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Blíží se maturita a nejlepší kamarádky Amani a Huda začínají být nervózní. Nejen ze zkoušek, ale i z?budoucnosti. Plachá Amani má na první pohled dokonalou rodinu: úspěšného otce, rozkošného mladšího bratra a matku, která je miluje. Huda naopak vyrůstá u láskyplných pěstounů, kteří právě čekají vlastní dítě. Obě si navzájem závidí snadný život, aniž by si uvědomovaly, že za pozlátkem se skrývají i starosti. Jenže pak Huda zahlédne, jak Amanin otec uhodí její matku a kamarádčino největší tajemství je venku. Potom se rozjede školní blog, který odhaluje osobní životy studentů a na nikom nezůstane nit suchá. Dostane se anonymní autor i k Amaninu tajemství? A dokáže Huda mlčet?
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2021
22 people are currently reading
1202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
September 25, 2021
An emotionally draining but powerful novel of domestic violence and family trauma.
Yasmin Rahman treats the subject with sensitivity but never shies away from the painful realism, depicting how the impact of every new fight ripples across the lives of each of the characters. Amaani's slow realisation that things will never get better, that this is not and can never be made right, is carefully crafted, and not without setbacks. Her relationship with her family and her best friend, Huda, suffer through both secrets and revelations. It's done so well that anyone who has experienced such hurt should take care, this is a book that could shatter as well as sustain.
ARC via Netgalley
Yasmin Rahman treats the subject with sensitivity but never shies away from the painful realism, depicting how the impact of every new fight ripples across the lives of each of the characters. Amaani's slow realisation that things will never get better, that this is not and can never be made right, is carefully crafted, and not without setbacks. Her relationship with her family and her best friend, Huda, suffer through both secrets and revelations. It's done so well that anyone who has experienced such hurt should take care, this is a book that could shatter as well as sustain.
ARC via Netgalley
April 16, 2022
I loved this book. I just couldn't stop reading, and it has definitely brought me out of a reading slump that has lasted nearly a year. It was so frustrating to see Amani continually fall for her father's 'morning after rituals', and the ending was a huge relief. There was a huge twist which was very shocking but added a lot more interest to the narrative overall and massively drove the plot forward. However, I would definitely avoid this book if you yourself have experienced domestic violence, as some of the descriptions of it are quite graphic and could be triggering.
August 21, 2024
Citlivý, realistický příběh, zkrátka heavy contemporary jak má být.
4,5/5*
4,5/5*
August 30, 2022
4.5/5. Heel erg sterk!
May 25, 2024
I'd seen Yasmin Rahman's books featured a couple of times on Muslim Bookstagram, but it was pretty hard to source them at home - so I was thrilled to find a copy in Malaysia for a reasonable price!
I started reading "This Is My Truth" at the beach in Phuket... only to realize that this was not a soft fluffy vacation read. I shelved it until the first flight on our way home, and OOF.
This book hits hard.
Amani Akhtar is a Bengali Muslim British girl, whose best friend Huda knows everything about her... almost. Huda doesn't know about Amani's dad, or the complicated things that happen behind the closed doors of Amani's house. Until she does.
"This Is My Truth" is an incredibly heavy book about a lot of heavy topics - from domestic violence to foster care, and more.
Yasmin Rahman masterfully demonstrates the reality of domestic violence on families, and the complex dynamics of abusers and their victims.
This is a YA book, but I'd classify it as upper YA - 16+, for both the heaviness of the content and language (quite a few swear words scattered throughout). While the characters are Muslim and there are passing references to hijab and salah, Islam doesn't play a particularly significant role in the story or the characters' lives; Bengali culture has more of an influence.
Honestly, I'd recommend this as part of a book club for older Muslim teen girls, as long as there's someone to discuss the issues from both an Islamic and professional perspective.
4.7/5 🌟
I started reading "This Is My Truth" at the beach in Phuket... only to realize that this was not a soft fluffy vacation read. I shelved it until the first flight on our way home, and OOF.
This book hits hard.
Amani Akhtar is a Bengali Muslim British girl, whose best friend Huda knows everything about her... almost. Huda doesn't know about Amani's dad, or the complicated things that happen behind the closed doors of Amani's house. Until she does.
"This Is My Truth" is an incredibly heavy book about a lot of heavy topics - from domestic violence to foster care, and more.
Yasmin Rahman masterfully demonstrates the reality of domestic violence on families, and the complex dynamics of abusers and their victims.
This is a YA book, but I'd classify it as upper YA - 16+, for both the heaviness of the content and language (quite a few swear words scattered throughout). While the characters are Muslim and there are passing references to hijab and salah, Islam doesn't play a particularly significant role in the story or the characters' lives; Bengali culture has more of an influence.
Honestly, I'd recommend this as part of a book club for older Muslim teen girls, as long as there's someone to discuss the issues from both an Islamic and professional perspective.
4.7/5 🌟
August 10, 2021
moving, powerful and superbly written, this is one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend (the audiobook narration was fantastic too!)
TW: racism, islamophobia, domestic violence
TW: racism, islamophobia, domestic violence
July 19, 2021
You can find my full review for this as well as other books on my blog here
Thank you to Kaleidoscopic Book Tours, Hot Key Books and of course the author for providing me with a gifted physical copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I recently posted a short review over on Bookstagram and figured it was about time I posted my full thoughts on this powerful book.
This is the story of Amani and Huda, two Muslim teenagers who are best friends but who both have secrets.
Amani strives to be the “perfect daughter” in her family of four. She has a mother, father and a little brother who she adores. She works hard at school, especially in the sciences so that she can follow in her fathers footsteps and become a vet. She would never tell anyone that her true passion lies in making videos and that she doesn’t want to be a vet. She can’t imagine how her father would react if he found out she were failing her subjects. Amani is also hiding a dark family secret, her violent and abusive father.
Huda is quite the opposite and has lived in foster care from being a young child. She has landed on her feet with a wonderful set of foster parents who she has lived with for four years and who love her like their own. Only now they are having their own baby together and Huda is terrified that they won’t have time for her when the new baby is born.
The two friends envy each others lives… to Huda, Amani’s family and home life seems picture perfect and to Amani she sees fun, love and laughter with Huda and her foster parents and neither can understand the other’s view at first which causes a bit of a rift to form between them.
Eventually Huda finds out what is happening behind closed doors with Amani’s family and although Amani has sworn her to secrecy she thinks that Amani needs to tell someone what is happening and get help. Amani is terrified of people finding out and of her family getting split up.
In their culture a woman would be shamed for breaking up a family in this way and it is expected that they just accept the way things are and put on a brave face for the sake of the family. So this really does cause a big problem and their friendship breaks apart which is terribly sad for them both as the support they both get from each other is invaluable and you can see the impact not having each other has especially on Amani.
A big plot point in the book is the “burn blog” which is very like the burn book from Mean Girls if you ever saw that. An anonymous person starts posting secrets online and no one knows who is doing it or why.
This book was an incredibly tough and emotional read. Not only covering domestic violence in a very direct way but also high school bullying which I think we can all relate to in some way or another. I think as teenagers we have all had moments where we felt alone and I think that everyone will be able to relate to both Huda and Amani’s struggles both in high school and at home.
I found the story to be both realistic and honest as well as sensitive. It’s a powerful and important book that highlights very real issues. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Kaleidoscopic Book Tours, Hot Key Books and of course the author for providing me with a gifted physical copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I recently posted a short review over on Bookstagram and figured it was about time I posted my full thoughts on this powerful book.
This is the story of Amani and Huda, two Muslim teenagers who are best friends but who both have secrets.
Amani strives to be the “perfect daughter” in her family of four. She has a mother, father and a little brother who she adores. She works hard at school, especially in the sciences so that she can follow in her fathers footsteps and become a vet. She would never tell anyone that her true passion lies in making videos and that she doesn’t want to be a vet. She can’t imagine how her father would react if he found out she were failing her subjects. Amani is also hiding a dark family secret, her violent and abusive father.
Huda is quite the opposite and has lived in foster care from being a young child. She has landed on her feet with a wonderful set of foster parents who she has lived with for four years and who love her like their own. Only now they are having their own baby together and Huda is terrified that they won’t have time for her when the new baby is born.
The two friends envy each others lives… to Huda, Amani’s family and home life seems picture perfect and to Amani she sees fun, love and laughter with Huda and her foster parents and neither can understand the other’s view at first which causes a bit of a rift to form between them.
Eventually Huda finds out what is happening behind closed doors with Amani’s family and although Amani has sworn her to secrecy she thinks that Amani needs to tell someone what is happening and get help. Amani is terrified of people finding out and of her family getting split up.
In their culture a woman would be shamed for breaking up a family in this way and it is expected that they just accept the way things are and put on a brave face for the sake of the family. So this really does cause a big problem and their friendship breaks apart which is terribly sad for them both as the support they both get from each other is invaluable and you can see the impact not having each other has especially on Amani.
A big plot point in the book is the “burn blog” which is very like the burn book from Mean Girls if you ever saw that. An anonymous person starts posting secrets online and no one knows who is doing it or why.
This book was an incredibly tough and emotional read. Not only covering domestic violence in a very direct way but also high school bullying which I think we can all relate to in some way or another. I think as teenagers we have all had moments where we felt alone and I think that everyone will be able to relate to both Huda and Amani’s struggles both in high school and at home.
I found the story to be both realistic and honest as well as sensitive. It’s a powerful and important book that highlights very real issues. I highly recommend it!
July 27, 2021
Trigger warning: Domestic violence
This book deals with domestic violence in desi and Muslim communities and it is an incredibly difficult topic to deal with but Yasmin deals with so sensitively and it’s so well written. She also discusses what it can be like for a young girl in the foster care system.
The story is told from the point of view of Amani and Huda who are best friends in the last couple weeks of school. Huda is more outspoken and confident whereas Amani is more reserved and introverted but they both get along really well together. Seeing the way the teens were during the last few weeks literally transported me back to my last few weeks of school. While Amani’s school had a prank war, we had egg and flour fights. The stress and relief and excitement and worry with your normal coming to an end after five years was so well written in the story. I could feel it and remember when it was me. Honestly it made me real nostalgic, although I do not miss exam stress.
Both Amani and Huda think the other has the perfect family but it really shows how no one truly knows what is happening in the home and that on the outside your family can seem picture perfect but inside you are just trying to survive each day.
Huda had a lot of insecurities and struggled to think of a future for herself because of how she has been moved around in the foster care system. How can she think of a future plan when her whole life can be uprooted in any moment? Do her foster parents truly love her or will they discard her now that they have their own baby coming? These things run through her mind pushing her into asking Amani to teach her to be a “perfect daughter” and it really brought into question, what is a perfect daughter and can any girl be a perfect daughter?
These are the things that make you you, the things I love about you.
None of us are perfect, we make mistakes, we hurt those we love even by accident and yet desi culture demands perfection from girls from a young age. Their worth is based on how “perfect” they are. They decide what makes the girl a good or perfect daughter and it always includes being obedient, submissive, quiet, and able to handle all domestic chores without complaint. When we aren’t that, we are labelled rebellious and bad.
Huda is attacked in this way by some characters in the book too. She thinks that because she isn’t that type of daughter her foster parents won’t want to keep her after they have their own child. Her insecurity about being loved was so heartbreaking to read. No child should be made to feel that they aren’t loved and love shouldn’t be conditional on whether they meet certain criteria. Even though her foster parents are incredible and love her for the way she is. Society pressure can still make a teen feel insecure about it.
Amani lives in an abusive toxic household but one that looks picture perfect from the outside. Everyone sees a wonderful caring father and yet no one sees who he truly is behind closed doors. So who would even believe her mother or Amani if they spoke up? Amani’s terror and struggle to cope and hide this from everyone was so difficult to read. How despite being terrified herself she still had to be there for her little brother. How this affected both their perceptions on how you should treat your spouse, what marriage is like, how a woman should be treated and how a man should be towards their wife. Amani says she would rather be single and honestly I felt the same at her age. Marriage was a prison, it was suffocating and violent. But I was really glad to see there was a contrast with Huda’s foster parents being in a healthy happy relationship.
I thought that’s what marriage was – not being happy.
Amani would take on the burden of “fixing” her dad like it was her responsibility, if she was just a perfect daughter it would be okay. But no matter how perfect she was, her dad would still become violent at the smallest inconvenience. Her mother lived in fear, and would flinch at the smallest sounds. She reduced herself, she stopped being her own person and just lived to try and keep her husband happy. She kept one thing for herself which was a part time job and this became another area in which her father would try to control her financially. The emotional, physical, psychological and financial abuse she goes through is horrifying and yet she still tries to be a good mum to her kids and wants to protect them. She doesn’t realise until much later that her silence was also destroying her children, even though women are told to stay silent “for the sake of the kids.” How is staying in an abusive relationship good for her or her kids?
I love that Yasmin has written a book dealing with these topics within the Muslim and Desi communities because so many kids and teens are affected by it and yet to speak about it is taboo. There is too much emphasis on what will people say as opposed to how my child feels, is my family safe, are we creating a healthy environment for them to grow up in. Yasmin has done such a wonderful job of discussing these topics in her book and I hope that they are easily available to teens. So they know that they aren’t alone and trapped, so that they know that violence isn’t okay.
Okay wow I have written a long essay but truly this is a topic I am incredibly passionate about and I was literally sobbing by the end of the book and knew that this will stay with me for a long time. Like Yasmin’s first book, this is another book I wish I had been able to read as a teen.
I loved Huda and Amani’s friendship and it was really great to see friends that fall out but also work through the reasons for the fall out without making lives difficult for each other. Huda broke Amani’s trust but she realised she was wrong to do so and apologised and tried to make up for it. Amani knows that what Huda did, while still wrong, was to help her. It’s such a delicate and difficult situation to be in for both of them and we aren’t really shown or taught in any way how to handle these things. I was glad to see that they were able to work things through and remain friends.
Someone once told me you can’t count on the future…the present’s all you got
This book deeply resonated with me on so many levels and one that I want everyone to read. It’s such an important book and shows how toxic these situations are and that we shouldn’t have to silently put up with it. I highly recommend everyone who can read this to read this. Give it to teens and adults alike because even adults who have not been in these type of situations don’t truly understand what it is like. Please go buy and read this book!
This book deals with domestic violence in desi and Muslim communities and it is an incredibly difficult topic to deal with but Yasmin deals with so sensitively and it’s so well written. She also discusses what it can be like for a young girl in the foster care system.
The story is told from the point of view of Amani and Huda who are best friends in the last couple weeks of school. Huda is more outspoken and confident whereas Amani is more reserved and introverted but they both get along really well together. Seeing the way the teens were during the last few weeks literally transported me back to my last few weeks of school. While Amani’s school had a prank war, we had egg and flour fights. The stress and relief and excitement and worry with your normal coming to an end after five years was so well written in the story. I could feel it and remember when it was me. Honestly it made me real nostalgic, although I do not miss exam stress.
Both Amani and Huda think the other has the perfect family but it really shows how no one truly knows what is happening in the home and that on the outside your family can seem picture perfect but inside you are just trying to survive each day.
Huda had a lot of insecurities and struggled to think of a future for herself because of how she has been moved around in the foster care system. How can she think of a future plan when her whole life can be uprooted in any moment? Do her foster parents truly love her or will they discard her now that they have their own baby coming? These things run through her mind pushing her into asking Amani to teach her to be a “perfect daughter” and it really brought into question, what is a perfect daughter and can any girl be a perfect daughter?
These are the things that make you you, the things I love about you.
None of us are perfect, we make mistakes, we hurt those we love even by accident and yet desi culture demands perfection from girls from a young age. Their worth is based on how “perfect” they are. They decide what makes the girl a good or perfect daughter and it always includes being obedient, submissive, quiet, and able to handle all domestic chores without complaint. When we aren’t that, we are labelled rebellious and bad.
Huda is attacked in this way by some characters in the book too. She thinks that because she isn’t that type of daughter her foster parents won’t want to keep her after they have their own child. Her insecurity about being loved was so heartbreaking to read. No child should be made to feel that they aren’t loved and love shouldn’t be conditional on whether they meet certain criteria. Even though her foster parents are incredible and love her for the way she is. Society pressure can still make a teen feel insecure about it.
Amani lives in an abusive toxic household but one that looks picture perfect from the outside. Everyone sees a wonderful caring father and yet no one sees who he truly is behind closed doors. So who would even believe her mother or Amani if they spoke up? Amani’s terror and struggle to cope and hide this from everyone was so difficult to read. How despite being terrified herself she still had to be there for her little brother. How this affected both their perceptions on how you should treat your spouse, what marriage is like, how a woman should be treated and how a man should be towards their wife. Amani says she would rather be single and honestly I felt the same at her age. Marriage was a prison, it was suffocating and violent. But I was really glad to see there was a contrast with Huda’s foster parents being in a healthy happy relationship.
I thought that’s what marriage was – not being happy.
Amani would take on the burden of “fixing” her dad like it was her responsibility, if she was just a perfect daughter it would be okay. But no matter how perfect she was, her dad would still become violent at the smallest inconvenience. Her mother lived in fear, and would flinch at the smallest sounds. She reduced herself, she stopped being her own person and just lived to try and keep her husband happy. She kept one thing for herself which was a part time job and this became another area in which her father would try to control her financially. The emotional, physical, psychological and financial abuse she goes through is horrifying and yet she still tries to be a good mum to her kids and wants to protect them. She doesn’t realise until much later that her silence was also destroying her children, even though women are told to stay silent “for the sake of the kids.” How is staying in an abusive relationship good for her or her kids?
I love that Yasmin has written a book dealing with these topics within the Muslim and Desi communities because so many kids and teens are affected by it and yet to speak about it is taboo. There is too much emphasis on what will people say as opposed to how my child feels, is my family safe, are we creating a healthy environment for them to grow up in. Yasmin has done such a wonderful job of discussing these topics in her book and I hope that they are easily available to teens. So they know that they aren’t alone and trapped, so that they know that violence isn’t okay.
Okay wow I have written a long essay but truly this is a topic I am incredibly passionate about and I was literally sobbing by the end of the book and knew that this will stay with me for a long time. Like Yasmin’s first book, this is another book I wish I had been able to read as a teen.
I loved Huda and Amani’s friendship and it was really great to see friends that fall out but also work through the reasons for the fall out without making lives difficult for each other. Huda broke Amani’s trust but she realised she was wrong to do so and apologised and tried to make up for it. Amani knows that what Huda did, while still wrong, was to help her. It’s such a delicate and difficult situation to be in for both of them and we aren’t really shown or taught in any way how to handle these things. I was glad to see that they were able to work things through and remain friends.
Someone once told me you can’t count on the future…the present’s all you got
This book deeply resonated with me on so many levels and one that I want everyone to read. It’s such an important book and shows how toxic these situations are and that we shouldn’t have to silently put up with it. I highly recommend everyone who can read this to read this. Give it to teens and adults alike because even adults who have not been in these type of situations don’t truly understand what it is like. Please go buy and read this book!
August 14, 2021
My rating: 3/5⭐'s
I really enjoyed reading this despite it being predictable. It is really powerful, had amazing storytelling and really put your emotions out there. The flow of the book was really easy, realistic and engaging. The book addressed so many important issues such as the way it handles domestic abuse and how complex it all seems to be.
Reading this book was hard, it activates all the emotions you never thought you had. For me it was hatred, LIKE OHMYWORD I FREAKIN HATED ABBU....loathed him, ngok la dia tu 💀✋ If I could step on him, I would. And not in the good way :')
The scenes in this book were really hard to read but they needed to be like that. I really had to take a breather after reading one of the scenes and then continue back. There were times where situations that happen to some of the character escalate so much to the point that it becomes unbearable for them to go through themselves which in that point nearly broke sis :')
I really liked this because it was written in a child's point of view, which I rarely read about. So to see the perspective going on in their head and how it all plays out was a real interesting experience for me to get into.
What I absolutely loved reading in this book about was the friendship between Amani and Huda. Reading about their banter with one another kinda reminds me of conversations with my friends, no filter, nothing hahaha, and because of that, it was refreshing. We all need a Huda in our lives, she is the most supportive friend I have ever come across with, like her vibe, energy...just everything was 💯
✨ Important storytelling
✨ Relatable characters
✨ Amazing friendship
✨ Young Adult Contemporary
I really enjoyed reading this despite it being predictable. It is really powerful, had amazing storytelling and really put your emotions out there. The flow of the book was really easy, realistic and engaging. The book addressed so many important issues such as the way it handles domestic abuse and how complex it all seems to be.
Reading this book was hard, it activates all the emotions you never thought you had. For me it was hatred, LIKE OHMYWORD I FREAKIN HATED ABBU....loathed him, ngok la dia tu 💀✋ If I could step on him, I would. And not in the good way :')
The scenes in this book were really hard to read but they needed to be like that. I really had to take a breather after reading one of the scenes and then continue back. There were times where situations that happen to some of the character escalate so much to the point that it becomes unbearable for them to go through themselves which in that point nearly broke sis :')
I really liked this because it was written in a child's point of view, which I rarely read about. So to see the perspective going on in their head and how it all plays out was a real interesting experience for me to get into.
What I absolutely loved reading in this book about was the friendship between Amani and Huda. Reading about their banter with one another kinda reminds me of conversations with my friends, no filter, nothing hahaha, and because of that, it was refreshing. We all need a Huda in our lives, she is the most supportive friend I have ever come across with, like her vibe, energy...just everything was 💯
✨ Important storytelling
✨ Relatable characters
✨ Amazing friendship
✨ Young Adult Contemporary
September 15, 2022
I was wondering whether to give this book 4 or 5 stars but I decided on the latter. I mean this book was a very clever and powerful book on domestic violence. I loved it, and found it very engaging. It was moving, sometimes showing the shocking reality of the violence.
I loved the character of Amani, and it really felt like she went on an emotional journey. Everything to do with the realisation of it never getting better, and also doing what SHE wants to do in the future. I thought it was important that Rahman also showed the effect on her sibling, Ismail. Also, the cultural difference of her aunty thinking that violence and "putting up" with a husband like that is acceptable, really opened my eyes to why her mum, Ammi, felt she couldn't leave.
I also loved Huda and her story, how she was worrying about her foster parents not wanting to keep her as Nasifa (the mum) was pregnant. The way she wanted the best for Amani, and their friendship was heartwarming.
Overall a powerful, eye-opening book about domestic violence, which won't leave me for some time.
TW: domestic violence, foster care, bullying, graphic violence.
I loved the character of Amani, and it really felt like she went on an emotional journey. Everything to do with the realisation of it never getting better, and also doing what SHE wants to do in the future. I thought it was important that Rahman also showed the effect on her sibling, Ismail. Also, the cultural difference of her aunty thinking that violence and "putting up" with a husband like that is acceptable, really opened my eyes to why her mum, Ammi, felt she couldn't leave.
I also loved Huda and her story, how she was worrying about her foster parents not wanting to keep her as Nasifa (the mum) was pregnant. The way she wanted the best for Amani, and their friendship was heartwarming.
Overall a powerful, eye-opening book about domestic violence, which won't leave me for some time.
TW: domestic violence, foster care, bullying, graphic violence.
April 9, 2022
I really enjoy this book. My first book by this author, I ended up ordering her first. I found this intense, and at times it gave me anxiety as I expected a terrible outcome to follow the manipulation and gaslighting of the mother by the father. I felt the author did such a great job at exploring such complex issues. I did love the friendship between Amani and Huda, I enjoyed that their friendship wasn’t perfect, and that they kept things from each other in order to keep up appearances. I also loved how despite their disagreements they had each other’s back. This book does come with trigger warnings of islamophobia, domestic violence racism and bullying. I particularly found it intense the portrayal of The relationship of Amani’s parents, having read and knowing the high number of women who are killed at the hands of their partners. I highly recommend this.
August 25, 2021
** Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me this review copy.
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“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚.. 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩.”
This Is My Truth is an emotional, powerful, raw and tough read that was very well written.
I liked the fact that the author did not shy away from or downplay the domestic violence aspect in this book. Some scenes were so hard to read but I appreciate the author portraying it all in a very real and direct way.
I also really loved Amani and Huda’s friendship. I enjoyed that it was not portrayed as perfect. They had their inside jokes, banter, happy moments but they also that their disagreements and arguments too. It was a very realistic portrayal.
There is a lot of things in this book that I think all teenagers and even some adults will be able to relate to.
Such a powerful and important book. I would definitely recommend this one. And I can’t wait to read more from Yasmin Rahman.
TW: Islamophobia, domestic violence, racism, and bullying.
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“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚.. 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙩.”
This Is My Truth is an emotional, powerful, raw and tough read that was very well written.
I liked the fact that the author did not shy away from or downplay the domestic violence aspect in this book. Some scenes were so hard to read but I appreciate the author portraying it all in a very real and direct way.
I also really loved Amani and Huda’s friendship. I enjoyed that it was not portrayed as perfect. They had their inside jokes, banter, happy moments but they also that their disagreements and arguments too. It was a very realistic portrayal.
There is a lot of things in this book that I think all teenagers and even some adults will be able to relate to.
Such a powerful and important book. I would definitely recommend this one. And I can’t wait to read more from Yasmin Rahman.
TW: Islamophobia, domestic violence, racism, and bullying.
July 21, 2021
SO GOOD. The perfect balance between great storytelling and emotional heart. Loved it.
February 9, 2022
this book broke my heart completely and I cried so so many times.
August 1, 2021
This Is My Truth hit me in a way that I was not expecting. Rahman's writing style is easy flowing and I quickly became engaged with the characters. They feel very realistic, which makes the issues addressed in this book even more raw and real. The way that it handles domestic abuse, especially the attitudes towards the topic in the Muslim community, opened my eyes further to how complex these situations can be. The book shows the cycle of abuse, of the bad nights with Amani's dad and how he manipulates her mum and the family by the morning with gifts and smiles. It's painful to see Amani's mum so isolated with no one to turn to, not even her family, because of the fear of being blamed for the abuse or even just being told that it is normal. At times this was a very difficult read, but it is so so important that stories like this are told. I feel like I learnt a lot from this book.
Amani and her family are Bengali and I loved reading about the culture woven into this book. I enjoyed the different dynamics in Amani's life including her relationship with her brother, with Huda, and her fears and worries about her dad's pressure on her to follow a certain career path even though her heart is not in it at all. There were also moments with Huda's foster family where Amani witnesses their happy moments and seemingly normal life, and I felt heart cracking all over. The emotions that are packed into this book made me speechless. I was crying every few chapters.
Amani and Huda's friendship was also at the heart of this book and I loved reading about them and how protective they are over each other. These characters go through their own emotional struggles and they grow so much over the course of the book.
This Is My Truth held my attention from beginning to end. It broke my heart so many times over and put it back together again. If you are looking for a hard hitting read this summer I would recommend you pick this up. It made me smile on one page and put me in pain by the next. I will be thinking about this book for a long time! I also can't wait to pick up Rahman's previous book All the Things We Never Said.
Trigger warnings: racism, domestic abuse, foster care issues
Amani and her family are Bengali and I loved reading about the culture woven into this book. I enjoyed the different dynamics in Amani's life including her relationship with her brother, with Huda, and her fears and worries about her dad's pressure on her to follow a certain career path even though her heart is not in it at all. There were also moments with Huda's foster family where Amani witnesses their happy moments and seemingly normal life, and I felt heart cracking all over. The emotions that are packed into this book made me speechless. I was crying every few chapters.
Amani and Huda's friendship was also at the heart of this book and I loved reading about them and how protective they are over each other. These characters go through their own emotional struggles and they grow so much over the course of the book.
This Is My Truth held my attention from beginning to end. It broke my heart so many times over and put it back together again. If you are looking for a hard hitting read this summer I would recommend you pick this up. It made me smile on one page and put me in pain by the next. I will be thinking about this book for a long time! I also can't wait to pick up Rahman's previous book All the Things We Never Said.
Trigger warnings: racism, domestic abuse, foster care issues
July 19, 2021
Firstly I’d like to say thank you to NetGalley and Hot Key Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
This book honestly broke my heart. It is such an impactful, emotional read highlighting the effects of domestic abuse as well as bullying , racism and more with family and friendship running through it all.
It was unbelievably heart-wrenching and I cares about the characters so so much that I hated seeing what they were going through. It definitely opened my eyes to domestic abuse, making me see the harsh reality that people go through day to day.
Although this book deals with dark, deep topics, the main friendship of Amani and Huda was beautiful and some comedic , lighthearted moments came from their friendship. Naturally, there were highs and lows to their friendship so I liked seeing how their problems were resolved and how their friendship developed throughout.
I also liked finding out more about the Bengali culture and thought the underlying focus on that culture really added to the story. I was also kept on the edge of my seat, not sure what was going to happen to Amani’s family next and there were a few twists throughout which were executed seamlessly.
The plot was beautifully done with many different plot lines all intertwining, the writing was stunning, the characters so real and true. Yasmin Rahman is truly an incredible author who deals with delicate topics so well. This was an easy five stars for me and I highly recommend it to all! I will definitely be picking up Yasmin Rahman’s other book and future books!
(TW/CW: Domestic abuse, bullying, racism)
This book honestly broke my heart. It is such an impactful, emotional read highlighting the effects of domestic abuse as well as bullying , racism and more with family and friendship running through it all.
It was unbelievably heart-wrenching and I cares about the characters so so much that I hated seeing what they were going through. It definitely opened my eyes to domestic abuse, making me see the harsh reality that people go through day to day.
Although this book deals with dark, deep topics, the main friendship of Amani and Huda was beautiful and some comedic , lighthearted moments came from their friendship. Naturally, there were highs and lows to their friendship so I liked seeing how their problems were resolved and how their friendship developed throughout.
I also liked finding out more about the Bengali culture and thought the underlying focus on that culture really added to the story. I was also kept on the edge of my seat, not sure what was going to happen to Amani’s family next and there were a few twists throughout which were executed seamlessly.
The plot was beautifully done with many different plot lines all intertwining, the writing was stunning, the characters so real and true. Yasmin Rahman is truly an incredible author who deals with delicate topics so well. This was an easy five stars for me and I highly recommend it to all! I will definitely be picking up Yasmin Rahman’s other book and future books!
(TW/CW: Domestic abuse, bullying, racism)
July 8, 2021
This story deals with domestic abuse, racism, child abuse and foster care issues.
This is the first book I've read by Rahman and I just want to say hats off to her. She's done an amazing job handling these fragile issues in a sensitive manner. Her writing style is simply the best.
The two main characters Amani and Huda have been developed so well and you just want to wrap them up in your arms. You can see both characters develop and grow as the story continues.
From the first to last page it's written so well and I couldn't stop reading. As a parent all you want to do is protect your children. As I was reading this book, I felt so angry at the adults and felt so much love for the girls.
I will definitely be reading Rahman's first novel, 'All things We Never Said'. I definitely recommend this book but please be aware of the trigger warnings.
This is the first book I've read by Rahman and I just want to say hats off to her. She's done an amazing job handling these fragile issues in a sensitive manner. Her writing style is simply the best.
The two main characters Amani and Huda have been developed so well and you just want to wrap them up in your arms. You can see both characters develop and grow as the story continues.
From the first to last page it's written so well and I couldn't stop reading. As a parent all you want to do is protect your children. As I was reading this book, I felt so angry at the adults and felt so much love for the girls.
I will definitely be reading Rahman's first novel, 'All things We Never Said'. I definitely recommend this book but please be aware of the trigger warnings.
July 10, 2021
This Is My Truth by Yasmin Rahman is a story about friends and family dynamic, being brave and true as well as fighting for what's best. This book tells us not to be be scared to reach out for help because everyone deserves to be happy, so fight for it and it shall be, Inshaallah.
I mainly picked this book up because I remember just how much I enjoyed reading the author's debut novel, All The Things We Never Said so when I saw it is available on Netgalley UK, I just had to request and read it. As I expected, this book is sad and heartbreaking but its also empowering as the characters who are going through difficulties finally frees themselves from it - shackled away from the clutches of an abuser.
I really like the friendship between Amaani and Huda, how they're always helping and looking for each other. But sometimes it gets too much and conflicts are bound to happen. I didn't expect this book to have Gossip Girls vibe and what was even more surprising was to find out the person behind it. This story proves just how messy relationships can be but to not lose hope as there will always be loved ones who will always root and support you, no matter what.
I thoroughly really enjoyed reading this book and I hope you will be interested enough to go pick it up once it comes out later this month. This book will make you angry and sad but most important of all is that it will make you rise up to the occasion and root for the characters along the journey to freedom.
I mainly picked this book up because I remember just how much I enjoyed reading the author's debut novel, All The Things We Never Said so when I saw it is available on Netgalley UK, I just had to request and read it. As I expected, this book is sad and heartbreaking but its also empowering as the characters who are going through difficulties finally frees themselves from it - shackled away from the clutches of an abuser.
I really like the friendship between Amaani and Huda, how they're always helping and looking for each other. But sometimes it gets too much and conflicts are bound to happen. I didn't expect this book to have Gossip Girls vibe and what was even more surprising was to find out the person behind it. This story proves just how messy relationships can be but to not lose hope as there will always be loved ones who will always root and support you, no matter what.
I thoroughly really enjoyed reading this book and I hope you will be interested enough to go pick it up once it comes out later this month. This book will make you angry and sad but most important of all is that it will make you rise up to the occasion and root for the characters along the journey to freedom.
July 31, 2021
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Yasmin Rahman’s debut novel, “All The Things We Never Said” so to say that her 2nd novel, “This is My Truth” was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 is an understatement and I was thrilled to read it as one of the 12 books I read in July!
“This is My Truth” follows the main character of Amani, whose seemingly perfect family isn’t as idyllic behind closed doors. The one person Amani can count on is her best friend Huda, but when a blog begins to circulate at school that exposes people’s darkest secrets, Amani is terrified that the secret she’s tried so hard to hide will be revealed. Between your best friend or your secret, which would you keep?
This book was a brilliant follow-up to Yasmin’s debut. Her writing is so smooth and easy and compulsively readable that once you start reading, you’ll be unable to put the book down. She has a gift for writing characters that feel very real and three-dimensional, and she never shies away from difficult but necessary subjects.
“This is My Truth” is a heartbreaking, unflinching but also sensitive and respectful look at a difficult subject that still impacts far too many people and families. It’s searing, powerful and absolutely unforgettable! This book is NOT to be missed!
“This is My Truth” follows the main character of Amani, whose seemingly perfect family isn’t as idyllic behind closed doors. The one person Amani can count on is her best friend Huda, but when a blog begins to circulate at school that exposes people’s darkest secrets, Amani is terrified that the secret she’s tried so hard to hide will be revealed. Between your best friend or your secret, which would you keep?
This book was a brilliant follow-up to Yasmin’s debut. Her writing is so smooth and easy and compulsively readable that once you start reading, you’ll be unable to put the book down. She has a gift for writing characters that feel very real and three-dimensional, and she never shies away from difficult but necessary subjects.
“This is My Truth” is a heartbreaking, unflinching but also sensitive and respectful look at a difficult subject that still impacts far too many people and families. It’s searing, powerful and absolutely unforgettable! This book is NOT to be missed!
July 6, 2021
This Is My Truth is one hell of a book as it covers domestic violence, living in foster care and also the Muslim community.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found Amani to be such a lovely character. I just wanted her to be happy and to be able to make her own choices in life.
This book is a powerful read and some people may find the topics a trigger, but it’s sensitively handled and written incredibly well.
I took my GCSE’s nearly 20 years ago so it was interesting to read Amani and Huda’s experience, remembering the studying and the stress!
I definitely recommend this book, especially if like myself you are wanting to read more diverse stories.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found Amani to be such a lovely character. I just wanted her to be happy and to be able to make her own choices in life.
This book is a powerful read and some people may find the topics a trigger, but it’s sensitively handled and written incredibly well.
I took my GCSE’s nearly 20 years ago so it was interesting to read Amani and Huda’s experience, remembering the studying and the stress!
I definitely recommend this book, especially if like myself you are wanting to read more diverse stories.
July 13, 2021
Review:
Trigger warning: Domestic Abuse and Foster Care
Rahman has created an eye opening, difficult but important read. There were many times I found myself flinching, the writing is so good, you’re transported into the story. It’s like you’re living the life of the main character.
This book was a weird one for me, the bullying Amani faced in school, the way everything was described, I was instantly transported back to my own life circa 2009 so whilst from that perspective I could easily relate with Amani, it was hard for me to read. It was like i was walking through the corridors at my old school again. The classrooms were my old classrooms, the teachers were my old teachers. It was heavy for me.
I found it interesting and enlightening to read from the perspective of a different culture, one that I feel should be better represented.
This book, while there are lines that definitely make you laugh out loud, is not an easy read. The standout part of the book though, is the friendship between Amani and Huda. Huda is that friend that is willing to lose the entire friendship to try and help ensure Amani is safe. Her heart is in the right place even if her actions have consequences.
This is my Truth brings misunderstandings, drama and laughs whilst educating its readers. A very powerful book to read.
Trigger warning: Domestic Abuse and Foster Care
Rahman has created an eye opening, difficult but important read. There were many times I found myself flinching, the writing is so good, you’re transported into the story. It’s like you’re living the life of the main character.
This book was a weird one for me, the bullying Amani faced in school, the way everything was described, I was instantly transported back to my own life circa 2009 so whilst from that perspective I could easily relate with Amani, it was hard for me to read. It was like i was walking through the corridors at my old school again. The classrooms were my old classrooms, the teachers were my old teachers. It was heavy for me.
I found it interesting and enlightening to read from the perspective of a different culture, one that I feel should be better represented.
This book, while there are lines that definitely make you laugh out loud, is not an easy read. The standout part of the book though, is the friendship between Amani and Huda. Huda is that friend that is willing to lose the entire friendship to try and help ensure Amani is safe. Her heart is in the right place even if her actions have consequences.
This is my Truth brings misunderstandings, drama and laughs whilst educating its readers. A very powerful book to read.
November 2, 2021
Not surprised at how much I loved this book after reading her first book a while back.
Rahman has a way of writing a story that makes everything seem so real. She tackles subjects with such care and respect and it really shows in her novels.
Do check trigger warnings before reading this book (domestic abuse, islamophobia), but I really feel a lot of people will enjoy this book.
Rahman has a way of writing a story that makes everything seem so real. She tackles subjects with such care and respect and it really shows in her novels.
Do check trigger warnings before reading this book (domestic abuse, islamophobia), but I really feel a lot of people will enjoy this book.
November 1, 2021
Honestly one of the most heart breaking yet realistic domestic violence stories I’ve read
As a victim of domestic violence, it’s still not easy to see the red flags as things unfold and happen, yet so relatable to the feelings and emotions you are put through.
Loved this book!
As a victim of domestic violence, it’s still not easy to see the red flags as things unfold and happen, yet so relatable to the feelings and emotions you are put through.
Loved this book!
July 31, 2022
Another beautiful book by Yasmin. She really knows how to write about very serious subjects. This is a story about abuse, about (very dark) secrets, but also about hope and friendship. I really REALLY recommend reading it.
April 7, 2022
The easiest 5 stars I have ever given in my life. I related to so much of this book that at times it felt like I was reading my own thoughts. I am blown away
August 15, 2023
Yasmin Rahman’s This is my Truth introduces us to the captivating journey of best friends Amani and Huda, both grappling with the pressures of impending GCSEs and the uncertain path that lies ahead after school. Amani, though appearing to have a picture-perfect family with a successful TV presenter father, a caring mother, and an adorable younger brother conceals a truth that shatters her facade. On the other hand, Huda known for her confidence and impulsiveness, carries her own emotional weight growing up with affectionate foster parents now expecting a child.
Amidst their jealousy for each other’s seemingly simpler lives, the story takes an unexpected turn when Huda witnesses a traumatic incident involving Amani’s parents. Suddenly, the shadows that shroud Amani’s world are exposed. As Amani turns to Huda for help and secrecy, a school prank blog emerges, unraveling students’ hidden truths. The suspense builds as we wonder if this blog will unveil Amani’s secret, and if Huda will uphold her promise of silence.
Rahman weaves a tale of friendship, secrets, and the complexities of teenage life. The characters’ vulnerabilities are skillfully portrayed, highlighting the darkness beneath their seemingly ordinary lives.
I really enjoyed this book; it was moving, powerful, and beautifully written. This book deals with domestic violence in Desi Muslim communities, and I think the author did amazingly well in writing this in such a sensitive manner. As the girls navigate their challenges, Yasmin Rahman presents a poignant exploration of the power of secrets, the bonds of friendship, and the courage to confront the truth.
Amidst their jealousy for each other’s seemingly simpler lives, the story takes an unexpected turn when Huda witnesses a traumatic incident involving Amani’s parents. Suddenly, the shadows that shroud Amani’s world are exposed. As Amani turns to Huda for help and secrecy, a school prank blog emerges, unraveling students’ hidden truths. The suspense builds as we wonder if this blog will unveil Amani’s secret, and if Huda will uphold her promise of silence.
Rahman weaves a tale of friendship, secrets, and the complexities of teenage life. The characters’ vulnerabilities are skillfully portrayed, highlighting the darkness beneath their seemingly ordinary lives.
I really enjoyed this book; it was moving, powerful, and beautifully written. This book deals with domestic violence in Desi Muslim communities, and I think the author did amazingly well in writing this in such a sensitive manner. As the girls navigate their challenges, Yasmin Rahman presents a poignant exploration of the power of secrets, the bonds of friendship, and the courage to confront the truth.
June 22, 2024
Opět velmi silný příběh který je skvěle podaný 🫶
March 17, 2022
relatable lol
May 28, 2022
Author did justice to bringing such a sensitive topic and shedding light to the horrendous situations some of us muslims and non muslim families encounter.
Heads-up better keep a tissue box nearby
Heads-up better keep a tissue box nearby
March 15, 2023
changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars bc i decided i love it
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