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Hate is Such a Strong Word...

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( 862 ratings, 126 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hate is Such a Strong Word... by Sarah Ayoub follows Sophie, a Lebanese-Australian high school student, navigating cultural expectations and personal identity. She struggles with her family's traditional values while facing the pressures of teenage life in a multicultural society. As she encounters new friends and unexpected challenges, Sophie learns the power of understanding and self-acceptance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories that explore cultural identity and the complexities of growing up in a multicultural society. It offers a fresh perspective on the struggles of balancing family expectations with personal desires, capturing the essence of teenage rebellion and self-discovery.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
'Finally a book that tackles the big issues – and the ones all girls face (frizzy hair, formal dates, and what to do about that boy).'
- Sarah Tarca, Editor of Girlfriend

Seventeen-year-old Sophie hates Monday mornings, socks worn with sandals, and having to strategise like she's a battle sergeant every time she asks her parents if she can go out. But she especially hates being stereotyped because she's Lebanese.

When New Guy, Shehadie Goldsmith, is alienated at her Lebanese school because his dad's Australian, she hates the way it makes her feel.

Like she's just as prejudiced as everyone else.

Like she could make a difference if she stopped pretending she's invisible.

Like the attraction between them might be too strong to fight...

But hate is such a strong word... Can Sophie find the strength to speak out – even if it means going against everything she's been brought up to believe?

A brilliant debut novel about identity, love, culture and finding your place.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Hate is Such a Strong Word... by Sarah Ayoub is largely praised in reviews for its authentic portrayal of cultural conflict and the coming-of-age journey of the protagonist, Sophie. Reviewers commend Ayoub's ability to address complex themes like identity and familial expectations with sensitivity and humour. The book's engaging narrative and well-crafted characters resonate particularly with readers who appreciate stories about finding one's place in a multicultural world.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781460762479

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 July 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 178g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Sarah Ayoub is a freelance journalist, bestselling author and academic based in Sydney, Australia. Her bylines have appeared in The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, Marie-Claire, ELLE, Sydney Review of Books, Meanjin and more, and she regularly appears at many of Australia's major literary festivals. She is the author of three teen novels, including the Inky-longlisted The Yearbook Committee, and four children's picture books, including The Love That Grew and How to Be a Friend. She holds a PhD in ethnic teen literature, is a sessional academic at the University of Sydney and sits on the board of the Australian Society of Authors.

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