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The Weight of Our Sky Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 293 ratings

A music loving teen with OCD does everything she can to find her way back to her mother during the historic race riots in 1969 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in this heart-pounding literary debut.

Melati Ahmad looks like your typical movie-going, Beatles-obsessed sixteen-year-old. Unlike most other sixteen-year-olds though, Mel also believes that she harbors a
djinn inside her, one who threatens her with horrific images of her mother’s death unless she adheres to an elaborate ritual of counting and tapping to keep him satisfied.

A trip to the movies after school turns into a nightmare when the city erupts into violent race riots between the Chinese and the Malay. When gangsters come into the theater and hold movie-goers hostage, Mel, a Malay, is saved by a Chinese woman, but has to leave her best friend behind to die.

On their journey through town, Mel sees for herself the devastation caused by the riots. In her village, a neighbor tells her that her mother, a nurse, was called in to help with the many bodies piling up at the hospital. Mel must survive on her own, with the help of a few kind strangers, until she finds her mother. But the
djinn in her mind threatens her ability to cope.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-In this novel set during the Malaysian race riots of 1969, 16-year-old Melati struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, believing that she is being tormented by a djinn whose threats against her mother can be appeased only with counting rituals. When violence breaks out among ethnic Malays, Chinese, and Indians in Kuala Lumpur, Melati worries that her fears will manifest. A powerful and raw exploration of mental illness, Malaysian history, and rising above prejudice and hate.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

* "This stunning debut from Malaysian author Alkaf filters Melati’s sympathetic internal narrative through a mental illness barely understood and poorly treated for the era, and the setting and secondary characters convey a visceral, nerve-wracking moment in time. This isn’t an easy story by far; an author’s note warns of “graphic violence, death, racism, OCD, and anxiety triggers”—but their inclusion makes it no less essential, no less unforgettable." (Publisher's Weekly - starred review November 26, 2018)

"Melati’s growing strength gives hope to readers: If she can fight her inner demon and save the day, then they can, too." (Booklist November 2018)

* "This is a brutally honest, no-holds-barred reimagining of the time: The evocative voice transports readers to 1960s Malaysia, and the brisk pace is enthralling. Above all, the raw emotion splashed across the pages will resonate deeply, no matter one's race or religion. Unabashedly rooted in the author's homeland and confronting timely topics and challenging themes, this book has broad appeal for teen readers." (Kirkus Reviews - starred review December 2018)

* "At the sentence level, Alkaf’s use of first-person narration expertly (and, in some cases, painfully) places readers inside Melati’s head as she experiences internal and external horrors....Echoing ­contemporary race relations, the subject feels especially relevant. VERDICT Alkaf’s immersive, powerful writing make this a must-purchase for all YA collections." (School Library Journal - starred review )

"Alkaf offers a gripping fictionalized account of the 1969 post-election riots in Malaysia, limning acts of bravery and tolerance that unreel alongside the slaughter perpetrated in the Kuala Lumpur streets." (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books February 2019)

"With her debut young adult novel,
The Weight of Our Sky, journalist Hanna Alkaf provides heart-pounding, graphic insight into the seismic life shifts experienced by residents of Kuala Lumpur in the days directly following the May 1969 Malaysian Riots." (Shelf Awareness *Starred Review*)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GNSHMHM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (February 5, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 5, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1802 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 218 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 293 ratings

About the author

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Hanna Alkaf
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Hanna Alkaf is an author of unapologetically Malaysian young adult and middle grade books. She has a degree in journalism from Northwestern University, more than ten years of experience in journalism and communications, an out-of-control TBR pile, and two energetic little humans to clothe, feed and entertain all day. She lives near Kuala Lumpur with her family and now spends all of her time making things up as she goes along, both as a writer and as a mom. You can find out more about Hanna and her work at www.hannaalkaf.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@yesitshanna).

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
293 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the story for its powerful and compelling narrative. They find the characters relatable and relatable, with a realistic portrayal of mental illness and OCD. The book is described as heartfelt, emotional, and tense. Readers appreciate the lovely writing style and typographical errors. They find the content relevant and informative, and appreciate the thorough warnings provided by the author.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

18 customers mention "Story quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the story compelling and heartwarming. They describe it as a timeless tale with relatable characters. The book is described as a thoughtful historical fiction that features a moment in time.

"...Though this story is fiction, it brings to light an important piece of history that shouldn't be forgotten..." Read more

"...Alright, so in some ways, this YA book is more adult than actual adult historical novels...." Read more

"...This is an amazingly powerful story and I’m so thankful Alkaf shared it with the world...." Read more

"...the rest of the world is gifted with a window to an important cultural and historical event as well as a compassionate presentation of a..." Read more

9 customers mention "Character depth"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's characters compelling and unique. They appreciate the realistic portrayal of mental illness and OCD. The book is described as a heartwarming showcase of humanity.

"...The writing is captivating, the characters are vividly real (and so many of them endearing), and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, even in..." Read more

"...I'm so glad that Alkaf wrote an amazing, realistic portrayal of both mental illness and community violence and the aftermath." Read more

"...Melati is a compelling character and narrator, I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait for Hanna Alkaf’s next book...." Read more

"This is a fascinating book, both from the main character's OCD, which she attributes to having a Djinn inside her, and a look at a week of horrible..." Read more

8 customers mention "Heartfelt content"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content heartfelt and emotional. They mention complex relationships, emotions, and racial issues. The story is described as heartbreaking and beautiful. However, some readers find it stressful and tense, with parts involving death, racism, OCD, and anxiety triggers.

"...I loved this book. It made me tear up with grief, relief, and joy. It's beautifully done...." Read more

"...are some down times in the story, the book has an almost constant high level of tension...." Read more

"This book gets everything right — the deep, complex relationships and emotions; the complicated racial and political landscape of 1969 Malaysia; and..." Read more

"...contains all my favorite things I look for in a YA historical: gut-wrenching tragedy, a window into a different place and time..." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality. They find it lovely, thoughtful, and engaging. The book is well-written without typographical errors.

"...This story is beautifully written. The writing is captivating, the characters are vividly real (and so many of them endearing), and the plot kept me..." Read more

"...Melati is a compelling character and narrator, I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait for Hanna Alkaf’s next book...." Read more

"...This is a thoughtful read in the current political climate as well, where anyone "other" is suspect...." Read more

"...if this highly educated Malaysian could put out a book with no typographical errors... I can say that to the best of my ability I found none...." Read more

3 customers mention "Enthralling"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and heartbreaking, bringing them relief and joy.

"...I loved this book. It made me tear up with grief, relief, and joy. It's beautifully done...." Read more

"...The writing was personal and thoughtful, yet beautiful and engaging. Would highly recommend." Read more

"Enthralling and heartbreaking..." Read more

3 customers mention "Relevance"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relevant in several areas. They find it an important story and beautifully written. The tensions are informative, and the study of living with OCD is fascinating.

"...learning about this particular time and place, but it feels very relevant in several areas...." Read more

"Such an important, incredible story, and so beautifully written. One of my favorite reads." Read more

"Fascinating study of what it's like to live with OCD..." Read more

3 customers mention "Warnings"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the thorough warnings in the book. They mention that the author provided a note about graphic violence, death, racism, OCD, and anxiety triggers.

"...The author made sure to give a very thorough warning in a three page author note at the front of the book...." Read more

"...It comes with a trigger warning and honestly, all books should, people have no idea how difficult it can be to dive into any kind of content..." Read more

"...Alkaf gave warnings for graphic violence, death, racism, OCD, and anxiety triggers, and while portions were horrific, it wasn't as graphic as I..." Read more

FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE!!!
5 out of 5 stars
FIVE STARS OUT OF FIVE!!!
I was always intrigued by the events of 13 May. Anyone who has learned history in high school are very well aware of what happened then. A part of me has always wondered how one would go through when it all happened and this book has helped me try to imagine what it was like. Not only that, this book is so important and it has struck so much for me as a Malaysian that so far, nothing could be compared to how special this book will be etched in my heart. It is so rare to read an English YA book with so much of our lives' representation that it really felt like I was there with Melati.This book has it all—pain, heartbreak, guilt, violence between two races, sympathy, kindness and so much more. It's also very important when Melati did that speech at the spur of the moment that we shouldn't be divided because we are united as one nation. We are all the same and we are proud to be Malaysians.I didn't think I could be more excited when I find Malay words in the book. My heart always skipped a beat harder when I stumble upon familiar names that are actually living around me, they are people I know in real life, familiar places that I've been going to and hearing about all my life and also the unfamiliarity of what it was like living in the 60's. It is all just painstakingly beautiful and I would no doubt read this book again.People like Auntie Bee and Vince are so kind and important to keep around that Melati really is lucky to have met them. They don't care about races and aren't prejudiced towards the others whether someone is Malay, Chinese or Indian. Everyone is the same and should be treated just the same way.I don't think that I can say much about the OCD, anxiety and mental illness that Melati experienced throughout the story since my knowledge of that are still little but it's enough to encourage me to find out more and to create awareness of how important it really is. I can see why they might thought it was the Djinn that are haunting her because here it is a normal thing to hear about.I finally understand the reason behind the title of this book and it makes it even more special. I won't say much about it but It really does make everything about it even more sense and just so special.I have been so hyped about this book and it has been one of my most anticipated reads ever since I heard about it and the book totally has not disappointed me. I was expecting so much from the author and she has successfully delivered it with succession. I would totally recommend everyone to read this book to understand our country a bit better, our cultures and especially to my fellow Malaysians who read this book and feel like home.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2019
    I came here to review this book as soon as I finished because it's exceptional and the world deserves to know it.

    As the author mentions in the content warning note, the subject matter is heavy, but the book still finds ways to show the beauty of humanity alongside the extreme ugliness of violence and hatred and gives glimmers of hope and joy and love amongst the wreckage and despair

    This story is beautifully written. The writing is captivating, the characters are vividly real (and so many of them endearing), and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, even in the "quieter" moments.

    As an American who sadly does not possess much knowledge of Malaysia, I was previously unaware of the race riots that this book takes place during. Though this story is fiction, it brings to light an important piece of history that shouldn't be forgotten (and in many ways feels all too applicable to things happening around the world today).

    I loved this book. It made me tear up with grief, relief, and joy. It's beautifully done. If you are in the right place mentally and emotionally, don't wait another second. Read this book. I truly believe everyone can benefit from it.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020
    I'm Singaporean, and while the race riots in TWOS focus on the 13 May Incident (hah, classic euphemism), these sorts of race riots had been happening throughout the '60s in Malaysia (which included Singapore until 1965). (The Wikipedia article and citations on the 13 May Incident are a good starting point for those who want to delve deeper. Apparently, gangs separating people trapped in cinemas into groups to kill/not kill really happened.) People have already talked about the extremely detailed portrayal of mental illness and the stigma surrounding it, so my review is going to focus on my feelings on the ending. Nothing specific, but DON'T READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT ANY KIND OF SPOILER.

    Alright, so in some ways, this YA book is more adult than actual adult historical novels. I think it's very brave of Hanna Alkaf to write about a traumatic, divisive event that's still in living memory for many Malaysians. Quite honestly, the trauma still very much festers in contemporary Malaysian politics and policies. The dominance of UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) in parliament and other positions of power until just a couple months ago and the bumiputra policy that began right after the KL riots are part of the sad legacy of that time. Alkaf wrote TWOS with the trauma and its legacy very much in mind, I feel. The ending is the definition of bittersweet, probably even leaning toward bitter, because while Melati has gained things, she has also lost irreplaceable things. I will spoil the mental health aspect of the ending, because I think it's another way that Alkaf wrote a very mature story. No, Melati's anxiety and OCD are not cured by a magical bildungsroman narrative. It is evident that she still lives with them in the epilogue, even as we saw growth in how she beats back the "djinn" in the main story. I'm so glad that Alkaf wrote an amazing, realistic portrayal of both mental illness and community violence and the aftermath.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2019
    Melati faces demons daily, but when the race riots begin, her challenges are multiplied. The book opens with Melati explaining that by the end of the school day, her mother has died seventeen times. A djinn has shown her visions of many, many different ways her mother could die if Melati does not obey its commands. She tries to keep the visions at bay, but is not very successful. Being in Melati’s head is frustrating and a bit torturous. She has a strong will though and keeps doing what she can to satisfy the djinn, what we would now call OCD, without making it obvious to people around her that she is engaging in this struggle.

    The constant threats of the djinn wear on Melati but everything is magnified with the rapid escalation of violence in their city. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can have deadly consequences. Between the djinn and the riots, Melati is living on the edge. Even though there are some down times in the story, the book has an almost constant high level of tension. The author made sure to give a very thorough warning in a three page author note at the front of the book. She wanted to be sure that the book doesn’t cause harm. That said, it is not only a potentially stressful read, but it also offers hope. Melati is fighting for survival mentally and physically and she keeps getting back up when she is knocked down. She is overwhelmed sometimes, but she’s stronger than she believes. This is an amazingly powerful story and I’m so thankful Alkaf shared it with the world.

    Historical fiction isn’t always a go-to for everyone, but this tale seems timeless. I appreciated learning about this particular time and place, but it feels very relevant in several areas. Hearing the story directly from Melati provides a way for the mental health issues to be out in the open, at least for the reader. The racial tensions are also timely and informative. The hatred for others is bitter and lethal, but even those who think they don’t hate find that they have prejudices too.

    Another plus with this book are the people Melati meets along her journey. Tragedy and loss happens almost immediately, but Melati meets a person who treats her with dignity, respect, and kindness even when she doesn’t feel like it is deserved. She doesn’t think she is very capable of making friends, but even in the midst of the turmoil, there are moments of connection.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2019
    Outstanding book, highly recommended.

    I knew nothing about the strife between the Malay and Chinese in 1969 Malaysia. Melati is a compelling character and narrator, I couldn’t put this book down.

    I can’t wait for Hanna Alkaf’s next book.

    Spoiler Alert

    This would be a five star book if it didn’t feel quite so rushed and neatly tied up at the end. These are my only quibbles.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Faiq Shahrom
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in India on March 2, 2020
    Good product
  • Syaza Nazura
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not a light read, but you won't regret it.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2019
    This book depicts the life of an OCD Malay girl back in one of Malaysia's darkest, if not the darkest, days in history. The story starts off in a way that catches you off guard and every single word thereafter pulls you in and makes you feel like you never want to let go. A good read and Hanna touches wonderfully on the different aspects of life - of being kind to one another, of sacrifices, of accepting and loving each other, and of never-ending love.
  • Zue Neisha Farhannah
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read book!
    Reviewed in Germany on April 4, 2019
    Such a lovely book. Made me feels so many feelings. It‘s been a long time since I felt this way. Pretty hard to put the book down.
  • Emmy
    5.0 out of 5 stars “How do you expect unity to grow from seeds of self interest?”
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2022
    Heavy read. Beautifully written.
  • Katlin S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2020
    Beautiful story even though quite heavy.

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