"I closed Pieces feeling hopeful—a moving, beautifully told story about resilience, family, and finding light after darkness."
"The rain continued to pour down—the sky was weeping the tears she couldn’t let fall. She would let them fall eventually, in prayer, relinquishing all her frustrations, fears, and despair to God."
"This beautiful debut novel from author Afshan Malik is a gripping read. Pieces explores a family coping with the father's trauma after returning from a medical mission abroad. While life continues to tick on for the two teen daughters, their father is trapped in his haunted memories. I read the book in one sitting and was left wondering when the sequel would be out. This novel can be enjoyed by both YA and adult fiction fans. It will definitely have a place on the favorite shelf in my bookcase. I'm looking forward to reading it again and again."
"I love YA books with substance—and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Pieces. Hannah is struggling with her dad’s PTSD after he returns from a service trip helping Syrian refugees. Not only that, he lost team members during an attack. The entire family is facing a new normal, trying to support their dad while moving forward with their lives. There are lots of feels and some tearful moments, but you also see the incredible resilience of the human spirit come through. I loved Hannah and her family—and I hope Afshan Malik writes a Part II, because I’m not done reading about them!"
"My husband is an Air Force veteran, and he saw a lot of action. He is plagued by PTSD—the nightmares, the fear, the anxiety in crowds, the constant feeling that someone is out to get him, the big chip on the shoulder. It is imperative that we take care of our soldiers—or, in the case of this book, our Doctors Without Borders. The author really fleshed out the characters of a family dynamic affected by a father's trauma overseas. It was a beautiful, deeper look into this condition, and all the drama felt so real. I could not put it down. Thank you for writing this! All thepiecescame together into a complete story. Avidly awaiting more—highly recommend."
Author
Afshan Malik is a Chicago native turned southern belle who loves Dr. Pepper, afternoon naps, and historical novels. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an MA in Nonprofit Management. Afshan is excited to bring her interest in uplifting Muslim women at the global nonprofit Rabata. She is currently the Director of Development at Rabata working to amplify its mission of positive cultural change. She is also in the first graduating class from the Ribaat Academic Program and continues to pursue additional Islamic studies certifications under the tutelage of Dr. Tamara Gray. Afshan is the calm eye of the storm in much of what life tosses her way and enjoys soaking up the Texas sun with her husband and five children.