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When a Brown Girl Flees
After Zahra Paracha makes a decision at odds with her beliefs, her mother forces Zahra to make an impossible choice about her future. So Zahra runs away. A train and a plane ride later, she finds herself in New York, where she relinquishes her past in favor of a new future. There, she must learn who she is without the marionette strings of control in her mother's hands. There, she must learn who she wishes to become.
On Long Island, Zahra stays at a bed & breakfast, unsure of her place in the world. Anxious, depressed, and grappling with guilt, she wanders aimlessly. She eventually visits the local masjid, where she is befriended by two sisters and drawn into the welcoming Muslim community there.
It is in this place of safety that Zahra's healing truly begins--but can she create a home for herself when the foundation is built on lies she's spun to protect her from the past? When a family friend recognizes her, will everything come crashing down? As Zahra tries to build a life for herself in this new place, the heart of the matter becomes clear: she can't run away forever. Can she close the rift in her family and truly, fully heal?
In this powerful novel from new voice Aamna Qureshi, a Muslim teen goes on a breathtaking journey to find her home and--more importantly--herself.
On Long Island, Zahra stays at a bed & breakfast, unsure of her place in the world. Anxious, depressed, and grappling with guilt, she wanders aimlessly. She eventually visits the local masjid, where she is befriended by two sisters and drawn into the welcoming Muslim community there.
It is in this place of safety that Zahra's healing truly begins--but can she create a home for herself when the foundation is built on lies she's spun to protect her from the past? When a family friend recognizes her, will everything come crashing down? As Zahra tries to build a life for herself in this new place, the heart of the matter becomes clear: she can't run away forever. Can she close the rift in her family and truly, fully heal?
In this powerful novel from new voice Aamna Qureshi, a Muslim teen goes on a breathtaking journey to find her home and--more importantly--herself.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2023
About the author
Aamna Qureshi
7 books480 followersAamna Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who adores words. She is the award-winning author of YA fantasy novel, The Lady or the Lion. She grew up on Long Island, New York, in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Much of her childhood was spent being grounded for reading past her bed-time, writing stories in the backs of her notebooks, and being scolded by teachers for passing chapters under the tables. Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity.
When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.
When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 2, 2023
(please be mindful of TWs: depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, physical abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, slut-shaming, PTSD)
I first wrote this book in the spring of 2016, when I was a senior in high school and going through a lot of the aches and pains Zahra is going through. I was dealing with a lot of the same confusions and discomforts that accompany growing up. Everything seemed like a question mark. Everything hurt.
I didn’t know how to navigate this world as a teenage girl, as a Muslim, as a Pakistani-American, as a hijabi, as a daughter . . .as anything. I felt so pressured -- as teens on the precipice of adulthood often do -- to know everything. Thus the not-knowing, wretched enough, was made twice so by everyone’s expectations and my inability to fulfill them.
When I started writing this book, I truly had no idea how it would end. I didn’t know what answers to give my main character because I didn’t have the answers myself. But somehow, writing this book, the answers came to me, and I was able to grow alongside my characters. I hope, too, that this book gives you answers.
This story is a love letter to oneself. It’s the type of book I wish I could have read when I was growing up, and it’s the type of book I hope brings healing and clarity to whoever reads it.
While I took great care in crafting this story and hope that I handled the sensitive topics therein with delicacy, please forgive me if you feel I mishandled any aspect of this book. The last thing in the world I want to do is cause anyone pain, especially with my words.
all my love,
aamna
I first wrote this book in the spring of 2016, when I was a senior in high school and going through a lot of the aches and pains Zahra is going through. I was dealing with a lot of the same confusions and discomforts that accompany growing up. Everything seemed like a question mark. Everything hurt.
I didn’t know how to navigate this world as a teenage girl, as a Muslim, as a Pakistani-American, as a hijabi, as a daughter . . .as anything. I felt so pressured -- as teens on the precipice of adulthood often do -- to know everything. Thus the not-knowing, wretched enough, was made twice so by everyone’s expectations and my inability to fulfill them.
When I started writing this book, I truly had no idea how it would end. I didn’t know what answers to give my main character because I didn’t have the answers myself. But somehow, writing this book, the answers came to me, and I was able to grow alongside my characters. I hope, too, that this book gives you answers.
This story is a love letter to oneself. It’s the type of book I wish I could have read when I was growing up, and it’s the type of book I hope brings healing and clarity to whoever reads it.
While I took great care in crafting this story and hope that I handled the sensitive topics therein with delicacy, please forgive me if you feel I mishandled any aspect of this book. The last thing in the world I want to do is cause anyone pain, especially with my words.
all my love,
aamna
February 21, 2024
i wish younger me had this book because she would’ve felt so understood and seen. nevertheless, 24 year old me is so happy this book exists because it has healed a big part in me. i had to pace myself through reading it because almost ever single sentence got to me, every struggle and thought zahra had is something i’ve battled with and related to. this book is a must read for every single muslim brown girl, especially hijabi girls that live in a western country. even if you aren’t, i think reading this book would be a great way for you to understand muslim girls better. this is a beautiful, bittersweet, heartbreaking yet heartwarming reality that so many of us experience in some capacity. this is representation.
i can’t begin to describe what this book means to me, and how utterly thankful i am to aamna qureshi for writing her story and sharing it with us. she has become an inspiration to me, and a must-read, auto-buy author for sure.
i can’t begin to describe what this book means to me, and how utterly thankful i am to aamna qureshi for writing her story and sharing it with us. she has become an inspiration to me, and a must-read, auto-buy author for sure.
March 30, 2024
4.5 ✰
Want to read
June 16, 202115.06.2021 betting on my tears this is going to be emotional; yes to muslim pakistani-american rep and yes, yes to running away from home and moving across the country, and so many more yeses to "navigating mental health and religious guilt" while renewing one's faith in family.
August 22, 2024
I didn't rlly have any expectations when I started reading this, I got it to read on a flight but mannn this was actually so good!!
My absolute favorite parts:
- it talked about the Deen and how you can always be forgiven. Sometimes we sink so deep into this chasm of self hate about the past or sins and we forget that we can always turn to Allah سبحانه و تعالى.
- It had a focus on friendships between girls and how having a good support system while healing is so essential. Zahra and Haya had such a beautiful friendship! Ily to all my girl friends out there- you guys are my rock and I appreciate u more than u know <3.
-I had tears streaming down my face guys! Aamna Qureshi really wrote such a beautiful and emotional book, I hope I have that talent one day.
-None of the characters were one dimensional! Every single one were complex and had their own stories.
Not so good parts
- There was some really big time jumps!
- The lying ughhh like ofc I understand but I feel PAIN when reading lies on top of lies I can't deal!
- this is gonna sound really dumb but it was so depressing at times!! Ik why and I understand but I can't enjoy it.
If your a teenage muslim girl, read this!! It deals with some really heavy topics but in such an empowering and good way. I've never read a book like this before, but I'm so glad I did!
My absolute favorite parts:
- it talked about the Deen and how you can always be forgiven. Sometimes we sink so deep into this chasm of self hate about the past or sins and we forget that we can always turn to Allah سبحانه و تعالى.
- It had a focus on friendships between girls and how having a good support system while healing is so essential. Zahra and Haya had such a beautiful friendship! Ily to all my girl friends out there- you guys are my rock and I appreciate u more than u know <3.
-I had tears streaming down my face guys! Aamna Qureshi really wrote such a beautiful and emotional book, I hope I have that talent one day.
-None of the characters were one dimensional! Every single one were complex and had their own stories.
Not so good parts
- There was some really big time jumps!
- The lying ughhh like ofc I understand but I feel PAIN when reading lies on top of lies I can't deal!
- this is gonna sound really dumb but it was so depressing at times!! Ik why and I understand but I can't enjoy it.
If your a teenage muslim girl, read this!! It deals with some really heavy topics but in such an empowering and good way. I've never read a book like this before, but I'm so glad I did!
September 7, 2023
(Digital ARC via Edelweiss)
WOW.
I read through this in, like, 3 hours and could not pull myself away.
Ngl - I was skeptical at first - and then found myself pulled in so deep that I couldn't stop.
Zahra has just graduated high school and given an ultimatum by her mother: become a doctor, or get married.
So she runs away from home.
Unable to run away from her darkest secret, Zahra must learn how to contend with her past, heal her present, and discover what she truly wants for her future.
Although this is marketed as YA, I'm more inclined to make it New Adult mostly bc of the really heavy themes - depression and self-harm, mostly. Also the f-bomb used way more than necessary imho (really, it didn't need to be used at all - and now I can't add it to the madrasah library, which is a bummer). A titch melodramatic and angsty but honestly, my inner teen girl was absolutely here for it.
While this book is mostly about healing from emotional wounds, it's also beautifully about the power of female friendships - and specifically, *Muslim women friendships* that bring one closer to Allah.
What makes this book shine is how powerful the Islamic themes are, of reconnecting with Allah on a deeply personal level and of tawbah (repentance).
There were definitely bits that felt a little rough and occasionally under-developed, but honestly, I was blown away by how beautiful and intense this story was. As a brown girl who still wrestles with her own demons - in many ways, this was truly cathartic.
I am 100% going to purchase a hardcopy of this book because I NEED it on my shelf! And you should too!
4.8/5 🌟
WOW.
I read through this in, like, 3 hours and could not pull myself away.
Ngl - I was skeptical at first - and then found myself pulled in so deep that I couldn't stop.
Zahra has just graduated high school and given an ultimatum by her mother: become a doctor, or get married.
So she runs away from home.
Unable to run away from her darkest secret, Zahra must learn how to contend with her past, heal her present, and discover what she truly wants for her future.
Although this is marketed as YA, I'm more inclined to make it New Adult mostly bc of the really heavy themes - depression and self-harm, mostly. Also the f-bomb used way more than necessary imho (really, it didn't need to be used at all - and now I can't add it to the madrasah library, which is a bummer). A titch melodramatic and angsty but honestly, my inner teen girl was absolutely here for it.
While this book is mostly about healing from emotional wounds, it's also beautifully about the power of female friendships - and specifically, *Muslim women friendships* that bring one closer to Allah.
What makes this book shine is how powerful the Islamic themes are, of reconnecting with Allah on a deeply personal level and of tawbah (repentance).
There were definitely bits that felt a little rough and occasionally under-developed, but honestly, I was blown away by how beautiful and intense this story was. As a brown girl who still wrestles with her own demons - in many ways, this was truly cathartic.
I am 100% going to purchase a hardcopy of this book because I NEED it on my shelf! And you should too!
4.8/5 🌟
August 1, 2023
2023 reads: 237/350
i received a digital review copy from the publisher via edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
content warnings (provided on-page by author): depression, anxiety, emotional and physical abuse, self harm, suicidal ideation, slut shaming, PTSD
a few months ago, zahra made a big mistake, one that left a strain on her already imperfect relationship with her mother. now, as she runs away from home, from the impossible choice she couldn’t make, she can’t be sure whether she’s making another big mistake or taking a step forward. she finds herself in new york, thousands of miles away from her home in california, taking a journey of self-discovery.
aamna qureshi’s the marghazar trials duology were two of my favorite books of last year, so despite this book having a very different premise, i was so excited to read another book by this author. aamna has such a beautiful writing style that clearly transcends genres and there were so many lines that stuck out to me while reading and will continue to stay with me after.
the depiction of zahra’s mental health is something i would like to highlight in this review. zahra has anxiety and depression, both of which i also have. as the content warnings state, this does manifest itself, in part, through self-harm. specifically, zahra digs her fingernails into her skin to the point of drawing blood. in my opinion and from my own experience, i believe that zahra’s mental illnesses were handled with grace while still being realistic and representative of many people’s real life experiences. i appreciated how this was depicted throughout the book and how it played into zahra’s journey.
another aspect i enjoyed was the role female friendship played. soon after zahra lands in new york, she goes to a mosque, where she meets other muslim girls, including haya, who becomes her best friend. their friendship meant so much to me. haya quickly took zahra under her wing and cared for her without judgment. haya also has a sister, sadaf, and their dynamic always made me smile. though the sisters annoyed each other a lot, they clearly loved each other.
i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA novels.
i received a digital review copy from the publisher via edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
content warnings (provided on-page by author): depression, anxiety, emotional and physical abuse, self harm, suicidal ideation, slut shaming, PTSD
a few months ago, zahra made a big mistake, one that left a strain on her already imperfect relationship with her mother. now, as she runs away from home, from the impossible choice she couldn’t make, she can’t be sure whether she’s making another big mistake or taking a step forward. she finds herself in new york, thousands of miles away from her home in california, taking a journey of self-discovery.
aamna qureshi’s the marghazar trials duology were two of my favorite books of last year, so despite this book having a very different premise, i was so excited to read another book by this author. aamna has such a beautiful writing style that clearly transcends genres and there were so many lines that stuck out to me while reading and will continue to stay with me after.
the depiction of zahra’s mental health is something i would like to highlight in this review. zahra has anxiety and depression, both of which i also have. as the content warnings state, this does manifest itself, in part, through self-harm. specifically, zahra digs her fingernails into her skin to the point of drawing blood. in my opinion and from my own experience, i believe that zahra’s mental illnesses were handled with grace while still being realistic and representative of many people’s real life experiences. i appreciated how this was depicted throughout the book and how it played into zahra’s journey.
another aspect i enjoyed was the role female friendship played. soon after zahra lands in new york, she goes to a mosque, where she meets other muslim girls, including haya, who becomes her best friend. their friendship meant so much to me. haya quickly took zahra under her wing and cared for her without judgment. haya also has a sister, sadaf, and their dynamic always made me smile. though the sisters annoyed each other a lot, they clearly loved each other.
i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA novels.
May 27, 2022
i'm devouring each book in the aamna qureshi desi girl cinematic universe, AND I LOVE IT. this books was so good i had tears streaming down my face. i repeat once again— aamna's writing breaks me and mends me 🥹😭
June 7, 2023
This book was so real and painful to read. Cannot write a proper review for Reasons, but I loved it, especially the parts that focused on Zahra reconnecting with her faith and with Allah, really speaking to him, and asking for forgiveness, and realizing that Allah is always there for her and will accept her with open arms and mercy. I almost cried so many times. The ending though, had me feeling mixed emotions because it felt like the author fell into the whole "we need a happy ending" trope, so it didn't feel realistic or in line with what we knew about the characters. While I'm all for happy or "happier" endings, I wish it could have shown the reality of what this would be like, instead of blaming it on miscommunication. While there was definitely miscommunication, I don't think it's the main reason behind what pushed Zahra to make this decision in the first place.
I am excited for Aamna's next book that follows a certain side character from this book! The Pakistani muslim rep was overall done pretty well and I loved the little snippets of halal romance we got, so I'm excited to see more.
I am excited for Aamna's next book that follows a certain side character from this book! The Pakistani muslim rep was overall done pretty well and I loved the little snippets of halal romance we got, so I'm excited to see more.
May 29, 2023
“I was unapologetically me. ”
Rating: 5/5 stars
★★★★★
hello?? where do I even start? this book broke me into a million pieces and proceeded to heal me in the best way possible. im the kind of person who's usually wary of happily ever afters and endings where things are magically resolved and im more of a fantasy person but aamna really blew me away with this book! the brown girl in me is sobbing, crying, laughing—and the best of all, she's hopeful! and that's from a person who's allergic of emotions. i swear i'll be back with a coherent review once i collect my thoughts but I CAN'T EMPHASIZE ENOUGH, YOU NEED THIS!!!
that was quite unprofessional but trust me, this will change your life.
pre-read:
23.03.23 the COVER !!!
June 10, 2023
This book was great.This book has some heavy and triggering topics in it, so you may want to check out trigger warnings before you read, but if you can, this is a must-read! Honestly, there is so much themes of importance in this book that I am not sure I can express, so pick up this book and find out for yourself.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2024
This. Book.
Oh my lord!!
I have no words to describe what this book made me feel.
Like
Ahhh
I felt seen
I felt heard
I felt loved
I felt happy
I felt not alone
I felt validated for my struggles
I felt everything
Seriously everyone must read this atleast once cuz ahhh🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
I had no hesitation when I give 5 stars cuz it deserves 5 stars and tbh more!!!!😭✨
Oh my lord!!
I have no words to describe what this book made me feel.
Like
Ahhh
I felt seen
I felt heard
I felt loved
I felt happy
I felt not alone
I felt validated for my struggles
I felt everything
Seriously everyone must read this atleast once cuz ahhh🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
I had no hesitation when I give 5 stars cuz it deserves 5 stars and tbh more!!!!😭✨
September 19, 2023
There is so much to admire about this book beginning with the stunning cover. This is an emotive and memorable story.
To avoid spoilers, I’ll say generally that this is an unexpected story. The themes of faith and friendship woven throughout drew me in. It’s the kind of read that lingers with the reader. It prompts reflection and provokes lots of feelings.
I recommend folks request this read and add it to their TBR.
Thanks to the publisher & author for my gifted advance copy. My recommendation is earnest.
To avoid spoilers, I’ll say generally that this is an unexpected story. The themes of faith and friendship woven throughout drew me in. It’s the kind of read that lingers with the reader. It prompts reflection and provokes lots of feelings.
I recommend folks request this read and add it to their TBR.
Thanks to the publisher & author for my gifted advance copy. My recommendation is earnest.
May 16, 2024
Check TWs!
'When a Brown Girl Flees' by Aamna Qureshi is a YA Contemporary about a brown girl who runs away from home as an escape from making a crucial decision about her future. We follow Zahra Paracha, a young girl right out of high school, who ditches going home one day and books a one-way flight ticket from California to New York because she has been given two options by her family: either get into an arranged marriage or pursue studying medicine to become a doctor - neither of which she wants to do.
My favorite thing about this book was how much heart it had. It touched upon a lot of sensitive topics and the author handled them with so much care. I love coming-of-age stories with the characters on a journey of figuring out what they want from life and who they truly are. I love how faith plays a role in this story majorly, and I love how it shows how tricky it can be to believe in the goodness of both one and the world sometimes. The path Zahra takes to reconnect with her religion, and how it grounds her and becomes her tether to come back to at the very end - it was done beautifully. Another ray of hope despite so much of the book being shrouded in the MC's sadness and problems, roots itself into love and the sense of community. Though it might be idealistic, I adored how Zahra found good people and girls she could call best friends and trust wholeheartedly, because that is what she deserved. I loved the journey she went on to realize she didn't have to uphold this definition of perfection. How she viewed her family differently upon spending time with herself and understanding that they are, after all, humans who made mistakes. And yes, I teared up when Zahra and her mother talked after reuniting. I loved the bits with Ahsen, and I wish we had gotten more information on how things started getting better for him, since he seemed like a completely new person in the six months Zahra was gone, but it was brushed off.
While my love for the story runs deep, there's some issues I found that hindered my reading a lot. Firstly, there's too much telling, not showing, especially around the halfway mark - when we're still getting accustomed to all these new people Zahra is making friends with. Because such little is actually being shown to us, it takes a lot from the flow and engagement. Reading felt like a drag during those times. The writing also tends to get repetitive, at least in its monologues. The pacing was also an issue. The last third of the book was my favourite, but it felt like it should've happened earlier, and because of that the middle of the book felt slow and uneventful. Having said all that though, this was an important book for me to read and I'm grateful it exists. Zahra and her struggles resonated with me, and I'm sure a plethora of other brown girls will feel the same through the voice of this book.
Thank you, Edelweiss & Tu Books, for the arc!
Book comes out Sept 19/23!!!!
'When a Brown Girl Flees' by Aamna Qureshi is a YA Contemporary about a brown girl who runs away from home as an escape from making a crucial decision about her future. We follow Zahra Paracha, a young girl right out of high school, who ditches going home one day and books a one-way flight ticket from California to New York because she has been given two options by her family: either get into an arranged marriage or pursue studying medicine to become a doctor - neither of which she wants to do.
My favorite thing about this book was how much heart it had. It touched upon a lot of sensitive topics and the author handled them with so much care. I love coming-of-age stories with the characters on a journey of figuring out what they want from life and who they truly are. I love how faith plays a role in this story majorly, and I love how it shows how tricky it can be to believe in the goodness of both one and the world sometimes. The path Zahra takes to reconnect with her religion, and how it grounds her and becomes her tether to come back to at the very end - it was done beautifully. Another ray of hope despite so much of the book being shrouded in the MC's sadness and problems, roots itself into love and the sense of community. Though it might be idealistic, I adored how Zahra found good people and girls she could call best friends and trust wholeheartedly, because that is what she deserved. I loved the journey she went on to realize she didn't have to uphold this definition of perfection. How she viewed her family differently upon spending time with herself and understanding that they are, after all, humans who made mistakes. And yes, I teared up when Zahra and her mother talked after reuniting. I loved the bits with Ahsen, and I wish we had gotten more information on how things started getting better for him, since he seemed like a completely new person in the six months Zahra was gone, but it was brushed off.
While my love for the story runs deep, there's some issues I found that hindered my reading a lot. Firstly, there's too much telling, not showing, especially around the halfway mark - when we're still getting accustomed to all these new people Zahra is making friends with. Because such little is actually being shown to us, it takes a lot from the flow and engagement. Reading felt like a drag during those times. The writing also tends to get repetitive, at least in its monologues. The pacing was also an issue. The last third of the book was my favourite, but it felt like it should've happened earlier, and because of that the middle of the book felt slow and uneventful. Having said all that though, this was an important book for me to read and I'm grateful it exists. Zahra and her struggles resonated with me, and I'm sure a plethora of other brown girls will feel the same through the voice of this book.
Thank you, Edelweiss & Tu Books, for the arc!
Book comes out Sept 19/23!!!!
September 14, 2023
While this book was short, it was also a very emotional ride for me. I was nearly at the brink of tears every time Zahra experienced something terrible.
Zahra, our main character used to be a perfect child of the family but her relationship with them got so strained due to some reasons and that’s why she ran away from her home in California to New York City. In NYC, alone by herself she encounters some new people in a mosque. These girls help here in sorting out her emotional problems and leads her towards the healing path.
I love the idea behind the book. The representation of a typical American-Pakistani girl is great. The emotional tragedy of Zahra is also depicted in a wonderful way. Zahra suffers from depression and anxiety and I think Aamna did a great job in showing how she experiences these anxiety episodes and also her self healing process.
Apart from the main characters, the sisters Haya & Sadaf Chaudhary are so caring towards Zahra. Both sisters are so understanding about Zahra’s situation. I loved that part where Zahra discloses everything with Haya. Uff that scene was so heartbreaking and heart-warming.
The plot is engaging and there wasn’t a time I was bored or skipping through the pages.
This title will be out on September 19. I’m sure you’ll also enjoy this if you love Muslim fiction and cultural representations.
4.5/5 ⭐
Zahra, our main character used to be a perfect child of the family but her relationship with them got so strained due to some reasons and that’s why she ran away from her home in California to New York City. In NYC, alone by herself she encounters some new people in a mosque. These girls help here in sorting out her emotional problems and leads her towards the healing path.
I love the idea behind the book. The representation of a typical American-Pakistani girl is great. The emotional tragedy of Zahra is also depicted in a wonderful way. Zahra suffers from depression and anxiety and I think Aamna did a great job in showing how she experiences these anxiety episodes and also her self healing process.
Apart from the main characters, the sisters Haya & Sadaf Chaudhary are so caring towards Zahra. Both sisters are so understanding about Zahra’s situation. I loved that part where Zahra discloses everything with Haya. Uff that scene was so heartbreaking and heart-warming.
The plot is engaging and there wasn’t a time I was bored or skipping through the pages.
This title will be out on September 19. I’m sure you’ll also enjoy this if you love Muslim fiction and cultural representations.
4.5/5 ⭐
June 15, 2021
ILL READ ANYTHING AAMNA WRITES !!!! So excited for her contemporary with hijabi MC 😍😍
June 20, 2024
For now, I'll give this 3.5 stars. I went in wanting to absolutely love it, but I just liked it. A reread is definitely in order. Hopefully, I appreciate it more.
September 9, 2023
If I could, I would go back in time again and again, only to read When A Brown Girl Flees . This is one book that I am literally going to try and make everyone read, no matter what.
full review to come here and on my bookstagram account!
Thank you to Lee and Low Books and Colored Pages Book Tours for providing me with an e-ARC!
full review to come here and on my bookstagram account!
Thank you to Lee and Low Books and Colored Pages Book Tours for providing me with an e-ARC!
February 28, 2023
so, i think i received this book near the end of december last year, and it's a book i've wanted to read for what seems like absolute ages. but - when i had it, i couldn't bring myself to even touch it; the fear and potential of paralysis and heartache was so strong, i didn't want to risk it and open the wound once again.
it took a lot to start this, i'll admit that. from the minute i read the first page, it's like someone had shoved open my diary in front of me and assigned characters and plot sequences to my life, my emotional takeaways. it's absolutely unreal, even now days after marking the book as finished, how important and true it felt, down to the grit and the very core of me, the celebrations of love and culture and country, in harmony with the pain and havoc that sometimes begets from family and that same love. there was a point where i was genuinely worried i wouldn't survive this book, because while i've had books i loved and felt understood with, this book went on the opposite end of the same spectrum: it felt like someone cutting me open, and dragging out things i've spent years and years burying. it dispenses unrelenting safety, and in it, the power of telling yourself to temper your reality as you wish it to be. it is a potent book, which is the least and perhaps the most astute way i can describe this work. the characters are wonderfully written, deeply delved and explicated, who feel like friends, sisters, and mothers in their own right. there's the hesitancy of new love, written out so sincerely, there's the revolt of wanting your life in your hands, written with so much conviction, there's new lives and new relationships made and formed, hurt and remended, written with so much grace.
this is my first book by aamna qureshi, and the glaring, almost blinding thing i've picked up from her prose is that she has a knack for pulling out thoughts and inclinations from deep inside you, making you stand in place of her characters, sift through their surroundings, and feel yourself so at home in their world. it's a rare talent, perhaps even more commanding for me, at least, in that i come from the culture and religion this book revolves around. as a result of that, even though the main conflict in this story is something so different (and honestly a very new perspective for me), everything seemed rooted from the zero coordinates: the endless pursuit of perfection in the name of family, or happiness, or love.
there's this one quote, about how unconditional love can garner cruelty, which was.. sometimes you can wait years for a book that'll proverbially "save your life" and it never comes, for how can paper and ink save a life? but then books like this happen, turbulent and tempestuous in their mess and their highs and lows, that take wounds and well, draw stars around them. which leads to a conundrum, where i want everyone in the world, every last person ever, to read this book, to witness the flows and ebbs, and to love it as much as i do. but i also want to take this book, hide it in a secret, dark corner and never let anyone see it, not even a glimpse, because it feels like my heart pierced open. there's so much heartache, physical, soul-shattering, devastating heartache. but there's relief, and there's reassurance and consolation, there's holding hands with yourself and what you believe in, and there's a faith in religion and thus, in the happily-ever-after, no matter how sensitive and unlikely it sounds. i've highlighted the book to an inch of its life; turns out it's incredibly lucky that i didn't have a physical copy or i know the ink would be bleeding through chapters and cycles, making everything a kaleidoscopic, disturbing mess.
i love this a lot, if nothing else said here was an indication. i loved this from the first word to the middle breakdown to the last period; everything, every suffering and every prayer is so, so incredibly close to my heart and i can't wait for this precious, exquisite, determined book to come out in the world. thank you to the author, aamna, for the arc. (5,000,000/5 stars)
"i loved myself now much more than i ever had before. even more than the pure, innocent love i had felt before i learned to hate."
it took a lot to start this, i'll admit that. from the minute i read the first page, it's like someone had shoved open my diary in front of me and assigned characters and plot sequences to my life, my emotional takeaways. it's absolutely unreal, even now days after marking the book as finished, how important and true it felt, down to the grit and the very core of me, the celebrations of love and culture and country, in harmony with the pain and havoc that sometimes begets from family and that same love. there was a point where i was genuinely worried i wouldn't survive this book, because while i've had books i loved and felt understood with, this book went on the opposite end of the same spectrum: it felt like someone cutting me open, and dragging out things i've spent years and years burying. it dispenses unrelenting safety, and in it, the power of telling yourself to temper your reality as you wish it to be. it is a potent book, which is the least and perhaps the most astute way i can describe this work. the characters are wonderfully written, deeply delved and explicated, who feel like friends, sisters, and mothers in their own right. there's the hesitancy of new love, written out so sincerely, there's the revolt of wanting your life in your hands, written with so much conviction, there's new lives and new relationships made and formed, hurt and remended, written with so much grace.
this is my first book by aamna qureshi, and the glaring, almost blinding thing i've picked up from her prose is that she has a knack for pulling out thoughts and inclinations from deep inside you, making you stand in place of her characters, sift through their surroundings, and feel yourself so at home in their world. it's a rare talent, perhaps even more commanding for me, at least, in that i come from the culture and religion this book revolves around. as a result of that, even though the main conflict in this story is something so different (and honestly a very new perspective for me), everything seemed rooted from the zero coordinates: the endless pursuit of perfection in the name of family, or happiness, or love.
there's this one quote, about how unconditional love can garner cruelty, which was.. sometimes you can wait years for a book that'll proverbially "save your life" and it never comes, for how can paper and ink save a life? but then books like this happen, turbulent and tempestuous in their mess and their highs and lows, that take wounds and well, draw stars around them. which leads to a conundrum, where i want everyone in the world, every last person ever, to read this book, to witness the flows and ebbs, and to love it as much as i do. but i also want to take this book, hide it in a secret, dark corner and never let anyone see it, not even a glimpse, because it feels like my heart pierced open. there's so much heartache, physical, soul-shattering, devastating heartache. but there's relief, and there's reassurance and consolation, there's holding hands with yourself and what you believe in, and there's a faith in religion and thus, in the happily-ever-after, no matter how sensitive and unlikely it sounds. i've highlighted the book to an inch of its life; turns out it's incredibly lucky that i didn't have a physical copy or i know the ink would be bleeding through chapters and cycles, making everything a kaleidoscopic, disturbing mess.
i love this a lot, if nothing else said here was an indication. i loved this from the first word to the middle breakdown to the last period; everything, every suffering and every prayer is so, so incredibly close to my heart and i can't wait for this precious, exquisite, determined book to come out in the world. thank you to the author, aamna, for the arc. (5,000,000/5 stars)
"i loved myself now much more than i ever had before. even more than the pure, innocent love i had felt before i learned to hate."
June 26, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC!
I am so eternally grateful to have been approved for an eARC of this gorgeous gorgeous book. I also finished this in one day which really shows for how good it was.
Starting off, I loved the way I understood everything. The language I understood, the sometimes toxicity of culture and the faith I understood so well. I have read books with Muslim MCs who are born Muslims and know much about their faith. But this book! I came to explore our faith in a new way along with the MC. It felt so good to read about our faith in such an enlightening perspective.
Second thing, I related so much with the MC! While not everything I understood or related but there were many things which I remember relating to. I felt her in how she was depressed but then there's this thought that enters your mind saying, "Aren't you being ungrateful? You have so much and still you're depressed." It made me feel bad for myself and I was truly questioning everything. Why was I sad? Did I have a right to be sad when I have everything? I didn't get the answers to these questions but the MC did eventually and I'm so glad to be represented in this manner.
Third thing, I obviously loved how the relationships and how they were crafted. Mother-daughter relationship was my personal favourite as I'm sure so many Brown people go through hell sometimes trying and endlessly failing to fulfill the wants of their parents. Even though I couldn't relate in this aspect, I felt so liberated reading about a Brown girl get an apology they so rarely get. I loved the heartwarming familial and friendly relationships in this book and was so happy to discover that this book is not a "halal love story" just a story about a Pakistani Muslim girl struggling. I loved this book so much!
Rating: 4.5 stars
I am so eternally grateful to have been approved for an eARC of this gorgeous gorgeous book. I also finished this in one day which really shows for how good it was.
Starting off, I loved the way I understood everything. The language I understood, the sometimes toxicity of culture and the faith I understood so well. I have read books with Muslim MCs who are born Muslims and know much about their faith. But this book! I came to explore our faith in a new way along with the MC. It felt so good to read about our faith in such an enlightening perspective.
Second thing, I related so much with the MC! While not everything I understood or related but there were many things which I remember relating to. I felt her in how she was depressed but then there's this thought that enters your mind saying, "Aren't you being ungrateful? You have so much and still you're depressed." It made me feel bad for myself and I was truly questioning everything. Why was I sad? Did I have a right to be sad when I have everything? I didn't get the answers to these questions but the MC did eventually and I'm so glad to be represented in this manner.
Third thing, I obviously loved how the relationships and how they were crafted. Mother-daughter relationship was my personal favourite as I'm sure so many Brown people go through hell sometimes trying and endlessly failing to fulfill the wants of their parents. Even though I couldn't relate in this aspect, I felt so liberated reading about a Brown girl get an apology they so rarely get. I loved the heartwarming familial and friendly relationships in this book and was so happy to discover that this book is not a "halal love story" just a story about a Pakistani Muslim girl struggling. I loved this book so much!
Rating: 4.5 stars
September 18, 2023
"Brown kids didn't just run away."
But Zahra does. After being unable to handle her situation, she takes a plane to New York on impulse. The book portrays her sudden independence so perfectly. It's like when you were a child and you got lost at the superstore, except amplified. This book is a beautiful piece about found families, reconnecting with faith and healing. The TW are there for a reason, so take them seriously. It does get intense by Aamna Qureshi handles it with grace and sensitivity. The book does play out quite idealistically, which I wouldn't criticize because the audience, especially readers who may be in a similar situation as Zahra deserves to feel like there is hope for them too. True to its title, the book is really about a brown girl and for brown girls - there is no internalized discrimination, which I loved. The only real criticism is that after a point the book becomes more like a series of events that pass by quickly and there is more telling and less showing.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you Lee & Low for the e-ARC.
But Zahra does. After being unable to handle her situation, she takes a plane to New York on impulse. The book portrays her sudden independence so perfectly. It's like when you were a child and you got lost at the superstore, except amplified. This book is a beautiful piece about found families, reconnecting with faith and healing. The TW are there for a reason, so take them seriously. It does get intense by Aamna Qureshi handles it with grace and sensitivity. The book does play out quite idealistically, which I wouldn't criticize because the audience, especially readers who may be in a similar situation as Zahra deserves to feel like there is hope for them too. True to its title, the book is really about a brown girl and for brown girls - there is no internalized discrimination, which I loved. The only real criticism is that after a point the book becomes more like a series of events that pass by quickly and there is more telling and less showing.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you Lee & Low for the e-ARC.
December 24, 2023
Ngl the ending made me cry.
December 30, 2023
This was an incredible well written insight into the Muslim American experience from the perspective of a teenage girl. I loved her inner dialogue and how it incorporated Urdu and English concurrently. It’s a quick read but worth your time if YA fiction is your thing.
April 22, 2024
This book has my whole heart and I read it in a day which for me is unheard of!
It’s very heavy and triggering at times especially if you are a brown girl but I really wish Haya and Sadaf existed so I could have friends like them because they’re excellent friends to Zahra.
This is a quick easy, read even though it’s heavy but I highly encourage you to read this book especially if you are parenting a brown girl because this is the secret life of brown girls everywhere who want to be seen and heard.
It’s very heavy and triggering at times especially if you are a brown girl but I really wish Haya and Sadaf existed so I could have friends like them because they’re excellent friends to Zahra.
This is a quick easy, read even though it’s heavy but I highly encourage you to read this book especially if you are parenting a brown girl because this is the secret life of brown girls everywhere who want to be seen and heard.
November 7, 2021
incredible.
December 14, 2023
10/5
where do i even start with this book, eh? it made me cry, it made me sob and lastly, it made me love myself and my deen a lot more too. aamna qureshi, the writer you are!
where do i even start with this book, eh? it made me cry, it made me sob and lastly, it made me love myself and my deen a lot more too. aamna qureshi, the writer you are!
May 27, 2023
too many thoughts and all of them are good
September 14, 2024
Worst mom of the year, the gaslighting is CRAZY
September 27, 2023
I received this as an arc, and this story continues to live in my brain. I have struggled to find the right words to describe it. My heart was pounding during the first few chapters, and I could no longer distinguish between myself and Zahra. The fear of being perceived as a threat while also battling your own anxieties is an experience that most hijabis know all too well. The hypervigilance that hijabis must exercise in this world rings clear in the pages of this novel. Aamna masterfully tackles themes of guilt, self-hatred, and shame and weaves them in a delicate and intricate matter. I am in awe of Aamna's work and how she did not shy away from sensitive topics such as depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Instead, she allows her characters to heal through faith in a way that transcends scripture.
When a Brown Girl Flees is a remarkable story of loss, forgiveness, and sisterly love.
When a Brown Girl Flees is a remarkable story of loss, forgiveness, and sisterly love.
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