What Will People Think?, Sara Hamdan
What Will People Think?, Sara Hamdan
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What Will People Think?
A Novel

Author: Sara Hamdan

Narrator: Reem Edan

Unabridged: 9 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/20/2025

Synopsis

Mia’s secret comedy career, forbidden office crush, and a long-guarded family secret take center stage, threatening her newfound confidence and her one shot at fame in this hilarious, heartfelt coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Curtis Sittenfeld and Etaf Rum.

Mia Almas has a secret. By day, she works at a respectable job as a media fact checker—a position her conservative, Arab grandparents approve of—and, by night, she takes to the stages of New York City comedy clubs. She holds herself back in a lot of ways, especially in the romance department, but being on stage lights her up and makes being a wallflower the rest of the time more bearable. That is, until Phaedra, her stylish and bold new neighbor, inspires Mia to take a few risks.

As Mia pursues a forbidden romance with her boss, her standup gets better and bolder, leading to a surprise spotlight that exposes her secret gig. Horrified and worried that her rebellious act could mean big consequences for her reserved Palestinian-American family, Mia frantically dives into damage control. But all of her efforts to pull back from the spotlight expose a family scandal from the 1940s that could change everything…

Equal parts funny and tender, What Will People Think? is a heart-bursting exploration of what it means to discover and embrace the hidden parts of yourself, and how love in all forms can make you whole.

This program is read by comedian, writer, and actor Reem Edan.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

About Sara Hamdan

Sara Hamdan, a Berkeley and Columbia graduate, is a former Merrill Lynch banker, New York Times journalist, and editor at Google. After winning a Netflix short story award, she received the First Chapter: Emirates Literature Foundation Seddiqi First Chapter Writers’ Fellowship for her debut novel, What Will People Think? Sara is Palestinian American, raised in Greece, and has called Dubai home for twenty years. When she’s not typing away at her laptop, she loves to spend time at the beach with her husband and two kids.

About Reem Edan

Reem Edan is a comedian, actor, and writer who brings her storytelling chops to the world of audiobook narration. She recently made her debut as a narrator with Macmillan Audio’s What Will People Say by Sarah Hamdan. A touring stand-up comedian and performer with a background in screenwriting and on-camera work, Reem has a natural instinct for tone, pacing, and character—skills that seamlessly translate to the booth.Reem’s narration style is dynamic and immersive. She brings each character to life with distinct voices, adding depth and nuance to every scene. “It’s more work, sure,” she says, “but it’s how I personally read stories. Giving each character a voice turns the audiobook into a 360-degree experience, almost like a movie.”Inspired by stories that reflect cultural complexity, humor, and emotional honesty, Reem is passionate about giving voice to characters who feel real and lived-in. Her work—both on stage and behind the mic—is rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and connection.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jessica on March 28, 2025

I won this in a giveaway so here is my honest review: I didn’t hate this, but I definitely did not love it. I felt like there were 3 different plots thrown into this 300 page book. You had Mia’s comedy career, then her love interest, and then the background story of her grandma, which didn’t fit into......more

Goodreads review by Elle on November 10, 2024

This novel is an emotional masterpiece and one of the most moving books I've read. It transported me to another era and realm. Mia’s narrative, as a third-generation immigrant grappling with her heritage in a contemporary world, resonated deeply. Zeina’s more traditional story was nothing short of br......more

Goodreads review by Stroop on November 10, 2024

So good! Mia is secretly a stand-up comedian. She has been honing her skills for years while hiding it from her conservative grandparents. When one of her sets gets media attention, her family dynamics are thrown into disarray. This was lovely and the dual timelines were equally compelling. I was riv......more

Goodreads review by Kristy on March 26, 2025

What a stunningly written book! Mia works as a fact-checker for a NYC publication—a career choice that earns the approval of her loving but traditional Arab grandparents, who raised her. But at night, she steps into a different world, sneaking away to perform stand-up comedy, where she can finally be......more

Goodreads review by Reader on February 04, 2025

I flew through the book. It’s everything I’ve been looking for in a compelling read. It gripped me- the story of teta had me in thrall and suspense - and charmed me and was relatable. I am so proud of my friend Sara and the journey of almost a decade it took to have this story be not only birthed bu......more

Quotes

“Hamdan balances levity with poignancy through a series of revelations, such as the reason behind Mia’s father’s death on 9/11, why her grandparents left Palestine, and why they remain so cautious. This will linger in readers’ minds.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Beautifully written. . . . Hamdan's compelling debut will provoke thoughtful discussion and is recommended for readers who enjoyed James McBride's The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store or Etaf Rum's Evil Eye.”
—Library Journal (starred)

“A richly drawn story of individuality, identity, and honoring your heritage, What Will People Think? will resonate with readers of romances and coming-of-age novels.”
—Booklist

“I loved this book! A sharp, hilarious, and heartfelt coming-of-age story about chasing dreams, breaking cultural expectations, and finding the courage to own your truth—What Will People Think? is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt caught between who they are and who they’re expected to be.”
—Etaf Rum, New York Times bestselling author of A Woman Is No Man and Evil Eye

“Sara Hamdan’s novel is superb. What Will People Think? Is a refreshing story of identity, self discovery, love, forgiveness and the pursuit of belonging. A timely yet timeless story that the world desperately needs. So stop reading this and turn to chapter one, you’re welcome.”
—Mo Amer, Peabody award winning comedian and Creator of Mo

"Sara Hamdan is an exciting new author with an original voice. What Will People Think? is a funny and moving exploration of family, roots, history and identity. Mia Almas discovers how the past has moulded her present, and must navigate how it impacts her future. Filled with heart and lessons, it’s a beautiful read."
—Cecelia Ahern, New York Times bestselling author of P.S. I Love You

"What Will People Think? is a funny, perfectly timed, charmingly on-point take on the dualities of life. A gracefully woven template for how time, love, forgiveness, and a little bit of comedy can mend the deepest of generational wounds."
—Neely Tubati Alexander, author of Love Buzz and In a Not so Perfect World

"A beautiful reminder that life is short and to live it on your own terms; preferably laughing. Sara Hamdan takes us into the contemporary comedy scene of New York, and back through the lemon trees of 1940s Palestine in a story that is heart-warming, life-affirming and very hard to put down."
—Eliza Moss, author of What It's Like in Words

"This heartfelt and humorous novel captures the essence of the first-generation American experience: life, liberty, and the pursuit of (your family’s) happiness. Through Mia’s journey we explore the internal struggle of an aspiring stand-up comedian — balancing honoring your roots with chasing your own dreams — and reveal how our pasts not only shape who we are, but who we dare to become."
—Reem Edan, Stand-up Comedian, Actress & Writer

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