Muhammad Khan

Ehh, this book wasn’t for me. I didn’t like one character, not even the main one, Illyas or his narrative. He wasn’t bad, but I didn’t care about him too much.

Illyas was a bit of a sad sack, getting bullied by his “friends, disappointing his dad, and trying to follow his dreams. But he was soft-hearted and creative. His sister, Shaista, seemed so mean and vapid. I guess from a younger brother’s eyes that might be how he would sum her up. Kelly wasn’t that interesting, but I show more like how she and Illyas got along. In this type of story, usually both parents are unreasonable, but the mother was fine and understanding.

I think what I liked most was the struggling friendship between Illyas and Daevon. Daevon had changed for the worse but his remnants of kindness were always there.

This book shows how insidious toxic masculinity can be, and I think it’s relatable with the decent kid following behind the popular, troublemaker who makes his friend group feel like dirt. Kick the Moon is full of pop-culture references and slang to season the narrative.

Overall, this was not a bad read, but it was not personally enjoyable for me. Once I started it, I wanted to see where it ended though.

Imran didn’t get this gross overnight. He’s compensating for something, trying to fit in, or internalizing the nastiest ills of society for sure. I wanted someone to pop him in the mouth so badly. His head nearly splitting open didn’t humble him. show less

I am Thunder by Muhammad Khan was a pleasant surprise!

I love books that let me inside another person's life and culture, and I am Thunder met the bill! This book welcomes the reader into a Muslim and Pakistani lifestyle which is something totally new to me. I've seen the headlines, I've had classmates, but I've never been able to learn this much about a culture in one sitting. While this book is only ONE view in a Young Adult (and slightly dramatic) book, it was still truly intriguing. Hats show more off to Muhammad Khan, seriously.

This book does cause some waves in the reading community though - I've seen lots of praises and lots of criticism. So, I'll just share my thoughts.

I like that this book follows one young woman's story. Yes, it's like a soap opera and slightly dramatic at times but isn't all YA? Muzna's story gives some fabulous insight into her culture (for example, the difference between a religion and the actual practices someone follows). Her family life, her thoughts, her trouble deciding what to do with her life and the effect it has on everyone felt very REAL. It felt like I was reading a book made for and by a teen - she wants to meet boys, she wants to impress people, she wants to try to have a life but do what's best for her family too. I could totally relate to her in that aspect. She struggles with being a teenage girl trying to just BE a teenage girl.

Are there parts of this book that were rough and tough? Yes. I don't fully know what this woman's culture would be in an accurate depiction, so maybe this is all my views as a reader. Buuuut... her parents are HARSH. It seemed like no matter what this girl did that they weren't proud of her. It's no wonder that Muzna "acted out" because there was no way she'd ever please those parents. It was borderline abusive. I don't think it was a culture thing... honestly, I'm certain it's not supposed to be a reflection of their culture. Those parents were borderline abusive if not actually abusive. Like, show a little familial love? Or at least, don't be cruel at all times of the day?

Extreme religion was also apart of this book, so let there be a trigger warning for those who might be bothered by this topic. I found it interesting to read, but at times it felt like everyone were quite extreme with their religious practices. I know there's only so many pages in a book, but there could have been some "softer" practices or realistic ones. I know many lovely people who study and follow various religions who aren't as "crazy" or as extreme as some of these characters.

If I had to list the good things about this book, they'd be the following:
1. This book showcases a different religion and a different point of view in a largely read genre. I like that YA has diverse books like this one floating around so readers can learn more about the world. Difficult topics like religion and politics should be brought into books (especially YA) so more people can learn and experience the world.

2. Muzna felt like a real character with real struggles. She didn't feel out of place or goofy. She made me really feel for her story and want to know more about her.

3. This book can start wonderful discussions. It's the type of book I wish we read back in high school. I could have picked apart this book and had some really great discussions with my classmates and teachers. Just think of a diverse class discussing their points of views on topics like these! Oh, it'd be an interesting time!

Overall, this book is a really well written book! Muhammad Khan has written a beautiful story that will introduce you to Muzna's world.

Three out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. show less

Salma is a muslim teenager who wants to be an actress.

Walks an interesting fine line - the book shows Salma's life and her honest frustrations with it, but from a non muslim author all the stereotypes of controlling matriachal slut shaming muslim aunts would be a bit uncomfortable.

But Salma's mum is a lovely character, who cares about her daughter, but sees her and supports her.

Highlight of the book for me is non-binary Billie, with their gender free pronouns and their Ru Paul references. show more

There were bits I expected the story to go back to that it didn't (it just felt so unlikely she would just fall asleep in a random boy's bed after eating fried chicken! I was expecting the 'he drugged me' subplot!) but I still enjoyed it. show less

Better than your average Brit YA novel although I still was stumped by some of the gangsta expressions and what they mean...should have come with a glossary for us readers who are in different countries and don't speak "street". It will be interesting to see what the boys at my Australian secondary school think of this book.
Ilyas is 15 and has joined up with Imran ( the #1 boy at school who everyone likes) and his tough mates to stay protected in a difficult environment. He is a very show more talented artist but the gang only see him as an expert "tagger" and are holding him back. When he scores very highly on a Maths test, he is suddenly moved up a couple of levels to the top maths class, away from his loser buddies. In this class, he comes across Kelly, who , together with the teacher and other classmates, see in him potential to shine.
Ilyas has unfortunately entered into a terrible bet with the gang ( who can film a girl doing a lap dance on them) which he can't seem to wrangle out of and when he tries to stand up to the bully Imran, his nemesis ends up in hospital in a coma. Ilyas finds himself suspended and on after school detention with Kelly who has punched a girl in the face!
Interesting book in that Ilyas and Kelly aren't romantically involved - they just become really good friends - until Kelly is duped by Imran and the video shown all over school.

I also liked the background to Ilyas ' life - and how religious he actually is - he hates the objectification of women and it is Imran talking about his mother that forces Ilyas to let fly. I liked that the math teacher was so cool despite dressing in a hijab and how she inspires Ilyas bid in a comic competition.

One for older readers due to language and themes but also one for the nerds. show less