Audacity Book Club: August Read

by Nic Daniels

(Trigger Warning: This book contains mentions of SA and domestic abuse. Protect yourselves accordingly)

Welcome back, audacious readers and happy year two of Audacity Book Club! I’m super excited to bring you more diverse books in the upcoming year and if you thought year one was a roller coaster, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Last month, we rounded out Hot Love Summer with sci-fi, romance The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow. This month we’re back in a harsh reality with All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir.

In a small, Californian town, two teens, Salahudin and Noor, are under pressure as their personal lives start to fall apart. Sal is struggling to hold his family together as mom falls ill while his dad loses himself in alcoholism. With his family’s failing business on the line, Sal is forced to make decisions beyond his years. Desperate, Sal starts down a dark path with no end in sight.

Meanwhile, after an argument that destroyed her friendship with Sal, Noor is trying her best to focus on the future, but her resentful, wrathful uncle has other plans. But as the lone survivor on an earthquake that took most of her family, Noor is a survivor. She’s not going to give up so easily. Unfortunately, this opens the door to consequences—and rewards—she never saw coming. Caught in a cycle of ridicule and tough choices, Sal and Noor’s lives spin out of control until there’s only rage left to hold onto.

Told through the point of view of Sal, Noor, and Sal’s hopeful mother, Misbah, All My Rage is a story about life and forgiveness that holds no punches. This book is available wherever books are sold as well as your local library. I hope you enjoy it, and I will see you at the end of the month for the full review.

Until then, don’t forget to read audaciously!