TOUR: Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Publishing Date: March 14, 2024

Synopsis:

Six Muslim teens are falsely accused of a deadly attack in this timely and harrowing examination of Americas justice system, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas and Samira Ahmed.

As fireworks pop at a rowdy Fourth of July bonfire party, an explosion off the California coast levels an oil rig and a beach town is left reeling from the aftermath of tragedy. At the center are six Muslim teens.

An old soul stuck in a modern world. An aspiring doctor caught in the wrong place. An influencer with a reputation to protect. A perfect daughter with secrets. A soccer star headed for Stanford. An immigrant in love. Six strangers with something to hide and everything to lose. Faced with accusations of terrorism, the Six are caught in a political game that will pit them against one another. As police investigate what really happened that night, which secrets will be worth the cost of freedom?

They each must decide: Betray the others to guarantee their own futures, or expose their secrets to earn justice for them all.

Content Warning: Content warnings: mentions of Terrorism, police interrogations, murder, racism, Islamophobia, Xenophobia, generational trauma, PTSD

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REVIEW 

Six Truths and a Lie delves into the depths of America's justice system through the lens of six Muslim teens falsely implicated in an attack. What makes this novel particularly compelling is its exploration of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the accused. The story sheds light onto how easily people use differences to group people into boxes, and how even within those groups, the focus is still on how they are different from each other. Through the characters eyes, readers are given a haunting peek into the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities in the United States. It was terrifying how easily things became twisted and covered up to fit the perfect narrative. 

The political explorations and societal pressures they confront serve as a stark reminder of how little truth seems to matter in our justice system. It becomes a story of sacrifice and betrayal with so many important discussions. I learned so much and the author masterfully crafted the story to build dread and twists within each perspective. I was truly shocked by the ending! The author also skillfully navigates themes of identity, privilege, and systemic bias, prompting readers to confront their own preconceptions and biases.

Overall, I found Six Truths and a Lie to be a gripping and thought-provoking read. Through its diverse characters and haunting storyline, I gained invaluable insights into the experiences of those who are so often left out of the narrative and I think it is a story everyone could learn from.  

FAVORITE QUOTES 

About the Author:

Ream Shukairy is a Syrian American born and raised full-time in Orange County, California and part-time over summers in Syria. Whether in California or Syria, she feels at home where her family is and wherever there’s a beach. She has a talent for learning languages and is always on the search for the next place she can travel and flex her words. The daughter of immigrants, there isn’t a stereotype she won’t try her hardest to defy. She can be found reading at the beach, with her sisters watching anime, or playing volleyball really anywhere. She currently resides in Boston for graduate school.

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