Pop Culture Literature: Does My Head Look Big in This?
January 16th, 2010
I’m taking a break from celebrity literature this week because I finally got around to reading “Does My Head Look Big in This?” by Randa Abdel-Fattah.
Let me tell you, this book is hilarious and brilliant.
It tells the fictional story of Amal Mohamed Nasrullah Abdel-Hakim, an Australian girl who decides to wear hijab in high school. More than anything else I’ve read, this book really encapsulates what it’s like to start wearing hijab when you’re a minority. Although it’s set in Australia, it may as well be set in America.
The protagonist, Amal, is a typical teenager. The writing really picks up on what 16-year-olds are into. For example, she decides to finally wear hijab while watching an episode of Friends. Of course, she has the religious backing to the idea too, but her final inspiration comes from something completely not religious. Plus, Amal is completely “normal.” Even though she is wearing hijab, everything else about her is what you’d expect from a teenager. I think the book really spoke to me because that’s the thing that most non-Muslims fail to realize about Muslims. When it comes right down to it, we’re pretty much like everyone else.
One part of the book that really stayed with me was when other women in hijab stopped to say salaam to Amal because they saw her wearing hijab. I have to say, that’s one of the things I love most about wearing hijab. You feel connected to strangers when they smile and say salaam to you. The book also takes a real look at cultural and religious issues that come up with being Muslim. One of Amal’s friends has to deal with an overbearing mother who is obsessed with getting her married. I know many of us can relate to that.
The problem is that Leila’s mom only wants her to get married and doesn’t want her to get an education. She’s held back by cultural beliefs that she portrays as religious beliefs.
Plus, Amal has to answer questions about Muslims and terrorism after Sept. 11.
Amal also has to deal with the kids in her school who are mean to her. But her best friends in school are two non-Muslim girls who stand behind her no matter what.
Amal deals with the normal high school stuff: crushing on a boy named Adam, dealing with ridiculous teachers and reading Cosmo to get the latest gossip.
I know some people may have some issues with the book because Amal doesn’t always act in the most Islamic manner, but that’s what I liked the most. We all try to be good Muslims, but being human means that doesn’t always happen. Plus, we all have interests outside of what is strictly deemed religious.
The book is a fun read but is also very relatable to anyone who’s thought about wearing hijab or has felt left out because they’re a bit different from those around them. I would highly recommend picking it up.
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Pop Culture Hijabi is a weekly column by Nadia Malik. Malik is a former newspaper reporter based in Chicago who’s now making her way as a freelancer. She spends entirely too much time watching TV and reading pop culture, fashion and TV blogs. She also occasionally consumes serious books and news. No, really. You can reach her at info@hijabtrendz.com with “pop culture hijabi” in the subject line, follow her at www.twitter.com/nadiamalik or simply leave a comment below.
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Read it ages ago already – as I recall, in one night!
I’ve always wanted to read it but haven’t had the time to sit down and do it. Now I’m tempted to, I’ve always wanted a juicey book with a hijabi character in it
I read that book too and I also found it very relatable. I started to read it like 5 months after I started wearing hijab. It really spoke to me because Amal reminded me of myself.
I read the book, didnt care for it too much though, this was a while back. However, it was a good read but didnt really have a wow effect.
is there any possibility to download this book?
i live in bosnia, i’m quite sure i can’t find this book in my country.