Tuesday 6 June 2017

The Lines We Cross in Ten Powerful Quotes


You might have heard that Randa Abdel-Fatah came out with a new book in May 2017. I positively squealed. But that's because I had read her previous book, Does My Head Look Big in This? nine years ago about an Australian Muslim teenager who decides to wear hijab to school. It was amazing but I hadn't read anything by Randa since. Until The Lines We Cross came along.

Randa's new young adult novel is about two teenagers on opposing sides of the immigration conflict in Australia. Michael's parents are part of Aussie Values - an anti-immigration group - whilst Mina's family have fled their besieged home in Afghanistan. As the group's importance grows in Australia, lines are drawn and both must decide what matters most.

I absolutely enjoyed this quick read. The humour aimed at misguided characters and time spent on exploring some serious stereotypes and issues surrounding terrorism, the hijab, refugees to name a few complimented each other to make The Lines We Cross a highly topical book that everyone needs to read now. Below are some of my favourite quotes drawn from the book that either had me furiously nodding away in agreement or made my heart lurch in sympathy and sadness:

Kahn’s carrying a spade in one hand and a sign in the other: Start Calling a Spade a Spade: Islam = Terror. Andrew’s dressed as a Spartan guard, carrying a shield and sign that says: Democracy Started in Greece: Protect Our Democracy. p. 2

~

Paula huffs with indignation. “So Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, bombs on Afghan weddings and parties, CIA torture, drones, white phosphorous–all wonderful examples of civilized behavior, right?” p. 33

~

Mum lets out an exasperated sigh. “That’s half the problem though, isn’t it? When my parents came here they got called poms, so they made sure us kids fit in.” She raises her eyes to the ceiling. “You can’t wear the hijab, get a negative reaction, and then complain. You have to take responsibility for yourself and think: How are people going to treat me? Am I inviting trouble?” She shakes her head sadly. p. 20-21

~

Maybe you only get one chance at meeting somebody who really gets inside you, wakes corners of your mind and heart that you didn't know were asleep. p. 272

~

“You know what the trick is?” she says when we hear the bell ring and reluctantly rise and make our way to home-room. “Learning that it can’t always be about them. Sometimes, maybe even most times, you fight back. But sometimes you can end up dignifying their arguments when you defend yourself. And even if you’re in the right, it’s exhausting to live your life in constant resistance. You have to keep a space to yourself, Mina, a space where they don’t exist." p. 144

~

“Dad says Muslims are violent. So of course he should be scared. But you know, our bird was run over by a car in our street last year. Death is everywhere, not just in Iraq.” p. 72

~

Was part of our contract here in this country that we should be walking around depressed and broken? Wearing our trauma on the outside? And what about everybody we’d left dead or living in fear back home? Didn’t we owe them? How could I just lead this ordinary life? p. 174

~

“Because there’s a dominant culture, Michael,” Dad explains. “We’re an Anglo nation based on Judeo-Christian values. People are free to practice their culture and religion so long as it doesn’t undermine the foundational identity of this country.” p. 162

~

There’s a lot of ugliness under this sky. But there’s plenty of beauty here too. I want to find it, spread it around, all over the cruelty and injustice. I want to shake this world like a can of soda, pop the lid, and watch the bubbles explode. Join a revolution to do nothing less than change the world. p. 375

~

“It’s like all these nameless, faceless people get killed all around the world everyday amd nobody gives a shit because they’re not Aussie or American or French, you know what I mean? It’s like dying and getting killed is just something people like us do. It doesn’t shock anybody. If we live, then people are surprised.” p. 287

Hopefully, from just these quotes, you can see how well written The Lines We Cross. It serves a great read in today's political climate whilst still being entertaining as you gush about young love. 


Will you pick up The Lines We Cross? Have you read similar books that you can recommend? ~


57 comments:

  1. Thank you for this review! I've been looking for some new tbr for the summer and Sofia Khan is not obliged is the only one my list as I want to read more about muslim culture around the globe, and after reading your review I'll make sure to grab myself a copy of this.
    Thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading! I can't wait to read Sofia Khan is not obliged too. Hope you enjoy The Lines We Cross too!

      Delete
  2. Thanks for sharing this quality information with us. I really enjoyed reading. Will surely going to share this URL with my friends.
    Cocktail & Party Dresses

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank for information this free articles post we provides compare and save money to select the top 3 website visit now # Cheapestpackers.co.in

    movers and packers noida # movers and packers delhi # movers and packers guwahati # movers and packers faridabad # movers and packers ghaziabad # hello

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is very appealing, however , it is very important that will mouse click on the connection: yes movies

    ReplyDelete
  5. There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own. Your content gives readers things to think about in an interesting way. 123moviesto

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. www.greentheorycoloncleanse.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. what a creative post

    https://part66eu.blogspot.com/p/08.html?sc=1685529324957#c7641120038849532291

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have an eye for capturing beauty. Keep sharing these amazing photos with us!"

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nature never ceases to amaze me. This photo captures its beauty perfectly."

    ReplyDelete
  10. Digital marketing allows for personalized and tailored communication with customers."

    ReplyDelete
  11. Digital marketing enables businesses to adapt and pivot quickly in a rapidly changing market."

    ReplyDelete
  12. Digital marketing provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences."

    ReplyDelete
  13. "Nature never ceases to amaze me. This photo captures its beauty perfectly

    ReplyDelete
  14. The world is full of incredible places, and this is definitely one of them. Thanks for sharing!"

    ReplyDelete
  15. "Nature never ceases to amaze me. This photo captures its beauty perfectly."

    ReplyDelete
  16. "I love how the colors in this picture blend so beautifully. Mother Nature is an artist!"

    ReplyDelete
  17. "The world is full of incredible places, and this is definitely one of them. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  18. The world is full of hidden gems, and this photo just uncovered one. Absolutely mesmerizing!"

    ReplyDelete
  19. Appreciating the seamless navigation and intuitive layout."

    ReplyDelete
  20. 15. "Well-deserved appreciation for the creativity and originality showcased."

    ReplyDelete
  21. "This website stands out from the rest - a class apart!"

    ReplyDelete
  22. In harmony with nature, we find true balance and serenity."

    ReplyDelete
  23. Every small eco-friendly action counts in safeguarding the environment."

    ReplyDelete
  24. 19. "In harmony with nature, we find true balance and serenity

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow, this picture is absolutely stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  26. This photo captures the essence of summer perfectly. Makes me long for sunny days at the beach!"

    ReplyDelete
  27. This photo reminds me why I love exploring and discovering new places. Thanks for the inspiration!"

    ReplyDelete
  28. "I wish I had the words to describe how amazing this photo is. Simply stunning

    ReplyDelete
  29. wish I could be there right now. This place looks like a dream!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow, this picture is absolutely stunning

    ReplyDelete
  31. Nature truly is the best artist. This photo is a masterpiece!"

    ReplyDelete
  32. "I can almost hear the sound of waves crashing just by looking at this picture.

    ReplyDelete
  33. What's the heck. Awesome article

    ReplyDelete
  34. Navigating the World of Decentralized Finance Safely and Seamlessly**

    ReplyDelete
  35. providing a user-friendly interface for both beginners and .

    ReplyDelete
  36. What sets Metamask apart is its focus on .

    ReplyDelete
  37. At its core, Metamask is a cryptocurrency wallet.

    ReplyDelete
  38. experienced cryptocurrency users

    ReplyDelete
  39. **Unveiling the New Twitter Logo X: A Bold Step into the Future**

    ReplyDelete
  40. and a web3 interface that allows users to interact with blockchain-based.

    ReplyDelete
  41. experienced cryptocurrency users.

    ReplyDelete
  42. applications using a browser extension or mobile app.

    ReplyDelete
  43. In the rapidly expanding landscape of blockchain and cryptocurrency

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow, this furniture piece is a true work of art! The craftsmanship and attention to detail are impeccable."

    ReplyDelete
  45. Whoa, talk about #travelgoals! Adding this to my bucket list for sure."

    ReplyDelete
  46. This photo brings back memories of my own travels. It's incredible how images can evoke such emotions."

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm in awe of the natural wonders our world has to offer. This photo is a true testament to that."

    ReplyDelete
  48. I wish I had the words to describe how amazing this photo is. Simply stunning!"

    ReplyDelete
  49. "I'm in awe of the natural wonders our world has to offer. This photo is a true testament to that."

    ReplyDelete
  50. This view is giving me major wanderlust. I need to plan a trip ASAP!"

    ReplyDelete
  51. I can't get over how clear the water is in this picture. It's like paradise!"

    ReplyDelete