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Author of The Hypebeast
Acclaimed author Adnan Khan discusses his powerful new novel, The Hypebeast, an incisive look at faith, family, identity, and ambition in a hyper-connected capitalist world.
The Hypebeast is the story of Hamid Shaikh, a small-time crook in the big city, hoping that one of his cons will lead to riches. When he's not working the phones, hustling fake promises, he dreams of a move that will finally announce his arrival. When his girlfriend Natalie Mendoza vanishes, Hamid finds himself pulled into the orbit of former Guantanamo Bay detainee turned social-media imam Abdul Mohammad. On the surface, Abdul's organization is virtuous: they are helping other detainees rehabilitate to life outside the prison. But as Hamid dives deeper into Abdul's nebulous and luxurious world, he finds a confusing mix of religious zeal and cynical self-advancement. With his connection to the imam deepening, Hamid must decide just how far into darkness he can go before losing sight of himself.
A Different Drummer Books will be on site with books for sale and signing after the talk.
Borrow The Hypebeast from our collection
Adnan Khan is a screenwriter, novelist, and journalist. His debut novel, There Has to Be a Knife, was named a best Canadian novel of 2019 by the CBC. The Hypebeast is his is second novel. Khan was the recipient of the 2022 National Magazine Award for best profile, and his first feature film, Shook, premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
If you need an accessibility accommodation during this program, please register early so we can confirm arrangements a few days before your visit.
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