Safia Elhillo

A bookstagram friend recommended this to me for the anthology prompt for #QueerYourYear (one of the few recs my library actually had) and I am so glad they did!

First of all, I love the concept for this anthology, poems and essays by "Muslims who are women, queer, genderqueer, nonbinary, and/or trans." And there was a great line in the introduction , describing the writers included here as representing the "sheer cacophony of Muslimness." A fantastic line, and one I carried forward with me as show more I read, that shaped and enhanced my experience of the collection. The diversity of identities here is truly intersectional, not just along gender and orientation lines, but also immigrants from Muslim countries alongside American converts to Islam, Arab Muslims, Black Muslims, Muslims whose faith and identities are shaped by many languages and cultures.

I was delighted to find a few authors I was already familiar with in this anthology, as well as discovering a few new to me whose other collections I have now looked up and added to my endless to-read list.

I had so many favorites. From "An Introduction" by Sheena Raza Faisal:

my god wakes up with bed head
and sticky fingers, doesn't
want to go in to work today

From "Confession" by Leila Chatti

Truth be told, I like Mary a little better
when I imagine her like this, crouched
and cursing, a boy-God pushing on
her cervix

From "Any Other Name" by Khadijah Queen

I don't see any prophets around,
do you? If so, pass out my number
tell him I said what's up

where have you been all my life. I know it's a line
but people like familiar things
like fellow boring straight people

........

I love that this collection starts with the poetry and ends with a section of essays.

The sheer cacophony of Muslimness. This is an excellent introduction to it. show less

This is a powerful and beautifully written coming-of-age novel that completely pulls you in. Samira has always been labeled the “bad girl” by her strict mother and judgmental community, and all she wants is a summer full of poetry, freedom, and fun in D.C. But when a damaging rumor spreads, her plans come crashing down and she’s left grounded and isolated. Through an online poetry forum, she connects with Horus, an older poet who finally seems to understand her—but their connection show more soon leads to a secret that threatens to upend her world.

This novel shines in how it explores identity, family pressure, and creative expression with raw honesty. Elhillo’s writing is lyrical and full of emotion, making you feel every bit of Samira’s longing, rebellion, and confusion. Much like the work of Jacqueline Woodson, Bright Red Fruit gives voice to a young person trying to find where she belongs and who she really is. Both authors use poetic language to explore how storytelling and self-expression can help teens navigate a world full of expectations and misunderstandings.

Samira’s journey is complicated, relatable, and deeply moving—a must-read for middle and high school students looking for books that feel real and give space to hard but important conversations. show less

This novel in verse kept me up all night. What a treat of language, powerful exploration of a cultural experience with which I am totally unfamiliar. Nima, our main character, feels disconnected from the culture (Sudanese Arab Muslim) from which her mother came and the American culture surrounding her now. She is isolated and alone, and the book beautifully captures the pain and loneliness that is so intrinsic to the teen experience. Being written in verse lends itself well to the show more supernatural/out-of-body experience that creates the opportunity to explore the past, leaving this book in a realistic setting despite a dive into the spirit world.

Readers of all ages and cultural backgrounds will relate to the tribulations of growing up and developing an identity. The poetic voice of the authors verse provides power and depth, vividly taking the reader through the bullying and racism experienced daily by many students of color and cultures. Despite much hurt and hardship, Nima's story ends with hope and love, depicted as honestly and realistically as the tragedy and struggle. A wonderful book. Highly recommended show less

i don't read many novels in verse but i don't know why that is. besides having a compelling story, this was beautifully written, as you might expect with poetry. using poetry was particularly poignant in this story of a young girl and burgeoning poet being taken in by an older, more well known poet who uses his power to take advantage of younger female poets he meets on the circuit. it was really well done. a powerful story, good arab and sudanese rep, great writing and poetry.