224 pages |Hardcover

Nothing short of magic. One of the best writers of our times. Elizabeth Acevedo,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Poet X

The powerful novel-in-verse from Safia Elhillo, the critically acclaimed poet featured onForbes Africas 30 Under 30 list. This mesmerizing journey of family, identity, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places is filled with lyrical beauty and stunning strength.

Nima doesnt feel understood. By her mother, who grew up far away in a different land. By her suburban town, which makes her feel too much like an outsider to fit in and not enough like an outsider to belong somewhere else. At least she has her childhood friend Haitham, with whom she can let her guard down and be herself. Until she doesnt.

As the ground is pulled out from under her, Nima must grapple with the phantom of a life not chosen, the name her parents didnt give her at birth: Yasmeen. But that other name, that other girl, might be more real than Nima knows. And more hungry. And the life Nima has, the one she keeps wishing were someone elsesshe might have to fight for it with a fierceness she never knew she had.