When Amber runs, it’s the only time she feels completely free - far away from her claustrophobic home life. Her father wants her to be a dutiful daughter, waiting for an arranged marriage like her sister Ruby. Running is a quiet rebellion. But Amber wants so much more - and she’s ready to fight for it.
Categories: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Cultural, and Poetry.
*Might contain light spoiler*
*read with caution*
I finished this book in two sittings as it was nerve-wracking with a compelling narrative. It is not an easy read though as it includes and displays sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, bullying, and mental trauma. This book tells a story that relates to and mirrors how also in the Middle East society is - the ugly truth; hidden by the media and men in power to keep the people voiceless. I related to Amber on so many levels that it seems surreal to me as if reading about the life I once lived where freedom is limited and life isn’t yours but your parents’.
“Physical pain always heals, it’s the emotional pain that stays.”, this sentence hit me the most and it stuck with me. Yes, physical wounds will heal over time such as bruises and cuts (though, they may eventually heal and leave scars) but the wounded heart most likely will never heal - even time can not mend a broken heart.“Trauma can heal, it’s a long journey.” this made me reflect on my own trauma and thought that I lived through it and survived by coming out at the end stronger and wiser.
This read kept me going and wanting to get to the end. As I read, It got me living and hearing Amber through her. I never thought that I needed to read this as it is empowering and encouraging to keep fighting until you find a reason or better way to leave, especially for the abuse victims to know and understand all the reasons and that “being removed from s situation; doesn’t necessarily mean free you from yourself.”
However, the rating of this read is 3/5⭐️, because I mainly did not enjoy the jump from one scene to another.
I highly recommend this book as it will surely grab you by the heart and tug it tightly. This book got so personal and it hits right deep, it will always have a place close to my heart.
-Hessa
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