Everything Comes Back to You

Everything Comes Back to You by Jackie Khalilieh explores the delicate balance between personal desires and familial expectations in the life of Lennon, a Palestinian Canadian teenager.

Lennon has always aimed to meet her father's high standards, unlike her older sister. However, when a crush on an older white boy begins to grow into something deeper, she must find the courage to reconcile her own desires with her father's expectations.

This novel has been likened to I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and The Sun Is Also a Star, promising an engaging exploration of cultural identity and personal growth in a young adult setting.

As Lennon steps into high school, her life becomes complicated when her older sister reveals she is pregnant, causing turmoil within their Palestinian Canadian family. This places additional pressure on Lennon to maintain her "good girl" image—an expectation she's strived to fulfil her entire life, even as she navigates the world with autism.

Her journey becomes more complex when a chance meeting with John, a senior, sparks a forbidden crush. Her parents would certainly disapprove, which only deepens Lennon's intrigue and internal conflict.

Throughout her high school years, Lennon's connection with John ebbs and flows, challenging her to deal with conflicting emotions such as shame and desire, obedience and rebellion. As she attempts to satisfy both herself and her parents, a relationship with another boy forces her to reconsider her ideas about family and happiness. Choosing her path ultimately means facing tough decisions that might lead to losing everything and everyone she cherishes.