"What Will People Think?" by Sara Hamdan is a heartfelt and engaging story that beautifully captures the complexities of identity and family secrets. Mia Almas, a Palestinian American, navigates her dual life as a media professional by day and a stand-up comedian by night, all while keeping her passions hidden from her traditional grandparents. The book does a fantastic job of exploring the challenges of being an Arab woman in post-9/11 America, offering a glimpse into a world that many might not fully understand. The diary from Mia's grandmother adds depth to the story, revealing family secrets that help Mia find her place in the world. The mix of humor and emotion kept me hooked, and I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. This novel is perfect for anyone looking for a story about self-discovery, love, and the ties that bind us. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC!

Mia Almas is a Palestinian American who has a secret life she hides from her grandparents who raised her. Her mom died at birth and her dad died in the 9-11 attacks. He encouraged her to do stand up comedy to get her emotions out
She hides a lot of things: her attraction to her boss, her stand up comedy act in clubs and her grandparents' status in the US
Her grandparents are also hiding secrets that are finally revealed
You will laugh then cry while reading this book and come away with a heart full of love for these characters

This one took me a while to get through, but that's more because I think I've finally hit a reading brick wall and nothing was tripping my trigger. I really enjoyed the backstory in the diary given to Mia from her grandmother and how it helped Mia in her struggles to find her place in the world and become comfortable with owning and living within her own life. While I will never be able to truly understand what it must have been like (and I'm sure continues to be) to be an Arab woman living in the US during and after 9-11, I find it fascinating to get a glimpse into that world.

“What Will People Think?” by Sara Hamdan is an extraordinary and beautifully written book that touched my soul. The novel deals with some very current and difficult issues around immigration, having undocumented family members while trying to find one’s own identity as an American Muslim woman.

Mia is a respectable young woman with a career in media but she also has a secret. At night she takes to the stage and performs in New York City comedy clubs. The risk she takes performing along with a forbidden romance could mean huge consequences for her family. With the disclosure of a long held family secret and a story full of heart, self discovery and humor the author takes us on an unforgettable journey. I did not want the book to end and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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.