What Will People Think?

by Sara Hamdan

A Jimmy Fallon's Book Club Finalist for 2025

Mia’s secret comedy career, forbidden office crush, and a long-guarded family secret take center stage, threatening her newfound confidence and her one shot at fame in this hilarious, heartfelt coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Curtis Sittenfeld and Etaf Rum.

Mia Almas has a secret. By day, she works at a respectable job as a media fact checker—a position her conservative, Arab grandparents approve of—and, by night, she takes to the stages of New York City comedy clubs. She holds herself back in a lot of ways, especially in the romance department, but being on stage lights her up and makes being a wallflower the rest of the time more bearable. That is, until Phaedra, her stylish and bold new neighbor, inspires Mia to take a few risks.

As Mia pursues a forbidden romance with her boss, her standup gets better and bolder, leading to a surprise spotlight that exposes her secret gig. Horrified and worried that her rebellious act could mean big consequences for her reserved Palestinian-American family, Mia frantically dives into damage control. But all of her efforts to pull back from the spotlight expose a family scandal from the 1940s that could change everything…

Equal parts funny and tender, What Will People Think? is a heart-bursting exploration of what it means to discover and embrace the hidden parts of yourself, and how love in all forms can make you whole.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Humor, Literary Fiction, Audiobook, Coming Of Age

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2025

About the author

A Berkeley and Columbia graduate, Sara Hamdan, is a former Merrill Lynch banker, New York Times journalist, and editor at Google. After winning a Netflix short story award, she received the First Chapter: Emirates Literature Foundation Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship for her debut novel, What Will People Think? Sara is Palestinian American, raised in Greece, and has called Dubai home for twenty years. When she’s not typing away at her laptop, she loves to spend time at the beach with her husband and two kids.

Reviews

[Jessica Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway so here is my honest review:

I didn’t hate this, but I definitely did not love it. I felt like there were 3 different plots thrown into this 300 page book. You had Mia’s comedy career, then her love interest, and then the background story of her grandma, which didn’t fit into the story at all in my opinion. I just need more and I needed it to make sense.

Also, Mia girl…your stand up is not funny 😆

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[Lynn Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars for an enlightening book about diversity and what that may mean if you don’t know what a Palestinian American is - all wrapped up in comedy. I enjoyed how approachable this book was and the comedy was really good.

[Maddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

***Trigger Warning: loss of parents, racism, sexual harassment***

This book was not for me. This book had a lot of stuff going on. It was kind of hard to really get into. The book focused on Mia’s day job, then her stand up career, then her dating life, and then randomly jumped to talking about her grandmother’s life. Also this book focus way too much on stereotypes and I just did not like that. The jokes in this book weren’t funny. They were offensive. Mia felt so childish. I also just didn’t like the writing. It was a debut novel and you could definitely tell. I would be interested to read other books by this author. But man this book was just needed to be better thought out in my opinion.

Thank you Holt books for the ARC. This comes out on May 20!

[Elle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an emotional masterpiece and one of the most moving books I've read.

It transported me to another era and realm. Mia’s narrative, as a third-generation immigrant grappling with her heritage in a contemporary world, resonated deeply. Zeina’s more traditional story was nothing short of breathtaking, with unexpected twists along the way. I honestly couldn’t tear myself away from this captivating novel.

[Laura (thenerdygnomelife) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble engaging with this book, maybe in part because I was expecting it to be a good deal more humorous than it is. There is a lot going on in the novel, between Mia's coming of age in a comedy career, her romance, and her grandmother's history. I think fitting all of that into a short book just left me with a shallower look at all of it than I would have liked. While this book was not a home run for me, it's a strong voice for a debut and I respect the book's overall theme of finding yourself amidst cultural expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Sara Hamdan for an advance copy for honest review.

[Christine Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear Lord I don't know what's worse, the amount of weird pent-up teenage style lust Mia had for Jackson or Mia's jokes.

[Stroop · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[ange ᯓ★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not really like the book; a lot of things bugged me. I think what annoyed me the most was the diary being written by a narrator who was omnipresent. I understand the reason behind the diary being in 3rd person however I did not like it considering the fact it is written by Teta and she could not have known some parts of the story written in the diary (like Ismat's story or thoughts and actions her sister has done - without Teta around). The language of the diary was good, nothing crazy, but there were some beautiful writing moments. As for the history of Mia, I hated her childish crush on the man. The fact that she kissed him while he was still in a relationship did not sit right with me. The whole story surrounding those two felt increadibly childish and not mature at all, despite the fact they were both adults. The language was plain in some parts and awkward. I did not get the humor in the book however humor is a subjective matter. I, personally, did not like it. What I did like was the culture. I tried to finish the book only for it at one point because I found it interesting. The book is about very serious issues and I respect the author for writing a book like this. However, I had big expectations that were not met at all. Overall, the story could be written better and explained better in some parts.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunningly written book!

Mia works as a fact-checker for a NYC publication—a career choice that earns the approval of her loving but traditional Arab grandparents, who raised her. But at night, she steps into a different world, sneaking away to perform stand-up comedy, where she can finally be bold and uninhibited. By day, she harbors a quiet crush on her boss, Jackson; under the stage lights, she transforms into someone entirely different. But when her two worlds collide, the secrets she’s so carefully kept begin to unravel, threatening the life she’s built.

This novel masterfully balances humor and heart, tackling powerful themes of immigration, racism, and self-discovery while remaining hopeful and engaging. Though the story starts off at a slower pace, it quickly draws you in, immersing you in Mia’s journey and the warmth of her protective, deeply loving grandparents. The narrative alternates between Mia’s present-day perspective and excerpts from her grandmother’s journal, set in 1940s Palestine.

Through this dual timeline, we uncover Mia’s family history alongside her, witnessing a story that is at times heartbreaking but always profoundly tender. Hamdan’s writing is breathtaking, whether she’s depicting the struggles of Palestine in the 1940s or exploring the complexities of love and identity across generations.

This is a touching and beautifully told novel about staying true to yourself, embracing your roots, and understanding the unbreakable bonds of family. 4.5 stars.

A huge thank you to Henry Holt Books for a copy of this book, which I won in a giveaway from StorgyGraph in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK? by Sara Hamdan is one debut that you don’t want to miss. This new release gives us two stories for the price of one—my very favorite! In present day, the reader emphasizes with Mia, a young media fact checker living in NYC who dabbles in stand-up comedy—which she hides from her conservative Arab grandparents. When Mia has questions about her family history, her grandmother hands her an old journal to read. The journal takes us to 1940s Palestine where we meet Zeina, and many family secrets (and scandals) are revealed. My gosh, the twists, turns, and surprises are plentiful, book friends. This book was almost impossible to put down!

I absolutely loved Mia’s perspective and witnessing her growth throughout the novel. She grapples identity and belonging, as well as cultural and familial expectations. Zeina’s storyline definitely touches on the latter as well. You will easily get wrapped up in both women’s narratives—especially with the touch of romance included.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Dual timeline
- Family drama and secrets
- Sibling rivalry
- NYC setting
- Stand-up comics
- Coming-of-age stories
- Themes of identity and belonging
- Arab-American representation
- Office romance
- Female friendship
- Forbidden love

Refreshing and timely, full of heart and humor with a great blend of historical and contemporary fiction, I really can’t recommend this debut enough! 4/5 solid stars for WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK? It’s out now!

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️’s

I wanted to love this novel—really love it.
The concept is compelling, and the title alone captures such a charged question so many women quietly live by: What will people think?
It hints at generational tension, identity, desire, shame, culture, belonging… all the things I love to explore.
And I could feel what the author was trying to do.
The intention is there.
The heartbeat is there.
But for me, the execution didn’t fully gel.

There were powerful moments—glimpses of emotional truth, culture-clash nuance, and what it means to carve a life when the weight of tradition and expectation presses in.
But the characters often felt like vehicles for ideas rather than fully embodied, complex humans.
I wanted to know them more deeply, feel their contradictions, root for their flawed decisions.
Instead, I often felt like I was watching from a distance.

The themes were clear, but sometimes too stated.
It felt like the book was telling me what to think or feel, instead of allowing me to discover it for myself through the characters’ inner worlds.
Some plot points moved too quickly, while others lingered without deepening.
The pacing didn’t always serve the emotional arc, which made some big transitions feel unearned.

Dialogue, too, occasionally leaned toward exposition rather than revelation.
And by the end, I found myself wanting more emotional closure-not a neat bow, but something that felt metabolized.

That said, I respect what Sara Hamdan is reaching for. It takes courage to write into the space between cultures, between expectations, between who we were raised to be and who we’re becoming.
While this debut didn’t quite land for me in its entirety, it absolutely opened a door—and I’ll be curious to see what she writes next, especially as her voice continues to evolve.

[Kyara B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was charm in following Mia as an awkward, sheltered Palestinian American woman. I felt for her trying to find herself while living with her caring but conservative grandparents.

I also appreciated getting insight into Mia’s grandmother’s background. Seeing her want more outside of the traditional path she was expected to take was heartfelt.

But this story falls short as it tries to maneuver several plot lines and themes with a disjointed tone. The mixing of a comedic coming-of-age story didn’t always blend well with some of the heavier sociopolitical themes.

I was not a fan of Mia’s romance, which diminished its connection with her grandmother’s story. The main conflict also felt a bit abrupt and was such a shift in tone that it didn’t receive the full depth that it required. This left parts of the story feeling underdeveloped.

In the end, I still enjoyed the representation and Mia’s journey of learning and coming into her own.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through the book. It’s everything I’ve been looking for in a compelling read. It gripped me- the story of teta had me in thrall and suspense - and charmed me and was relatable.
I am so proud of my friend Sara and the journey of almost a decade it took to have this story be not only birthed but find a way to reach many people. READ IT! So much relatable story telling regardless of your background but of course if you have ever felt like an outsider or struggled with identity issues and a sense of belonging, this novel will speak to your soul- and make you laugh. I dare say, that’s the perfect mix. Sara deserves all the literary success that’s coming her way

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was pretty good and I liked it fine, but the stand-up bits were so unbelievably unfunny and somehow barely part of the book that it ruined the story for me. I am still on the hunt for a book about a funny girl that is funny

[Claire Lordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were many things I did not like about this book, but the worst was that not a single joke was funny

[Maysa Rawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘People often mistake me for Brazilian, Italian, Kardashian - basically anything off-whitian’

What will people think? is a heart-warming, page-turning debut novel that gives readers a refreshing portrayal of an Arab-American female protagonist that is missing in contemporary fiction today. We follow Mia Almas, a fact-checker by day moonlighting as a stand-up comedian in 2011 as she offers real insights into life as an Arab navigating stereotypes, work and love in New York City. Then there is 16-year-old Zeina, living in 1947 Palestine, who embarks on a secret affair with a British soldier in the run-up to the war. With devastating consequences. The author beautifully and evocatively captures Palestine, transporting the reader back in time. I read it in one sitting!

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Girl couldn’t tell a joke to save her life. I hate when unfunny people think they are funny

[Kenzie | kenzienoelle.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

IG review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHG84nAA...

Mia Alma’s has a secret. Behind the quiet, plain exterior her office coworkers see, she has a passion for being on stage. The comedy stage. The flats come off and the red lipstick and heels go on. Mia has held a lot back from the people in her life. Her office crush has no idea that she’s in love with him and her conservative, Arab grandparents have no idea about her secret comedy passion. But when a women, Phaedra, moves into her grandparent’s apartment, Mia finds out that there is much more to her Palestinian-American family history than she ever knew.

This felt like such a unique and original spin on the family-secrets-come-to-light storyline! I related with Mia in more ways than I ever expected to. Except your girl will never be a stand up comedian lol

A little ways into the story, it diverges into two timelines as we hear the story of Zenia, a young woman growing up in 1940’s Palestine. This was a beautiful book about two women who want to be seen and accepted in two very different worlds.

Thank you so much to @henryholtbooks for the gifted ARC!! This book comes out May 20, 2025!

[Layan Sasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘How do you process the loss of an entire nation.’ she asked. ‘Even years, decades later, we all assumed things might return to normal. We never thought this would happen to so many of us. For families to experience rolling losses that don't seem to end.
The only thing I had left of Palestine was the key to the drawer hiding the love letter...’”

I adored this to bits and pieces 🥹 it was exactly what I needed to cheer me up during a difficult week. With amazing storytelling and an entertaining, heartfelt style, Hamdan delivers a vibrant, unmatched new voice in the fiction world. It’s clear Hamdan’s incredible at everything she does… from her Ivy League education to her overwhelmingly impressive resume, and now, fiction! This book made me feel immensely proud of my Palestinian American heritage; I honestly felt like the little girl who writes Mia a letter in the story. The dual timeline, especially the past set in Palestine on the brink of war, was compelling and deeply emotional. My own family is originally from Jaffa, and reading about a place neither my parents nor I have been able to visit brought tears to my eyes. Infused with humor, heart, and soul, this novel is a gift. I’m absolutely inspired by Sara Hamdan - thank you for this beautiful book.

[thebookybird · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 this was wonderful a dual timeline and uncovering family secrets and self discovery. Blending of humour and real life issues/themes. Fans of The Lion Women of Tehran, Honor or Roses in the Mouth of a Lion would love.

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #WhatWillPeopleThink

[Bubba Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting because I was completely immersed in the story. I laughed out loud, I ugly cried, and I felt every moment deeply. With an Arab protagonist, I learned so much about the culture—and I’m still not done googling! It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. I truly couldn’t have loved it more.

P.S. There is a lot of glitter and sparkles and fairy lights in this story. Plus unexpected twists (which I LOVE!) and some misfits that help each other through this thing that we call life. I wish I could add a “heart rating” to this because 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 isn’t enough. Wait!!! This is MY REVIEW!!! I can give it whatever I want! So…. ♥️✨♥️✨♥️✨♥️✨♥️✨ + a couple 🫳🎤🫳🎤 and some 🙏🙏🙏

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt, hilarious, and gripping story!

Mia, a third-generation immigrant, is caught between two worlds. She’s checked all the boxes her traditional grandparents laid out for her, but now finds herself juggling two very different lives: a fact-checker by day and a secret stand-up comedian by night. As she tries to balance both careers, she uncovers a long-buried family secret her grandmother has kept hidden for years.

I loved every moment of this story! Hamden’s writing completely captivated me. Told in a dual timeline, the novel vividly transports readers to Palestine before the war. Zeina’s story, in particular, had me fully immersed, the idea of having a home one day and losing it the next was unimaginable and deeply moving. I was on the edge of my seat.

Mia’s journey will resonate with many first, second, and third-generation immigrants. Her struggle to meet cultural expectations while forging her own path felt incredibly real. I saw myself in her, and it was beautiful to watch her grow into her own identity.

This is the author’s debut novel and I look forward to what she writes next!!

[Wendelle]

I found this to be an incredible and very moving read. Mia's brash, witty stand-up act was laugh-out-loud funny in some parts. Even better, Zeina's sweeping saga--a grand arc of a life that takes her on quite an odyssey between worlds of heritage and modernity, from a planned catered-to life to an independent, struggling life-- is quite moving, and revealing of the large parts of life that can remain concealed under an immigrant or exile's surface. The warp and weave of her life story-- the twists and turns, the dreams and tragicality and courage of it-- was as spellbinding and ravishing as Zeina was, she who was known as a local beauty.

[Daniel Read Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good.

At its core I guess it’s a love story……but it’s a lot more than that.

This book tells the story of lost, found, and real love. It was suspenseful in a way I don’t quite know how to explain.

These types of books are not something I normally read and I am grateful to Sara Hamdan and Henry Holt & Company for this ARC.

I highly recommend this book.

[Dalia Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Sara Hamadan nailed many parts of the Arab-American experience in this book. Such a beautiful story with details that brought me back to my adolescence. I’ll be thinking about this one for a few days.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. There’s a lot going on and at first it can be overwhelming with so many intersecting storylines but this is such a beautiful story that made me both laugh and cry. One of my favorites of the year.

[Bin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ this is what “Is this thing on?” wishes it was

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book about love and new beginnings and family legacies.🍉