What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan
Mona learns to find her voice over the course of a year that sees her immigrating from Dubai to Canada in this novel for fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Now in paperback!
Mona Hasan is a young Muslim girl growing up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, when the first Gulf War breaks out in 1991. The war isn't what she expects — "We didn’t even get any days off school! Just my luck" — especially when the ground offensive is over so quickly and her family peels the masking tape off their windows. Her parents, however, fear there is no peace in the region, and it sparks a major change in their lives.
Over the course of one year, Mona falls in love, speaks up to protect her younger sister, loses her best friend to the new girl at school, has summer adventures with her cousins in Pakistan, immigrates to Canada, and pursues her ambition to be a feminist and a poet.
Mona Hasan is a young Muslim girl growing up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, when the first Gulf War breaks out in 1991. The war isn't what she expects — "We didn’t even get any days off school! Just my luck" — especially when the ground offensive is over so quickly and her family peels the masking tape off their windows. Her parents, however, fear there is no peace in the region, and it sparks a major change in their lives.
Over the course of one year, Mona falls in love, speaks up to protect her younger sister, loses her best friend to the new girl at school, has summer adventures with her cousins in Pakistan, immigrates to Canada, and pursues her ambition to be a feminist and a poet.
296 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
9 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Salma Hussain
1 book9 followersSALMA HUSSAIN (she/her) grew up in the U.A.E., and immigrated to Canada when she was thirteen years old. She has a B.A. (Hon.) in English Literature, with a concentration in creative writing from the University of Calgary, a law degree from the University of Calgary, and a Masters in Law from McGill University. Her short stories and poems have been published in filling Station, West Coast Line, Other Voices, and in the anthology Homebound: Muslim Women Poetry Collection (Outburst Press). She is a graduate of the Humber Summer Writing Workshop and won the International Festival of Authors’ Litjam short story competition (2018). She was also a mentee in the Diaspora Dialogues long-form mentorship program in 2019. She lives in Toronto.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 2, 2022
Wednesday, September 4, 1991
The parents went for their driving tests today. Ami passed hers but Aba failed his. He didn't know that pedestrians have something called "right of way." (PG. 182)
This was a story narrated by eleven-year-old Mona Hasan. We are meant to be reading a year's worth of her personal diary. I don't know much about United Arabs or Pakistan/Indian history but the author added in some very interesting facts. For example, I didn't know the British were in Indian territory for 400 years and then split the country on different boundaries ruining the country but it makes sense. It's always the same power hungry countries invading and ruining others. Then we wonder "why the country has so many problems, ay mate?"
The story was actually funny in so many ways especially the culture shock of going into a new country. The humor was the saving grace here.
Why the 3 stars then? Well, I always want to feel like the actual kid wrote the narration. While Mona said funny kid things at times it felt like an adult wrote a kids part. Some of the things she said were too much adult thinking like when she obsessed about the word 'feminism' or some general remarks she made. It felt more like the author was reminiscing about being eleven at the time and was trying to relive it.
Quick, easy read. Entertaining with interesting history. Recommended ages 11-15
The parents went for their driving tests today. Ami passed hers but Aba failed his. He didn't know that pedestrians have something called "right of way." (PG. 182)
This was a story narrated by eleven-year-old Mona Hasan. We are meant to be reading a year's worth of her personal diary. I don't know much about United Arabs or Pakistan/Indian history but the author added in some very interesting facts. For example, I didn't know the British were in Indian territory for 400 years and then split the country on different boundaries ruining the country but it makes sense. It's always the same power hungry countries invading and ruining others. Then we wonder "why the country has so many problems, ay mate?"
The story was actually funny in so many ways especially the culture shock of going into a new country. The humor was the saving grace here.
Why the 3 stars then? Well, I always want to feel like the actual kid wrote the narration. While Mona said funny kid things at times it felt like an adult wrote a kids part. Some of the things she said were too much adult thinking like when she obsessed about the word 'feminism' or some general remarks she made. It felt more like the author was reminiscing about being eleven at the time and was trying to relive it.
Quick, easy read. Entertaining with interesting history. Recommended ages 11-15
dnf
May 9, 2022This is a Middle Grade Book. This book is told by a young Muslim girl in the Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I wanted to love this book, and I was really looking forward to reading it. I give up on this book around 20% into this book. I hated all the complaining because if I wanted to give a head full of complaining I would just sit with my 12 year old daughter for an hour and ask her to tell me everything that is wrong. Why do kids complain so much now. I also had real problems with some of the words used in this book. This book is like being in a 12 year olds mind believe me when I say no one wants to be in a 12 year old's mind. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
January 7, 2022
What an amazing book! I can't wait to read this wonderful book. This book sounds like it has everything that a realistic fiction book needs!
June 2, 2022
This book was healing for me because this book WAS ME when I landed in Canada in 1999, age 12.
(I mean that as a metaphor people, please relax).
Salma Hussain captured the heartache of a little brown girl who is trying to figure out who she is and how to carry the burden of thankfulness parents expect her to. Especially if all the major decisions in her life are being made without so much as a mutual conversation between her and her parents.
As a child of immigration, it was painful to relive those emotions, but also validating. Mona was me and I was Mona. I felt her struggle and her bright optimism and I am so happy to have met her.
I also want to say (IF I MAY BE SO BOLD) that readers might try to cast Mona in an understanding of Islam or culture and here is the reason as to why I have refrained from it.
a) I think Mona is a kid who is still figuring out her place in everything. It's not right and wrong for her; it is this and that. She is a girl who is hearing all this information from all credible sources like her teachers, her cousins, her friends, all of which comes through a channel, diluted and shifted into bias by the time it reaches her and then Mona must figure out what to do with it all. It is quite the burden for her.
b) I was very much like Mona as a child who had seen a lot of change. For example: What was considered normal in Pakistan was suddenly weird and odd in Canada. This is a very minor example. Mona goes through a lot of changes, big and small, and it is her optimism and hope which allows her to survive.
I am proud of the person I am today. I have a stronger sense of faith, culture and self. Therefore, as adults we have to give children that scope and have faith in the way we have raised them. This book validated the lost girl who thought she was too different to mean anything to anyone. I want to say thank you to the author from the bottom of my heart for making me feel like my pain counted for something and that it mattered enough.
(I mean that as a metaphor people, please relax).
Salma Hussain captured the heartache of a little brown girl who is trying to figure out who she is and how to carry the burden of thankfulness parents expect her to. Especially if all the major decisions in her life are being made without so much as a mutual conversation between her and her parents.
As a child of immigration, it was painful to relive those emotions, but also validating. Mona was me and I was Mona. I felt her struggle and her bright optimism and I am so happy to have met her.
I also want to say (IF I MAY BE SO BOLD) that readers might try to cast Mona in an understanding of Islam or culture and here is the reason as to why I have refrained from it.
a) I think Mona is a kid who is still figuring out her place in everything. It's not right and wrong for her; it is this and that. She is a girl who is hearing all this information from all credible sources like her teachers, her cousins, her friends, all of which comes through a channel, diluted and shifted into bias by the time it reaches her and then Mona must figure out what to do with it all. It is quite the burden for her.
b) I was very much like Mona as a child who had seen a lot of change. For example: What was considered normal in Pakistan was suddenly weird and odd in Canada. This is a very minor example. Mona goes through a lot of changes, big and small, and it is her optimism and hope which allows her to survive.
I am proud of the person I am today. I have a stronger sense of faith, culture and self. Therefore, as adults we have to give children that scope and have faith in the way we have raised them. This book validated the lost girl who thought she was too different to mean anything to anyone. I want to say thank you to the author from the bottom of my heart for making me feel like my pain counted for something and that it mattered enough.
April 13, 2022
Mona Hasan is my new favorite protagonist.
I'll admit, I'm always a little skeptical of diary formats, especially when the "author" is a child. They're hard to believably pull off, but about 30% into MONA, I realized I just ... could not ... stop ...reading.
Even more shocking? I couldn't stop laughing.
Salma Hussain's debut is an absolute delight. She took all my prejudices against epistolary novels, dosed them in the pure hilarity of Mona's voice, and tossed them back in my face. And reader, I'm *thanking* her for it. MONA covers some extremely heavy topics: immigration, the Gulf War, racism, and misogyny, to name a few. But it also deals with the more ordinary hardships associated with being a preteen, like periods, crushes, annoying siblings, and friend drama. Mona's witty, sassy insights genuinely shook up my perception of the world; because, let's be honest, a twelve-year-old isn't going to have the same opinion on what matters as an adult.
I think that's what I enjoyed about MONA the most. Hussain lets her heroine just ... be. Mona writes terrible poetry, totally misreads serious situations, and is melodramatic AF (as is her right.) She also stumbles upon beautifully poignant insights about what it means to live in a changing world; some of those passages (though they did feel a touch authorial at times) made my breath catch in my throat. Because that's what the best books do, right? They make you feel things.
If this is a debut, I cannot wait to see what Salma Hussain writes next. MONA HASAN is a 90's-nostalgia-infused delight, for readers of all ages.
I'll admit, I'm always a little skeptical of diary formats, especially when the "author" is a child. They're hard to believably pull off, but about 30% into MONA, I realized I just ... could not ... stop ...reading.
Even more shocking? I couldn't stop laughing.
Salma Hussain's debut is an absolute delight. She took all my prejudices against epistolary novels, dosed them in the pure hilarity of Mona's voice, and tossed them back in my face. And reader, I'm *thanking* her for it. MONA covers some extremely heavy topics: immigration, the Gulf War, racism, and misogyny, to name a few. But it also deals with the more ordinary hardships associated with being a preteen, like periods, crushes, annoying siblings, and friend drama. Mona's witty, sassy insights genuinely shook up my perception of the world; because, let's be honest, a twelve-year-old isn't going to have the same opinion on what matters as an adult.
I think that's what I enjoyed about MONA the most. Hussain lets her heroine just ... be. Mona writes terrible poetry, totally misreads serious situations, and is melodramatic AF (as is her right.) She also stumbles upon beautifully poignant insights about what it means to live in a changing world; some of those passages (though they did feel a touch authorial at times) made my breath catch in my throat. Because that's what the best books do, right? They make you feel things.
If this is a debut, I cannot wait to see what Salma Hussain writes next. MONA HASAN is a 90's-nostalgia-infused delight, for readers of all ages.
July 11, 2022
We meet Dubai resident and almost twelve-year old Mona Hasan through her diary entries. I love epistolary novels and this one was terrific. pat humour insight pathos and Mona is a fantastic main character
Mona chronicles her daily activities and covers a number of different things from her daily life at school (e.g., her new principal and his ideas about how capable girls are), her parents, her best friend, her first crush, Desert Storm, her annoying younger sister and the people who live around her. Mona is hilarious, hilariously melodramatic, and she's also a burgeoning poet, including several super melodramatic poems in her diary commenting on daily events in her life.
Despite the humourous tone of Mona's observations, there is a darker side to her musings, which she often misinterprets or does not see the gravity of due to her age and limited experiences:
-colourism in the many skin lightening cremes for women,
-the disdain of her mother's parents for Mona's mother because she chose her own husband
-the dislike Mona feels for physical activity (I get the sense girls are discouraged from exercising in her school)
-the pervasive misogyny
-the lower expectations for girls than for boys, as girls in her circle are just expected to marry and produce children
-casual assault by men of women in public
I LOVED how Mona handled one particular incident: the uncomfortable and unwanted attention of an uncle towards her younger sister, and her mother's initially dismissive attitude to Mona's concerns. Mona stands up for her sister, and it's a pivotal moment in her development, as well as the relationship between her and her mother. (It's already a strong relationship, but I think this only strengthened their connection as Mona's mother believed her and acted on Mona's words.)
How many ways can I say I loved this book? Mona might be terribly self-centred initially, but she grows up a little over the course of the book, and her experiences after moving to Canada see her making new friends, and standing up for them when necessary. And beginning to see her parents more clearly as the people they are, a sure sign that she's maturing.
I laughed so much, winced, felt a little sad, got angry, then laughed some more over the course of this terrific book.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Mona chronicles her daily activities and covers a number of different things from her daily life at school (e.g., her new principal and his ideas about how capable girls are), her parents, her best friend, her first crush, Desert Storm, her annoying younger sister and the people who live around her. Mona is hilarious, hilariously melodramatic, and she's also a burgeoning poet, including several super melodramatic poems in her diary commenting on daily events in her life.
Despite the humourous tone of Mona's observations, there is a darker side to her musings, which she often misinterprets or does not see the gravity of due to her age and limited experiences:
-colourism in the many skin lightening cremes for women,
-the disdain of her mother's parents for Mona's mother because she chose her own husband
-the dislike Mona feels for physical activity (I get the sense girls are discouraged from exercising in her school)
-the pervasive misogyny
-the lower expectations for girls than for boys, as girls in her circle are just expected to marry and produce children
-casual assault by men of women in public
I LOVED how Mona handled one particular incident: the uncomfortable and unwanted attention of an uncle towards her younger sister, and her mother's initially dismissive attitude to Mona's concerns. Mona stands up for her sister, and it's a pivotal moment in her development, as well as the relationship between her and her mother. (It's already a strong relationship, but I think this only strengthened their connection as Mona's mother believed her and acted on Mona's words.)
How many ways can I say I loved this book? Mona might be terribly self-centred initially, but she grows up a little over the course of the book, and her experiences after moving to Canada see her making new friends, and standing up for them when necessary. And beginning to see her parents more clearly as the people they are, a sure sign that she's maturing.
I laughed so much, winced, felt a little sad, got angry, then laughed some more over the course of this terrific book.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
May 3, 2022
There’s so much to admire & relish about the book.
📝 This book is written as a diary. I find this a compelling genre.
🤣 It’s witty, vulnerable & revealing. The humor in these pages is a definite highlight.
💙 Mona & her family go through many changes & transitions. The story offers us a window into coming of age dilemmas while showing that desi & Muslim diaspora identities & communities are expansive.
📖 Neither the author nor Mona take themselves too seriously. This is just the unconventional kind of story that some twelve or thirteen year olds in our lives are ready to get their hands on! I truly hope they find it.
Note: a few readers have suggested that this book might be better for young adults. It is recommend for older middle graders ages 12+.
📝 This book is written as a diary. I find this a compelling genre.
🤣 It’s witty, vulnerable & revealing. The humor in these pages is a definite highlight.
💙 Mona & her family go through many changes & transitions. The story offers us a window into coming of age dilemmas while showing that desi & Muslim diaspora identities & communities are expansive.
📖 Neither the author nor Mona take themselves too seriously. This is just the unconventional kind of story that some twelve or thirteen year olds in our lives are ready to get their hands on! I truly hope they find it.
Note: a few readers have suggested that this book might be better for young adults. It is recommend for older middle graders ages 12+.
May 24, 2022
The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan is such a fun, multi-layered MG novel. I have always loved diary novels but as a writer, know how difficult it can be to pull off. Hussain manages to make readers feel like they're on the journey with her main character, Mona, with her use of humor, emotion and a perfect MG voice. There were many moments I felt taken back to my own youth reading this story. Memories that were unlocked while Hussain detailed moments of playing outside with cousins, battling it out with siblings and being forced to go on family "vacations." Aside from following Mona for an entire year of her life, readers will also get a bit of a near-historical view of the world in 1991 and what it was like for families who immigrated into Canada. I also appreciated that Hussain shared a glimpse into a side of Muslim families we don't always see. As a marginalized writer myself, I think it's important to show readers that we are not a monolith and every family will have their own experiences (with faith and culture) and growing pains. I loved this novel so much, I'm now sharing it with my 9 year-old daughter!
April 25, 2022
Mona is a unique girl with a interesting life. This diary style book follows this middle school girl in 1991 Dubai in UAE. The Gulf War is going on and her parents decide to immigrate to a different county. There are serious situations but several laughs. This book would be great pared with nonfiction materials in a classroom. I would love to see it used in a culture study looking at various cultures and religions. I definitely enjoyed this book. I will definitely be getting a copy for my middle school library and recommending it.
I was giving an ARC for a honest review.
I was giving an ARC for a honest review.
June 10, 2022
At times hilarious and touching, this was a great example of a narrator where the reader may have more insight than the main character at times. Really well done!
May 3, 2022
This book is one of my favorite books of 2022. It was incredible in so many ways! Mona is a smart, independent and resilient girl and it's cool to see how she faces challenges. I also like the diversity that the author has written into the book and also that a lot of readers can see themselves in the book, because that really important. The beginning is so funny. I think that every library should get this book and I will be recommending it to all of my friends and will be eagerly waiting for the day I see it at my library.
July 3, 2022
What a compelling story! Kept me hooked and I laughed with Mona as she figured out life's mysteries. This book was recommended to me by my friend. I wasn't so sure about it, but she was so right! You will be drawn into Mona's journey; you will feel every bump in the road with her. Recommending this to my friends ❤ This is one sweet, realistic fiction, middle grade book you won't be able to put down and will read throughout your life. It's that kind of book! Looking forward to more by this author.
August 14, 2022
From the first page of this book, I immediately thought "This is just like Adrian Mole!" And since Adrian Mole is one of my favorite book series, I knew I would like this one. And then when Mona actually references Adrian later in the book, I laughed out loud. This is a great book, Adrian comparisons aside. Mona is smart, fiesty but utterly clueless at the same time. I enjoyed the tale of her adventures, both good and bad. Sequel please?
March 29, 2022
What fun! I laughed with and cheered for Mona along her journey of figuring out life. Mona has an awesome wonder and curiosity and observations on things big and small that made me rethink of the hero’s in my life. Great read for all with a youthful mindset! Still laughing when I think of the gas station scene. Hee hee.
August 3, 2022
I loved this so much. Written in the style of Adrian Mole or a younger Nick Twisp. Hilarious and will have high appeal for middle grade readers looking for a funny book. The diary entries make the story seem shorter, but a lot of themes are packed into this book, including immigration, family dynamics, and growing up.
July 3, 2022
This story about a young girl's coming to age story will resonate with many. The story was funny and thoughtful. A recommended read.
April 21, 2022
I really don't know how to review this book. Is it funny and engaging, yes at times, but I am a 41 year old, and I can attribute it (hopefully/possibly) to satire, hubris, character voice, and commentary, except it isn't written for me, it is written for 10-14 year olds. There is no way would I put this in the hands of a fourth grader, let alone a high schooler. The book starts on New Year's eve with a "Muslim" family drinking alcohol, later the 11 year old drinks to get brave enough to meet up with her boyfriend (he wanted to wait until after Ramadan), after a bad haircut she starts wearing hijab and later takes it off, her period starts and she is baffled at which hole it comes out of, she is no longer allowed to be alone in a room with a boy because that is how babies are made, but it is ok to go to a school dance and kiss them, women are rather useless, old people (31 year olds and up) should know their place and act their age, dark skin is bad, chests need to be big, slut is both something you are and something you can do, Aisha (RA)'s age of marriage is criticized as is Khadeeja (RA)'s, no one is as good at her, Ramadan is annoying because she has to hide when she eats in public for a whole month, Friday prayers even though they rush through them limit their fun time, the Tablighi Jamaat have to be lied to and hidden from, her mom is pregnant months after coming out of her bedroom smiling, her father claims he will only ever enter a mosque horizontally, you can see the list goes on and on. Yet at the same time, there are true moments of strength, such as when she fights back against the creepy sexual assault vibes from "uncle annoying" and then protects her sister when her parents dismiss it, when she sticks up to a bully to protect her gay friend in Canada, the dad getting caught one day praying salat, the love of family felt despite her perceived privilege while visiting Pakistan, her constant reference to Allah swt as she asks Him and tries to understand the world around her, and her terrible, terrible poetry. The diary style is both brilliant in trying to show the world through Mona's eyes, and irritating as NONE of the aforementioned concerns are given any context, explanation, reflection, anything. The thoughts pour out of her head, onto the paper, and the reader is left to figure out if this is how things are, is this her naïve view, is she commenting on society, is the author, is this fact, is it satire, is it someone with an axe to grind on culture and religion, is it showing the ridiculousness of so many stereotypes? And to be honest, I have no idea. Which is why I can't say that the book is good or bad, I think it is well written, my problem with it is, I don't know who it is written for. I think it would be very damaging to young children, the vulgarity, misogyny, racism, arrogance, will hurt both those that see parts of themselves in Mona and those that read it and assume too much about what Mona represents.
SYNOPSIS:
Mona is an 11 year old girl, and this is her diary. She is arrogant and opinionated, but she grows and mellows as her view of the world moves from privilege in Dubai to immigrant in Canada with a bit of an awakening in Pakistan in between. It is her view of her life, her place in the world, and the greater society around her. It is an easy read on the surface of her living through the war without getting any days off of school, friends, maturation, first loves, hoping for a bigger chest, pulling a fire alarm to get time with a boyfriend, feminism, and the annoyance of being better than everyone else in everything she does. There are side characters that flit in and out and family members that shape her, but the point of view is uniquely hers in all matters regarding leaving the Middle East as a Pakistani living there, spending time with her mother and father's families in Pakistan and the rift her parents' love marriage caused on their acceptance of her, their move to Canada to start a more peaceful life that ends up being grueling and difficult and through it all threads of Islam, fitting in, and growing up. It is a snapshot of so much that the reader is left to connect the pieces, assign them value, and understand the larger message, if one exists.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I still don't know if I like it or dislike it. I dislike it for kids. I like it for adults as a light over the top snarky read, but I think my opening paragraph is sufficient and the 296 page book doesn't need my concerns and praises rehashed here.
FLAGS:
Misogyny, anti Islam, sexism, racism, ageism, lying, vulgarity, cursing, crude talk, lying, disrespect, lack of religious respect, kissing, sexual assault (attempt), deceit, pulling a fire alarm, physical fighting/assault, family trauma, arrogance, pettiness, stereotypes, bullying, sexual innuendos,
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I have suggested a few ADULT friends read the book so we can chat, but no kiddos, no teens, no early twenties, old ladies (31 plus according to the main character)!
SYNOPSIS:
Mona is an 11 year old girl, and this is her diary. She is arrogant and opinionated, but she grows and mellows as her view of the world moves from privilege in Dubai to immigrant in Canada with a bit of an awakening in Pakistan in between. It is her view of her life, her place in the world, and the greater society around her. It is an easy read on the surface of her living through the war without getting any days off of school, friends, maturation, first loves, hoping for a bigger chest, pulling a fire alarm to get time with a boyfriend, feminism, and the annoyance of being better than everyone else in everything she does. There are side characters that flit in and out and family members that shape her, but the point of view is uniquely hers in all matters regarding leaving the Middle East as a Pakistani living there, spending time with her mother and father's families in Pakistan and the rift her parents' love marriage caused on their acceptance of her, their move to Canada to start a more peaceful life that ends up being grueling and difficult and through it all threads of Islam, fitting in, and growing up. It is a snapshot of so much that the reader is left to connect the pieces, assign them value, and understand the larger message, if one exists.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I still don't know if I like it or dislike it. I dislike it for kids. I like it for adults as a light over the top snarky read, but I think my opening paragraph is sufficient and the 296 page book doesn't need my concerns and praises rehashed here.
FLAGS:
Misogyny, anti Islam, sexism, racism, ageism, lying, vulgarity, cursing, crude talk, lying, disrespect, lack of religious respect, kissing, sexual assault (attempt), deceit, pulling a fire alarm, physical fighting/assault, family trauma, arrogance, pettiness, stereotypes, bullying, sexual innuendos,
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I have suggested a few ADULT friends read the book so we can chat, but no kiddos, no teens, no early twenties, old ladies (31 plus according to the main character)!
October 20, 2023
Clever Mona lives a sheltered, pampered life with her parents & sister in Dubai. She's a confident, romantic optimistic. Mona's insights make her wise beyond her years and a feminist, especially as the year goes on. (Only more violence puts an end to some violence. When playing outside in the rain, all the girl cousins had to quickly get out of their wet see-through clothes, but Mona guessed the boys clothes aren't see-through.😏)
Big applause for Mona recognizing & defending her younger sister from a disturbing violating visitor, Uncle Annoying. Clearly a pedo. In her poetry, she learns to express herself well, with A Kiss standing out as a good example.
The Hasan's lives really change when they move to Canada, but the happy tone of the book keeps Mona's positivity in the end.
A note: in 1991, calling someone hot, saying "obvi" and zero filter weren't vocabulary part of the popular culture. These are modern day expressions.
There are plenty of important lessons here especially for children in the GTA, and any multicultural community.
I won this in a LibraryThing giveaway for my LFL #Verobeachlittlefreelibrary. 💜📚
Big applause for Mona recognizing & defending her younger sister from a disturbing violating visitor, Uncle Annoying. Clearly a pedo. In her poetry, she learns to express herself well, with A Kiss standing out as a good example.
The Hasan's lives really change when they move to Canada, but the happy tone of the book keeps Mona's positivity in the end.
A note: in 1991, calling someone hot, saying "obvi" and zero filter weren't vocabulary part of the popular culture. These are modern day expressions.
There are plenty of important lessons here especially for children in the GTA, and any multicultural community.
I won this in a LibraryThing giveaway for my LFL #Verobeachlittlefreelibrary. 💜📚
September 16, 2022
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
I received this book as a DRC.
SYNOPSIS:
The story takes place in the year 1991.
Mona Hasan is a young Muslim immigrant growing up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the Gulf War. She has a sister named Tutoo and a best friend named Laila. Her parents decide to move to Canada, concerned about the safety in their region. While she misses her best friend, neighbors, and family in Pakistan - she finds her voice in the new country.
MY REVIEW:
Mona and her witty remarks are hilarious. She was struggling with where she belonged but eventually discovers her true identity. I loved her relationship with her family & friends.
There were some parts that I found inappropriate for young readers. The protagonist is also very whiny though I don't see that as a huge problem!
Age rating: 12+
I received this book as a DRC.
SYNOPSIS:
The story takes place in the year 1991.
Mona Hasan is a young Muslim immigrant growing up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the Gulf War. She has a sister named Tutoo and a best friend named Laila. Her parents decide to move to Canada, concerned about the safety in their region. While she misses her best friend, neighbors, and family in Pakistan - she finds her voice in the new country.
MY REVIEW:
Mona and her witty remarks are hilarious. She was struggling with where she belonged but eventually discovers her true identity. I loved her relationship with her family & friends.
There were some parts that I found inappropriate for young readers. The protagonist is also very whiny though I don't see that as a huge problem!
Age rating: 12+
November 30, 2022
Mona hilariously shares the ups and downs of 1991, the year her family immigrates from the United Arab Emirates to Canada.
June 26, 2023
The Secret Diary of Mona Hassan spans a year (1991), though I’m pretty sure I could read a lifetime’s worth of Mona’s highly entertaining thoughts and never be bored.
The blurb I read for this implied that the book focuses on Mona’s move to Canada. It turns out that the first half takes place in Dubai and Pakistan and that felt like such an added bonus to learn more about places and a culture that I’m not familiar enough with and discovering the ways a childhood there was similar to my own and the ways it differed.
Since this is written in diary form, it isn’t bogged down by wordiness, there’s a snappy pace to it yet every aspect of the story felt satisfyingly explored. The very few questions that go unanswered, like what becomes of a certain horrifying “Uncle”, it makes sense that there isn’t an answer for something like that simply because Mona doesn’t have that answer nor seek it and this is entirely from her POV.
What a fantastic POV it is! I fell so in love with Mona, throughout reading this book she quickly raced up the charts settling in among my all-time favorite characters. She is clever and sometimes naïve, and possesses heroic levels of confidence and bravery. Mona may not handle every situation perfectly (pinching others is one of her particularly bad habits) but there’s something truly joyous in seeing a young girl consistently stand up for herself and others and seeing her heartily believe in herself no matter the setback (such as an awful teacher). Mona was admirable but not in a cloying, sugar-coated kid character way.
Mona’s voice stays so true to her age, the stuff she thinks about (boys, her appearance, friendships) and how she feels (the jealousies, the desire to best everyone) and the way she’s a little self-absorbed at times. When it came to adult aspects of the story, things like war, mental health, colourism, gender roles, the hit her father’s career takes in the move to Canada, etc., you got the sense that Mona’s understanding of those situations was somewhat hazy, she kind of gets it but only kind of, which to my memory is spot on for how most eleven or twelve year olds in 1991 would have been aware yet also somewhat in the dark.
This was just so well-written, Mona’s personality practically vibrates off the page and as serious as some of the subject matter touched on in the story can be, I was so impressed that this book had me laughing so frequently, I can’t remember the last time I found any book this funny. I really hope other readers find Mona’s story and love it as much as I did.
I received this book through a giveaway.
The blurb I read for this implied that the book focuses on Mona’s move to Canada. It turns out that the first half takes place in Dubai and Pakistan and that felt like such an added bonus to learn more about places and a culture that I’m not familiar enough with and discovering the ways a childhood there was similar to my own and the ways it differed.
Since this is written in diary form, it isn’t bogged down by wordiness, there’s a snappy pace to it yet every aspect of the story felt satisfyingly explored. The very few questions that go unanswered, like what becomes of a certain horrifying “Uncle”, it makes sense that there isn’t an answer for something like that simply because Mona doesn’t have that answer nor seek it and this is entirely from her POV.
What a fantastic POV it is! I fell so in love with Mona, throughout reading this book she quickly raced up the charts settling in among my all-time favorite characters. She is clever and sometimes naïve, and possesses heroic levels of confidence and bravery. Mona may not handle every situation perfectly (pinching others is one of her particularly bad habits) but there’s something truly joyous in seeing a young girl consistently stand up for herself and others and seeing her heartily believe in herself no matter the setback (such as an awful teacher). Mona was admirable but not in a cloying, sugar-coated kid character way.
Mona’s voice stays so true to her age, the stuff she thinks about (boys, her appearance, friendships) and how she feels (the jealousies, the desire to best everyone) and the way she’s a little self-absorbed at times. When it came to adult aspects of the story, things like war, mental health, colourism, gender roles, the hit her father’s career takes in the move to Canada, etc., you got the sense that Mona’s understanding of those situations was somewhat hazy, she kind of gets it but only kind of, which to my memory is spot on for how most eleven or twelve year olds in 1991 would have been aware yet also somewhat in the dark.
This was just so well-written, Mona’s personality practically vibrates off the page and as serious as some of the subject matter touched on in the story can be, I was so impressed that this book had me laughing so frequently, I can’t remember the last time I found any book this funny. I really hope other readers find Mona’s story and love it as much as I did.
I received this book through a giveaway.
August 31, 2022
A quirky debut novel by Salma Hussain, The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan had me laughing and crying in equal measure.
Mona is a sixth grade student living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The year is 1991 and the world is at the cusp of the first Gulf War. Mona’s diary entries reflect the goings on, centered around her family but with much wisdom about the world around her. When the family moves to Canada, Mona discovers the vast difference between growing up in the huge city of Dubai versus small town Nova Scotia.
Salma Hussain has crafted a brilliant story. Written as a series of journal entries, you might expect the whole book to be quite self centered but it is in fact quite worldly. Although Mona is mostly concerned about herself and when she will have “bigger bongos” she is also incredibly aware of what is happening around her. When Uncle Annoying starts paying too much attention to herself and her sister Tutoo, she makes it her mission to ensure her sister is safe. She’s aware of systems in place that lift some while keeping others down. She sees the changes in her parents after they move to Canada and the struggles they endure to make sure their children are safe from the war back home.
What struck me most about the story is the insight. Amongst the funny, slice of life moments, there are moments of real reflection. Mona’s confidence and self assuredness leaps right off the page. She seems fearless and ready to take on the world. The most beautiful ending of the book comes in Mona’s essay about her hero. In it she writes that heroes are all around but she is her own hero. What a brilliant message to send to young readers. Readers don’t need to look to external sources for heroes. They can be the heroes of their own stories by questioning the status quo and by dreaming of a better world.
The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan is a Diary of Anne Frank for a new generation, one that is accessible, humorous and genuinely curious. This book gave me Are you there God it’s me Margaret? middle grade vibes.
Mona is a sixth grade student living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The year is 1991 and the world is at the cusp of the first Gulf War. Mona’s diary entries reflect the goings on, centered around her family but with much wisdom about the world around her. When the family moves to Canada, Mona discovers the vast difference between growing up in the huge city of Dubai versus small town Nova Scotia.
Salma Hussain has crafted a brilliant story. Written as a series of journal entries, you might expect the whole book to be quite self centered but it is in fact quite worldly. Although Mona is mostly concerned about herself and when she will have “bigger bongos” she is also incredibly aware of what is happening around her. When Uncle Annoying starts paying too much attention to herself and her sister Tutoo, she makes it her mission to ensure her sister is safe. She’s aware of systems in place that lift some while keeping others down. She sees the changes in her parents after they move to Canada and the struggles they endure to make sure their children are safe from the war back home.
What struck me most about the story is the insight. Amongst the funny, slice of life moments, there are moments of real reflection. Mona’s confidence and self assuredness leaps right off the page. She seems fearless and ready to take on the world. The most beautiful ending of the book comes in Mona’s essay about her hero. In it she writes that heroes are all around but she is her own hero. What a brilliant message to send to young readers. Readers don’t need to look to external sources for heroes. They can be the heroes of their own stories by questioning the status quo and by dreaming of a better world.
The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan is a Diary of Anne Frank for a new generation, one that is accessible, humorous and genuinely curious. This book gave me Are you there God it’s me Margaret? middle grade vibes.
September 15, 2022
I went into this book expecting a light, fun read...but it exceeded all expectations! Firstly, the writing is hilarious (be prepared for poetry so bad it's good!), the perspective is fresh, and the circumstances unique.
We see Mona navigate three starkly different countries and cultures -- UAE, Pakistan, and Canada, fall in love, share her parents burdens, become independent, and stand up for herself. The author touches on countless themes and topics with the lightest touch, be it puberty, sexual harassment, depression, bullying, gender stereotypes, but does so in a way that never feels heavy or didactic.
In the book, Mona loves to read the Diary of Adrian Mole. I only hope that we get to see a series of this wonderful character and her world too! I was actually sad when the book ended!
We see Mona navigate three starkly different countries and cultures -- UAE, Pakistan, and Canada, fall in love, share her parents burdens, become independent, and stand up for herself. The author touches on countless themes and topics with the lightest touch, be it puberty, sexual harassment, depression, bullying, gender stereotypes, but does so in a way that never feels heavy or didactic.
In the book, Mona loves to read the Diary of Adrian Mole. I only hope that we get to see a series of this wonderful character and her world too! I was actually sad when the book ended!
June 17, 2022
This is another book that I know why it was written and I agreed that it needs to be written. But I was bored out of my freaking mind. The ending was lovely but I really don't think we needed daily updates on the day to day life of a 12 year old girl. It's a great story about exactly how the lives of immigrant families work, even if I really didn't like it.
February 9, 2023
Very well-done Salma. I am very impressed with the breadth of topics addressed including an immigration and third culture analysis. Mona's voice is very clear and I can see why this might be a middle grade book but I would place her age at twelve going on thirteen. You also helped me to see that potentials and possibilities of middle grade. Amazing debut novel.
July 28, 2023
I loved this book! It was funny, thoughtful, and very interesting. I loved witnessing Mona's character development throughout the story. My Hole was literally the best poem I've ever heard in my life.
November 24, 2022
I loved this book! Mona is a gem & I wish this book would have been around when I was 10 or 11.
September 20, 2022
I was very excited when I read the synopsis for this book and immediately ordered it for my 10 year old daughter, a Muslim girl who moved from Dubai to Canada 3 years ago. I thought she’d relate to the parallel stories between herself and Mona Hassan. I decided to read the book first before handing it to my kid and I’m glad I did.
I feel it is written more for the parents. For my age group. Someone who understands the reference to growing up in the Gulf in the 90s, and immigrating to Canada in the 90s. There are too many adult themes I think, from Mona being obsessed with when her boobs will grow and what a French kiss is like to dealing with a creepy uncle who touches her and her sister inappropriately. I’d wait a couple of years before having my daughter tackle this one.
Still, it is a fun read that touches on so many important subjects and beautifully explains the conflicting feelings of the modern immigrant who really doesn’t feel at home in any one particular place and is always trying to MAKE a home, or achieve that feeling of belonging, always. The author writes “teenage angst” well. I think it would have made a bit more sense of Mona was 13 or 14, because I think what she’s experiencing and feeling and thinking is a little too much for a 12 year old. But who knows! I enjoyed it regardless.
I feel it is written more for the parents. For my age group. Someone who understands the reference to growing up in the Gulf in the 90s, and immigrating to Canada in the 90s. There are too many adult themes I think, from Mona being obsessed with when her boobs will grow and what a French kiss is like to dealing with a creepy uncle who touches her and her sister inappropriately. I’d wait a couple of years before having my daughter tackle this one.
Still, it is a fun read that touches on so many important subjects and beautifully explains the conflicting feelings of the modern immigrant who really doesn’t feel at home in any one particular place and is always trying to MAKE a home, or achieve that feeling of belonging, always. The author writes “teenage angst” well. I think it would have made a bit more sense of Mona was 13 or 14, because I think what she’s experiencing and feeling and thinking is a little too much for a 12 year old. But who knows! I enjoyed it regardless.
July 11, 2023
I’m going to give this book 2 1/2⭐️
This book takes you on the journey of Mona Hansens life over the course of a year. In this book it mentions a lot about the emotions, thoughts and feelings a kid goes through during a time period of change. This book did a great job bringing all of these types of things to light by putting it in the book.
It is very clear though that alot of the attitude she is having and the emotions she is due to her lack of parental guidance and loving support. Mona could have been a completely different character if her parents had actually been parents.
For me though, this book was too fast paced, which made it hard for me to understand, keep up and retain what I was reading for the first 50% of the book - so I know very few details of what all happened in the beginning, just snippets.
I will say too that the author did a VERY good job at writing this from an 11-12 year olds perspective! Some of the emotions that she went through and had to think about made me relate in a lot of ways to how I thought and felt with some things around that age! So that part was absolutely fantastic!
This book takes you on the journey of Mona Hansens life over the course of a year. In this book it mentions a lot about the emotions, thoughts and feelings a kid goes through during a time period of change. This book did a great job bringing all of these types of things to light by putting it in the book.
It is very clear though that alot of the attitude she is having and the emotions she is due to her lack of parental guidance and loving support. Mona could have been a completely different character if her parents had actually been parents.
For me though, this book was too fast paced, which made it hard for me to understand, keep up and retain what I was reading for the first 50% of the book - so I know very few details of what all happened in the beginning, just snippets.
I will say too that the author did a VERY good job at writing this from an 11-12 year olds perspective! Some of the emotions that she went through and had to think about made me relate in a lot of ways to how I thought and felt with some things around that age! So that part was absolutely fantastic!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews