Enduring Freedom is a young adult novel written in dual points of view by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy. This novel releases at a perfect time as the US military prepares to leave Afghanistan and the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 comes later this year.
Synopsis: On September 11, 2001, the lives of two boys on opposite sides of the world are changed in an instant. Baheer, a studious Afghan teen, sees his family’s life turned upside down when they lose their livelihood as war rocks the country. A world away, Joe, a young American army private, has to put aside his dreams of becoming a journalist when he’s shipped out to Afghanistan.
When Joe’s unit arrives in Baheer’s town, Baheer is wary of the Americans, but sees an opportunity: Not only can he practice his English with the soldiers, his family can make money delivering their supplies. At first, Joe doesn’t trust Baheer, or any of the locals, but Baheer keeps showing up. As Joe and Baheer get to know each other, to see each other as individuals, they realize they have a lot more in common than they ever could have realized. But can they get past the deep differences in their lives and beliefs to become true friends and allies?
MY THOUGHTS
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy and I am happy to be able to share my thoughts with you. This is a must-read novel for teens and adults, and I would add mature middle schoolers. The scenes involving fighting and casualties can be quite graphic, although necessary in my opinion. This book tackles many important subjects, such as terrorism, prejudice, and hatred, on a global and society scale as well as on an individual level. But the true power of this book is the exploration of friendship, trust, and understanding.
The novel focuses on two different boys from two different countries thrown together by an act of terrorism. With the two points of view, the reader is given insight into each character’s thoughts and impressions of the other’s society and country. I love books that help me understand a different point of view and take me to a location I’ve never been. As an American, I was given a personal insight into the geography of Afghanistan as well as the societal norms and customs. It is a view most people do not get to see.
I was also given a peek into the thoughts and actions of a soldier at a time most crucial to my country. Even though this is a work of fiction, the author Trent Reedy was in the National Guard and did spend time in Afghanistan. The knowledge he put into the novel was enlightening.
As I mentioned earlier, this novel is one about friendship, trust, and understanding. It comes at a time when the world needs that most.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Trent Reedy served as a combat engineer in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1999 to 2005, including a year’s tour of duty in Afghanistan, where he befriended Jawad Arash. Based upon his experiences there, he wrote his debut middle-grade novel, Words in the Dust, which won the Christopher Medal and was chosen for Al Roker’s Book Club for Kids on the Today show. His novels Stealing Air, If You’re Reading This, and the Divided We Falltrilogy were Junior Library Guild selections. His seventh novel, Gamer Army, was published in late 2018. Trent also writes a weekly military life column for the Washington Examiner. He lives with his family outside Spokane, Washington.
Jawad Arash’s home country of Afghanistan has been at war throughout his entire life. Nevertheless, Jawad remained optimistic for his future. Despite challenges imposed by war or harsh Taliban regulations, he developed a love for learning and wanted to help build a new and better Afghanistan through educating people. He began teaching English while he was still in high school. Later, he earned a B.A. in English and his master’s in Linguistics/TESL. Enduring Freedom is his debut novel.
Enduring Freedom is in stores today! You can purchase it anywhere books are sold. Click on these links for quick access. Indiebound, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.
