Does My Head Look Big In This?

Book Title: Does my head look big in this?

Author: Randeh Abdul-Fateh.

Does My Head Look Big In This? is the first novel by author Randa Abdel-Fattah. It was released in Australia, by Pan MacMillan Australia, on the 1 August 2005. It won the Australian Book Industry Award for Australian Book of The Year Award for older children


Excerpt:

”I’m experiencing a new identity, a new expression of who I am on the inside, but I know that I’m not alone. I’m not breaking new ground. I’m sharing something with millions of other women around the world and it feels so exciting. I know some people might find it hard to believe but walking around the mall tonight I’d never felt so free and sure of who I am. I felt safe from people judging me and making assumptions about my character from the length of my skirt or the size of my bra. I felt protected from all the crap about beauty and image. As scared as I was walking around the stores in the hijab, I was also experiencing a feeling of empowerment and freedom. I know I have a long way to go. I still dressed to impress and I took ages to get my makeup, clothes and hijab just right. But I didn’t feel I was compromising myself by wanting to make an impression. I was looking and feeling good on my own terms, and boy did that feel awesome.”

Main ideas in the book:

1)Struggles of muslims in the west.

2) Cultural dramas

3) Problems resulting from generation gaps.

3 reasons why you liked or recommend the book:

1- Humorous

2- I could relate to it.

3- It addressed ideas that I believe really need to be sorted in many communities.

Rate the book:

(5 stars=highly recommended, 1 star= ok –ish )

5

Summary (basic plot):

About a young Palestinian-Aussie girl who takes on the challenge of wearing a headscarf to her islam-phobic high school despite her parent’s reluctance. Her story about her struggles, steadfastness and her optimism is an inspiration for the reader.