Book Review Summary: Golden Girl

Introduction

"Golden Girl" by Reem Faruqi is a coming-of-age middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of seventh grader Aafiyah Qamar, a Pakistani American girl who hatches a special plan to help her family but finds that doing what's right isn't always easy. Aafiyah loves playing tennis, reading Weird but True facts, and hanging out with her best friend, Zaina. However, she has a bad habit that troubles her - she's drawn to pretty things and can't help but occasionally "borrow" them. When her father is falsely accused of a crime he hasn't committed and gets taken in by authorities, Aafiyah knows she needs to do something to help. She brainstorms a plan to bring her father back, but what if her plan means giving in to her bad habit? Aafiyah wants to reunite her family but finds that maybe her plan isn't so perfect after all.

About Reem Faruqi

Reem Faruqi is the author of "Golden Girl." She is a Pakistani American writer and educator who has received recognition for her contributions to literature. Faruqi's writing is known for its emotional resonance and masterful storytelling, particularly in the realm of Muslim fiction. She has a talent for weaving in adolescent self-consciousness, sexual harassment, poverty, and Islamic values into her stories. Faruqi's ability to create a powerfully Islamic story that resonates with mainstream publishing is commendable.

Analysis of Views

1. Emotional Resonance: Many readers found "Golden Girl" to be emotionally resonant and masterful. They praised Faruqi's writing style and the way she executed the story in verse. The book was described as a literary gem that tackled a unique issue - kleptomania - with skill and sensitivity.
2. Muslim Representation: Readers appreciated the representation of Muslim characters in the story. They found it refreshing to see a Muslim protagonist who was complex and flawed, dealing with real-life challenges such as kleptomania, family issues, and poverty. The incorporation of Islamic values and references to prayer, Quranic verses, and ahadith added depth to the story without being preachy.
3. Unique Storytelling: The book was praised for its unique storytelling approach. The incorporation of "weird, but true" facts throughout the story added an interesting element that readers found engaging. The story of coming of age, family connection, responsibility, friends, life lessons, learning from mistakes, and more resonated with readers of different ages.
4. Addressing Taboo Topics: "Golden Girl" tackled taboo topics such as kleptomania and sexual harassment in a sensitive manner. Readers appreciated the way Faruqi addressed these issues without shying away from the realities of life. The story provided a platform for discussing these topics in a safe and inclusive environment.
5. Engaging Narrative: The narrative of Aafiyah Qamar was praised for its engaging nature. Readers found themselves drawn into the story and invested in Aafiyah's journey. The book was described as a quick read that kept readers hooked until the end.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Emotional Depth: Readers recommended "Golden Girl" for its emotional depth and resonance. The book explores complex issues such as kleptomania and family struggles in a relatable and authentic manner. It provides a window into the experiences of young Muslim girls dealing with real-life challenges.
2. Unique Storytelling: The book's unique storytelling approach using verse was praised for its ability to create vivid images in the reader's mind. The incorporation of "weird, but true" facts added an interesting layer to the story, making it engaging and memorable.
3. Muslim Representation: Readers appreciated the representation of Muslim characters in the story and found it refreshing to see a protagonist who was not defined solely by her religious identity. The incorporation of Islamic values and references added depth to the story without being preachy or judgmental.
4. Engaging Narrative: The engaging narrative of Aafiyah Qamar kept readers invested in the story from start to finish. The book was described as a quick read that kept readers hooked until the end.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of Planning: Some readers felt that the book lacked proper planning or cohesion in certain parts. They felt that certain aspects of the story were not fully developed or resolved satisfactorily. This could be a reason for some readers not recommending the book.
2. Problematic Elements: A few readers pointed out problematic elements in the story where they felt the main character justified certain actions or behaviors that they found questionable or unacceptable. This could be a turn-off for readers who prefer more morally sound characters or storylines.

Conclusion

"Golden Girl" by Reem Faruqi is a coming-of-age middle grade novel in verse that explores complex issues such as kleptomania, family struggles, and Islamic values. The book received widespread praise for its emotional depth, unique storytelling approach, and representation of Muslim characters. Readers found themselves drawn into Aafiyah Qamar's journey and appreciated the way Faruqi tackled taboo topics with sensitivity and authenticity. While some readers felt that certain aspects lacked proper planning or cohesion, others appreciated the book's ability to address important issues in a relatable manner. Overall, "Golden Girl" is recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with diverse perspectives and themes that challenge societal norms.