Home Is Not a Country

By: Safia Elhillo

Narrated by: Safia Elhillo, Christopher Myers

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR BOOK • A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE CENTURY

“Nothing short of magic.” —Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling author of The Poet X

From the acclaimed poet featured on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list, this powerful novel-in-verse captures one girl, caught between cultures, on an unexpected journey to face the ephemeral girl she might have been. Woven through with moments of lyrical beauty, this is a tender meditation on family, belonging, and home.

my mother meant to name me for her favorite flower
its sweetness garlands made for pretty girls
i imagine her yasmeen bright & alive
& i ache to have been born her instead

Nima wishes she were someone else. She doesn’t feel understood by her mother, who grew up in a different land. She doesn’t feel accepted in her suburban town; yet somehow, she isn't different enough to belong elsewhere. Her best friend, Haitham, is the only person with whom she can truly be herself. Until she can't, and suddenly her only refuge is gone.

As the ground is pulled out from under her, Nima must grapple with the phantom of a life not chosen—the name her parents meant to give her at birth—Yasmeen. But that other name, that other girl, might be more real than Nima knows. And the life Nima wishes were someone else's. . . is one she will need to fight for with a fierceness she never knew she possessed.

Critic reviews

“Movingly unravels themes of belonging, Islamophobia, and the interlocking oppressions thrust upon immigrant women.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“[A] surreal crash-course in perspective, agency, and self-love.” —Booklist, starred review

“Artfully profound and achingly beautiful, Elhillo’s verse aptly explores diasporic yearning for one’s home and a universal fascination with possibilities.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Elhillo's tender and descriptive writing may leave readers feeling the need to live life to the fullest…[a] passionate, piercing YA collection of poems." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“A love letter to anyone who has ever been an outsider, or searched to understand their history, no matter where they come from.” —NPR

"Richly imagined [...] An immersive experience of the intersectionality of gender, class, race, religion, and identity." —The Horn Book

Such an incredible story

I wrote to my book club ladies to tell them about this story before I finished listening to it....it was that good. I smiled, I got emotional, I followed Nima on her journey through her mind and her worlds... such an incredible piece of work. I'm in love.

Totally Worth a Listen and All the Awards!

Absolutely loved this book! Originally borrowed a copy from the library because the synopsis sounded interesting and I’ve been trying poetry out more this year. THIS IS MY KIND OF POETRY BOOK! After I finished I immediately bought my own copy. Can’t recommend giving this book a listen enough.

Wow!!! What a compelling story!

This was a great read!
I think of it as an added bonus that we were able to hear it read in the voice of the author.
Wonderful story telling, I could see myself in this story. Highly recommend.

Incredible

What a poignant book and such a beautiful reading of it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to hear this story.