Its my stop on the book tour to tell you how I feel about 10 Steps to Us.
Detangling the Plot:
What if you met the boy of your dreams but loving him was forbidden? Aisha Rashid is used to being invisible or bullied and overshadowed by best friend Isabelle. So no one is more surprised than her when Darren Brady, the hot new boy in school, takes an interest in her and not Isabelle. But Aisha is a devout hijab-wearing Muslim and Darren is off limits. Does she follow her heart even if it means losing her own identity? And is Darren really all that he seems? If only there was a way she could keep the boy and her faith. Maybe there is a way? All it takes are ten steps...
Bobs and Books honest review:
A very interesting concept and one in which I learnt a lot. A perfect YA novel that really explores culture and identity v concepts and expectations of growing up. An idea of 10 steps to try and convert the boy she loves to change to Islam. As the idea kicks off its sweet to see it all unfold and the story kicks off from there. I think most people can identify with trying to find themselves and where they fit in their teenage years. I cannot imagine having to factor in religion on top of that as well. What I found most interesting is how Aisha seems to (at least initially) take her faith more seriously than her parents. She insists on fasting and wearing her hijab and they tell her not to fast when they can see it makes her unwell. Definitely challenges stereotypes and I found it interesting how a hijab could make you feel by wearing/not wearing it. As you can tell from my name, my hair says a lot about who I am so it resonated. Thought provoking, wonderfully naïve, powerful. Great debut, and look forward to seeing what's next.
About the author:
Attiya is a mother of three and works as a GP in East London. She has been a part of critique groups for around five years and holds an MA in Modern Literature from Birkbeck, where she graduated with merits. She was selected to be part of the David Higham’s Open day for underrepresented writers, and is also on the longlist for Undiscovered Voices 2020.Ten Steps To Us is Attiya’s debut book.
Out NOW.
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