Catch You If You Fall by Henrik WileniusMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well-crafted coming-of-age story...
Catch You If You Fall (The Rise Up Trilogy, Book 1) by Henrik Wilenius is a coming-of-age story about a young, devout, closeted Muslim and a resilient Catholic boy that highlights the power of friendship and the struggles faced by young people in the face of societal and cultural pressures.
As Hashim, a young Muslim, tries to deal with his family's pressure to get married, he finds comfort in his friendship with Alex, a young Catholic boy. However, as Alex's efforts to help become increasingly misguided, their friendship begins to fracture.
The falling-out between the two best friends sends them on a painful path to self-discovery. The young Muslim must confront his own identity and reconcile his religious beliefs with his personal desires, while the Catholic boy comes to understand the limitations of his own understanding and the cultural biases that have influenced his worldview.
Through their struggles, the power of friendship ultimately helps them find the courage to be true to themselves and to stand up against the expectations of others. The story is a testament to the transformative power of friendship and the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Recommended.
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