Helpful Score: 7
I find it troubling to admit that I enjoyed reading a book that was as disturbing as "Towelhead".
Jasira leaves her mother at 13 years old, but not by her own choosing. She travels from New York to Houston to live with her father, who is from Lebanon. This novel takes place during the Gulf War, which is an interesting setting for the racial tensions that abound.
Alicia Erian has a way with writing; She is able to make characters that have some very serious flaws appear very human and often comic. I did not come away hating these characters, and I almost feel guilty.
To visit Jasira's world is almost like stepping into a parallel universe where the rules and morals are different than our own. If I had been reading about an adult instead of a 13 year old girl, this book would have been easier to digest, but certainly would not have had the same impact.
This is a very, very good book. I devoured it. But I almost feel like I have devoured a whole box of chocolates--slightly queasy and remorseful.
Jasira leaves her mother at 13 years old, but not by her own choosing. She travels from New York to Houston to live with her father, who is from Lebanon. This novel takes place during the Gulf War, which is an interesting setting for the racial tensions that abound.
Alicia Erian has a way with writing; She is able to make characters that have some very serious flaws appear very human and often comic. I did not come away hating these characters, and I almost feel guilty.
To visit Jasira's world is almost like stepping into a parallel universe where the rules and morals are different than our own. If I had been reading about an adult instead of a 13 year old girl, this book would have been easier to digest, but certainly would not have had the same impact.
This is a very, very good book. I devoured it. But I almost feel like I have devoured a whole box of chocolates--slightly queasy and remorseful.
