation or immigrants from a whole list of countries share and how they are all individual people and cultures. 

Andreades’s story is both universal and specific in a way I have never read before. This is a beautiful book.

Andreades, Daphne Palasi. (2022). Brown Girls. New York: Random House.

The Stardust Thief (Sandsea #1)

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah is the first book in the Sandsea fantasy series. 

Loulie al-Nazari was saved by Qadir, a Jinn, when her whole family and tribe were killed by men in black. Al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant. While others may go a lifetime without seeing a Jinn relic, Loulie sells them. 

Magic and relics are illegal – only some know that the relics are infused with magic left by the Jinn who created them. The wealthy collect them mostly for the status, not the magic. Now Loulie is arrested and brought to the sultan. He has heard of a relic in the Sand Sea that he wants her to collect – a trip that is likely to end in her death. 

The sultan will be sending his son Omar, head of the 40 Thieves, with her for protection. Omar is a famous Jinn killer. 

Abdullah’s first book in the Sandsea series is wonderful – everything you could want in a fantasy adventure. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Abdullah, Chelsea. (2022). The Stardust Thief. New York: Orbit.   

Kahlil

Kahlil by Yasmina Khadra takes readers into the mind of a suicide bomber. 

Kahlil is twenty-three years old. He grew up in Brussels. As part of a group, he will detonate a suicide vest at the Stade de France.

When he pushed the button, nothing happens. Now alone in Paris - a city he has never been to before - he must escape and explain that the belt must be faulty. He is most worried about what the leaders of the group will think of him.

One friend dead, one good friend left, a twin sister who keep trying to talk to him and an estranged family, Kahlil does not know what to do next. 

Khadra is a powerful storyteller. Years ago, I read his novel The Attack and it is still one of the most heartbreaking main characters I have read. He is an incredible writer. 

Khadra, Yasmina. (2021). Kahlil. New York: Double Day.

Small Game

Small Game by Blair Braverman is a view of what would happen if a reality TV survival show was not run well - leaving the contestants truly alone in the wilderness.

Mara works for a survival camping company in the Pacific Northwest. The take people out to spend the night alone - checking on the occasionally for safety. When a reality show about living off the land comes scouting, Mara thinks it is her chance for change. Each contestant to makes it six weeks will receive 100,000 dollars - certainly enough for a new start. 

Take by helicopter to a remove forest in the north of Wisconsin, each contestant has to jump from the chopper and swim to shore. Five contestants who have to choose one item while not knowing what the others have picked. 

The group will need fire, shelter, water and food - fire right away considering their swim. As the contest starts, Mara is concerned about both the lack of outdoor skills of a couple of contestants and how the show is being run. 

Then a few days in something goes wrong. The crew does not show up in the morning. And now the survival takes on a new level.

Braverman has been on a reality survival show and spent time in very remote places. Her novel is therefore very well imagined. While I read this quickly, the story has stuck with me for some time. Small Game is a great read - especially from the comfort of your own home!

Braverman, Blair. (2022). Small Game. New York: Ecco.