Internment

By: Samira Ahmed

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

In this instant New York Times bestseller, author Samira Ahmed tells the story of a terrifying, futuristic United States where Muslim citizens are forced into internment camps.

"Internment sets itself apart ... terrifying, thrilling and urgent." —Entertainment Weekly

Rebellions are built on hope.

Set in a horrifying near-future United States, seventeen-year-old Layla Amin and her parents are forced into an internment camp for Muslim American citizens.

With the help of newly made friends also trapped within the internment camp, her boyfriend on the outside, and an unexpected alliance, Layla begins a journey to fight for freedom, leading a revolution against the camp's Director and his guards.

Heart-racing and emotional, Internment challenges readers to fight complicit silence that exists in our society today.

Critic reviews

*Taking on Islamophobia and racism in a Trump-like America, Ahmed's magnetic, gripping narrative written in a deeply humane and authentic tone, is attentive to the richness and complexity of the social ills at the heart of the book.—Kirkus, starred review

*"...a poignant, necessary story that paints a very real, very frank picture of hatred and ignorance, while also giving readers and marginalized individuals hope."—Booklist, starred review

*"An unsettling and important book for our times."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

*"By the end of the first two pages of this title the reader will be breathless with the anticipation and excitement of what's to come."—School Library Connection, starred review

*"...Sensitive and stirring. For all collections."—School Library Journal, starred review

"Internment sets itself apart...terrifying, thrilling and urgent."—Entertainment Weekly

"A riveting and cautionary tale. Internment urges us to speak up and speak out, to ask questions and demand answers, and when those answers prove unsatisfactory, to resist."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Times}span.s1 {font-kerning: none; background-color: #ffffff}Stacey Lee, award-winning author of Outrun the Moon

"Internment is a visceral, essential book, both horrifying and hopeful. Ahmed deserves a spot on every book shelf in America."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Times}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Kiersten White, New York Times Bestselling author of And I Darken and The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

"A testament to what girls are capable of when they are overlooked, Internment is a masterwork of dignity and grit."—E.K. Johnston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Exit, Pursued by a Bear

"Internment is a scathing indictment of our current political times. Ahmed has gifted us Layla, a courageous young revolutionary who fights against all boundaries of hate and ignorance. A must read for activists who continue to push back against the big What-Ifs."—National Book Award finalist Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street and Pride

"A powerful and poignant exploration of a nightmare made real. It's a testament to Ahmed's writing then, that the heart of the story is one of hope. Read INTERNMENT. Raise a fist."—David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Moquitoland and Kids of Appetite

"Terrifying, inspiring, heart-pounding, and incredibly timely. With an ultimately hopeful voice, Samira Ahmed shows how one person and small acts of bravery can spark a flame of resistance and inspire others to bring change."—Lauren Nopenz Fairley, Curious Iguana, Frederick, MD

Absolutely amazing

This book was beautiful. I don't know how to out my feelings into words for this book, but I want everyone to read it.

Heart wrenching

This book is such a window into what is possible if we do not take a stand, as well as what people in the past experienced. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I really believe that this book has the power to change the hearts and minds of Americans far and wide.

Great Story

The narration was very slow. Once I sped it up to 1.25, it didn’t get in the way of enjoying the story.

Great story

This book had a really solid concept and over all it did a decent job of relaying what it was trying to say. It took on a really tough subject one that sadly keeps getting more and more relevant with each passing day. It made the subject palatable to a wider ranger of people without becoming preachy. (Though I never really mind when that happens).
That all being said I am curious how much more in-depth and visceral Ahmed could have gotten if she had written this book for older teens or even adults. I realize the point was to make the story more accessible but I feel like maybe it just could have packed a bit more of a punch if it was set for just a slightly older audience but again that is all just more of a personal curiosity than a real critique.
My only really "problem" with this story was the underlying romance... I know I am always complaining about romances popping up in places they don't belong but in the case of this book it just sort of cheapens the whole story for me. I felt that the romance not only didn't fit but it was just added to appease people. The romance felt like an after though in some places and in others it undermined her whole purpose. If I have said this once I have said it a thousand times, stop adding in a romance to a book it has no business in! It may gain you a few readers but it cheapens the overall experience of your story. If it was not for that romance I would have given this book a 4.5 or even 4.7 stars.
All that being said I would recommend this book to anyone. This book is so timely and its something we all need to consider. This book really made me step back and wonder not only what I would do but what I can do now. Like I said in the beginning overall this book did exactly what it was meant to do. It made me stop and consider.

Heart wrenching Story

I couldn't put this book down. I cried many times but was very good. It is worth reading! This book also relates to what's going on now in the world.