I do not believe there are enough words to describe how amazing this books is.

The story follows Jihad, a Muslim teenager starting at a new elite private school. Although her family cannot afford it, they are trying to give her the best shot at getting into her dream art school.

After the death of her mother the year prior, jihad looses the ability to see colours, something key for an artist. After finding a notebook that her great aunt gifted to her mother, jihad begins to draw her mother’s story.

This book explores really complex themes, such as racism, bullying and identity, in a way that makes the reader feel emotional and uncomfortable. The story is harsh and real and brought genuine tears to my eyes. It so perfectly captured life.

This book did a perfect job of removing the rose tinted glasses that many of us wear, and forced us to look at the reality’s of the world that are sometimes easier to ignore. It calls out staying silent, being a passerby and makes you reflect on whether you choose silence in the face of suffering. Do you choose the comfortable, safe route, because it’s the easier thing to do? Zoulfa Katouh sets up the perfect scene to have these uncomfortable conversations with yourself. She uses her work to give a voice to those who have often had their own voices stripped away.

I cannot recommend reading this book enough