Moraine Valley student Taher “Tyler” Dweydari, of Calumet Park, recently authored and published his debut novel, “Somewhere Between You & Me.” Dweydari’s writing journey began in January 2025 with a simple New Year’s resolution — to write a book. The result is a coming-of-age story about true friendship, the walls we build for ourselves and the people in our lives who are patient enough to climb them.
“After I wrote that resolution, I lay awake at night thinking, ‘What if I did?’ and ‘What would it be about?’” Dweydari said. “The thoughts kept rolling in my head for the next week and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I would think about what I want to write about, and then I thought, what if I wrote about me?”
Growing up, Dweydari considered himself a creative individual with interests in animation, computer-generated imagery, fine arts and even roller coasters. When it came to storytelling, in particular, Dweydari said he always was able to come up with fun stories and create compelling narratives, especially around his family and cousins. So, unbeknownst to his family and friends, Dweydari drafted his novel from January to July this year.
“I kind of got obsessed with writing it, to be honest. I worked on the book every single day, sometimes for just 30 minutes, other times for as long as seven hours,” said Dweydari. “For the most part, no one knew I was writing the book until I finished writing it and had a copy in my hand.”
His story follows Hazel Rose, a reserved student who watches the world behind a curtain of silence. While at school, she does not speak in class, conceals herself in her favorite hoodie and observes rather than participates. At home, she becomes the life of the party with her family and cousins. In the book, Hazel experiences true and false friendships, learns how others can promote healing from past trauma and that no matter how long it takes, someone will change her life.
Not only is Dweydari the author and publisher of his book, he also is the illustrator. Eventually, he shared his novel with others, including his Speech Fundamentals adjunct instructor, Marjorie Owens.
“I did not know that Tyler had written a book until he gave me a copy in class,” Owens said. “I was stunned to see that he had written a book. I showed Tyler’s book to all my classes and everyone was very impressed.”
Dweydari’s advice to anyone thinking of writing a book or novel is just to start and take it one page at a time. Dweydari explained that, even without a fully formed idea, inspiration can come from writing about experiences and thoughts and allowing the mind to wander.
Dweydari’s book can be purchased on Amazon.
