Title:Through the Eyes of a Teen: A book Written by a Muslim, Immigrant, and a Teenage
Author: Nazia Islam
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 979-8-8230-1060-3
Pages: 165
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Allison Walker

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Through the Eyes of a Teen: A book Written by a Muslim, Immigrant, and a Teenageis an extraordinary literary journey penned by Muslim immigrant and high-schooler, Nazia

Islam, who invites readers into her world with this introspective memoir. Islam’s candid narrative is a hybrid between personal journal and self-help book written by a teenager for other young people. Throughout, she shares her experiences, dreams and challenges as she navigates the complicated terrain of adolescence, a journey made even more complex by her transplant to a foreign country.

Inspired by the unique challenges of conquering adolescence, Islam chronicles her story with advice and tips for other teens. She captures the emotional rollercoaster of high school with complete authenticity in a story which is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. For example, Islam shares stories about when she first came to America and could not speak or understand English fluently yet. She loses her younger cousin, who is escorting her to school, on a crowded public bus. Lost and disoriented in the city, Islam suffers a panic attack. First, she gets a headache, then she begins to get dizzy. By the time she stumbles across the kind crossing guard who helps her find her way home, Islam can barely recite her own address. But Islam turns this terrifying moment into a teachable one that she shares with her readers. “Stop over-thinking,” she advises. Dwelling only on horrifying outcomes allowed her to be overcome by stress and unable to help herself. By being aware of our over-thinking, we can challenge ourselves and stay on track to the task at hand. Through the Eyes of a Teen is written with raw honesty, making it impossible not to empathize with Islam’s moments of confusion, joy and self-discovery.

At the core of this book is the compelling and relatable story of a teenage girl discovering who she is and who she wants to become. Through the Eyes of a Teen is a testament to the power of self-expression and writing as a form of catharsis. Islam’s story of discovery and learning seems inextricably linked to the act of writing. Through her chapters, she carefully articulates the universal struggles of finding one’s identity, crafting a narrative which resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. A keen observer, Islam shows a maturity beyond her physical years, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be a teenager and immigrant.

Young author Nazia Islam has produced a book that melds a personal memoir, cultural exploration and the universal trials of adolescence. Through the Eyes of a Teen leaves a lasting impression, encouraging empathy, understanding and self-reflection. This book is a remarkable achievement for such a young writer and shows tremendous potential for this author’s future.