A review by dvrk_academic
Coming of Age in the War on Terror by Randa Abdel-Fattah

5.0

Randa Abdel-Fattah's latest book is one of the most provocative, captivating and important books I have read this year. This book was recommended to me by my Master's supervisor because she believed it may be relevant for my research. She was right. Abdel-Fattah analyses not only her interviews that she conducts with her own participants, but also academics published works including the likes of Scott Poynting, Christina Ho and Moreton-Robinson. Her book is also riddled with contemporary examples and situations of Islamophobia including the Christchurch Massacre, the Punchbowl Boys issue and day to day encounters of Australian Muslims. One of the key points Abdel-Fattah makes is the influence or lack thereof of politics on the life of the Youth. Youth are aware, and that is made clear in this book throughout her interviews, yet they are constantly undermined and spoken down to. Being involved in politics looks different from person to person and that is highlighted throughout the book. The book also mainly highlights the detrimental impact the words of influential people can have on policies, procedures, the media and the general public. This is not a book to be missed - Abdel-Fattah leaves no stone unturned.