Love, Hate, and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this book since I read it when it came out & now there will be a #2jennsbookclub chat Thursday 11/8 at 8PM EDT- join us for a great book discussion. I really liked the narration of Soneela Nankani - she got Maya's insecurities, her parents' with their restrictive suffocation, and best friend Violet, crush Phil, and awesome Aunt Hina. A must read, ripped from the headlines novel dealing with racism, hatred, terrorism, and smothering family expectations.

This debut novel by Samira Ahmed is one all teens need to read- not only does it cover love, longing, restrictive parents, Islamophobia, and bullying but Maya's life rings true as the only Indian and Muslim in her school, parents who came to America but have not really progressed as Americans-they are successful without being devout, and are suffocating in their love and expectations for their only child. Thank god Maya has a close friend in Violet, a job she loves at a book store and her trusty camcorder which helps Maya see the world as a worthy documentary to be filmed, cataloged and kept for posterity. As a senior, Maya has not told her parents she wants to go to film school yet has applied and been accepted to NYU. Maya has been crushing on Phil since 7th grade and with his break-up maybe Maya will have a chance now. I really liked Phil, Violet, and Maya's aunt, Hina ( a successful graphic designer, has not married and so so supportive of Maya) and the positive changes and strength Maya garners when there is a hate crime perpetrated close to home, make this a must read for teens. Highly recommended.

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Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This debut novel by Samira Ahmed is one all teens need to read- not only does it cover love, longing, restrictive parents, Islamophobia, and bullying but Maya's life rings true as the only Indian and Muslim in her school, parents who came to Americabut have not really progressed as Americans-they are successful without being devout, and are suffocating in their love and expectations for their only child. Thank god Maya has a close friend in Violet, a job she loves at a book store and her trusty camcorder which helps Maya see the world as a worthy documentary to be filmed, cataloged and kept for posterity. As a senior, Maya has not told her parents she wants to go to film school yet has applied and been accepted to NYU. Maya has been crushing on Phil since 7th grade and with his break-up maybe Maya will have a chance now. I really liked Phil, Violet, and Maya's aunt, Mina ( a successful graphic designer, has not married and so so supportive of Maya) and the positive changes and strength Maya garners when there is a hate crime perpetrated close to home, make this a must read for teens. Highly recommended.

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The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this jarring nonfiction book for #2jennsbookclub twitter chat to be held Thursday 2/8 at 8PM EST, this was a riveting read and I am sure the chat will be, too! Dashka Slater, the author, covered this story first in the NYTimes and this compassionate, achingly real story of 2 teens, a crime, on a bus in Oakland, CA. I learned so much about the juvenile court system from this book, the power of forgiveness, how choices can radically change lives, and how teens are many times misunderstood and need adults (lawyers, police, parents, school officials, court personnel) to really understand their choices, and how very important empathy is in every day life and could mean the difference in an incarcerated youth's life. I think everyone needs to read this book; teens, adults, school employees, lawyers, judges will all be impacted by Sasha and Richard's story. You can help but be torn apart with their story. If Sasha and their parents (Sasha identifies as agender) and Richard and his mom, were different - Richard's life could have been even more harsh (adult vs juvenile). Not many people could be burned as Sasha was and together with their parents, forgive and hold no animosity. Likewise Richard's mom knew what her son did was horrendous, stupid and unforgivable but she knew he was a 16 year old who did not always understand the impact of what he did (being in a juvenile detention at age 14) but she visited him every week, and became his supporter while apologizing and supporting Sasha's family. Highly recommended!!!

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Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for my virtual twitter book club #yabookchat which will occur Sunday, June 5 at 9pm and oh did I love this book & highly recommend this to guidance counselors, teachers, nurses, parents. Riley Cavanaugh is a teen who is gender fluid, has been bullied at one school and has now started at another school. Problem is, Riley is not out to friends, parents (father is running for re-election) but on the advice of therapist Doctor Ann, begins a secret blog as Alix and goes from one to many thousands of followers. As Riley navigates the new school, makes a few friends, but also many enemies, what will happen to Riley/Alix as life gets in the way. I could not put this book down. The character of Riley, her friends Solo & Bec are fully believable/lovable characters as football player Vickers & hater friends are truly bullies, and evil. The author, Jeff Garvin has written an insightful book that will help teens who are struggling with gender identity, anxiety, and depression. His resources at the end of the book will help teens. Highly recommended.

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