Rebels by Accident by Patricia Dunn Review

Rebels by Accident, by Patricia Dunn
Published On: October 1, 2014 by Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 290
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 

 A Troubled Teen Sent to Cairo Finds Revolution is Everywhere, Including in Ourselves. When my first party ends in jail, I think things can’t possibly get worse. But then my parents send me to my grandmother in Cairo, and I’m sure my life is over. My sittu is Darth Vader’s evil sister, and I’m sure the only sites I’ll get to see in Egypt are the rooms in her apartment. Turns out she’s not so bad. We ride camels by the pyramids and ice skate at a mall. As Sittu says, “Sometimes a moment can change your life.” But it can change the life of a country too. When a girl named Asmaa calls the people of Egypt to protest, I find myself in the middle of a revolution, running from tear gas and guns. Oh yeah, and I meet the cutest guy I’ve ever seen. Fall in love for the first time. And have my first kiss.

    *Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

       From the moment that I set eyes on this book, I knew that I was going to be captivated from the first page. Firstly, the cover is utterly gorgeous and so simple that it suits this contemporary-diverse novel perfectly, and second—everyone'll want something to brighten up their days once in a while, right? Thankfully, this book is it. Rebels by Accident was a really good read that kept me up all night until I finished it.

             Honestly, now that I think about the whole experience of reading this, I've come to realize that this was one of the most diverse and unique books that I've read this year. And yes, we do need more diverse books. I'm a total leader and I stand up for that cause, since I feel like we don't get to read enough of those books so often.

              This is about an Egyptian-American, Mariam, who's parents decide that she should go on a trip, away from school to Cairo, Egypt where her grandmother/sittu lives. Thankfully, she has her best friend Deanna by her side and is able to try to connect with her "evil" grandmother. At the same time, this book covers issues that we don't mainly think about when we hear the word, "Egypt." Who would think that there is so much unfairness and unjustness in a country where some of the world's greatest sights are found? Of course, in order to see that, you'll need to see between the lines and figure that out.

             What really made me smile while reading this was that Dunn has captured the attention of readers by dealing with issues that we can easily see on the news anytime now. Feminism, poverty, political affairs, crime, just about anything in an once in-a-lifetime trip that two best friends took together. 

              I have to say that the concept and the plot were both there, strongly. I was captured and unable to let go from this masterpiece-like concept. I tear up because I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that an author has chosen to go through this direction by writing such an inspiring story that deals with subjects that many people can relate to. If you want a story that relates to your self-problems, I'd probably recommend booking an appointment with Patricia over here. ;)

               

                What I did have a problem with and what brought my rating down to a three star was the characters. Both Mariam and Deanna weren't relatable to me. Sure, they did have an adorable friendship that will make you squeal and blush when you realize that these characters were always there for each other from the start to finish, but each of them specifically were bland creatures. I just wish that I was able to relate to them even more. Maybe then, my opinion would've been much more positive and happier than it already is. They didn't care about anything except being rebels and about some issues. What about family? What about how lucky they are? Nada.

No romance?

                 No romance. :) And that was another great thing about this book. 

              But in the end, I guess I rather stick with a 3 star rating since the characters' attitudes were ferocious. Rebels by Accident was a witty funny story that really popped out at me, especially since the plot was simply there.

Interview with Patricia Dunn!

         Hello, all!

         I am really psyched to be announcing here that I have a mega-awesome post planned for all of you—featuring the one and only YA debut author of Rebels by Accident,  Patricia Dunn! I actually haven't picked up Rebels by Accident due to my crazy schedule, but we all have crazy high hopes, and the ratings are scorching high! I'm so excited to be doing this with her for the first time for me, so let's get started!

How did you come up with Rebels by Accident’s idea? It’s so unique!

I was inspired on many levels to write Rebels By Accident. Some of it was on a very subconscious level and was only discovered through the practice of writing. I knew I wanted to write the journey of an Egyptian-Muslim-American teen who, in our post 9-11 world, is very disconnected from her culture, and how she finally figures out what it means to be Egyptian and American. I wanted to write a book about self-discovery and change. In a sense, a book about revolution, and not just the ones that happen on the outside, but the ones that happen on the inside. What better setting than the recent Egyptian revolution?

I love books that take place in exotic places. Why, Egypt? (It must be the mummies and pyramids!) 

My son’s father is Egyptian and I lived there for a while. So Egypt for me was more about in-laws than mummies and pyramids, though the pyramids are awesome and the light show there was one of best I’ve ever seen.

What’s your favourite thing about being an author?

When its working there’s no better feeling, when its not….

What genre do you usually find yourself “living in” while reading books?

I teach a novel class, so usually while I’m writing I’m also reading the writers’ in my class’s books. The genre can range from fantasy and YA to thriller, romantic comedy to literary fiction.

Since Christmas is right around the corner, what books do you want to see under the tree the most? 

I’d like to see my new book under a lot of trees, but as for me, I’d like to get every book written by Gabriel Marquez, and Murakami’s latest book, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage: A novel. 

How have bloggers and reviewers helped you with your author life?

They read your work and they share it with the world. And most bloggers I’ve worked with do it out of love, and the passion they have for books comes through in their writing and inspires readers.

This is your first YA novel. How has the formation changed from adult to writing for teens? 

It didn’t start off as a choice. I was in a writing class at Sarah Lawrence College, and through a series of writing prompts the voice of Mariam started to come through. Someone in the class said it sounded like I was channeling her. And I must have been, because I'd never have consciously written in the voice of a teenager. Teens are tough, but whenever I tried to go back to a more adult narrator Mariam kept fighting her way through. 

Rebels by Accident has such a gorgeous cover—is there a lot of work that you authors have to add into the creation? 

I was very lucky to have a publisher with an amazing creative team who also valued my feedback. But I loved this cover at first sight.

   

How can you describe RBA in six words? 

Romance, adventure, funny, revolution, pyramids, Facebook

What do you have planned for your future works of literature? 

I’m working on a dystopian fantasy. Like in my current book, there are two strong kickass heroes and a grandmother with lots of advices.

~~~~~~

    Ah, what a fine interview, I must say! I'd like to grant the biggest thanks to Patricia for being awesome and because she gave us a great idea from an author's POV. I can't wait to meet other authors!

Are you planning on picking Rebels by Accident? Do you call yourself

a pure "rebel?"