An Egyptian American girl struggles with her family, friends, college, and politics in Landing in Place: A Graphic Novel written by Sherine Hamdy and illustrated by Myra El Mir. If you’re looking for a graphic novel that reads like a well-written biography, try this book!

Landing in Place follows Anisa as she finishes high school and heads off to college. The youngest of two daughters born to Egyptian immigrants, Anisa’s had a closer relationship with her father than her mother growing up. Having graduated early and following in her older sister’s footsteps, Anisa is on the premed track at her sister’s alma mater. The problem: Anisa would much rather study art, but her parents don’t see being an artist as a reliable career. Her first semester at college crumbles, sending Anisa into a spiral as she feels like she doesn’t belong with the other Muslim students on campus or in her premed classes.

When Anisa’s sister lands an internship at a hospital in Egypt, Anisa decides that she is going to take time off from school and head to Cairo to spend time with her grandfather. She finds new friends and starts to discover who she really is. It isn’t all sunshine and roses though, as she keeps bumping against expectations from people all around her. Frustrated and needing an outlet, Anisa turns to her art and an internship of her own. Unexpected events soon send Anisa racing back home. Turning to friends and family is the only way she will survive life from now on. Staying true to herself will be put to the ultimate test, but the payoff could change her life forever.

Landing in Place is a beautifully written and drawn graphic novel. Hamdy tells personal stories while also portraying the larger global events happening at the same time. This book feels so real to me that I kept having to check whether this was a graphic memoir or not (it isn’t!). All in all, a heartfelt read that had me wanting to learn more about the different topics discussed in this book.