7 Must-Read Books Written by Arab Americans
By: Souria Dabbousi / Arab America Contributing Writer
Arab Americans have taken the spotlight in literature by the production of astounding novels that capture the Arab identity in an authentic and captivating way. Their work has contributed greatly to the literary world which often explore themes of identity, culture, and the immigrant experience. Many Arab American authors have faced challenges in getting their works published due to the lack of representation in the publishing industry. However, their persistence has paid off, and their works have gained recognition and acclaim. While this list only includes 7 novels, there are still various other fascinating stories waiting to be discovered by many amazing authors.
- The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
The Proudest Blue is a children’s book written by Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States in the Olympics. The book tells the story of of two sisters, Faizah and Asiya’s first day of wearing the hijab to school. The story is a powerful message about the importance of standing up for oneself and others, and embracing one’s identity.
- Between Two Moons by Aisha Abdel Gawad
Most anticipated book of the summer, Between Two Moons is a story about twin sisters Amira and Lina who are graduating high school and plan to have a summer of teenage fun. However, their brother’s return from prison threatens to disrupt their family’s balance, and the story explores the themes of identity, family, and culture. The novel is set during the holy month of Ramadan, which adds a unique cultural significance to the story. It is a nuanced exploration of the complexities of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.
More about the author: Aisha Abdel Gawad is a published writer whose work has appeared in several notable publications, including The Kenyon Review, American Short Fiction, and The Muslim World. She has won a Pushcart Prize for her work and has contributed to a special issue of The Muslim World on Anglophone Muslim women writers. After college, she worked at the Arab American Association of New York, which serves the immigrant community in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. She is currently a high school English teacher in Connecticut.
- The Frightened Ones by Dima Wannous
Syrian author and journalist Dima Wannous studied French literature at the University of Damascus and later on obtained a PhD in Arabic literature from the Sorbonne in Paris. She has published several books as well as won several awards including the Naghuib Mahfouz Medal for Literature.
The Frightened Ones is set in contemporary Syria and explores themes of fear, paranoia, and control under a repressive regime. The story follows a woman named Suleima who is struggling to cope with the disappearance of her friend, Naseem, during the Syrian civil war. As Suleima delves deeper into the mystery of Naseem’s disappearance, she begins to confront her own fears and the ways in which the regime has shaped her life. The novel has been widely praised for it powerful portrayal of life in Syria and its exploration of the psychological effects of repression.
- Mother of Strangers by Suad Amiry
Mother of Strangers is a book that tells the story of two teenagers living in Jaffa. Subhi is a fifteen-year-old mechanic, and Shams is the thirteen-year-old student he hopes to marry one day. The book takes place in a cosmopolitan port city and introduces many other memorable characters such as Khawaja Michael, Mr. Hassan, and Uncle Habeeb. The story provides insight into the daily lives of people living in the city.
Suad Amiry is a Palestinian architect, author, and political activist. She was born in Damascus, Syria, and grew up in Amman, Jordan. She received her degree in architecture from the American University of Beirut and later earned her PhD in architecture from the University of Edinburgh. Amiry is the founder and director of the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation, which works to preserve Palestinian cultural heritage. She has written several books, including “Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries” and “Nothing to Lose But Your Life: An 18-Hour Journey with Murad.” Her work has been translated into many languages and has won numerous awards.
- Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamad
Deena Mohamed tells the story of three individuals in Cairo whose lives intersect when they each purchase a wish from an unassuming kiosk. Aziza, who has faced adversity throughout her life, must navigate bureaucracy and inequality to use her wish after losing her husband. Nour, a college student who struggles with depression, debates whether to use their wish to alleviate their mental health struggles. Shokry, meanwhile, must confront his beliefs as he tries to aid a friend who is reluctant to use their wish. Mohamed’s novel portrays a cast of characters whose experiences are both heartrending and uplifting.
- The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha
Based on a true story, The Cat Man of Aleppo tells the story of Mohammad Aljaleel, a Syrian man who stayed in Aleppo during the Syrian Civil War to care for the city’s abandoned and stray cats. Despite the danger and destruction around him, Aljaleel finds solace in his work and becomes a beacon of hope for the people and animals of Aleppo. The story follows Mohammad as he feeds and cares for the cats, even as the city around him is destroyed by war. This novel which also was made into a documentary, shows the resilience of the human spirit and the power of kindness and compassion in the face of adversity.
- Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story is a children’s book written by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Lea Lyon. The book tells the story of Lailah, a Muslim girl who has recently moved to the United States from Abu Dhabi. Lailah is excited to fast for Ramadan for the first time, but is nervous about telling her classmates at school. She decides to write a note to her teacher explaining why she won’t be eating lunch during the holy month of Ramadan, but is too shy to give it to her. With the help of her mother and her teacher, Lailah learns to be proud of her Muslim identity and to share her culture with her classmates. The book is a heartwarming and relatable story about the challenges and joys of being a Muslim child in America.
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