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All my Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Sabaa Tahir is a well known fantasy author whose Ember in the Ashes series was a worldwide hit. There is no trace of fantasy, however, in this book. Set in present day California and Pakistan in the past, All my Rage is a beautifully written story that pulls all the heart strings. Misbah and his wife Toufiq come to America and open a motel, working hard towards a better life. However things are not easy as ‘outsiders’ and when Toufiq gets sick, their son Sal struggles to keep the motel running as his father falls apart. Falling out with his best friend Noor, who is in love with him, doesn’t help. Sal and Noor were looking forward to setting out and making new lives for themselves after school, but neither has an easy life and when things take a worse turn Sal’s actions bring their friendship to breaking point. Tahir writes sensitively about serious issues including physical abuse, death, drugs and prejudice through the eyes of immigrant families. Fans of The Hate You Give will appreciate this book. For readers 13+

Reviewed by Lynn Vare.