Tahereh Mafi's A Very Large Expanse of Sea offers a poignant portrayal of post-9/11 American life through the eyes of a Muslim teenager. Readers appreciate its emotional depth, authenticity, and representation. Some critiques highlight pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it’s a powerful, engaging narrative on identity and resilience.

Fans of contemporary YA novels dealing with identity and prejudice will enjoy A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi. Comparable to books like Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Samira Ahmed's Love, Hate & Other Filters, this book appeals to readers interested in post-9/11 Muslim-American experiences.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi follows 16-year-old Shirin, a Muslim girl in post-9/11 America, as she navigates racism and intolerance in her new school. Struggling to protect herself behind emotional barriers, her life changes when she develops a hesitant romance with Ocean, a popular white boy, despite societal pressures and challenges they face together. The novel addresses themes of racial intolerance and anti-Muslim bigotry.

Emotional / Challenging / Romantic / Inspirational / Bittersweet

- Tahereh Mafi has said that A Very Large Expanse of Sea is her most autobiographical book, drawing from her own experiences as a Muslim teenager in post-9/11 America.
- The book was a finalist for the 2018 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, highlighting its impact and resonance with readers and critics alike.

**Shirin**  
A 16-year-old Muslim girl of Persian descent born in America who often moves due to her parents' job changes and faces animosity post-9/11. She is passionate about breakdancing and strives for empathy and self-discovery.

**Ocean Desmond James**  
Popular junior known for his basketball skills, he is drawn to Shirin as his lab partner in AP Bio. He shares a complicated relationship with his mother and struggles with basketball's demands.

**Navid**  
Shirin’s older brother, a senior who spearheads a breakdancing club. He is protective of Shirin, helping her navigate school life and her budding relationship with Ocean.

**Yusef**  
A Muslim boy acquainted with Navid, who shares comfortable conversations with Shirin. He becomes a friend after Shirin's breakup with Ocean, offering her understanding without the need for explanations.

**Carlos, Bijan, and Jacobi**  
Friends of Navid and fellow breakdancers who support and encourage Shirin, fostering a sibling-like relationship with her. They are honest in their guidance and protective of Shirin throughout the story.

**Shirin’s Mother and Father**  
Iranian immigrants who are supportive yet strict with high expectations, maintaining close family bonds and cultural traditions. They exhibit concern when Shirin faces hostility due to her faith.

**Coach Hart**  
The basketball coach who manipulates situations to ensure Ocean remains committed to the team. He plays a significant adversarial role, showing shallow behavior towards Shirin.

**Linda James (Ocean’s Mother)**  
Initially distant and disapproving of Ocean’s relationship with Shirin, she undergoes a change, later seeking to mend her strained relationship with Ocean.

**Amna**  
An Indian girl at Shirin's school who initially disapproves of Shirin's actions but later becomes sympathetic and a friend after reassessing her judgments about Shirin.

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