Sofia Mazloum

I Don't Belong Here Sofia Mazloum

Sixteen-year-old Tamara Khoury just wants to live a normal teenage existence. Unfortunately, her strict Lebanese-Catholic upbringing instigated by her tyrannical father is prohibiting her from fully experiencing adolescence. In her bedroom - the one place where she finds peace - Tamara dreams of the day when she will be free of her dysfunctional family, culture, and her cruel father. Tamara's father rules his household with tyranny. Despite this, or perhaps in spite of it, Tamara meets Adrian and shares her first real kiss with him. She continues to disobey her father's rules, even after he learns of her tryst. To complicate matters even more, Tamara meets a different young man. His mysterious ways entice and draw her to him. Tamara's relationship with both men draws her into a series of temptations that include drugs, alcohol, and the possibility of losing her virginity. But everything will change when her mother unveils her deepest, darkest secret. I Don't Belong Here is the young adult tale of a teenage girl who is conflicted between her desire to have a normal life and her strict culture as she learns the true meaning of family, friendship, and love.