If you know me well, you probably know that I’m on Instagram, where I mostly post about books. I love this community – I mean, what’s better than a bunch of book nerds sharing their love for reading, celebrating old favorites and new releases?
Today INTERNMENT by Samira Ahmed released, and, since I preordered the book, I found it in my mailbox upon returning home for the night. A few notes on this book: It’s technically a dystopian young adult novel. The dystopia? An America where Muslim American citizens are forced into an internment camp. Tonight, my slicing found its way into my Instagram caption, so what follows is the text from my post:
IT’S HERE!
My excitement for a new book by a beloved author is tempered by sadness and anger. As I read a few lines from page two, I shudder:
There is only Then and Now. There is only what we once were and what we have become.
Two and a half years since the election.
Two years since the Nazis marched on DC.
Eighteen months since the Muslim ban.
One year since our answers on the census landed us on the registry.
Nine months since the first book burning.
Six months since the exclusion laws were enacted.
Five months since the attorney general argued that Korematsu v. the United States established precedence for the relocation of citizens during times of war.
These lines strike too close to home. Especially today. While I’m not certain this week is the best for its release, I do know that we need more Muslim voices to be heard. Perhaps Internment will serve as a warning. Perhaps it will inspire action. At least I hope it will.
Reading these lines is absolutely chilling. I agree with you, this hits way too close to home right now.
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Whoa…I got chills reading the excerpt. We do need more representation. I hope this book sheds light on a very polarizing topic. Let us know how you like it.
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Right?! I will!
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I heard good things about this book before its release, but it does strike a chord of fear. I just finished reading Vox, and it also felt too chillingly realistic at times. Even so, I’ll look for Internment on my next trip to the bookstore!
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I just saw pictures of this book yesterday and it sound amazing. This is one I think I must get. Have you read Dry by Shusterman? I thought that one hit a little too close to home, too. Even if I don’t live in California! I’m of to look you up on Instagram! 🙂
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So much truth in fiction… dystopian is our new world reality!! Thank you for sharing this title. I need to order a few copies for my department book giveaways.
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I have been reading a lot of dystopian fiction lately and finding it feel very possible and close, as you did here. Recently for me it was Exit West.
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