Status
Checked out
Due 10-12-2022
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Orchard Books (2009), 304 pages
Description
Lebanese-Australian Jamilah, known in school as Jamie, hides her heritage from her classmates and tries to pass by dyeing her hair blonde and wearing blue-tinted contact lenses, until her conflicted feelings become too much for her to bear.
User reviews
LibraryThing member twonickels
Not a bad book, but a lot of the dialogue felt like it was straight out of a 1986 teen health class documentary about respecting your peers. I preferred her first book.
LibraryThing member kikianika
Her second book, and as good as the first. It was a very fast, easy read and dealt with some interesting identity questions. At heart, it was another story about someone 'different' trying desperately to fit in, but the rich cultural identity of the heroine and the well-drawn secondary characters
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made the book just different enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member djwright
Jamie wants to be the real thing. From the roots of her dyed blonde hair There are a lot of things Jamie hates about her life: her dark hair, her dads Stone Age Charter of Curfew Rights, her real name Jamilah Towfeek. For the past three years Jamie has hidden her Lebanese background from everyone
Then theres Timothy, the school loner, who for some reason Jamie just cant stop thinking about. As for John, he seems to have a pretty big secret of his own To top it all off, Jamies school formal is coming up. The only way shell be allowed to attend is by revealing her true identity. Will she risk it all? And does she know who she is Jamie or Jamilah?
Another book ive read recently is 10 Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah, its a great book to follow on from her last novel Does My Head Look Big In This? 10 Things follows the life of Jamilah, a Lebanese girl who has, for quite some time now hidden her real identity from her friends at school for fear of them attaching any number of racist stereotypes to her and her family, so now with blonde hair and blue eyes Jamilah lives her school life as Jamie.
As this year goes on its becoming increasingly difficult for Jamilah to hide her identity from those that are close to her, and shes beginning to ask some serious questions about the friendships that she once thought important and those which she once thought unimportant. She also has to deal with family life, her cultural identity and the feeling that almost any young woman I know has, that her father just does not understand her.
Quite simply a beautiful book, truly Australian, etched in our history as the book begins with people talking about the riots in Cronulla in 2006, 10 Things is more than a coming of age story, its about identity, family, friendship, self awareness, confidence, of learning to be ones self without any fear of retribution.
Id recommend this book to any young person, particularly females aged 13+, I enjoyed reading the book and I'm 31!
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at school. Its only with her email friend John that she can really be herself. But now things are getting complicated: the most popular boy in school is interested in her, but theres no way he would be if he knew the truth.Then theres Timothy, the school loner, who for some reason Jamie just cant stop thinking about. As for John, he seems to have a pretty big secret of his own To top it all off, Jamies school formal is coming up. The only way shell be allowed to attend is by revealing her true identity. Will she risk it all? And does she know who she is Jamie or Jamilah?
Another book ive read recently is 10 Things I Hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah, its a great book to follow on from her last novel Does My Head Look Big In This? 10 Things follows the life of Jamilah, a Lebanese girl who has, for quite some time now hidden her real identity from her friends at school for fear of them attaching any number of racist stereotypes to her and her family, so now with blonde hair and blue eyes Jamilah lives her school life as Jamie.
As this year goes on its becoming increasingly difficult for Jamilah to hide her identity from those that are close to her, and shes beginning to ask some serious questions about the friendships that she once thought important and those which she once thought unimportant. She also has to deal with family life, her cultural identity and the feeling that almost any young woman I know has, that her father just does not understand her.
Quite simply a beautiful book, truly Australian, etched in our history as the book begins with people talking about the riots in Cronulla in 2006, 10 Things is more than a coming of age story, its about identity, family, friendship, self awareness, confidence, of learning to be ones self without any fear of retribution.
Id recommend this book to any young person, particularly females aged 13+, I enjoyed reading the book and I'm 31!
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LibraryThing member JRlibrary
At school Jamie is a quiet, but popular blond-haired, blue-eyed Aussie, but at home she becomes Jamilah, a Lebanese Muslim whose father forbids her to date, and who has a Charter of Curfew Rights posted on the fridge. Her high school friends have no idea that she attends madrasa, Arabic school,
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every Tuesday night or that she plays a darabuka, an Arabic drum in a band, and loves it. Her friends from Arabic school, likewise, have no idea that Jamilah is embarrassed enough about her Muslim heritage that she completely hides any trace of it when she is at school. Having to maintain two separate identities is quite exhausting, and soon enough, Jamie/Jamilah are no longer clear about who they are or even what they want. When Jamilah defies the curfew rules set by her dad in order to go to a movie with some high school friends, she soon finds that it wasn't really worth it, and she doesn’t have as much fun as she thought she would. When Jamilah's band is invited to play at Jamie's grade ten formal, part of her really wants to do it, and the other part is hysterical at the thought that her high school friends will learn of her ethnic roots. This is a GREAT story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and so would most girls who have ever struggled with identity. The author has another book out called, Does This Make My Head Look Big, which is also very worthwhile reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member kikilon
Her second book, and as good as the first. It was a very fast, easy read and dealt with some interesting identity questions. At heart, it was another story about someone 'different' trying desperately to fit in, but the rich cultural identity of the heroine and the well-drawn secondary characters
Show More
made the book just different enough. Show Less
LibraryThing member Chase92
If there was one thing Abdel-Fattah was good at, it was her ability to create characters that were distinct, yet easy to relate to. Take Jamie, for example. She struggles to fit in, has family issues, and last but not least, a dad from hell. I suppose a lot of teens would be able to relate to that.
The plot was quite entertaining, but what was really intriguing was that Abdel-Fattah touches on numerous issues and themes to make the story more in-depth. Racial discrimination. Bullying. Sexism. It’s all there! Abdel-Fattah manages to weave these themes together so that they all complement the plot and each other, creating a story that is emotionally resonating.
Another thing I like about the novel was the style of writing. It was witty, but at times it can also be serious and thought-provoking. The shifts between narrative and e-mail conversations in the novel are also surprisingly refreshing. The only downside about her writing is that she doesn’t sound like a teenager, but rather, an adult trying to channel her ‘inner-teen’, a common flaw of YA novels written by adults.
Overall, Ten Things I Hate About Me is uplifting and captivating. I highly recommend it to both teenagers and adults!
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The characters also develop very well, and it was fun to to see them grow over time.The plot was quite entertaining, but what was really intriguing was that Abdel-Fattah touches on numerous issues and themes to make the story more in-depth. Racial discrimination. Bullying. Sexism. It’s all there! Abdel-Fattah manages to weave these themes together so that they all complement the plot and each other, creating a story that is emotionally resonating.
Another thing I like about the novel was the style of writing. It was witty, but at times it can also be serious and thought-provoking. The shifts between narrative and e-mail conversations in the novel are also surprisingly refreshing. The only downside about her writing is that she doesn’t sound like a teenager, but rather, an adult trying to channel her ‘inner-teen’, a common flaw of YA novels written by adults.
Overall, Ten Things I Hate About Me is uplifting and captivating. I highly recommend it to both teenagers and adults!
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LibraryThing member Runa
Ten Things I Hate About Me has plenty of positive aspects which outweigh the few faults it does have. It's a little predictable with Timothy's subplot, as well as the overall big deal of Jamilah/Jamie's identity. It's a little preachy at times, but the moments of preachyness do fit in with the
Rating: 4/5
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plot. The characters are pretty well-rounded, and I particularly enjoyed the characterization of Jamilah's father. It's conversational and relaxed storytelling, and while the writing's not the greatest, it's still a good book. I know it's one I and many other girls, Muslim and non, can relate to, maybe on different levels, but relate nonetheless. The environment Jamilah has been brought up in is captured really well and again, is something people can identify with. It is pretty unique to read a young adult book about Muslim cultural identity, and I applaud Abdel-Fattah for writing the way she does. I enjoyed this book, much more than Abdel-Fattah's other book, Does My Head Look Big in This? I thought this one was more down-to-earth and relatable. Rating: 4/5
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LibraryThing member dk_phoenix
Since I've never struggled with ethnic identity, I can't speak from personal experience as to whether Abdel-Fattah correctly conveyed the struggles of this teenage Lebanese-Australian girl at high school. However, when I read the book, I thought it was very well done and wondered whether books like
This past weekend, I was at a dance conference where I attended a panel on appropriation of dance forms. One woman began speaking of her experiences growing up as a Palestinian girl living in Toronto, and how as she became a teenager, she entered into a period of severe depression due to her struggles with identity. After hearing her speak, I'm more convinced than ever that books like this -- even though they're fiction -- are necessary.
It's not the best written book in the world, and I did have some issues with certain things that happen in it (ie. the main character can be a little dense when it comes to online interactions), but overall I think the message of learning how to accept who you are -- both your family's background and who you are in the country you now live in -- is extremely important for many young adults today.
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this are crucial for helping certain teenagers figure out how to balance their identities.This past weekend, I was at a dance conference where I attended a panel on appropriation of dance forms. One woman began speaking of her experiences growing up as a Palestinian girl living in Toronto, and how as she became a teenager, she entered into a period of severe depression due to her struggles with identity. After hearing her speak, I'm more convinced than ever that books like this -- even though they're fiction -- are necessary.
It's not the best written book in the world, and I did have some issues with certain things that happen in it (ie. the main character can be a little dense when it comes to online interactions), but overall I think the message of learning how to accept who you are -- both your family's background and who you are in the country you now live in -- is extremely important for many young adults today.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
It’s a good story about friends and family that helps and teaches you to be yourself. AHS/AK
LibraryThing member madamediotte
In Ten Things I Hate About Me, Jamilah does whatever is necessary to hide her Lebanese-Muslim identity from her classmates: she dyes her hair blond, straightens her hair, and even wears contacts to change her eye colour. She doesn't do this because she is ashamed of her cultural background, but
Jamie/Jamilah's struggles are sure to strike a chord with the reader while giving a fascinating glimpse into a rich culture. All in all, this is an interesting novel that deals with serious issues with a refreshing sense of humour.
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because of the rampant racism and discrimination that exists at her school. To Jamilah, known at school as Jamie, this is a matter of survival.Jamie/Jamilah's struggles are sure to strike a chord with the reader while giving a fascinating glimpse into a rich culture. All in all, this is an interesting novel that deals with serious issues with a refreshing sense of humour.
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LibraryThing member Salee
A tenth grade Lebaneese-Muslim teenager struggles with self acceptance. She attempts to blend in with the Australian society, the belief in mind that her friends would not accept her if they know who she really is.Jamillah(the main character) goes to all extents- dying her hair blonde, channging
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her name- if it means decieving her closest friends. Then one day she meets "Rage Against the Machine" online, and soon the story approaches a turning point.Want to learn more? You'll have to read it to find out! Show Less
LibraryThing member LCoale1
I love Muslim books, as blasphemous as it is for my Christian soul to admit. This one's perfect. The writing is terrible, and the entire plot can be guessed halfway through, but the characters just pull you in and make you want to keep reading. It also had really funny dialogue and was pretty
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insightful into Lebanese culture. I really enjoyed this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member librarybrandy
Hey, guess what? Racism's wrong! And you shouldn't be ashamed or embarrassed about who you are!
Okay, so no huge surprises here and a fairly predictable plot, and yet I think it's a point that would resonate with teen girls (even the white ones who aren't trying to hide a heritage). Be yourself and
Booktalk:
Jamie’s blond hair comes from a bottle; her blue eyes are colored contacts. No one at her Australian high school—even her so-called best friends—knows that she’s actually Jamilah, that she’s Lebanese-Muslim, that her dad is super-strict and she’s not allowed out at night. All the deception pays off when the most popular guy in school shows an interest in her. He’s kind of a tool and racist to boot—but how much does that matter when he’s her ticket to social acceptance?
Okay, so no huge surprises here and a fairly predictable plot, and yet I think it's a point that would resonate with teen girls (even the white ones who aren't trying to hide a heritage). Be yourself and
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like who you are; anyone who doesn't like the real you isn't your friend anyway.Booktalk:
Jamie’s blond hair comes from a bottle; her blue eyes are colored contacts. No one at her Australian high school—even her so-called best friends—knows that she’s actually Jamilah, that she’s Lebanese-Muslim, that her dad is super-strict and she’s not allowed out at night. All the deception pays off when the most popular guy in school shows an interest in her. He’s kind of a tool and racist to boot—but how much does that matter when he’s her ticket to social acceptance?
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LibraryThing member Rachel.Seltz
Ages 12-17.
Australian-born Jamilah loves the music, feasts, and supportive ties of her family’s Lebanese heritage. But at school, Jamilah passes as Anglo and calls herself “Jamie” so her classmates won’t stereotype her or tell her to “go back where she came from.” When Jamilah’s
Under a guise, Jamilah isn’t really living. Her friendships are distant, “parallel train tracks that never intersect.” As Jamie, she suffocates her true voice and lives in silence. Ten Things examines the courage needed to grow closer: to herself and to friends, as well as to her father as they learn to better communicate their hopes and fears.
While the feminine cover will deter many boys, the book contains wonderful male supporting characters. Jamilah’s wild-child brother struggles to gain his father’s blessing for his dreams. The boy who becomes Jamilah’s best friend doesn’t let bullies change him and always has the perfect comeback.
Funny and introspective, Jamilah is a reluctant hero (and relatable for that very reason), yet earns great respect: once Jamilah finds the strength to be true to herself, she won’t go back. Recommended.
Australian-born Jamilah loves the music, feasts, and supportive ties of her family’s Lebanese heritage. But at school, Jamilah passes as Anglo and calls herself “Jamie” so her classmates won’t stereotype her or tell her to “go back where she came from.” When Jamilah’s
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madrasa band decides to play at her high school’s formal, her worlds threaten to collide. Jamilah must choose whether to keep hiding, or to show her school who she really is.Under a guise, Jamilah isn’t really living. Her friendships are distant, “parallel train tracks that never intersect.” As Jamie, she suffocates her true voice and lives in silence. Ten Things examines the courage needed to grow closer: to herself and to friends, as well as to her father as they learn to better communicate their hopes and fears.
While the feminine cover will deter many boys, the book contains wonderful male supporting characters. Jamilah’s wild-child brother struggles to gain his father’s blessing for his dreams. The boy who becomes Jamilah’s best friend doesn’t let bullies change him and always has the perfect comeback.
Funny and introspective, Jamilah is a reluctant hero (and relatable for that very reason), yet earns great respect: once Jamilah finds the strength to be true to herself, she won’t go back. Recommended.
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LibraryThing member ALelliott
This book explores a part of high school society that is very relatable to many of our students, but not as explored as it could be. Jamie/Jamilah is a tenth grader at her Sydney high school. At school, she's blond Jamie, and no one has any idea of her Lebanese-Muslim heritage. She's scared to tell
This book is great for students who are going through the same thing, but I wish that the author had made the writing a little less "after school special" and paid better attention to the way teens actually takl (some of the characters' speeches on race sound like they were lifted right off wikipedia). Still, Jamie is a fully-drawn, complex character that who is easy to root for.
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them because certain kids at her school are less than kind about people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. At home, she's Jamilah, dutiful daughter longing to have a little freedom from her restrictive father. Then the most popular boy in school starts paying her a little more attention, and suddenly Jamie has to worry about keeping her identity secret while still being proud of who she is.This book is great for students who are going through the same thing, but I wish that the author had made the writing a little less "after school special" and paid better attention to the way teens actually takl (some of the characters' speeches on race sound like they were lifted right off wikipedia). Still, Jamie is a fully-drawn, complex character that who is easy to root for.
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LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Of course this has a message. And the author passionately cares about making sure we don't miss any part of it. But it's also charming, fun, and relevant to anyone who feels as if they have to hide who they are or what their family is like. I loved every single character I was supposed to,
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and despised every one I wasn't supposed to like, and therefore I was engaged enough to read this in just one night. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
CBCA Book of the Year (Notable Book — Older Readers — 2007)
Kathleen Mitchell Award (2008)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2006
Physical description
304 p.; 8.3 inches
ISBN
0545050553 / 9780545050555