However, every character in the book judges others based on ethnicity, race and religion. She thought that other students were automatically mean without getting to know them in order to keep herself closed off. It’s not always easy, especially people making fun of her hijab and assuming she’s oppressed.Īnother theme was judgment. Mafi comments on the difficulty of being Muslim post 9/11 in the United States. Islamophobia was a major theme throughout the book. Shirin has to deal prejudice from both classmates and teachers. Were there any overarching themes present throughout the book? However, we think that Mafi purposefully does not reveal the location so that the reader understands that the racism and Xenophobia Shirin faces could happen anywhere in the country. The setting is in the United States in a predominantly white, suburban town. What made the book’s setting important to the overall story? The writing was stream of consciousness since most of the book took place in Shirin’s head. Not much happened in terms of action, as the book followed Shirin throughout her daily life at school and home. Discussion Was the book plot driven or character driven?Įveryone agreed that the book was character driven instead of plot-based. Until she meets Ocean James (yes that is his name!), the cute boy determined to be her friend and prove that not all people are bad. It doesn’t matter that A.) She was born here B.) Her parents escaped an oppressive regime, and C.) She’s smarter than most of her class- she isn’t treated well. While he’s hot and “exotic” to their new classmates, Shirin is bullied for her differences.Īfter all, it’s the year after 9/11 and people are taking out their frustrations on Shirin. However, her brother doesn’t have that problem.

She starts at a new school during her sophomore year and even though it’s a new town, it’s one in the same: predominantly white and upper class.Īs a Persian-American Muslim, Shirin feels she stands out.

Shirin moves around a lot and it’s not easy. Instead of just telling you our thoughts, we’re going to mention a few of our discussion questions and the reactions.

So, we’re going to do our review a bit differently this time. We enjoyed our first virtual book club with Bards Alley! It was so much fun talking about A Very Large Expanse of Sea with fellow YA readers.

A very large expanse of sea book review