What Will People Think? A Novel
What Will People Think? A Novel by Sara Hamdan, published by Henry Holt and Company on May 20, 2025, spans 336 pages in English. This narrative centers on Mia Almas, who leads a double life as a media fact checker by day and a stand-up comedian by night. As she navigates her secret comedy career, Mia grapples with her conservative family’s expectations and her own desires, particularly when a forbidden romance with her boss complicates her journey toward self-acceptance and fame.
Readers will find a blend of humor and heartfelt moments as Mia’s comedic pursuits become bolder, leading to unexpected revelations about her family’s past. The story explores themes of family life, identity, and the challenges of embracing one’s true self amidst societal pressures. With elements of comedy and historical context, this edition offers a nuanced look at the intersection of personal ambition and familial obligations, making it a relatable read for those interested in literature that delves into the complexities of modern life.
Official synopsis Publisher
A Jimmy Fallon’s Book Club Finalist for 2025
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.
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