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The Dialogue Society Book Group - Meeting 41: No True Believers by Rabia York Lumbard

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:00 in Community Engagement
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Venue: Online
Date: Thursday, 7th April 2022
Time: 18:00-19:30

In this session of the Dialogue Society Book Group, we will explore No True Believers by Rabia York Lumbard on Thursday, 7th April 2022.

The Dialogue Society Book Group - Meeting 41: No True Believers by Rabia York Lumbard

Salma Bakkioui has always loved living in her suburban cul-de-sac, with her best friend Mariam next door, and her boyfriend Amir nearby. Then things start to change. Friends start to distance themselves. Mariam’s family moves when her father’s patients no longer want a Muslim chiropractor. Even trusted teachers look the other way when hostile students threaten Salma at school.

After a terrorist bombing nearby, islamophobia tightens its grip around Salma and her family. Shockingly, she and Amir find themselves with few allies as they come under suspicion for the bombing. As Salma starts to investigate who is framing them, she uncovers a deadly secret conspiracy with suspicious ties to her new neighbours–but no one believes her. Salma must use her coding talent, wits, and faith to expose the truth and protect the only home she’s ever known–before it’s too late.

"A timely tale that exposes the fallacies of hate"
Lamar Giles, Author of Spin

"A thriller with a Muslim American teen girl as the hero will give readers a unique character to root for and a reminder that anyone can be patriotic."
Bulletin

"A page-turner that carries a message of radical love, regardless of faith."
Booklist

Recommended for readers who want a relatable and realistic portrayal of a Muslim teen with the twists and action of a suspenseful thriller.
School Library Journal

Lumbard's novel succeeds in illuminating fundamental similarities across religions and portraying a harrowing situation that feels contemporary and plausible.
Publishers Weekly

About the Dialogue Society Book Group

The Dialogue Society Book Group explores the capacity of books to provide windows into different cultural and intercultural worlds. We will be choosing a series of quality novels to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Dialogue Society. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.

Participants will need to find a copy of the book chosen for each meeting and will need to read it prior to the meeting.

We will have a conversation about the book and our responses to it. Discussion may cover:

  • the quality of the storytelling
  • the authenticity and accuracy with which a historical/cultural situation is portrayed
  • our personal responses to it

You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The group should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes discovering new ones.

Prospective books for future sessions (NB we are open to suggestions)

  • Bird Summons, Leila Aboulela
  • Pachinko, Min Jin Lee
  • Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus, Isaac Asimov
  • An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro
  • The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway
  • Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

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