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In the Country I Love
Two Iraqi American best friends—a struggling teen father and the community's golden boy—confront dark truths about their families in the wake of a devastating crime in this heartrending YA debut.
As a seventeen-year-old single dad and a soon-to-be high school drop-out, Yassir Al-Azzawi's lapsed Shia faith is just another thing convincing his parents he's a failure. One more mistake, and they'll send him back to their homeland, a war-torn Iraq.
Khaled Al-Hakim is perfect on paper: devout in his faith, a straight-A student, and captain of the debate team. But beneath the surface, Khaled is no saint either, and his worst sin yet is ignoring his parents’ command to stay away from Yassir.
When their secret friendship is exposed, the consequences set off a series of events that cause family secrets from both sides to come to light, and neither Yassir nor Khaled are prepared to learn the stains that taint their family names.
Told through multiple POVs across time, this authentic exploration of the Shia Muslim experience in the U.S. seamlessly combines classic YA themes of identity, coming-of-age, and relationships with timely social themes of racism, Islamophobia, and justice. This compelling, contemporary debut is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir’s All My Rage and Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief.
As a seventeen-year-old single dad and a soon-to-be high school drop-out, Yassir Al-Azzawi's lapsed Shia faith is just another thing convincing his parents he's a failure. One more mistake, and they'll send him back to their homeland, a war-torn Iraq.
Khaled Al-Hakim is perfect on paper: devout in his faith, a straight-A student, and captain of the debate team. But beneath the surface, Khaled is no saint either, and his worst sin yet is ignoring his parents’ command to stay away from Yassir.
When their secret friendship is exposed, the consequences set off a series of events that cause family secrets from both sides to come to light, and neither Yassir nor Khaled are prepared to learn the stains that taint their family names.
Told through multiple POVs across time, this authentic exploration of the Shia Muslim experience in the U.S. seamlessly combines classic YA themes of identity, coming-of-age, and relationships with timely social themes of racism, Islamophobia, and justice. This compelling, contemporary debut is perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir’s All My Rage and Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Alaa Al-Barkawi
2 books42 followersAlaa Al-Barkawi is a first-generation, Iraqi-American Shia Muslim writer. Alaa’s novels center around messy Iraqi characters navigating complicated family dynamics, Shia faith, weighty responsibilities, and culture. While her stories mostly take place in contemporary worlds, she infuses speculative twists with unexpected narrators inspired by Iraqi heritage and Islamic elements.
Her young adult debut novel, IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE, will be published in Summer 2026 by Peachtree Teen.
Her young adult debut novel, IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE, will be published in Summer 2026 by Peachtree Teen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 14, 2026
Zana, thanks for putting this on my radar. It's one of my favorite books of the year.
I think this should be required reading.
I think this should be required reading.
thoughts
March 30, 2026i mean come on, the release date being my birthday, and THE Sarah Mughal recommending it?? I’m sold.
May 30, 2026
I said this in my instagram post, but I’ll say it here again…I’ve read quite a few books written by Muslim authors with Muslim characters over the years. Many of which are some of my favourite books of all time. I truly appreciate the path these Muslim authors have paved for a book like In the Country I Love. Despite how much these books mean to me, there was always something missing.
In the Country I Love was that missing puzzle piece.
To think I get to sit here and write a review of a book that mentions Imam Hussain in the first sentence…I never thought that day would come. To see characters pray the way I do, commemorate Ashura and Arbaeen, visit the shrines of the Imams, say “Ya Ali”, send blessings to the Prophet and his family–it makes me emotional just thinking about it. I never thought I’d see myself in a book. I’ve seen some parts of who I am in many books I’ve read, but this core aspect of my religion, the things I used to shy away from sharing because of the fear of being attacked by other Muslims, to be so openly and almost casually mentioned in a book, is a huge deal! This book means so much to me because of this and I really hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of Shia Muslims and Shia Islam being shown in literature.
This book, at it’s core, is a story about family and friendship. It’s about secrets from the past and present. It’s about genocide and displacement and the intergenerational trauma that stems from not having a place you can truly call home. It’s about Islamophobia and what it’s like to grow up as a teenager in a land that doesn’t want you, yet not feel connected to the land your parents’ call home. It’s a very real and raw, but also messy, depiction of life. And it will make you sob multiple times.
Khalid and Yassir are two very interesting characters on opposite ends of the spectrum. Khalid is a loud and proud Muslim, speaking up whenever he sees any injustice. Yassir is quiet, hesitant and desperately wants to fit in. When the book opens up, we’re not told everything about either of their pasts right away. And I really loved the way their story was told in this book. It left me constantly on the edge of my seat, trying to guess what actually happened. Things are revealed slowly and sometimes unexpectedly, and it really kept the momentum going. I flew through this book a lot faster than I was expecting because I kept wanting to read more to find out what happened to cause this rift between the two families.
One thing I’m happy Alaa did was highlight issues like alcohol and abuse and sex that are normally hushed up in many Muslim communities, but especially in Shia communities. It’s something that is more common than people think and her portrayal of it felt like a good balance between raising awareness without causing shame.
I loved both Khalid and Yassir for so many different reasons. I also wanted to shake some sense into both of them every other chapter. Everyone in this book is just so MESSY. Khalid has his heart in the right place, but sometimes his decisions just make everything worse. And Yassir’s passivity in situations when he should speak up makes you almost frustrated with this character. But as you grow to learn more about both of them, you really start to understand why they are the way they are.
I think both Khalid and Yassir represent what it’s like to be Muslim in the West. It’s that constant internal battle of “should I speak out and suffer the consequences” or “should I stay silent and turn the other way so I can breathe for a second”. It’s the balance between standing up for justice and knowing there’s no one who’s going to stand up for you in return. It’s knowing that everyone around you has misconceptions and biases and internalized racism if not outright racism and Islamophobia against you, and sometimes it’s like yelling at a brick wall. You know you won’t get through to people, so is there any point? I truly related to both Yassir and Khalid in their contrasting ways. I understood the desperate desire to just disappear into the background, but also this inherent need to speak out, especially having grown up with Islamic figures like Imam Hussain and Bibi Zaynab.
Watching the two of them at odds with each other was so painful. You can feel the bond Yassir and Khalid have for each other, and the bonds their families had at one point. But everything about their lives is so messy and complicated.
Immigrant parents, especially ones who’ve been through a lot, hate talking about the past, let alone sitting down with their kids and having honest discussions. And I think the reason this book resonated with me so much was because I also come from a messed up family. Not to the same extent as Yassir and Khalid’s families, but it was still very relatable. For some reason, no one ever wants to go to therapy, or talk about anything. They’d rather hide the truth because of the fear their kids will repeat the past. And all it does is create more problems. It’s such a cyclical issue and it's complicated by parenting while escaping genocide and living under poverty. A lot of the healthy coping mechanisms white families have been able to develop over decades aren’t things that our families have access too because of colonialism and white supremacy. (Sidenote: I totally died when Yassir’s dad and siblings all said no at the idea of family therapy lol) Unfortunately, ignoring the past doesn’t bode well for the future and we see that in this book so well.
Kawther was probably my favourite character because I related to her the most. The black sheep, blamed for breaking apart two families, running away to live her dream, while the guilt of her actions eats her alive. I felt so much for her character, especially watching her navigate trying to do what her family expects from her, while also dreaming of her own future and success. Her story progression was the most shocking for me, but also made the most sense. Girls in immigrant families always have it the hardest. And I just wanted to hug her for going through everything she went through by herself. It reminded me of moving away from home and feeling like I had ripped my family apart because of my actions, but knowing this was the best decision for me. I loved seeing Kawther choose herself. It’s such an important message for other Muslim girls to see. We’re constantly told to think of everyone else except ourselves, to make decisions that will please our families and communities. We’re told to ignore all the red flags, that men can be changed, that our value is only in marriage and not our intellect. I love Kawther with all my heart, and the way her story concluded was perfect.
(Lowkey hate Ali for what he did to Kawther and I can’t exactly look past the role his parents and Fatima played in everything. It’s just so classic and something I’ve heard happen over and over again. At the same time, he needs major help and ignoring the past because you’re more worried about what community/people will say does come to bite you in the end, and unfortunately usually results in innocent girls getting hurt.)
One side note I wanted to mention was about Khalid’s mom and the depression and trauma she went through to the point where she couldn’t get out of bed. I really liked how this was included in the book. I grew up at a mosque that was predominantly Iraqi and Lebanese, and I remember hearing things about some Iraqi family members who just couldn’t come to the mosque or community events because of the horrible torture and experiences they went through in Iraq or because they had just lost faith and were no longer religious like Yassir. I think this book put these stories I heard growing up into context.
I am truly impressed at how well this book is written and the way the story unfolded. My heart ached and I came close to tears multiple times. It’s a very bittersweet ending. It didn’t wrap up perfectly, but there was also no way for things to go back to the way they used to be. Instead I loved the focus on acceptance and moving on and changing the future.
I’m already here waiting for Alaa’s next book. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
In the Country I Love was that missing puzzle piece.
To think I get to sit here and write a review of a book that mentions Imam Hussain in the first sentence…I never thought that day would come. To see characters pray the way I do, commemorate Ashura and Arbaeen, visit the shrines of the Imams, say “Ya Ali”, send blessings to the Prophet and his family–it makes me emotional just thinking about it. I never thought I’d see myself in a book. I’ve seen some parts of who I am in many books I’ve read, but this core aspect of my religion, the things I used to shy away from sharing because of the fear of being attacked by other Muslims, to be so openly and almost casually mentioned in a book, is a huge deal! This book means so much to me because of this and I really hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of Shia Muslims and Shia Islam being shown in literature.
This book, at it’s core, is a story about family and friendship. It’s about secrets from the past and present. It’s about genocide and displacement and the intergenerational trauma that stems from not having a place you can truly call home. It’s about Islamophobia and what it’s like to grow up as a teenager in a land that doesn’t want you, yet not feel connected to the land your parents’ call home. It’s a very real and raw, but also messy, depiction of life. And it will make you sob multiple times.
Khalid and Yassir are two very interesting characters on opposite ends of the spectrum. Khalid is a loud and proud Muslim, speaking up whenever he sees any injustice. Yassir is quiet, hesitant and desperately wants to fit in. When the book opens up, we’re not told everything about either of their pasts right away. And I really loved the way their story was told in this book. It left me constantly on the edge of my seat, trying to guess what actually happened. Things are revealed slowly and sometimes unexpectedly, and it really kept the momentum going. I flew through this book a lot faster than I was expecting because I kept wanting to read more to find out what happened to cause this rift between the two families.
One thing I’m happy Alaa did was highlight issues like alcohol and abuse and sex that are normally hushed up in many Muslim communities, but especially in Shia communities. It’s something that is more common than people think and her portrayal of it felt like a good balance between raising awareness without causing shame.
I loved both Khalid and Yassir for so many different reasons. I also wanted to shake some sense into both of them every other chapter. Everyone in this book is just so MESSY. Khalid has his heart in the right place, but sometimes his decisions just make everything worse. And Yassir’s passivity in situations when he should speak up makes you almost frustrated with this character. But as you grow to learn more about both of them, you really start to understand why they are the way they are.
I think both Khalid and Yassir represent what it’s like to be Muslim in the West. It’s that constant internal battle of “should I speak out and suffer the consequences” or “should I stay silent and turn the other way so I can breathe for a second”. It’s the balance between standing up for justice and knowing there’s no one who’s going to stand up for you in return. It’s knowing that everyone around you has misconceptions and biases and internalized racism if not outright racism and Islamophobia against you, and sometimes it’s like yelling at a brick wall. You know you won’t get through to people, so is there any point? I truly related to both Yassir and Khalid in their contrasting ways. I understood the desperate desire to just disappear into the background, but also this inherent need to speak out, especially having grown up with Islamic figures like Imam Hussain and Bibi Zaynab.
Watching the two of them at odds with each other was so painful. You can feel the bond Yassir and Khalid have for each other, and the bonds their families had at one point. But everything about their lives is so messy and complicated.
Immigrant parents, especially ones who’ve been through a lot, hate talking about the past, let alone sitting down with their kids and having honest discussions. And I think the reason this book resonated with me so much was because I also come from a messed up family. Not to the same extent as Yassir and Khalid’s families, but it was still very relatable. For some reason, no one ever wants to go to therapy, or talk about anything. They’d rather hide the truth because of the fear their kids will repeat the past. And all it does is create more problems. It’s such a cyclical issue and it's complicated by parenting while escaping genocide and living under poverty. A lot of the healthy coping mechanisms white families have been able to develop over decades aren’t things that our families have access too because of colonialism and white supremacy. (Sidenote: I totally died when Yassir’s dad and siblings all said no at the idea of family therapy lol) Unfortunately, ignoring the past doesn’t bode well for the future and we see that in this book so well.
Kawther was probably my favourite character because I related to her the most. The black sheep, blamed for breaking apart two families, running away to live her dream, while the guilt of her actions eats her alive. I felt so much for her character, especially watching her navigate trying to do what her family expects from her, while also dreaming of her own future and success. Her story progression was the most shocking for me, but also made the most sense. Girls in immigrant families always have it the hardest. And I just wanted to hug her for going through everything she went through by herself. It reminded me of moving away from home and feeling like I had ripped my family apart because of my actions, but knowing this was the best decision for me. I loved seeing Kawther choose herself. It’s such an important message for other Muslim girls to see. We’re constantly told to think of everyone else except ourselves, to make decisions that will please our families and communities. We’re told to ignore all the red flags, that men can be changed, that our value is only in marriage and not our intellect. I love Kawther with all my heart, and the way her story concluded was perfect.
(Lowkey hate Ali for what he did to Kawther and I can’t exactly look past the role his parents and Fatima played in everything. It’s just so classic and something I’ve heard happen over and over again. At the same time, he needs major help and ignoring the past because you’re more worried about what community/people will say does come to bite you in the end, and unfortunately usually results in innocent girls getting hurt.)
One side note I wanted to mention was about Khalid’s mom and the depression and trauma she went through to the point where she couldn’t get out of bed. I really liked how this was included in the book. I grew up at a mosque that was predominantly Iraqi and Lebanese, and I remember hearing things about some Iraqi family members who just couldn’t come to the mosque or community events because of the horrible torture and experiences they went through in Iraq or because they had just lost faith and were no longer religious like Yassir. I think this book put these stories I heard growing up into context.
I am truly impressed at how well this book is written and the way the story unfolded. My heart ached and I came close to tears multiple times. It’s a very bittersweet ending. It didn’t wrap up perfectly, but there was also no way for things to go back to the way they used to be. Instead I loved the focus on acceptance and moving on and changing the future.
I’m already here waiting for Alaa’s next book. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
March 31, 2026
Thank you to Alaa Al-Barkawi and Peachtree Teen for the ARC of this book.
This book has the emotional complexities and plot intricacies of Arcane. From me, there is no higher praise.
ITCIL isn’t an immigrant story, it’s a children of immigrants story, and Alaa manages to perfectly sample the diverse narratives we experience as diasporic individuals carrying the generational trauma of our displaced families. It gives unique insight into Shia and Iraqi culture while universalizing the multi-generational scars that embed themselves into every soul touched by war, and those around them.
Every character is written with incredibly rich history, thoughts, and feelings, making them come alive on the page. I felt like I was there with them through their pain, confusion, anger, grief. And using Sky as an additional narrator was a unique touch that added an impossible layer of depth to each character.
There are innumerable moving parts to this story- it was almost hard to keep track at first (especially with the moving timeline and multiple POVs) but by the end, every thread comes together in a beautifully woven blanket of painful memories, raw emotion, and the beginnings of healing.
This is an important and profound read that taps the pulse of our time, exposing the naked and ugly truths of humanity in an unapologetic, honest, and empathetic way. An absolute must-read and possibly THE debut of the year.
This book has the emotional complexities and plot intricacies of Arcane. From me, there is no higher praise.
ITCIL isn’t an immigrant story, it’s a children of immigrants story, and Alaa manages to perfectly sample the diverse narratives we experience as diasporic individuals carrying the generational trauma of our displaced families. It gives unique insight into Shia and Iraqi culture while universalizing the multi-generational scars that embed themselves into every soul touched by war, and those around them.
Every character is written with incredibly rich history, thoughts, and feelings, making them come alive on the page. I felt like I was there with them through their pain, confusion, anger, grief. And using Sky as an additional narrator was a unique touch that added an impossible layer of depth to each character.
There are innumerable moving parts to this story- it was almost hard to keep track at first (especially with the moving timeline and multiple POVs) but by the end, every thread comes together in a beautifully woven blanket of painful memories, raw emotion, and the beginnings of healing.
This is an important and profound read that taps the pulse of our time, exposing the naked and ugly truths of humanity in an unapologetic, honest, and empathetic way. An absolute must-read and possibly THE debut of the year.
May 26, 2026
Wow, wow, wow!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, a book that I had been waiting to read since 2024. And it was well worth the wait!!
I was hooked within 30 pages by the characters, their lore, the complexities of everything they were going through and how intertwined the two families were. I was so invested that I felt like my stress levels went up every time I was reading the book. Yassir, Kawther, Khalid and their story seeped into my mind & heart in a way that no other characters have in a while. I feel like I actively lost sleep over them. Alaa crafted such memorable, real and vulnerable characters that I wanted to know everything about - their past, their present and their future (I would absolutely read another book with them).
Alaa explores such deep topics - identity, generational trauma, the impacts of war, love, sacrifice, the impacts of Islamophobia, but more than anything, this book is a testament and exploration of deep, loyal friendship. Yassir, Khalid and their families were messy, and Alaa did not shy away from anything. I felt like I was going to lose my mind over Yassir and Khalid's decisions, but still, I wanted to protect them.
And Kawther - wow. Talk about Arab girl trauma. I was rooting for her the whole time. She is so brave, even though her family and friends see her as someone who runs away, she made something for herself and stood by her morals after being betrayed, rather deeply.
The Sky having a POV was brilliant, and the countdown to and after *the incident* keeps you on your toes. The whole book has this haunting feeling to it. I was on the edge of my seat, worried for my faves. And I lost it at the start of chapter 24, I told Alaa she was diabolical for that. I also lost it a few more times after that, in other chapters.
I don't think I can sing enough praises for this book. This story is layers upon layers, and it unravels masterfully. The way it ended, I was shattered that it was over. It was such a perfect yet bittersweet ending. Not one of those wrapped-in-a-bow type of endings, but one of those life is hard and things aren't always perfect but we still move on with hope type of endings.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, a book that I had been waiting to read since 2024. And it was well worth the wait!!
I was hooked within 30 pages by the characters, their lore, the complexities of everything they were going through and how intertwined the two families were. I was so invested that I felt like my stress levels went up every time I was reading the book. Yassir, Kawther, Khalid and their story seeped into my mind & heart in a way that no other characters have in a while. I feel like I actively lost sleep over them. Alaa crafted such memorable, real and vulnerable characters that I wanted to know everything about - their past, their present and their future (I would absolutely read another book with them).
Alaa explores such deep topics - identity, generational trauma, the impacts of war, love, sacrifice, the impacts of Islamophobia, but more than anything, this book is a testament and exploration of deep, loyal friendship. Yassir, Khalid and their families were messy, and Alaa did not shy away from anything. I felt like I was going to lose my mind over Yassir and Khalid's decisions, but still, I wanted to protect them.
And Kawther - wow. Talk about Arab girl trauma. I was rooting for her the whole time. She is so brave, even though her family and friends see her as someone who runs away, she made something for herself and stood by her morals after being betrayed, rather deeply.
The Sky having a POV was brilliant, and the countdown to and after *the incident* keeps you on your toes. The whole book has this haunting feeling to it. I was on the edge of my seat, worried for my faves. And I lost it at the start of chapter 24, I told Alaa she was diabolical for that. I also lost it a few more times after that, in other chapters.
I don't think I can sing enough praises for this book. This story is layers upon layers, and it unravels masterfully. The way it ended, I was shattered that it was over. It was such a perfect yet bittersweet ending. Not one of those wrapped-in-a-bow type of endings, but one of those life is hard and things aren't always perfect but we still move on with hope type of endings.
Want to Read
June 6, 2024(june 5th, 2024)
can’t wait to read this omg !!!!!!
can’t wait to read this omg !!!!!!
June 22, 2026
I loved this so much. I've never felt more protective over three characters. I constantly wanted to reach into the book, yank Khaled, Yasser, and Kawthar out and put them protectively behind me. I loved them, your honor, please protect all the Khaled, Yasser, and Kawthars of the world. ❤️🩹
May 16, 2026
Got an arc from the publisher 4.5/5
Oh man, this is a gut punch but a necessary one. An absolutely, painfully human story I think everyone needs to read. The way it divulges information and plays with preconceived notions of the characters and their stories is so good and I’m so glad I got the chance to read this early.
I was a little confused at the beginning but overall this broke my heart in the best way.
Oh man, this is a gut punch but a necessary one. An absolutely, painfully human story I think everyone needs to read. The way it divulges information and plays with preconceived notions of the characters and their stories is so good and I’m so glad I got the chance to read this early.
I was a little confused at the beginning but overall this broke my heart in the best way.
May 27, 2026
Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
Title: In the Country I love
Author: Alaa Al-Barkawi
Publisher: Peachtree Teen
Format: 📖
Length: 384
Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pub Date: May 28th, 2026
Thank you @peachtreeteen and @netgalley for the #gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.
🚨Debut Author Alert!
“Refugees fascinate me, how they flee violence I am forced to witness and start over again and again in lands where they are not welcome. How their search for home never ends. How their fear never quite disappears, just changes”- The Sky
☁️If you like to read YA books, you must add this book to your list. Besides the coming of age themes it does not read like a YA novel and the sophistication of the themes and writing is just wonderful. Alla Al-Barkawi is a debut author, who is first-generation, Iraqi-American Shia Muslim. She weaves these identities into the story beautifully.
☁️Told in duel timelines and from three POV’s; Yassir a teen dad, his best friend Khaled, and Khaled’s older sister Kawther. There is also one unique POV from the Sky, which I loved so much! The story is fast paced, packed with cultural references and showcases how Islamophobia run deep in the US. Al-Barkawi also shows how Shia Muslims, a minority of the Islamic religion have also been persecuted in Iraq and works to unpack stereotypes of those living in Iraq and the US. A deep family saga runs deep between the Al-Azzawi and Al-Hakim families and as the story unfolds we see how trauma and PTSD for immigrants can change the course of young peoples lives.
☁️I hope everyone picks this book up as All Al-Barkawi has crafted a moving 5 star read that is so education for everyone!
#youngadult #YAdebut #iraqiamerican #shiamuslim
Title: In the Country I love
Author: Alaa Al-Barkawi
Publisher: Peachtree Teen
Format: 📖
Length: 384
Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pub Date: May 28th, 2026
Thank you @peachtreeteen and @netgalley for the #gifted ARC! All opinions are my own.
🚨Debut Author Alert!
“Refugees fascinate me, how they flee violence I am forced to witness and start over again and again in lands where they are not welcome. How their search for home never ends. How their fear never quite disappears, just changes”- The Sky
☁️If you like to read YA books, you must add this book to your list. Besides the coming of age themes it does not read like a YA novel and the sophistication of the themes and writing is just wonderful. Alla Al-Barkawi is a debut author, who is first-generation, Iraqi-American Shia Muslim. She weaves these identities into the story beautifully.
☁️Told in duel timelines and from three POV’s; Yassir a teen dad, his best friend Khaled, and Khaled’s older sister Kawther. There is also one unique POV from the Sky, which I loved so much! The story is fast paced, packed with cultural references and showcases how Islamophobia run deep in the US. Al-Barkawi also shows how Shia Muslims, a minority of the Islamic religion have also been persecuted in Iraq and works to unpack stereotypes of those living in Iraq and the US. A deep family saga runs deep between the Al-Azzawi and Al-Hakim families and as the story unfolds we see how trauma and PTSD for immigrants can change the course of young peoples lives.
☁️I hope everyone picks this book up as All Al-Barkawi has crafted a moving 5 star read that is so education for everyone!
#youngadult #YAdebut #iraqiamerican #shiamuslim
June 30, 2026
⭐️4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book has been my most anticipated read of 2026, and I am so glad to come back and say it's the best I've read so far this year.
In the Country I Love revolves around four POVs: Yassir, Khaled, Kawther, and the Sky. Each of these four POVs is interwoven with one another, jumping around between two timelines, where the present goes over the hate crime, anti-Muslim hate that Yassir experienced, and also the past, where we find out more background about the relationship tensions that the three characters, Yassir, Khaled, and Kawther, faced that lead to the strains they now face with one another.
After Khaled and Kawther go back to Iraq and participate in the Arbaeen walk, Khaled comes back to the United States with a hospitalized Yassir after being a victim of the "Kill-a-Muslim Day" rampage. We get to learn why Khaled and Kawther's family are in no contact with Yassir's, despite creating strong bonds as refugees from Iraq. IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE balances the unique stories of Khamr, abuse, family estrangement, teen parenting, and faith crisis.
I remember last year when ITCIL stumbled on my Instagram page, with no cover reveal yet, just the premise, and since that day, I have been anticipating reading this book. Every single page of Alaa Al-Barkawi's work ever so gently touched parts of my heart that held all the pain and anger from this world and assured that nothing needs to be perfect in order for you to feel the love that constantly surrounds you.
Yassir, Khaled, and Kawther's lives were filled with so many challenges, so much heartache, and the raw reality of our lives that I could visibly feel the strings that held these characters down. The conversations of Islamophobia were incredible, which are already rarely highlighted in our society, and ended up bringing so much light into the hostility and tolerance of people who stay as observers towards hate that is right in front of us.
Throughout reading ITCIL, I could not help but think of the phrase, "It always starts as a joke," because it truly does. ITCIL fleshes that out for us, how we conform to Whiteness and how it begins with the people around us. Complacency is never an option, and Alaa Al-Barkawi does not shy away from this.
This is an OUTSTANDING debut, and if I could recommend any person to purchase on release this year, it would be ITCIL. Thank you so much to Peach Tree Teen for sending a physical galley in exchange for an honest review!
PS. Be ready to cry...like...a lot lol
In the Country I Love revolves around four POVs: Yassir, Khaled, Kawther, and the Sky. Each of these four POVs is interwoven with one another, jumping around between two timelines, where the present goes over the hate crime, anti-Muslim hate that Yassir experienced, and also the past, where we find out more background about the relationship tensions that the three characters, Yassir, Khaled, and Kawther, faced that lead to the strains they now face with one another.
After Khaled and Kawther go back to Iraq and participate in the Arbaeen walk, Khaled comes back to the United States with a hospitalized Yassir after being a victim of the "Kill-a-Muslim Day" rampage. We get to learn why Khaled and Kawther's family are in no contact with Yassir's, despite creating strong bonds as refugees from Iraq. IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE balances the unique stories of Khamr, abuse, family estrangement, teen parenting, and faith crisis.
I remember last year when ITCIL stumbled on my Instagram page, with no cover reveal yet, just the premise, and since that day, I have been anticipating reading this book. Every single page of Alaa Al-Barkawi's work ever so gently touched parts of my heart that held all the pain and anger from this world and assured that nothing needs to be perfect in order for you to feel the love that constantly surrounds you.
Yassir, Khaled, and Kawther's lives were filled with so many challenges, so much heartache, and the raw reality of our lives that I could visibly feel the strings that held these characters down. The conversations of Islamophobia were incredible, which are already rarely highlighted in our society, and ended up bringing so much light into the hostility and tolerance of people who stay as observers towards hate that is right in front of us.
Throughout reading ITCIL, I could not help but think of the phrase, "It always starts as a joke," because it truly does. ITCIL fleshes that out for us, how we conform to Whiteness and how it begins with the people around us. Complacency is never an option, and Alaa Al-Barkawi does not shy away from this.
This is an OUTSTANDING debut, and if I could recommend any person to purchase on release this year, it would be ITCIL. Thank you so much to Peach Tree Teen for sending a physical galley in exchange for an honest review!
PS. Be ready to cry...like...a lot lol
April 15, 2026
This debut, told through multiple POVs, kept me turning the pages as the secrets of both the Al-Azzawi and Al-Hakim families slowly came to light. It offers a thoughtful look into the Shia faith, showing how deeply it shapes everyday life as both boys grapple with belief in their own ways. The story also captures the weight of living in post 9/11 America, exploring not only the racism they experience in their everyday, but also the quieter judgments and cultural pressures within their own community. At its heart, it’s a moving portrayal of two teens, with all their insecurities, flaws, and hopes laid bare. While I know families can be complex and full of a plethora of problems, I wish I the focus was on only a few, to really go in depth with the trauma and difficulties both boys went through and truly are still going through.
Thank you to Netgalley and PeachTree Teen for a copy of this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and PeachTree Teen for a copy of this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
February 13, 2026
“You can’t apologise for something that is not
Your fault. Not everyone is brave enough to love”
“Yassir Al-Azzawi” did not need to be fixed. He needed to be loved… he loved fiercely, even if quietly”
What happens in a small Muslim town when the golden boy is best friends with the failure and both families are riddled with secrets and traumas that have driven them apart. How can they resolve this and what happens when all the secrets surface and they are forced to confront their deepest fears.
I cannot truly explain how deeply and truly I absolutely adored this book. Al-Barkawi was able to write a book that felt so personal and authentic that I truly latched on to each character and felt myself in each of their journeys.
The book explored a range of topics included deep Islamophobia and racism found in academia as well as everyday life and what it means to be a woman and defy roles written for you, even if it means choosing yourself before everyone else.
Each character was flawed and so so beautifully human, this book is a triumph of the YA genre and I have found a new auto-buy author.
Everyone should read this!!!
Your fault. Not everyone is brave enough to love”
“Yassir Al-Azzawi” did not need to be fixed. He needed to be loved… he loved fiercely, even if quietly”
What happens in a small Muslim town when the golden boy is best friends with the failure and both families are riddled with secrets and traumas that have driven them apart. How can they resolve this and what happens when all the secrets surface and they are forced to confront their deepest fears.
I cannot truly explain how deeply and truly I absolutely adored this book. Al-Barkawi was able to write a book that felt so personal and authentic that I truly latched on to each character and felt myself in each of their journeys.
The book explored a range of topics included deep Islamophobia and racism found in academia as well as everyday life and what it means to be a woman and defy roles written for you, even if it means choosing yourself before everyone else.
Each character was flawed and so so beautifully human, this book is a triumph of the YA genre and I have found a new auto-buy author.
Everyone should read this!!!
December 29, 2025
One of the most authentic, emotional contemporary books you’ll absolutely want to read and fall in love with. I love Alaa’s writing style—it was easy to read (so much that I was devouring this book) but also packed with some gut-wrenching one-liners and “isms” that any Arab or SWANA Muslim will relate to.
10/10 you should read this.
10/10 you should read this.
June 17, 2026
I love everything about this book. I want everyone I know and my future kids to read it!
Want to Read
September 17, 2025books about friendship are criminally underrated, i'm so excited
April 17, 2026
This book truly opened my eyes. the story follows two Iraqi American teens who couldn’t look more different. Yassir is barely holding things together, a teenage father on the brink of dropping out, constantly feeling like he’s one mistake away from being sent to Iraq, a place he barely knows but is expected to fear. Khaled, on the other hand, is the community’s pride: devout, disciplined, and seemingly flawless. But that “perfect” image starts to crack the moment his connection to Yassir is revealed.What unfolds isn’t just a story about friendship it’s about the weight of family expectations, the quiet (and sometimes loud) pressure of faith, and the way secrets can shape entire lives. When a devastating crime shakes their community, both boys are forced to confront truths that reach far beyond themselves, exposing the complicated, messy realities behind the reputations their families have built.instead of a straightforward narrative, you get layers past and present intertwining to show how history, trauma, and intertwine into the present. It’s not always an easy read emotionally, but that’s exactly the point.What makes this book especially important is how it centers a Shia Muslim experience in America something that’s still rarely explored in mainstream YA. It doesn’t flatten its characters into symbols or lessons. Instead, it gives them contradictions: faith and doubt, love and resentment, loyalty and rebellion. And through that, it challenges the reader to sit with complexity rather than reaching for easy judgments.This is exactly why books like this matter and why they shouldn’t only be picked up during something like Arab American Heritage Month. Limiting stories like these to a specific time frame defeats their purpose. The whole point is to expand perspective year round to understand communities beyond headlines, stereotypes, or fleeting cultural spotlights.Reading outside your usual lens isn’t about checking a box. it’s about building a more honest understanding of the world. Stories like this one make that unavoidable. They remind you that identity isn’t one dimensional, that families carry histories we don’t always see, and that “good” and “bad” people rarely exist in categories.If you go into this expecting a simple coming of age story, it will surprise you. It’s heavier than that and far more necessary.
Want to Read
June 28, 2026"A multi-POV contemporary YA novel that explores the complexities of friendship, grief, and family through the story of two Iraqi American best friends—a teen single father whose Shia Muslim faith has lapsed and the community's devout golden boy—before, during, and after a crime that will alter their lives and unearth dark truths their families have worked to keep hidden."
Review of advance copy received from Author
In The Country I love by Alaa Al-Barkawi is a messy family drama which isn't really my genre but perhaps it should be because this is a wonderful novel, the tl;dr is five stars, go read it now.
It revolves around two families who are part of the Iraqi Shia diaspora in a small conservative white city in the United States of America with the two main characters being Yassir and Khaled who are best friends despite their families no longer being on speaking terms due to past tragedies. The trauma of the past has affected the two high school boys and they've started to go against their faith and family by drinking. While both are guilty of this, Yassir is the one who gets into trouble while Khaled remains a golden boy, especially as Yassir's indiscretions have left him the sole teenage parent of a baby girl, Yasmin.
And there are more tragedies in store, some caused by the Islamophobia of their new home, others lingering from their past as Iraqi refugees, and quite a few being self-inflicted. The book jumps backwards and forwards in time, counting down to and then away from a pivotal incident that has grave implications for one of the two main characters. The main difference is, while all the other conflicts served to force the characters apart, this one forces them together and leads to toxic secrets being unearthed.
One of the brilliant parts of the novel is how reading it feels like marrying into an Iraqi Shia family. At the start you slowly learn about the people in the family at a surface level and then as you spend more time with them, get to know them deeper, with new characters coming in and requiring time to get used to as well, the most important to my mind being the estranged daughter Kawther. As this is happening you will get familiar with the, perhaps foreign to you, Iraqi Shia culture and the importance of yearly religious events such as Ashura, and Arbaeen as you experience them along with the characters.
At the core of the novel is a deeply human question, that being what do you do when someone, or something, that you love, doesn't love you back?
And if that's not a universal sentiment, I don't know what is.
Thanks to the publisher and author for sending me an advance reader's copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
It revolves around two families who are part of the Iraqi Shia diaspora in a small conservative white city in the United States of America with the two main characters being Yassir and Khaled who are best friends despite their families no longer being on speaking terms due to past tragedies. The trauma of the past has affected the two high school boys and they've started to go against their faith and family by drinking. While both are guilty of this, Yassir is the one who gets into trouble while Khaled remains a golden boy, especially as Yassir's indiscretions have left him the sole teenage parent of a baby girl, Yasmin.
And there are more tragedies in store, some caused by the Islamophobia of their new home, others lingering from their past as Iraqi refugees, and quite a few being self-inflicted. The book jumps backwards and forwards in time, counting down to and then away from a pivotal incident that has grave implications for one of the two main characters. The main difference is, while all the other conflicts served to force the characters apart, this one forces them together and leads to toxic secrets being unearthed.
One of the brilliant parts of the novel is how reading it feels like marrying into an Iraqi Shia family. At the start you slowly learn about the people in the family at a surface level and then as you spend more time with them, get to know them deeper, with new characters coming in and requiring time to get used to as well, the most important to my mind being the estranged daughter Kawther. As this is happening you will get familiar with the, perhaps foreign to you, Iraqi Shia culture and the importance of yearly religious events such as Ashura, and Arbaeen as you experience them along with the characters.
At the core of the novel is a deeply human question, that being what do you do when someone, or something, that you love, doesn't love you back?
And if that's not a universal sentiment, I don't know what is.
Thanks to the publisher and author for sending me an advance reader's copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2026
when i tell you that this book is top tier, i mean it with every fibre in my being.
the way by this book had me sobbing, laughing, hopeful, raging and dying all in the same breath is a testimony of how good it is.
i could count on one hand how many books have succeeded on making me cry, and In the Country I Love by Alaa is one of them 🥺
the way i was dying to read this book because there was Shia representation and then i got the ARC??? like made my entire year 😭 (this review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions)
there are SO many important topics being explored in ITCIL, grief, generational trauma, living as a Shia in the Western world, struggling with Faith, being brave in a world that’s constantly against you. this whole book was written so well i’m constantly thinking about it. since i first picked it up on Thursday to now my thoughts are circulating around it.
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE TRAUMA THAT ALAA PUT ME THROUGH OMG
also, having the sky being one of the narrators is so smart and i LOVED it. there were so many quotes throughout this book that are SO important and just hit so hard. i loved the way Alaa showed the hardships of being a young Muslim in the Western world, and how there is SO much racism, and islamophobia rooted in the West that people are still choosing to ignore.
the dynamic between Khaled and Yassir is my favourite (*cough* *cough* Khaled is my favourite *cough*) i loved that this book explores forgiveness, our faith as Shia, the important events we have, the way that even within the Muslim community we face hatred.
truly Alaa has outdone herself with this novel and i’m praying that everyone picks up this book and realises just how amazing and needed this book is.
the way by this book had me sobbing, laughing, hopeful, raging and dying all in the same breath is a testimony of how good it is.
i could count on one hand how many books have succeeded on making me cry, and In the Country I Love by Alaa is one of them 🥺
the way i was dying to read this book because there was Shia representation and then i got the ARC??? like made my entire year 😭 (this review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions)
there are SO many important topics being explored in ITCIL, grief, generational trauma, living as a Shia in the Western world, struggling with Faith, being brave in a world that’s constantly against you. this whole book was written so well i’m constantly thinking about it. since i first picked it up on Thursday to now my thoughts are circulating around it.
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE TRAUMA THAT ALAA PUT ME THROUGH OMG
also, having the sky being one of the narrators is so smart and i LOVED it. there were so many quotes throughout this book that are SO important and just hit so hard. i loved the way Alaa showed the hardships of being a young Muslim in the Western world, and how there is SO much racism, and islamophobia rooted in the West that people are still choosing to ignore.
the dynamic between Khaled and Yassir is my favourite (*cough* *cough* Khaled is my favourite *cough*) i loved that this book explores forgiveness, our faith as Shia, the important events we have, the way that even within the Muslim community we face hatred.
truly Alaa has outdone herself with this novel and i’m praying that everyone picks up this book and realises just how amazing and needed this book is.
May 26, 2026
As readers, we often talk about the power of books to expand our empathy, and Alaa Al-Barkawi’s debut novel, In the Country I Love, is one of those books.
Following along as two best friends, Yassir and Khaled, navigate life in their teens in a world post-rise of global Islamophobia, there will be aspects the average reader won’t relate to (being Shia Muslim, being teenaged boys, etc), and aspects any reader will relate to (the power of friendship, the cost of grief, coming of age, etc). Both of these experiences are SO IMPORTANT. It is crucial, especially in times where marginalized identities are weaponized against instead of celebrated about people, that we as readers read books that represent communities we don’t belong to or even understand while juxtaposed with our common experience as humans.
Al-Barkawi masterfully captured complex human emotion, the juxtaposition of grief and joy, love and hate, and humanizing communities that are commonly dehumanized. There was not a moment of this book that did not capture my attention and my heart. I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy several months ago, and I mean it when I say that this book has stuck with me every day since.
I strongly encourage all readers to pick this book up, but I especially encourage adults to pick this up for the young adults in their lives. More stories told like this to more young folk has the immense power to create a kinder, more empathic future for us all.
It may sound like I’m overselling, but I firmly believe in the power of storytelling. ITCIL is a superior example of this super power!
Fat-Friendly Rating: 🩶, neutral
Following along as two best friends, Yassir and Khaled, navigate life in their teens in a world post-rise of global Islamophobia, there will be aspects the average reader won’t relate to (being Shia Muslim, being teenaged boys, etc), and aspects any reader will relate to (the power of friendship, the cost of grief, coming of age, etc). Both of these experiences are SO IMPORTANT. It is crucial, especially in times where marginalized identities are weaponized against instead of celebrated about people, that we as readers read books that represent communities we don’t belong to or even understand while juxtaposed with our common experience as humans.
Al-Barkawi masterfully captured complex human emotion, the juxtaposition of grief and joy, love and hate, and humanizing communities that are commonly dehumanized. There was not a moment of this book that did not capture my attention and my heart. I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy several months ago, and I mean it when I say that this book has stuck with me every day since.
I strongly encourage all readers to pick this book up, but I especially encourage adults to pick this up for the young adults in their lives. More stories told like this to more young folk has the immense power to create a kinder, more empathic future for us all.
It may sound like I’m overselling, but I firmly believe in the power of storytelling. ITCIL is a superior example of this super power!
Fat-Friendly Rating: 🩶, neutral
June 1, 2026
Content Guide:
🤬 Some strong language and moderate language.
🌶️ Implied sex. Teen parents. Nothing on-page. Even the kissing is very brief.
🗡️ References to war crimes and hate crimes including beatings and murder; abuse, stalking, and accidental injury. Occasionally briefly graphic.
🍺 Alcohol use by minors, cigarette use by adults.
TW: war, racism, sexism, islamophobia, military status discrimination, death of loved one, bullying, abuse, infidelity, family trauma, and faith crisis.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
A story about Iraqi refugees, who are Shia Muslim, living in the US. This perspective is so rare, and Alaa Al-Barkawi handles it with honesty, sensitivity, and beauty. ✨
I loved the honest portrayal of family trauma, faith crisis, hurts that go deep, and chains that are not easily broken, yet there is hope.
I could really feel for all of these characters - even the ones I hated! The perspective of Sky brings compassion and empathy.
I loved the POV of Kawther. I wish we had more of her perspective from the beginning, and I want to know more about her life in LA and how she became a chain-breaker in her family.
As a white Christian reader, I learned a lot about Iraqi culture and Shia Muslim faith. I was googling the meaning of many of the words. I'm sure some of it still went over my head, but the most valuable thing I learned is to more clearly see the humanity in those who are different from me. ❤️
Thank you to Alaa Al-Barkawi and Peachtree teen for the free book in exchange for my honest review.
🤬 Some strong language and moderate language.
🌶️ Implied sex. Teen parents. Nothing on-page. Even the kissing is very brief.
🗡️ References to war crimes and hate crimes including beatings and murder; abuse, stalking, and accidental injury. Occasionally briefly graphic.
🍺 Alcohol use by minors, cigarette use by adults.
TW: war, racism, sexism, islamophobia, military status discrimination, death of loved one, bullying, abuse, infidelity, family trauma, and faith crisis.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
A story about Iraqi refugees, who are Shia Muslim, living in the US. This perspective is so rare, and Alaa Al-Barkawi handles it with honesty, sensitivity, and beauty. ✨
I loved the honest portrayal of family trauma, faith crisis, hurts that go deep, and chains that are not easily broken, yet there is hope.
I could really feel for all of these characters - even the ones I hated! The perspective of Sky brings compassion and empathy.
I loved the POV of Kawther. I wish we had more of her perspective from the beginning, and I want to know more about her life in LA and how she became a chain-breaker in her family.
As a white Christian reader, I learned a lot about Iraqi culture and Shia Muslim faith. I was googling the meaning of many of the words. I'm sure some of it still went over my head, but the most valuable thing I learned is to more clearly see the humanity in those who are different from me. ❤️
Thank you to Alaa Al-Barkawi and Peachtree teen for the free book in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2026
This book was beautiful, but had one drawback. The chapter breaks include references to the passage of time, either as flashbacks, or chronological reference points to a major event of the book. Without giving that event away, as it should be experienced in sequence, the use of these for the entire book up to the alignment with said event had no context. I understood why they we there after getting halfway into the book, but the use of this literary organization device in the beginning I found confusing, which made it hard to get into the story. I kept getting confused why there was some kind of countdown clock that didn’t seem to have any point, and then since one of the side characters, the sister Ayah, is only mentioned and never present in the story up through this point when the event happens, I kept questioning if I had missed something, or if the book was missing a chapter, or if I had zoned out and skipped a whole section out of my memory, because these time-codes would jump back and forth to pay out the story through the multiple POVs, but don’t make sense until the timer runs out, and the climactic event that spurs the characters to begin resolving their story arcs occurs. This confusion made it take me a week to get halfway through the book, and then a day to finish it once things finally made sense. Just as a critique of that writer’s choice, I would presume others may get confused as well, and potentially DNF the book before getting to the good stuff in the end, where so much beauty of relationship and growth of characters and sharing of culture happens.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Peachtree Teen for the opportunity to read this incredibly special book.
When I saw the comparison to All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir, I knew I needed to read this one. This debut young adult novel will be one that captures the hearts of many.
Alaa paints an incredibly beautiful picture of two families who have an extremely complex and emotional history together both in Iraq and in the United States. Two teenage boys, Khaled and Yassir, who are incredibly different in their faith yet are connected to each other still as childhood best friends. Kawther, the eldest daughter who desires more for herself and for her education than what her family wants. Surrounding both the families and their internal struggles is the way immigrants and refugees from Iraq are treated in the United States.
The story is powerful and heartbreaking. A story of forgiveness and strength in adversity. A messy, family drama but also how families can come together in the face of hardship. A story that captures what it means to be Iraqi and Muslim in America. A story that captures the complex feelings many young adults have with religion.
There are so many facets to this story and every aspect is tenderly captured and complex. I just adored it and I highly recommend it!
When I saw the comparison to All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir, I knew I needed to read this one. This debut young adult novel will be one that captures the hearts of many.
Alaa paints an incredibly beautiful picture of two families who have an extremely complex and emotional history together both in Iraq and in the United States. Two teenage boys, Khaled and Yassir, who are incredibly different in their faith yet are connected to each other still as childhood best friends. Kawther, the eldest daughter who desires more for herself and for her education than what her family wants. Surrounding both the families and their internal struggles is the way immigrants and refugees from Iraq are treated in the United States.
The story is powerful and heartbreaking. A story of forgiveness and strength in adversity. A messy, family drama but also how families can come together in the face of hardship. A story that captures what it means to be Iraqi and Muslim in America. A story that captures the complex feelings many young adults have with religion.
There are so many facets to this story and every aspect is tenderly captured and complex. I just adored it and I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an absolutely stunning YA contemporary about a secret friendship between two Iraqi American boys from families that had a massive falling out, and the events that bring them back together after a horrific crime. I loved how dynamic and complex all the characters are! Yassir and Khaled are endearing protagonists with realistic flaws, but as a fellow eldest sister, I had no choice but to love Khaled's older sister Kawther the most.
The twists and turns propelled me through this book within a couple of days! Several of the bonkers family secrets made me gasp when they were uncovered. The story weaves in flashbacks that slowly reveal more information about the falling-out between the Al-Hakims and the Al-Azzawis, which turns the backstory into a compelling mystery for the reader to untangle.
This book deals with several heavy topics like Islamophobia, racism, alcoholism, teenage parenthood, and domestic abuse in ways that felt both teen-appropriate and handled with sufficient care. The characters don't always end up with neat answers to their problems by the end of the story, but Yassir and Khaled come to learn that they will always find a home in their friendship, and that's the most important thing.
Thanks to Peachtree Teen for the ebook ARC!
The twists and turns propelled me through this book within a couple of days! Several of the bonkers family secrets made me gasp when they were uncovered. The story weaves in flashbacks that slowly reveal more information about the falling-out between the Al-Hakims and the Al-Azzawis, which turns the backstory into a compelling mystery for the reader to untangle.
This book deals with several heavy topics like Islamophobia, racism, alcoholism, teenage parenthood, and domestic abuse in ways that felt both teen-appropriate and handled with sufficient care. The characters don't always end up with neat answers to their problems by the end of the story, but Yassir and Khaled come to learn that they will always find a home in their friendship, and that's the most important thing.
Thanks to Peachtree Teen for the ebook ARC!
July 7, 2026
In the Country I Love is a difficult but deeply worthwhile read. What stayed with me most was Alaa's nuanced exploration of identity, faith, and belonging. As someone who has often felt caught between cultures, the portrayal of being too Western for some and too Eastern for others resonated deeply. The discussion of what it means to be a liberal Muslim was especially thoughtful, capturing the constant internal negotiation between faith, morality, and the expectations placed upon you from every direction. Both culturally and religiously. It is not easy!
The Islamophobia depicted throughout the book is heartbreaking, not because it feels exaggerated, but because it feels painfully real. Al Barkawi doesn't just show acts of hatred, she reveals their lasting impact on ordinary people simply trying to live their lives. It's an uncomfortable read at times, but that's exactly why I think it's an important one. More people need to sit with these stories and recognize the humanity behind the headlines. Beneath our differences, we're all just people searching for a place to belong. I do wish that some of the characters had better endings, and some relationships and plots were explored more, but a good read overall.
Thank you, Alaa and Peachtree Teen, for the E-ARC.
The Islamophobia depicted throughout the book is heartbreaking, not because it feels exaggerated, but because it feels painfully real. Al Barkawi doesn't just show acts of hatred, she reveals their lasting impact on ordinary people simply trying to live their lives. It's an uncomfortable read at times, but that's exactly why I think it's an important one. More people need to sit with these stories and recognize the humanity behind the headlines. Beneath our differences, we're all just people searching for a place to belong. I do wish that some of the characters had better endings, and some relationships and plots were explored more, but a good read overall.
Thank you, Alaa and Peachtree Teen, for the E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rich with culture and friendship, Al-Barkawi paints a picture of culture, responsibility, trauma family, relationships, religion (and so much more) using two friends Yassir and Khaled but Kawther, too, a sister who defies odds and pushes back.
There is a timeline to knock against, before and after a pivotal moment and with the multiple points of view of the characters. This nonlinear timeline and multi-angled understanding gives dimension to the Shia Muslim religion, what is means in America, as well as in Iraq, their native country.
It's about two families and the friendship between Yassir and Khaled with explanations about their secret friendship and one of them having a baby with a mix of dangerous habits including excessive alcohol consumption and a private school.
It's intricate, layered, and full of unraveling stories that is a perfect read after All My Rage.
There is a timeline to knock against, before and after a pivotal moment and with the multiple points of view of the characters. This nonlinear timeline and multi-angled understanding gives dimension to the Shia Muslim religion, what is means in America, as well as in Iraq, their native country.
It's about two families and the friendship between Yassir and Khaled with explanations about their secret friendship and one of them having a baby with a mix of dangerous habits including excessive alcohol consumption and a private school.
It's intricate, layered, and full of unraveling stories that is a perfect read after All My Rage.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alaa Al-Barkawi’s IN THE COUNTRY I LOVE is one of the most important books being published in 2026. Everyone needs to read this book to better understand (Shia) Muslims and their living experiences in this country. Al-Barkawi is a spectacular author with flawless prose and descriptive writing. I absolutely loved the complexities of each character. Writing multiple POVs like this is so difficult to pull off, but it was absolute perfection in this book. I loved Yassir and Khaled, but Kawther has a special place in my heart. Despite having a different living experience than her, I felt so SEEN by many of her struggles. I am so impressed by this book, and I loved every page. I highly, highly recommend this book to everyone, but especially fans of contemporary books with important messages and social commentary. I’m incredibly impressed by Al-Barkawi’s writing abilities, especially since this book is her debut. Hats off to the author! Al-Barkawi’s books will certainly be auto-buys for me. Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2026
This is the story of two Iraqi-American best friends - practically family, but also very different individuals - as they navigate complex family trauma and a devastating crime that brings that trauma to the surface. It’s a story about faith, shame, love, fear, courage, and forgiveness.
I think everyone needs to read this book, no exaggeration. Whatever your post-9/11 experience (but especially if you are a white American), it’s so important to know what the Muslim and Iraqi communities lived through and continue to deal with today.
The story is so full of soul and I connected so deeply with the characters. They were unapologetically human, flawed and wonderful. Alaa’s writing is beautiful and her storytelling was compelling, especially the tension and pacing. I didn’t want to put it down, I just needed answers! Such an impressive debut and an authentic, genuine Own Voices story.
Thank you so much to Alaa Al-Barkawi, Peachtree Publishers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I think everyone needs to read this book, no exaggeration. Whatever your post-9/11 experience (but especially if you are a white American), it’s so important to know what the Muslim and Iraqi communities lived through and continue to deal with today.
The story is so full of soul and I connected so deeply with the characters. They were unapologetically human, flawed and wonderful. Alaa’s writing is beautiful and her storytelling was compelling, especially the tension and pacing. I didn’t want to put it down, I just needed answers! Such an impressive debut and an authentic, genuine Own Voices story.
Thank you so much to Alaa Al-Barkawi, Peachtree Publishers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, thank you so much to author, Aala, for giving me an opportunity to be a part of her ARC team. I am so glad I picked this book and read it.
This book emotionally destroyed me and has become one of my favorite sad books. The unique think about this book is it is Young Adult contemporary romance book that has Shia Muslim representation. Aala has captured the raw emotions of Iraqis, Shia Muslims, and all those people who are forced to leave their home countries for better future.
If you want to see how immigrants struggle, how Islamophobia destroy the peace of people, this book is ideal for you. Moreover, the character of Khawter's represents the struggle of typical Muslim girl who has to sacrifice a lot for her dreams. I guess a lot of us can see us in this character.
Overall, the book is excellent!
This book emotionally destroyed me and has become one of my favorite sad books. The unique think about this book is it is Young Adult contemporary romance book that has Shia Muslim representation. Aala has captured the raw emotions of Iraqis, Shia Muslims, and all those people who are forced to leave their home countries for better future.
If you want to see how immigrants struggle, how Islamophobia destroy the peace of people, this book is ideal for you. Moreover, the character of Khawter's represents the struggle of typical Muslim girl who has to sacrifice a lot for her dreams. I guess a lot of us can see us in this character.
Overall, the book is excellent!
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