Echoes (Echoes series Book 1)

I had the pleasure of being the copyeditor for this book. Far too often, I had to stop myself and go back over the pages I'd just read because I'd gotten swept up in the story and forgot to check for typos, grammar mistakes, inconsistencies, etc.One of the things I liked about this book, is that it's about a man who becomes Muslim, but it's not about his conversion per se. Rather it's about his struggles to adapt to a new lifestyle and to clean up his mess of a life with the help of his new religion. It's about his changing relationship with his mother, his brother, his children and his friends, both old and new. As such, it's a book that a lot of people can relate to, whether or not they are Muslim. Of course, it's also a rare look into the heart and soul of a Muslim convert -- a character that is widely ignored in mainstream contemporary fiction.

Many will know that there are very few fiction books written by Muslims, so therefore when I see one I jump - literally jump - at the opportunity to read it.When I started reading 'Echoes' I was immediately intrigued by the style. The prologue was a perfect start. You ask yourself, "Who's this Joshua who wanted to kill himself in his early teens? Why did he want to kill himself?"; then you are drawn in by the style of the writing. I must say, it's very different from that which I've read before, but that makes it all the more special.This is an epic novel about love, compassion, marriage, religion and plain old life. Readers learn and live Joshua's struggles to be a better person in order to contribute to his family's life. But the question is, how does he do it or moreso, can he do it?Mainly written in first person, Echoes grabs you right into the 'speaking' character's thoughts.and the reader feels as though he/ she's with the characters - living their lives; sharing their joys; crying over their sorrow.Jamilah Kolocotronis did an excellent job of making you hungry for more and this book was certainly a filling entrée!

While reading Echoes, I kept waiting to be uncomfortable or annoyed by something in it. It wasn't until nearly half way through, after many laughs and a few tear-ups, that I finally relaxed and really let myself enjoy this book!Not only is the content "Halal," the book is so enjoyable. I physically cringed at one point as I was waiting for a response to something Adams said--a circumstance similar to so many of us.I also cu-racked-up! This book is really funny. Such an enjoyable read, masha Allah.Kolocotronis attempts to do a lot of things in this book and I was very satisfied...yet still eager to read the next in the series!"The source is gone, but the effects remain."~Ummbadier

This novel grabs you right from the Prologue: "When Joshua Adams was thirteen years old, he wrote this note: 'Dear Mom, By the time you find this I will be dead'..." The story picks you up from there and sweeps you along with Joshua as he struggles with his life, finds a new religion and new friends, and struggles to overcome his past so he can be a good Muslim and a good person. This is a wonderful novel for Muslim and non-Muslim readers alike as it has universal themes for everyone, regardless of what their faith is: love, marriage, divorce, family, friendship, and faith. This novel is the first book in the Echoes series. I wasted no time diving right into the second book, Rebounding!

Series is an absolute MUST READ for Muslim youth! V relevant. Has been an absolute cracker with youth at the school am Librarian at. Strong role models, who work hard to work through and resolve problems very real and current for our youth. Also brilliant as has strong male Muslim characters (hence very popular with boys, as well as girls).

I could hardly put it down. A moving story, lots to learn.