A Bag Full of Stones is a gripping and emotional literary crime novel that explores the struggles of immigrants, minorities, and people living on the margins in modern-day America, specifically in Portland, Oregon. The story centers on a diverse cast of characters—Naseem, an elderly Yemeni engineer; Yasmin, his Palestinian partner; Sania, an American Muslim; and Azar, a secular Iranian student—who all face different challenges shaped by their identities and the political climate of 2019. As right-wing violence and social tension rise around them, each character is forced to make difficult choices that reflect their background and how much privilege or disadvantage they carry. Adding another layer to the story are detectives Dmitry Volkov, a former Soviet immigrant caught in a spiral of gambling and crime, and Brenda Smith, whose focus is pulled by a new romantic relationship. The novel does a great job of mixing crime and politics with personal stories, making the reader care about the people involved while also thinking about the bigger issues facing America. The plot is especially intense when Azar is kidnapped, and the question of her survival keeps the suspense high. The writing is thoughtful, the characters feel real, and while the pace is more reflective than action-packed, it leaves a strong emotional impact. This is a book that stays with you, raising questions about justice, survival, and what it means to belong.