The Beauty of Your Face

This novel is not only beautifully written but it also takes you on an unexpected journey. When you first begin the novel you think that it will focus on the school shooting, but instantly after we are taken to the past and to a girl who is searching for herself. As a Palestinian American I respect the voice that Sahar gives to the main protagonist. She develops a multi dimensional character that anyone of us can relate to and the problems that she faces are all that either one of us has encountered in our own journeys to find our place in this world. I finished this book in a few days and could have finished it in one setting if I had the opportunity. I will definitely share this story with family and friends. Its one of the rare gems that has a lot to say and makes you feel.

The Beauty of Your Face is the story of a Palestinian-American which is why I wanted to read it. However, as I read the novel, I started to realize that the feelings of inadequacy, contempt for family dynamics, loss, and the burden of lifelong grief are universal. The reader can find parts of Afaf that they can identify with no matter where theyre from. Sahar Mustafahs writing style transports the reader from reality to another family member of Afafs- as though the reader is there as another sibling watching everything happen from the kitchen table. Your heart will break. You will root for Afaf, youll see bits of yourself and your parents in her and your own parents, and youll walk away realizing that were all more similar than different as we navigate this journey of life. I could not put it down, and I read it one day. If youre looking for a novel that will give you a cathartic experience- this is it. Absolutely stunning work.

This is a beautifully written and heart-wrenching debut novel of a Palestinian immigrant family and how each member copes and assimilatesor notin America. It is expertly framed by a school shooting that continually reminds us of the storys relevance in the immediate present as it weaves its way back and forth from the familys post 9/11 arrival. Mustafah draws rich characters with complicated and sympathetic arcs. The story is told through the point of view of a daughters journey of personal discovery as she learns to blend tradition and opportunity, while coping with racism, discrimination and the trials of her parents and siblings. She shows us the best and the worst of this new world, and the powerful tug of the one left behind. Youll care deeply about each of the characters and find them hard to let go. The narration of the audiobook is exceptional.

My book club decided to read this book. I just finished and the first thing I can say is wow. It encompasses so much – weaving from the present to the past seamlessly, and showing the multi layered experience of the main character as a muslim in America, finding her way and having tragedy and terror head on. One of the strengths of the book is it doesn\’t tell you what to think, but paints vivid pictures and almost forces you to ask questions. Strong writing, and despite the heavy topic the book feels somewhat warm and hopeful, while recognizing the realities of life for many. There are in some ways heroes and villians in the story, but each one has parts of the opposite role, and we see how people change with their environment and stressors. This book is powerful.

Being first generation Palestinian-American this story was very relatable to me on many levels. This is not your usual school shooter story and Ill leave it at that… The Beauty Of Your Face is a brilliant, honest and inspiring story! Mustaphas strong protagonist Afaf Rahman faces racism and discrimination from the outside world, while also dealing with her mothers mental health issues, the sudden disappearance of her sister and an emotionally removed father. The story flashes from present to past, filled with Afafs childhood memories and keeps the reader engaged and wanting to find out what happens next. Present day Afaf is a professional, holding two masters degrees and now principal of a Nurrideen School For Girls when confronted by a school shooter.

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