Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali Published by Salaam Reads on April 30 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult, YA
Goodreads
A marvel: something you find amazing. Even ordinary-amazing. Like potatoes—because they make French fries happen. Like the perfect fries Adam and his mom used to make together.
An oddity: whatever gives you pause. Like the fact that there are hateful people in the world. Like Zayneb’s teacher, who won’t stop reminding the class how “bad” Muslims are.
But Zayneb, the only Muslim in class, isn’t bad. She’s angry.
When she gets suspended for confronting her teacher, and he begins investigating her activist friends, Zayneb heads to her aunt’s house in Doha, Qatar, for an early start to spring break.
Fueled by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, she resolves to try out a newer, “nicer” version of herself in a place where no one knows her.
Then her path crosses with Adam’s.
Since he got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November, Adam’s stopped going to classes, intent, instead, on perfecting the making of things. Intent on keeping the memory of his mom alive for his little sister.
Adam’s also intent on keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father.
Alone, Adam and Zayneb are playing roles for others, keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals.
Until a marvel and an oddity occurs…
Marvel: Adam and Zayneb meeting.
Oddity: Adam and Zayneb meeting.
I received a copy of this book for review. This does influence my thoughts on the book or this review.
I loved Ali’s debut novel, Saints & Misfits, so I was eagerly looking forward Love From A to Z. I was not disappointed at all!
Zayneb is angry, rightfully angry at a bigoted teacher and his clear hatred. But when she goes to Qatar to stay with her aunt, she decides to try and be a new nicer version of herself. She soon meets Adam. Adam who has his own secrets. As Adam and Zayneb get closer together, they have to confront who they are. Love from A to Z is a beautiful coming-of-age story and a wonderful love story.
I really liked both Zayneb and Adam. They each had their own unique voices and Ali did a wonderful job writing both characters. Zayneb’s anger was totally understandable and I think many teens will find her relatable. On the other hand, Adam’s work in striving to keep secrets from his family and to make sure they don’t find out about anything will also be relatable to teens who are anxious about change. I loved learning more about each character and seeing their love story emerge.
Overall, Love from A to Z is another wonderful novel from S.K. Ali. I highly recommend it!
