Driving by Starlight

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Detention Center, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 10, 2018

Review

Powerfully and descriptive "Driving by Starlight" is an amazing first novel. The author exposes life as it was experiences by teens in Saudi Arabia several years ago. Leena wants to take a different path, not one that leads only to marriage. Her sights are set on a college education and freedom much like a man experiences in her country. This book reveals how hard it can be for women in Middle Eastern countries; a realization that American teens will find hard to comprehend. The three page glossary is a life saver.

The storyline is typical in some instances, girls jostle for their rightful spot within their community and school. Our author however goes way beyond the simple issues and digs into what makes a Middle Eastern girl fight for her rights. Friendship, loyalty, honor, internal struggle and infatuation litter the pages. Librarians need to book talk "Driving by Starlight" and add to YA shelves. Consider for book groups in schools or for mother/daughter book groups in public libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good