A Very Large Expanse of Sea

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi is a contemporary young adult novel set in 2002, shortly after 9/11. It follows Shirin, a Muslim teenager who faces intense racism and isolation at her new high school because she wears a hijab. To cope, she focuses on breakdancing with her brother and tries to avoid getting close to anyone. However, when she meets Ocean, a kind and persistent classmate, she begins to question her decision to shut people out. The story explores themes of prejudice, identity, vulnerability, and the courage to open one’s heart despite fear.