Samira Ahmed's Hollow Fires has garnered praise for its compelling narrative and timely themes exploring racism and social justice. Critics commend the book's nuanced characters and gripping plot. However, some reviews note pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's considered a powerful and relevant read for contemporary audiences.

Readers who enjoyed The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or Internment by Samira Ahmed will find Hollow Fires compelling. This book is for those interested in social justice, young adult fiction, and contemporary issues like racism and media bias. Fans of gripping, thought-provoking narratives will appreciate this read.

Hollow Fires follows the intertwined lives of Jawad Ali and Safiya Mirza, who investigate and confront racism, Islamophobia, and white supremacy after Jawad, an American from Iraq, is wrongfully arrested and later goes missing. Safiya, a high school journalist, initiates an investigation that uncovers alarming connections and ultimately seeks justice for Jawad amidst widespread societal prejudice and hatred. The narrative includes threats, wrongful arrest, and murder.

Mysterious / Dark / Emotional / Informative / Challenging

**Safiya Mirza**  
A passionate sophomore journalism student at Northwestern University and former editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper in Chicago, who is dedicated to using her voice for social justice.

**Jawad Ali**  
A 14-year-old boy and member of a makerspace club, Jawad narrates part of the story and exemplifies the challenges faced by individuals targeted by Islamophobia.

**Richard Reynolds**  
A privileged senior at DuSable Prep and captain of the swim and lacrosse teams, who initially presents himself as charming and kind-hearted.

**Nate Chase**  
A senior at DuSable Prep and successful YouTuber with a birding channel, known for openly supporting radical ideologies and having influential family connections.

Samira Ahmed

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Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Hollow Fires | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Hollow Fires Summary and Study Guide

Background

Hollow Fires Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Past Is Prologue”

Part 1 Hollow Fires Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Sticky Residue”

Part 2 Hollow Fires Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Ghost Skin”

Part 3 Hollow Fires Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Without a Trace”

Part 4 Hollow Fires Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Poison of Silent Truths”

Part 5 Hollow Fires Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Gazing Into the Abyss”

Part 6 Hollow Fires Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Eternal Return: Fallout of a Murder”

Part 7 Hollow Fires Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Hollow Fires Character Analysis

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Themes

Hollow Fires Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Hollow Fires Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Hollow Fires Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Hollow Fires Essay Topics

Hollow Fires

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Hollow Fires?

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