I just finished reading this book and though it isn’t to my normal tastes I found it engrossing. I don’t think I give too much away if I ell you it is about two people of different races, cultures and religions who fall in love.

The real interesting thing is that the protagonist is Muslim. You learn a lot about the true Muslim religion and culture in the book. This is not something one often gets a chance to do in the western world while having a good story built around the information.

Another startling aspect of the story is the juxtaposition of third world youth onto American youth for the purpose of drawing conclusions about differences. While this is only fiction Sister makes more than a few telling observations.

Sister Soulja is an activist and the characters are drawn as ideals so one has to be a little careful not to attach too much romanticism to the story’s conclusions but it is a roaring good yarn, very satisfying to read and Sister leaves a gaping opportunity for a sequel which might also be fun. The plot was always fooling me. Sister does not use a formula plot where you can anticipate the next development.

The book has some graphic sex and violence but I think anyone reading advanced Young Adult material could probably handle this. It is the way things are on the mean streets. Some of the hip hop vernacular can be difficult and a lot of this is regional. The book is set in New York so even if you’re hip and you live in Chicago the song may not be the same.

I would give this book a read. It may shock you but it won’t disappoint.