Laurie's Reviews > A Girl Like That

STOP EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING AND READ A GIRL LIKE THAT by Tanaz Bhathena. This is one of the most important works of fiction I have ever read – right up there with THE FAULT IN OUR STARS in its depth, complexity and powerful beauty. I sat down to read a few pages of this incredible book and tore through the story in one sitting.
A GIRL LIKE THAT is told from the alternative points of view of a group of teens living in Saudi Arabia. The teens are of a variety of ethnicities and religious affiliations – Muslim, non-Muslim, Arab, Indian and mixed-race.

*SPOILER ALERT*
The narrative revolves around a 16 y.o. girl named Zarin, the other teenagers’ interactions with Zarin, and the teens’ reactions to horrific incidents that happen to her. These incidents result in Zarin being bullied at school and online by virtually the entire community.
Talk about high stakes - how about teenaged hero Porus (with his false birth certificate) who sticks by Zarin and stands up to her bullies even though it may mean deportation.
*END SPOILER ALERT*

This is a book about what it means to love and about standing up against injustice at huge personal risk. It’s about the effects of the oppression of young women on everyone (men and women both) and the consequences of dividing ourselves by strict cultural, religious and racial lines. And, ultimately, it’s a book about daring to step outside those lines to choose humanity over division.
I came away from reading this #ownvoices book changed and wanting to be more like Porus.
BE AWARE – This book deals frankly with bullying, racism, rape, sexuality in an oppressive environment, mental illness, illegal drugs and the systemic abuse of women.