What Will People Think?

A Novel

De: Sara Hamdan

Narrado por: Reem Edan

Mia’s secret comedy career, forbidden office crush, and a long-guarded family secret take center stage, threatening her newfound confidence and her one shot at fame in this hilarious, heartfelt coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Curtis Sittenfeld and Etaf Rum.

Mia Almas has a secret. By day, she works at a respectable job as a media fact checker—a position her conservative, Arab grandparents approve of—and, by night, she takes to the stages of New York City comedy clubs. She holds herself back in a lot of ways, especially in the romance department, but being on stage lights her up and makes being a wallflower the rest of the time more bearable. That is, until Phaedra, her stylish and bold new neighbor, inspires Mia to take a few risks.

As Mia pursues a forbidden romance with her boss, her standup gets better and bolder, leading to a surprise spotlight that exposes her secret gig. Horrified and worried that her rebellious act could mean big consequences for her reserved Palestinian-American family, Mia frantically dives into damage control. But all of her efforts to pull back from the spotlight expose a family scandal from the 1940s that could change everything…

Equal parts funny and tender, What Will People Think? is a heart-bursting exploration of what it means to discover and embrace the hidden parts of yourself, and how love in all forms can make you whole.

This program is read by comedian, writer, and actor Reem Edan.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

©2025 Sara Hamdan (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Hamdan balances levity with poignancy through a series of revelations, such as the reason behind Mia’s father’s death on 9/11, why her grandparents left Palestine, and why they remain so cautious. This will linger in readers’ minds."—Publishers Weekly

“Beautifully written. . . . Hamdan's compelling debut will provoke thoughtful discussion and is recommended for readers who enjoyed James McBride's The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store or Etaf Rum's Evil Eye.”—Library Journal (starred)

“A richly drawn story of individuality, identity, and honoring your heritage, What Will People Think? will resonate with readers of romances and coming-of-age novels.”—Booklist