A Place for Us is the story of a Muslim American family’s acculturation into the American society. The parents sought to maintain strict control over their children’s lives and kept them totally enmeshed in their emigrant community. This approach created problems for the children but especially for their son who never accepted his family’s tight control and rigid attitudes. The parents loved their children and wanted to do best for them but only within their rigid boundaries. I have read many books about the emigrant experience in the United States but this book failed to capture my interest and empathy,
The author uses a narrative line that moves back and forth through time, a technique that was ineffective for me. I did not enjoy reading about events that happened and then be switched back to a time before those events. I have become so annoyed with the writer’s style and technique that I am not going to finish the book. It is one long description of the demise of a lost, lonely boy without many redeeming qualities in terms of style and character development.