Individuals like me are devils earlier than we’re angels.
Hanan has at all times been good and quiet. She accepts her position as her college’s excellent Muslim poster woman. She ignores the racist bullies.
A closed mouth is gold – it helps you get residence in a single piece.
Then her good friend is murdered and each Muslim is accountable.
The world is indignant at us once more.
How can she keep silent whereas her household is ripped aside? It’s time for Hanan to cease being the quiet, good woman. It’s time for her to face up and shout.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME is a type of books that may have you ever raging on the sheer awfulness of individuals, but in addition smiling on the heat of relationships. The characters are so properly imagined and actual, and though it’s an “points” ebook: taking head on Islamaphobia, bullying (together with “by-standers” and the hurt they trigger), and racism; the perception into Somali tradition and Hanan’s reflections on faith are additionally splendidly written. I requested debut writer Ayaan Mohamud just a few questions:
The core friendship group in YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME is nice, the relationships felt actual, had been any of the characters impressed by actual folks?
I beloved writing about Hanan’s friendship group within the ebook. Every of her 4 mates – Andrea, Nasra, Lily and Isha – come from very totally different walks of life however I beloved displaying that friendship isn’t at all times about similarities and a few relationships simply work!
The essence of their friendship was positively impressed by the shut mates I had (and nonetheless have) in class. The type of banter the women share, the expansion they expertise individually and collectively, and the best way they arrive collectively throughout extra critical moments – these had been all features of their friendship that felt very straightforward to jot down due to my very own experiences.
I think about it wasn’t a simple ebook to jot down. What did you do, when not writing, to maintain you grounded and never consistently enraged concerning the very actual points?
What has at all times saved me grounded is household. I’m so fortunate to share a tremendous reference to my dad and mom and sisters. When the writing received robust, they had been solely ever a room away and I might typically float throughout to them to present myself a breather if I felt I wanted it. That meant I by no means overwhelmed myself and, truthfully, my writing was so much higher for it as I used to be writing from a clearer thoughts and perspective.
It’s a ebook that must be talked about, it’s sensible that it’s a World Guide Evening title to get it into plenty of arms, what’s your one sentence pitch to get a reluctant reader to present it a go?
You Assume You Know Me: you received’t know something about this story till you learn it!*
*Disclaimer: I’m horrible at writing pitches.
Publishers one sentence pitch:
A surprising debut about discovering the energy to talk up in opposition to hate and concern, for followers of The Hate U Give.
What sort of occasions would you love to do with the ebook?
With the type of themes, the ebook explores, I might say college occasions. I like participating with youngsters and discussing tales (principally as a result of I nonetheless really feel like one myself!), but in addition as a result of I consider it’s so vital to encourage them in pondering critically about actual life social points. College occasions provide the very best alternative for that.
What are you studying in the intervening time and who would you advocate it to?
I’m nearly to complete Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn. I like engrossing fantasy and her tales actually are fantasy at its finest. She writes superbly and alongside the supernatural and fantastical, I actually admire the sobering exploration of generational trauma. I might advocate it to anybody searching for some magical escapism.
Will we see extra YA from you?
Sure! I’ve not too long ago completed my second YA up to date novel. This one is all about advanced and messy household dynamics, with fabulous feminine friendships and somewhat sprinkle of awkward, younger love. I can’t anticipate it to be out.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME is out now from Usborne.
Because of Fritha and Usborne for organising a overview copy and Q&A chance.
