REVIEWS

 
★ “Riesen’s debut is a rich, multifaceted story that . . . interweaves racism and discrimination, immigration and injustice, sexism and double standards, family expectations and intergenerational trauma, and more, all written to great effect and with a broadly diverse supporting cast. A smart, powerful, poignant tale of identity, freedom, and family.” --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “By deploying a healthy dose of sharp humor across a pacey plot that’s populated by an intersectionally diverse cast, Riesen crafts an emphatic and empathetic debut that doesn’t shy away from exploring grave themes such as imperialism, intergenerational trauma, war, and xenophobia.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Free Radicals is a deeply moving and keenly drawn story of courage, resilience and familial love, filled with tenderness, heart, romance, and hilarity. Lila Riesen is a talent to watch.”--Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of The Serpent King

“Sharp, funny, and written with fierce love. This book is a hand over the heart and a nod to hope for the future of Afghanistan. It is impossible not to fall in love with Mafi, Raf, and Jalen. I laughed with and ached for these characters. Riesen’s story is a heartfelt song for Afghanistan.”--Julia Walton, author of Words on Bathroom Walls

“In this modern tale of a young Afghan American girl coming to terms with her identity. . . Riesen raises awareness of issues many young adults experience, such as family drama, xenophobia, racism, prejudice, and trolling. Teens will relate to the protagonist’s struggles to build trust and be honest with others, all the while carrying trauma.” --Booklist

“Whip-smart, heart-rending and often hilarious . . . this compelling debut novel by Lila Riesen, calling upon her own experience as a biracial Afghan-American teenager. . . offers an unforgettable coming-of-age tale in this poignant novel of a family trying to start anew in the U.S. and caught up in the tragic fallout of the turmoil in Afghanistan.” --The Buffalo News