"As a British Arab, What Will People Think felt incredibly close to home. Sara Hamdan captures the realities of identity, belonging and the immigrant experience with honesty, humor and heart.

The story blends history, family life and everyday moments in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. It also shows how experiences across generations shape who we are, no matter where we come from.

This is a warm, witty and thoughtful debut � a book that lingers with you long after you finish it."

"What a brilliant book, “What Will People Think?� by Sara Hamdan and narrated by Reem Edan is! I’d give it ten stars if I could—I enjoyed it that much. The story is told in two timelines: Mia Almas, a budding Arab comedian, living with her Palestinian grandparents in 2011 New York. Mia’s father, a security guard, had been killed in the 2011 terrorist attacks. Mia keeps her dreams of becoming a secret from her grandparents, who have secrets of their own. The other timeline is in the 1940s, and is her grandmother’s tale to tell. By reading her grandmother’s journal, Mia learns that a life worth living is a life worth taking a risk for.

Many thanks to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. My opinions are my own."

"In Sara Hamdan's exquisite novel, we witness Mia's transformation from a woman shrouded in familial expectations to a bold voice on stage. The delicate balance between pursuing her comedic dreams while navigating the omnipresent fear of her family's deportation creates a tension that resonates deeply with anyone who has stood at the crossroads of duty and desire.

The narrative interweaves Mia's contemporary journey with her grandmother Teta's journals, creating a mesmerizing dialogue across generations. Through these yellowed pages, we traverse the corridors of history, watching as Teta's family drama and profound love story illuminate the roots of Mia's identity. This structural choice never falters, maintaining a rhythm that propels us forward while deepening our emotional investment.

What strikes one most profoundly is the authenticity pulsing through both protagonists. Neither Mia nor Teta emerges as a simple archetype; instead, they unfold as gloriously complex women whose struggles mirror our own questions about belonging, courage, and heritage. Mia's comedy isn't merely humorous—it's incisive, revealing cultural truths with each punchline.

The friendships portrayed throughout shimmer with a rare genuineness. We recognize ourselves in these relationships—the painful work of salvaging a wounded friendship, the tentative joy of forging new connections.

This coming-of-age narrative transcends typical genre boundaries, offering both intellectual substance and emotional depth. Hamdan invites us to consider how our ancestral stories shape our present courage—and how the question "what will people think?" eventually transforms from burden to liberation when answered with authentic voice rather than fearful silence.

Thank you, Henry Holt and Co., for my free ARC book. "

"From the very first page, this story drew me in and held me tight. It was rich in emotion, beautiful told, and surprisingly funny in all the right moments. A heartfelt, impactful journey that felt both personal and universal."