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    Love from A to Z
    Love from A to Z
    Love from A to Z
    Audiobook9 hours

    Love from A to Z

    Written by S. K. Ali

    Narrated by S. K. Ali, Priya Ayyar and Tim Chiou

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    A Today Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

    “The bighearted, wildly charming, painfully real love story I’ve been waiting for.” —Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

    From William C. Morris Award Finalist S.K. Ali comes a “heartfelt and powerful” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) romance that’s The Sun Is Also a Star meets Anna and the French Kiss, following two Muslim teens who meet during a spring break trip.

    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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster Audio
    Release dateApr 30, 2019
    ISBN9781508295372
    Author

    S. K. Ali

    S. K. Ali is the author of Saints and Misfits, a finalist for the American Library Association’s 2018 William C. Morris Award and the winner of the APALA Honor Award and Middle East Book Honor Award; and Love from A to Z, a Today show Read with Jenna Book Club selection. Both novels were named best YA books of the year by various media including Entertainment Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. She is also the author of Misfit in Love and Love from Mecca to Medina. You can find Sajidah online at SKAliBooks.com and follow her on Instagram @SKAliBooks, TikTok @SKAliBooks, and on Twitter @SajidahWrites.

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    Reviews for Love from A to Z

    4.5/5

    677 ratings33 reviews

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    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved it! Muslim depiction is so on point! Finally something that we Muslims could relate to and feel known as well!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      Okay, this book is one of the most powerful, inspirational, amazing, heartbreaking, heartwarming, beautiful books I've EVER read.

      Everyone should be reading this. It has so many important messages and the cutest relationship as well.

      Absolutely adored this, definitely one of my top 10 books of 2019 ❤️?????

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      I loved the care that was taken in the discussion of Adam’s diagnosis and the religious belief system in the story. I am neither Muslim nor diagnosed with a chronic illness, but I do know someone with MS and I thought this story did a wonderful job. It had me feeling a lot of emotion and I teared up a couple times (not saying much because I tear up about a lot of things), but I do recommend this story.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      It was an amazing book, so beautiful. Makes you laugh, makes you cry and feel all the feels

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      everything about this book was objectively amazing and important but unfortunately not the book for me. i 100% recommend everyone to read this, though!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      Loved every bit of it. Amazing storyline. Go listen to it!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      I loved this book and everything it stands for. From showing the amazing parts of Islam that are often ignored, to inspiring readers to look for the marvels of life— it’s wonderful!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      Important book! Full of heart.
      I'm glad I've read it during Ramadan.
      I loved to learn more about Muslims and fighting islamophobia. And see realness of love and relationships too.

      Depiction of Multiple sclerosis was on point too.
    • 5/5
      Marvel: Books you read unplanned that are impactful

      Love from A to Z has been my last-minute TBR addition for #AsianReadathon and #StanAsianAuthors this May and I'm glad that the universe worked in my favor and gave me another wonderful book, accidentally.

      Just a little backstory, I did a little research for this book because I need a book with disability rep for #TNTWReadathon and I want the same book to be inclusive of Asian theme. The male MC in this book, Adam, is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which, if not treated early, can affect our nervous system.

      Also, S.K. Ali is a Canadian author born in India and notable for her multi-awarded debut novel, Saints and Misfits, for tackling a life of a Muslim teen unapologetically and in this sophomore novel, Love from A to Z, she offered us a brand new contemporary novel that will open your eyes and mind in the reality behind the everyday life of our Muslim brothers and sisters.



      Marvel: Strong female protagonists

      Zayneb is tired of all things Islamophobic. Her social studies teacher, Fencer. Her 'white' woman plane seatmate. Her aunt's neighbors who frequent in their complex' pool. Zayneb is just too fed up of all the hatred connected with her religion, culture, and way of clothing.

      This is what made Zayneb a great example of a strong female protagonist. She did not back down to all the slur Fencer threw at her and her religion in all his classes she attended. She made herself look composed and at peace when she noticed the white woman plane seat mate's prejudice at her wearing a hijab is beyond belief. And she remained unwavered with Marc and the bobbing man who both questioned her for wearing a burkini in their shared condo pool.

      Also, that part when Zayneb prioritized her personal belief of fighting for what she knows is right over her feelings for Adam - that's what I admire her the most. She knows no bullshit about man who don't recognize the fight she is putting up.

      Here are some Zayneb quotes that concreted her as one of my favorite female protagonists:

      "Everyone has a different definition of what “doing your best” means. For Mom and Dad, it means not rocking any boats. For me it means fixing things that are wrong."

      "If I had been that white, blond girl with a lap full of a journal, a pen, headphones, phone, and a sandwich, a coffee in my hand, would Hateful Woman have slammed her carry-on so hard above me? Would she have excused the time I’d taken to get up, thinking of her own daughter or granddaughter and how it took them a while to get their stuff together? Would she have made small talk and gotten to know me a teeny bit? Then would she have smiled fondly at me like the flight attendant walking by the coloring girl had smiled at her right now?"

      “But are we better people? Is it being better just to look away? Or post a few words of outrage online? What’s so BETTER about that?”



      In between Marvel and Oddity: Adam

      Not sure how to rate Adam as a main character because pity and feeling sorry doesn't sit right with people who are diagnosed with critical illness like, in his case, multiple sclerosis but the author developed him away from the normal masculine archetype that he appeal as an adorable, family-oriented first-child who is perfect for Zayneb's headstrong personality.

      However, his argument with Zayneb at the Marvel and Oddities manuscript museum is a bit strange as his character development has a downgrade on that scene but in the end, Adam managed to turn the table and be back as the adorable Doha wonderboy.



      Marvel: How the universe works

      Adam started writing the marvels and oddities in his life four year ago. Zayneb, on the other hand, decided a couple of years later than him. When they met unexpectedly at Qatar's international airport, Adam noticed that the cute girl with blue hijabi has the same journal with him.

      With this, the universe unravelled everything that made Adam and Zayneb closer and more invested on each other.

      This is the type of swoon story I signed up for. And with this romance perfectly adorned as a sub-plot to what it the most important topic in this book that is defeating Islamophobe together with all kinds of hatred thrown by our fellow, this book deserve a spot in my highly-recommended shelf.



      Marvel: Audiobook, supporting cast, and everything I love about this novel

      I just recently discovered the wonders of audiobook and S.K. Ali is also the one who narrated this novel alongside Tim Chiou as Adam.

      This book also established a strong supporting cast. From Zayneb's Indiana school gang (Ayaan, Kavi, Noemi) and family (her parents, Sadia, and Mansoor) up to Adam's family (Hanna and his dad) and Doha friends (the Emma's, Connor, Madison and co.) who later became Zayneb's circle as well, the sense of inclusion both our MCs are searching were all sufficed by this crew. Also, each of their backstory and history made the novel feel balanced and real. Shoutout to Sajidah for including a Filipino (not token) character in the name of Emma Domingo.



      ODDITIES: The hatefuls

      Yes, I'm talking about Fencer, Zayneb's plane seat ate, Marc and the bobbing man from the pool place, and even Madison. The lengths they'll go to not acknowledge their hatred and ignorance is just otherworldly.


      RATING: 4.5stars
    • 4/5
      This book was very real stable and real! I enjoyed reading it.
    • 5/5
      It’s one of my favorite books. Makes me believe in love and feel a lot emotions I pushed away before.
    • 5/5
      This was a wonderful book that I have Immensely enjoyed listening to
    • 5/5
      Such a beautiful book, a must-read for readers of all ages and all backgrounds, but especially for those who come from different backgrounds and are willing to learn more about the world and the privilege we take for granted sometimes.
    • 5/5
      This book is one of the best books I've ever read. It is based on a reality events about love, islamophobia and life. I really enjoyed reading it and finished within 5 days. S. K. ALI I love her books so much.. xo
    • 5/5
      Timely and relevant. Real and pierces through the heart. Amazing story.
    • 5/5
      Incredible and awesome presentation of LOVE, Justice and UNPREDICTABLE Life!
    • 5/5
      Loved it! Very beautifully written and wholesome story-line and characters overall.
    • 5/5
      BEST BOOK EVER!! I absolutely love this little novel ♡
    • 4/5
      This was an easy, emotional and great read. I love the portrayal of the islamaphobia that practising Muslims go through so that the world can know it too and desist from practising it. Thank you for writing this entertaining book.
    • 4/5
      I loved this book, it tugged at my heartstrings and made me cry more than once. The family aspect of it was amazing, and I really liked the authors note at the end aswell.
    • 4/5
      This book is not only about the love between Adam and Zayneb, islamaphobic, but also about racism, mourning the death of loved ones and about the war discussion, and about connecting religion to culture.
    • 4/5
      The title almost undermines the depth of the book. A mature introspection of love in the many themes discussed.
    • 5/5
      Really wonderful book which gives you an insider look at many topics some may not think about and the romance aspect is so pure
    • 5/5
      Beautiful and thought provoking, I absolutely adore Zayneb and Adam
    • 5/5
      This book was everything. From the 5 first minutes I knew I was going to fall in love with it. And I did. With every word. Every character. Every marvels and every oddities.
    • 4/5
      Such a refreshing read! I loved the representation and romance in this one.
    • 5/5
      Absolutely wonderful , the best part was how the Islamophobia was explained by the author . Many people go through same situation but are unable to express their feelings because of the consequences. It was an awesome read .
    • 5/5
      This was the cutest and the most halal romance book I've ever read. Can't wait to read other books from the author.
    • 4/5
      I think this is my first book I've read set in Qatar. From a meet cute in Heathrow Airport to a common connection in Doha, this growing relationship between Adam and Zayneb. The book alternates between their perspectives. Zayneb goes to visit her aunt after getting suspended from school for her actions in the class of a teacher who targets Zayneb with his Islmaphobia. Adam is headed home from his first year at University in London after a medical diagnosis that he isn't fully dealing with. Their story is heartfelt, rife with some misunderstandings. Zayneb's aunt is an amazing educator who is a connector and role model in both teen's lives.
    • 5/5
      A very charming love story between two Muslim teenagers.

      On an unrelated note: I am puzzled by the choice of title and would have thought Marvels and Oddities would have made more sense.