Mia is a meek office worker with strong power friendships, also has a hobby of stand up comedy that goes against her family’s values. It’s a story that rationalizes who we are and how others know us. Mia’s immigrant grandparents know her a dutiful Muslim young woman, her coworkers know her as a competent fact-checker, her audiences know her as an entertainer. This story is about how these identities combine and intersect. The off chapters are about her grandparents origin story in Palestine. What does it mean to be a third generation immigrant, what does it mean to be a minority, what does it mean to be a single entertainer and a woman?

This is a compelling story that jumps back and worth with good narratives. The comedic parts are more
Clever than laugh out loud funny, the arc of the overall story goes in a direction with leading anticipation. I liked Mia and was rooting for her. The romantic storyline seemed superfluous and uninspired, but most of the characters were well written. A good strong voice in women’s fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the ARC. Book to be published May 20, 2025.

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If you’re wondering whether to read this book or not, I could not suggest it more. To be honest, I want two whole books from this book! I want Teta’s and Mia’s stories. What a heartbreaking, beautiful family story about “what is love?”? What is connection? What is meant to be?

This would be an excellent choice for a book club to dive into for rich discussion. There is a multitude of themes, topics and life questions to digest that would be best among fellow story lovers.

The narrative begins somewhat slow, almost immature, but I urge you to carry on!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advanced copy. The opinions are my own!

So good! Mia is secretly a stand-up comedian. She has been honing her skills for years while hiding it from her conservative grandparents. When one of her sets gets media attention, her family dynamics are thrown into disarray.

This was lovely and the dual timelines were equally compelling. I was riveted by Zeina's story! Recommended to anyone looking for an energetic and heartfelt family drama x self-discovery story.

Thank you very much to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

I liked this book!it was a good story on growth with themes of family, immigration, shyness, and it was well written! I enjoyed this story and it had lots of funny parts!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Sara Hamdan, you completely wrecked me in all the good ways with this book! I can not get over how well written this was. I loved it from the beginning!

I enjoy self-discovery books and strong character leads. This one had both! The writing was great and believable. I found the chapters to be authentic and full of meaningful dialogue and scenes. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.