A Very Large Expanse of Sea Audiobook By Tahereh Mafi cover art

A Very Large Expanse of Sea

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A Very Large Expanse of Sea

By: Tahereh Mafi
Narrated by: Priya Ayyar
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A National Book Award Longlist title!

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series comes a powerful, heartrending contemporary novel about fear, first love, and the devastating impact of prejudice.

It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped.

Shirin is never surprised by how horrible people can be. She’s tired of the rude stares, the degrading comments—even the physical violence—she endures as a result of her race, her religion, and the hijab she wears every day. So she’s built up protective walls and refuses to let anyone close enough to hurt her. Instead, she drowns her frustrations in music and spends her afternoons break-dancing with her brother.

But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down.

 Contemporary Contemporary Romance Difficult Situations Fiction Islamic Heritage Literature & Fiction Multicultural Racism & Discrimination Romance Discrimination Heartfelt Tearjerking

Editor's Pick

Timely and important
"I was immediately enticed by this audiobook simply because of its beautiful title—and then it became a story I had to hear. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is drawn from author Tahereh Mafi’s own experiences as a Muslim teen facing violence and racism in the turbulent times following 9/11. It explores a side of things that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention and one that I think is as important to hear now as it was then. Priya Ayyar’s narration perfectly captures the voice of the main character, Shirin—a bright and insightful 16 year old with wisdom beyond her years. This is also a wonderful coming-of-age story, a sweet romance, and a solid sibling relationship tale—plus it has break-dancing!"—Catherine H., Audible Editor

Beautiful Love Story • Nuanced Representation • Great Narration • Engaging Storyline • Powerful Message

Highly rated for:

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This an amazing story I didint want it to end. You love the persistence of both characters and fall in love with their tale.

Amazing

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Listen, if I were a teenager this probably would've been one of my top 5 books but as an adult it was a bit too "first love" for me. It was adorable just not my thing any more. However, seeing life through an Islam girl's eyes right after 9/11 was heartbreaking. (in a good way?) the characters were all interesting and charming. Even side characters seemed to be well thought out. Fantastic book, 4 out of 5 stars only because I don't think I'm quite the target demographic.

Super cute

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Children are not born racist/prejudice, they are taught abd well indoctrinated. I feel that this book does a good job at showing how devastating racism can be. I am happy that Sharen and Ocean were able to come to a peaceful resolve and sad that they couldn't enjoy each other. The book was a great listen.

Bitter Sweet

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Following Shirin and her life was a great read and her struggle through this coming of age story is really inspiring! I liked everything about this book! It is important that young adult girls read this book to learn from Shirin and her friends and family. Her journey touched my heart. I hope to read more books like A very large expanse of sea in the future!

Amazing Book!

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I first picked this book, because it seemed interesting. But even as the story started, it had such a good story line! I love everything about this book, and I will definitely be buying it in book form!

LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

SOOOO GOOOD

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