Omar Shahid Hamid's novel 'The Election' offers a poignant exploration of the American dream through the eyes of Waj, a Pakistani immigrant. Waj's journey begins in Saudi Arabia, where his father works as a financial adviser. In pursuit of better educational opportunities, Waj's family splits, leading him to visit America during the summer of 2008, a time marked by economic turmoil. Inspired by late-night television, Waj dreams of achieving success in the United States. His sister, Zara, attends Stanford University, while Waj secures a scholarship to Iowa State University. However, he faces significant challenges in securing a job within New York City's competitive media industry.
The narrative intricately weaves Waj's personal struggles with the backdrop of a presidential election that features a reality TV mogul and a female senator. As Waj navigates the complexities of racism and his own identity amidst the political chaos, the story highlights the multifaceted nature of the American dream and the immigrant experience. Through Waj's eyes, readers are invited to reflect on the challenges and aspirations that define the immigrant journey in contemporary America [0ad921f6].