cover image If You Could Be Mine

If You Could Be Mine

Sara Farizan, read by Negin Farsad. HighBridge Audio, unabridged, five CDs, 5.25 hrs., $26.95 ISBN 978-1-62231-225-2

In Farizan’s novel set in contemporary Iran, 17-year-old Sahar struggles with her love for her best friend, a girl named Nasrin, whom she has wanted to marry for over a decade. Nasrin loves Sahar, but decides to accept an arranged marriage—which eventually prompts Sahar to consider sex reassignment surgery, the only legal way the two could be together. Farsad’s narration is heartwarming, and she creates unique voices for various characters—including the flighty and somewhat shallow Nasrin; the more serious, passionate Sahar; Sahar’s edgy cousin Ali; and Ali’s gentle friend Parveen. Altogether, a winning, timely, and important audio production. Ages 14-up. An Algonquin hardcover. (Aug.)