Recommended Reads: Brick Lane

Recommended Reads: Brick Lane by Monica Ali (FIC ALI)

Brick Lane is the story of Nazneen. Nazneen is born into poverty in Bangladesh but when she is 18 she travels to London to marry an older man chosen for her by her parents. Nazneen passively accepts her fate with her boorish, foolish husband and soon becomes a mother to two girls. As time passes, Nazneen gains confidence and begins to challenge the rules set for her by the immigrant Muslim community in which she lives. This fascinating novel gives readers insight into the contemporary immigrant life in Great Britain as Nazneen pursues her modest dreams with quiet tenacity.

Recommended Reads: After

Recommended Reads: After by Amy Efaw (Y EFA)

After centers on 15 year old Devon Davenport, a straight A student and star soccer player who is arrested and charged with murder after she gives birth and throws the infant in the trash. Devon is sent to a juvenile detention center where she claims she didn't know she was pregnant. A sympathetic lawyer is assigned to Devon's case and the plot hinges on whether Devon will remain in the juvenile system or be tried as an adult (where she could face a life sentence for attempted murder). The book is a swiftly paced page turner that deals compassionately with the horrible phenomenon of "dumpster babies."