Mariam Sharma Hits The Road

"Three Pakistani-American teens road trip through the Deep South, looking for escape, answers, trouble and, above all, a fabulous adventure. The journey bounces gamely from fun, identity-affirming parties to deeply upsetting encounters with racism and Islamophobia. But instead of relying on outside forces to build to a climax, author Sheba Karim looks inward at every opportunity, emphasizing the traumas and triumphs within the characters’ own hearts. In this way, Mariam Sharma Hits the Road is both culturally specific and universal, making for a fast read that’s fun, political and the perfect addition to a travel bag."