If You Could Be Mine

If You Could Be Mine

By Sara Farizan

Ages: Grades 10-12

WARNING: Mature Content

Their mothers were childhood friends split by a decision between a marriage of love and a marriage of obligation. Nasrin and Sahar have been friends since childhood and face a similar decision, but with worse consequences lurking in the background. Their love is cruelly forbidden and despised. If caught, they risk death. If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan unlocks a hidden and sometimes seedy subculture in Iran. A world in which the government will fund gender reassignments "Because they are trying to fix us...". It is also a book of desperation, growing up and knowing when to let go. 

By the end of this book, all I could say was "wow". It is a taboo topic, but one that shouldn't be ignored. I did question whether to post a review of this book because I felt it may controversial, but the book was well written, highly emotional and poignant in today's society. Many parts of the book are for mature audiences. I encourage parents to read the book first and make their own decision whether their child is capable of comprehending this topic. I also encourage parents to follow up with an open dialogue. Bottom line ~ it's a really good book, but read it with an open mind and an open heart.