The Impossibility of Us by Katy Upperman

I’m not exactly sure what he means by duty, but he seems reluctant to elaborate. It is my job to take care of things at home-it is my duty.” I am my baba’s eldest son, which means I will be khan of our tribe one day. “There are, though that doesn’t change the fact that I need to return to my country.” “There are writing programs at schools all over the US and aren’t there, like, student visas?” He doesn’t have to live halfway around the world. We could do it we could work if we were together. “What if you went to college here, in America?” I say, voicing the idea that’s only recently occurred to me. “Things are different for me,” he amends solemnly.

“But there are universities.” Several-I know, because I looked them up late one night, curious. He says, “Writing is not a career option.” He’s quiet a moment, his amber eyes shrouded. “Is that what you want to do with your life? Write?” Do you carry your notebook all the time? Just in case the mood strikes?” “I wish I was as good with words as you are. They’re how I work out your American slang.” They’re the key to decoding a new language. “Princess! That’s it, right? I totally should’ve guessed.” Touching, well written, and impressively honest, The Impossibility of Us is not to be missed.It only takes me a second. It’s a soaring, beautiful romance, for sure, but there are also so many powerful messages about loss, desertion, racism, tolerance, love, equality, selflessness, friendship, family, and kindness.

' The Impossibility of Us runs the gamut, from laughs to swoons, from goosebumps to tears. Over the course of the summer, their relationship begins to blossom, and what starts out as a friendship becomes so much more.īut as Elise and Mati grow closer, her family becomes more and more uncomfortable with their relationship, and their concerns all center on one fact-Mati is Afghan. When Elise meets Mati during a beachside walk, they quickly discover how much they have in common. But after her brother’s death in Afghanistan, she and her mother move to a sleepy coastal village to be closer to Elise’s sister-in-law and niece. The last thing Elise wants is to start over in a new town. Beautifully written, utterly compelling, and ultimately hopeful, this young adult novel by the author of Kissing Max Holden, asks-how brave can you be when your relationship is questioned by everyone you love?

The Impossibility of Us by Katy Upperman