The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice. The rules are simple – turn to page 56 in your current read (or 56% in your e-reader) and post a few non-spoilery sentences.

This week’s quote is from The Weight Of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf, a book that’s gotten a lot of buzz for its diversity, #ownvoices rep, and subject matter. My full review will be up tomorrow, as I sat down and read this book straight through!

After the failed trip to the doctor, Mama read the Quran to me each night, determined to chase away the mischievous spirits wreaking havoc on my brain. No longer was she the scientific-minded nurse, once so skeptical of djinn and the supernatural; with no other options, my increasingly worrying symptoms had turned her firmly into a desperate, faithful believer. I didn’t mind her doing it – I’d always found the verses beautiful, after all, and soothing – but I knew it wouldn’t work. He had forsaken me.

There’s a lot of heavy topics in this book, but it’s really, really good. I’ll explain more tomorrow!