Review of A Very Large Expanse of Sea, by Tahereh Mafi

A Very Large Expanse of Sea, written by Tahereh Mafi, is a novel that displays the strong effects of racism and stereotyping on one's life. Shirin is a Muslim girl who has moved and switched schools countless times. Every day in high school, she must endure the racist comments and cold glances from other students. Shirin concludes that it is all a result of her clothing, race, and religion. The time period is also the year after 9/11, which makes the people in her life believe that she is extremely dangerous and causes them to judge her even more. The only thing that keeps Shirin going in her life is music, and the new breakdancing club her brother created. However, when Shirin meets a guy named Ocean James at her new school, her whole life turns upside down. Ocean seems to be the only person who wants to understand and is willing to get to know her better. Shirin has been keeping a barrier between her and everyone else for such a long time, so she feels confused on how she will face him and everybody else. This book is one of the best books I've ever read in a long time. I was wandering through the shelves and my eyes flew right onto it. I finished it the day I borrowed it and read it multiple times after that. This book was so intriguing and fascinating, and it opened my eyes to the ongoing problems in the world and around me. I recommend this book to anyone out there that is looking for a page-turner and something that can cause them to reflect on themselves, the world, and life itself. Five out of five stars, no doubt.

~ Posted by Jessica L., Homestead freshman