Street of Storytellers

by Doug Wilhelm

Gold medal, YA fiction, 2020 Independent Press Awards
Silver medal, teen fiction, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Awards
Winner, young adult books, 2019 Independent Publishers of New England Book Awards
Kirkus Reviews "Editors' Choice"

This multicultural thriller, set at a pivotal time and place in recent world history, is about three families across two cultures. It's about an ancient true story the world has almost forgotten. And it's about learning to think for yourself — even if that puts your life at risk.

In Street of Storytellers, a teenager who's passionate about rock music angrily blames his parents' divorce on his dad's obsession with finishing a book about a lost civilization in Pakistan's dangerous, legendary Northwest Frontier. But over Christmas vacation, wanting his son to understand, Luke's dad brings him to Peshawar, the age-old crossroads city near the Afghan border. Luke refuses to visit the ruins or learn anything about the project ... instead he is drawn into the strange, intriguing Old City, where a violent new extremism is on the rise. This is December 1984.

Luke is dazzled by the beautiful Danisha — but if they're ever seen together, she could be killed. He's recruited by a group of jihadis — but he also bonds with Yusuf, an Afghan refugee who knows what could happen. Then there are the musicians Luke befriends, and a mysterious Sufi teacher who opens his eyes.

This is Doug Wilhelm's 17th book. His acclaimed novel The Revealers has been the focus of reading-and-discussion projects in over 1,000 American schools.

Genres: Historical Fiction

230 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2019

About the author

Doug Wilhelm is the author of 17 books for young readers, including Street of Storytellers, a multi-award winning novel for YA and adult readers:

• Gold medal, YA fiction, 2020 Independent Press Awards
• Silver medal, teen fiction, 2020 Benjamin Franklin Awards
• Winner, young adult books, 2019 Independent Publishers of New England Book Awards
• Kirkus Reviews Indie Editors Choice

Doug's previous books include The Revealers, a novel about bullying that has been the focus of reading-and-discussion projects in over 1,000 U.S. middle schools, and True Shoes, the Revealers sequel on cyberbullying. Doug began writing for young people with the legendary Choose Your Own Adventure series, for which he has written 10 books. When he visits schools to talk about his books, kids notice that he is six feet ten inches tall!

http://www.dougwilhelm.com/
http://us.macmillan.com/author/dougwi...

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an unusual, original read!

Luke is an American teen. His dad is obsessively writing a book set in Pakistan. His parents are divorced, and his dad invites him to Peshawar, Pakistan so Luke can gain insight into his writing process.

Luke wants nothing to do with his dad’s interests, and instead, spends time in the Old City, where violence and extremism is happening. He is enchanted with a girl named Danisha, but any contact is forbidden and could get her killed. He also forms a friendship with an Afghan refugee named Yusef.

This book encompasses so much. I learned about culture and history in a way I didn’t expect. The mystery enthralled me, and the messages from Luke’s coming-of-age were relatable.

Overall, I enjoyed this tense, suspenseful book and all it had to offer.

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vividly told, fascinating, and compelling. This book is described as a coming-of-age multicultural thriller and I would have to say that is pretty spot on. It is 1984 and 15-year-old Luke’s parents are getting a divorce. Luke blames the divorce on his father and his obsession with his work. Luke becomes even more upset with the situation when he hast to go to Pakistan with his dad for Christmas. Dad is eager to show his son how important and exciting his work is dealing with a history of Pakistan. But instead Luke finds himself navigating an entirely different culture with a new set of rules. This book really is a genre potpourri. Part historical fiction, part young adult, part multicultural, and part suspense. Luke was a likable young man who found himself in a very unique situation. I appreciated his love for music and I found his crush on a young Muslim girl sweet and complicated.
This was one of those books I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read it was definitely a special story with a unique premise.

This book in emojis 🇵🇰 👨‍👦 🎼 🛫

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Street of Storytellers” by Doug Wilhelm is an amazing story set in 1984 and tells the story about a young man and his journey towards self-discovery, the different relationships he is navigating through with his own father and new friends, and his eye opening experiences with different cultures, religion and beliefs.

During his winter break, Luke travels with his father to Peshawar in Pakistan’s Northwest Frontier. Luke’s father is obsessed about writing and completing his book about a lost ancient civilization. While there, he befriends Danisha whom he develops an infatuation and Yusuf, an Afghan refugee.

As Luke navigates Peshawar through his eyes, you are also taken as a reader through his experiences - the amazing markets, the smells of the fruits and food in the stalls, and the music they are experiencing. Wilhelm writes with rich and vivid historical fiction story with some thrilling elements surrounding the pivoting point in our history leading to 9/11.

Though the book is a short and quick read, the message is deep and gives a perspective on our world when extremists try to silence the voices of people that want change for the oppressed, and maintain the freedom we take for granted.

This is an amazing story that I highly recommend. An amazing coming-of-age novel that is gripping and intense. It is unique unlike any other book I have read before. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have been changed because of this book.

[Sherri Silvera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doug Wilhelm wrote an interesting historical fiction/coming of age novel. Not many YA books are set in Pakistan. This one was related with obvious love for the country and it's history and culture.

There were so many themes touched upon, showing the reader similarities among two contrasting cultures - living one's true self, acceptance of those around you, the importance of free thinking and education.

This was a short novel that carried a "big punch". It was compulsively readable with well fleshed out characters. I think it should be recommended high school reading.

I want to thank Goodreads and Doug Wilhelm for the signed copy.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug Wilhelm, Author of "Street of Storytellers" writes an intense, captivating, riveting, intriguing and significant novel. The Genres for this novel are Multicultural Thriller, and Fiction. This is also a coming of age novel, and there are some historical facts that are part of this novel. The timeline for this story is set in 1984 and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes his characters as complex and complicated.

Luke is a 15-year-old teenager who loves music. but is very angry with his parent's divorce, and the fact that he will be spending Christmas with his father in Peshawar, in Pakistan. Luke's father is obsessed with his job and is writing about ancient finds from Asia.  Luke's father would like him to understand the significance of this historical research. Both are visiting with Luke's father's friends. Luke is told that he is to respect the cultural differences and that he is not to be alone with the daughter. Men and women have different roles in this society. He notices that the son is rebellious and has friends that make Luke uncomfortable.

As Luke is discovering the city with another friend he has made that also knows the dangers that can occur in this hostile environment. Luke also makes friends with a group of musicians. Luke also meets a group of extreme jihadis. There are twists and turns, and dangers and Luke must make decisions.

I appreciate the author's vivid descriptions of the characters, events and the landscape. I also was impressed by the author's storytelling and writing details. I would highly recommend this novel for young adults and adults, who are interested in the Genre of Multicultural Thriller and fiction.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this YA book through Firstreads on Goodreads. It's a historical fiction set in 1984 Pakistan in the Pashtun valley at the beginning of the extremist Muslim movement and the Afghanistan conflict. It gave me a perspective on world events that I wasn't previously aware of. I really enjoyed the story.

[Nicole reading_with_nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke is 15, has a love for music and is very angry with his parents divorce. Luke blames his father for the divorce, he blames his father’s obsession with his job and with his research a very dangerous part of Asia.
Christmas is approaching and Luke will be spending it with his father in Pakistan; he is not happy about this at all. His father wants him to understand why this research is so import to him, they visit a friend of his father’s and Luke is warned that he is not to be alone with the daughter; it is forbidden in this society.
Luke has made a friend and is out and about discovering the city without his father; he meets musicians and jihadis and he meets Danisha. Luke finds himself drawn to Danisha but if they are seen together in her strict culture which does not allow girls to be with boys, she could be killed.
This book blends the story of three families from two different cultures; the storyline has many different aspects to it; coming of age, historical fiction aspect and it was very suspenseful.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

15 year old Luke's parents are divorced and he blames it on his dad's obsession with writing a book. It's his dad's turn to have Luke over the Christmas holiday. Wanting Luke to understand the subject of his book, a lost civilization of Pakistan, he takes him there so he can work in conjunction with another professor who is from there. Luke's not happy, meets friends his own age and the adventure really begins. Extremism is taking off and Luke gets caught between the factions while simultaneously navigating a crush on the professors daughter and the traditional mores of the Muslim community. Part historical, part coming of age with lots of suspense, this wonderfully told story had me invested from beginning to end. The writing is succinct and that makes for a quick read. I highly recommend this important story to both YA and adult readers.

[Barbara Floersch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Street of Storytellers is an exciting, suspenseful novel that plunges readers into the conflicts and complexity of Pakistan society. Told through the voice of an American teen, the story takes on themes of parent/child relationships, authentic friendships, women’s rights, the radicalization of young people, the importance of history, and more. Doug Wilhelm’s detailed evocation of the streets of Peshawar is so rich that I could swear I smelled the savory dishes proffered by the street vendors and hear the chaotic, honking traffic. This book was a joy to read and left me with a better understanding of the challenges faced by the people of Pakistan.

[Stephani Beltran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This part coming of age part historical novel had me at the beginning with its superb writing and suspense. I read this in one sitting and was fascinated. A story that takes place in the 80s with flashbacks of certain events has such impressive details of everything involved I felt I was right beside the characters seeing everything so vividly. This is a perfect book for adults and young adults as well who enjoy multicultural fiction.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Street of Storytellers has raked in some impressive awards:

2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book
2020 Gold Medal, Young Adult Fiction, Independent Press Awards
2020 Silver Medal, Teen Fiction, Benjamin Franklin Awards, Independent Book Publishers Association
2019 YA Fiction Book Award, Independent Book Publishers of New England
Indie Editors Choice, Kirkus Reviews

It's rare that I read young adult fiction (which is probably why I'm a bit surprised by this list)...this book came to me through a Goodreads Giveaway.

The story seemed to give an accurate depiction of life in Peshawar, Pakistan in the mid-1980s, at the time that Osama bin Laden was just coming into power.

It presented the good and the bad of the city in a way that left me understanding and appreciating it's culture more than when I started. Music, family, food, religion...it's all there. For this reason, I do agree that it's a worthy read for young students.

Considering the age of the main character, the internal and external dialogue often felt hokey and I believe a lot of students would high five me on this. While I could get past it and still give this book a 4 star rating, unfortunately I'm not as hopeful for pre-teen and teen readers.

I hope I'm wrong because there's important insight in this story!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Street of Storytellers, Wilhelm gives us some 'back story' on attitudes and view points that contributed to 9/11. The teens of three families, one American, one Afghani, and one Pakistani, meet in Peshawar and share conflicting beliefs and stories of hardship. The author makes it evident that serious trouble is on the way but does an excellent job of phrasing so as not to foreshadow later events--a difficult task when writing historical fiction.

Luke, the American, finds common ground with the other teens through music. Yusef, from Kabul loves music and works hard to help care for his family, sharing the story of their treacherous trek from Afghanistan with Luke. Rashi, teen of Pakistan, is becoming more strict and extremist in his views than his family. Luke has had a crush on Dani, Rashi's sister, since they met in the states. In exploring Peshawar, Luke learns some harsh realities about life in a country where religious fanatics are coming to the forefront of society. Luke also learns how much his father cares about him.

Recommended for young adults struggling to understand the relationships and mindsets of various groups in the Middle East.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting of this book was as exciting as the story! Pakistan! Luke is 15 years old, an American teen and has just watched his parents go through a divorce. It is now Winter Break and his dad drags him to Pakistan. His dad is writing a book and needs to work with his co-author. At first Luke insists that he is going to have nothing to do with Pakistan and the people, but that is almost impossible from the first day - too many adventures await him. Danisha catches Luke's eye, but with all the cultural rules he struggles getting to know her - meeting in secret seems to be the only way to have a conversation. Luke shares his love of music with all he meets and they in turn share their music - great part of the story.

Trying to name a genre for this book will be difficult...thriller, historical fiction, adventure, suspense - so many to choose from. A glossary for some of the foreign words would have been very helpful.

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. Thank you, Doug Wilhelm, for the very enjoyable trip to Pakistan!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was entralled with this foreign world that Doug Wilhelm put me into from the first sentence...I felt like a true fly on the wall as Doug deftly put the protagonist in the middle of a story in a country (Pakista) with rich, messy, complex ancient traditions and historical complications. I understand so much more of how and why people can become caught up in the fundamentalism and the tragic realities of women's rights in that country does need to be told so the world understand what women must suffer under the Taliban rule. The book is told through the eyes of an American teenage boy who grows into his relationship with his father and himself by confronting what he has been running from and trying to do the right thing.

[Rick Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug Wilhelm is a terrific story teller who understands the adolescent mind. In this book he has interwoven themes of teenage angst and independence with international terrorism. He captures the essence of Pakistan in the 1980s and the struggles they faced during the Russian war on neighboring Afghanistan. Doug has personalized the seeds of Islamic terrorism that had its origins in that conflict and still resonates today.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a good book to read now, as it takes us back in time before 9/11. The story is told through an American visitor perspective in the region where Osama Bin Ladin begins to emerge as a figure of influence. This is an excellent book for high school reading as the main characters are teenagers and their perspectives and interests are relatable. I especially enjoyed the musical connections and inclusion in the story. This is an informative and enjoyable read.

[Scott Barnicle]

Despite being a friend and young fiction - I loved this book! Way to go Tall Doug!

[Frederic Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find that coming-of-age fiction set in an historical context can be a powerful and compelling combination. Books like Anthony Doerr’s excellent “All the Light We Cannot See” provide a portal for us to experience history in a very intimate way: reliving a very vivid and formative time of our life in a completely foreign setting.

For me, “Street of Storytellers” is just such a book, though I have a hard time reconciling myself to the fact that the time-period setting, the early 1980s, is, in fact, a historical period (I was in my twenties!). However, the fact that this is recent history means that events of that time (such as the genesis of al-Qaeda) still resonate strongly with ongoing consequences in the present. That in itself is enough to keep you flipping the pages, but even in the absence of that, Wilhelm’s story-telling skill from fifteen-year-old Luke’s perspective, is engrossing and authentic.

Luke is unwillingly dragged to Peshawar, Pakistan, by his father, and his resulting I-don’t-wanna-be-here attitude is laid out in full American teen splendor. His sarcastic attitude is gradually modulated by the intriguing sights and sounds of a radically different culture. His befriending of a young Afghan Pashtun, Yusuf, evolves into a rich experience immersing Luke in the diverse and fractured Muslim community in Peshawar. Another Pashtun friend, Rashi, who has been seduced to join the Wahhabi, an extreme form of Islam, presents an early-life conundrum for Luke as he is pressured to conform to two very different competing influences—Yusuf’s peaceful and welcoming side of Islam or Rashi’s ultra-conservative and strict form of Islam. The resulting conflict produces a series of unexpected yet shockingly plausible life-threatening events.

Wilhelm’s teen narrative is expertly written and his rich descriptions of 1980’s Peshawar’s physical and cultural landscape are engrossing and reflect his thorough research as well as his personal experience (he lived in Pakistan for two years during the 80s).

If it were up to me, I would put this on a banned book list in Florida which, by my standard, flags it as extremely worthy reading for anyone from teen to senior.

4.6/5 stars

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. Let me be completely honest about this novel. I wasn't sure what I was going to feel with this story. I knew I would at least like it. I mean truly. It's a story based in the 80's(I'm a child of the 80's, by the way.) and Pakistan, two things I don't usually read about. But, once I started it, Wilhelm gripped me! I flew through this thrilling novel and ended up truly enjoying it! Each page turn, each character, brought me closer to an end I didn't want to happen because I really felt a part of it and fell in love with all the characters! 

Luke's story is told in vivid detail. Wilhelm captured the life, and happenings in Pakistan in a way that made me feel as if I was walking beside Luke, experiencing all his emotions and seeing all his  new surroundings as if they were my own. Luke's character reminds me so much of my own teenage sons, who are filled with hormones, confusion, curiosity and wonderment. I felt a connection with Luke, and wanted to protect him through the twists and turns of his Pakistani time! 

Doug Wilhelm is a new to me author and one you will not want to miss. He has a wonderful talent and unique writing style. His attention to detail is spot on and by the end of the book, I was ready for more of his stories! Street Of Storytellers is an emotional  book, one that will have you on the edge of your seat, palms sweating, while you find out what's going on in young Luke's life. If you love young adult stories and love the joy ride of a great thriller novel,then don't miss out on this book. You'll find yourself sucked into the danger and twists of this captivating novel. I can't wait to go back and read more of his other 4 star worthy pieces! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke is 15 and not only are his parents divorcing, but this dad is moving to Pakistan to write a book and wants Luke to go with him. Luke finds himself in a new Country with different customs where he doesn't know anyone. Since this is set in 1984, there is no internet to entertain him or tell him about this new place. The author did a great job of conveying this coming of age tale that explores what it is like to be an outsider in a Country that is on the brink of change, the emotional toll that a divorce has on a teen, resentment, and a whole lot more emotions.

[abdulia ortiz-perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @suzyapprovedbookreviews @suzyapprovedbooktours for the free copy for Review

First time reading from this author.
We are giving this 4.5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠
This is not my type of reading but was happy to received this cuz it was so good. Know I have to read more books of it and read more action packed books.


Wow what a surprising read. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every minute of it. Has a nice flow right from the end of the other books to this book. Just when I thought it was ending you turned and keep the reader at the edge of their chair.
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
I highly recommend this book.


This was my first time reading anything from this author. This was a awesome read. It was fast read! Just how I like it. I couldn't put it down at all and I was so hooked in the story. One setting read! It was a good fantastic read!

The writing was good! I love the setting and theme in the storyline. I love the characters!
I highly recommend everybody read and get this books!

Can't wait for his new book!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Street of Storytellers honestly amazed me. Through the eyes of a 15 year old you are taken back to 1984 through Peshawar in Pakistan. Luke’s father brings him here on his Christmas vacation to help Luke understand and connect with his father’s work about a lost civilization. Blaming his father’s work on his parents divorce - Luke is very reluctant to learn anything about what his father is working on here.

Through this novel, Luke is confronted with many obstacles. He isn’t familiar with the customs of the culture. Everything is different here, and as if being 15 isn’t challenging enough, Luke soon faces tough decisions. Different religions, music, extremism all play huge roles in this novel.

I was fascinated by the way the author incorporated everything into this beautiful coming of age story. To be honest, I didn’t know much about this area and even though this book is fiction, I definitely learned a lot. I suggest this book to anyone - young or old. I don’t want to give away too many details, because reading this was the best way to experience this story!

[April F · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a page turner. Set in Peshawar in the 80s this multicultural novel is alive with the pulse of this small North west frontier town, that is on the very edge of change. Captured and made believable through the characters of teenagers both American and Pakistani who are wrestling with their own identities whose choices at this critical time in their young lives and in a pre taliban timeline will also alter the future as we can now look back and see it. The conflict between parent and adolescent, the colorful, loose, dangerous and lively background of a city at an ancient trade route is also scattered with plenty of intriguing facts, that make this novel both suspenseful and educational. Throw in some wild drumming and your heart is beating along with the tablas from the street of storytellers. I read it. And I read it again. I bought 6 copies to share. I only hope there is a sequel.

[Mary Bly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written novel that gives a fascinating insight into the culture in Peshawar. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, with Luke being an excellent narrator of all of the events taking place. It's not the type of story that I normally read, but I found myself captivated throughout the entire novel from start to finish. The suspenseful scenes, mixed in with all of the culture, made for a very enjoyable experience. Thank you Goodreads and Doug for the gifted copy!

[Michelle, The Book Critic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a surprising read. I couldn’t put it down, I just loved every minute of it. The story has such a nice flow right from the beginning. Just when I thought it was ending, the author turned around and shocked me!
Keep up the great work, Wilhelm. I hope you write more of these works.
Thank you!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not the type of book I usually read, so I wasn't sure I would, but I really liked this book. It was fiction, but how the people live was not, which was enlightening. Thanks to goodreads and Doug Wilhelm for the gifted copy. I'm very glad I read it.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a e book from Net Galley for my i pad. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. It was my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.