Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Just a Hat shines as a Young Adult reader. It propels one into stricter religious cultures through the insight and struggles of a young boy coming of age in a typical time of discrimination and religious prejudice. It is wonderful, informative, and not preachy, while drawing understanding and empathy for those who live in smaller religious circles than most have experienced. There are a number of endearing characters of different genders and ages with whom a variety of readers may relate. The coming of age struggles are presented in a discreet way while conveying the confusion and difficult decisions of the younger generation and those of differing religious expectations. I was, however, disappointed in the main young female character and would like to see stronger females portrayed regularly in all genres of literature. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Just a Hat.

"Just A Hat" by S. Khubiar is a poignant and heartwarming tale that beautifully exemplifies the enduring significance of seemingly ordinary objects. The story revolves around a simple hat, but it transcends its physical form to become a symbol of memory, heritage, and the power of connection.

Khubiar's storytelling is both tender and evocative, with prose that gracefully navigates the passage of time and the generations it touches. The hat becomes a cherished heirloom, passed down through a family's history, carrying with it the stories and experiences of those who wore it. As the narrative unfolds, readers are treated to a moving exploration of identity and belonging.

The characters in "Just A Hat" are brought to life with depth and authenticity, making it easy for readers to connect with their individual journeys. The book reminds us that sometimes, the most unassuming objects can carry profound meaning, tying us to our roots and keeping the memories of loved ones alive.

S. Khubiar's narrative, filled with nostalgia and emotional depth, is a reminder of the precious ties that bind us to our past and shape our future. "Just A Hat" is a touching and beautifully crafted story that resonates with anyone who has ever treasured a simple keepsake as a link to their own history, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

This was a very powerful book.
The setting is a small Texas town in the late 1970’s. Joseph and his parents have lived there for years, without the fact of their Jewish-Persian backgrounds causing much trouble for them. But things are heating up in the Middle East; images of the Iranian hostages are shown constantly on the news, and the Shah is in the U.S. for surgery, which displeases many. People are beginning to look at Joseph and his family as a possible threat, because they resemble the people seen in howling mobs on T.V. shouting hate towards Americans. Does flying under the radar to stay safe mean the Joseph and his parents are cowards? What will the cost of standing up for themselves involve?…
I don’t tear up over most books, but this one hit my heartstrings. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll say that the scenes of persecution from Christian neighbors towards the Nissan family, and the stories that Joseph’s father told about why they fled the Middle East had me reaching for the Kleenex.
I’m old enough to remember the Iranian hostage crisis. (Yes, that’s now a subject for historical fiction novels). Everyone tied yellow ribbons around trees, and watched the news every night to see if they were close to release. I was about eight at the time. Now, reading this book as an adult, I thought about Middle Easterners who were here in America during that time, who had been here for years. Raising families, building lives, perhaps even becoming U.S. citizens. How difficult life must have been for them then…

This one started a bit slow for me but I really grew to love the characters and the many layers of complexity to all of the stories. It made me reflect on how multifaceted people are and see a new lens into people. I found myself getting emotional as Joseph and his Baba learned to connect with each other and talk about hard topics.

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this one!