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Synopsis (from 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.
Review:
Last year, I was enthralled by a book called, Saints & Misfits, by author S.K. Ali. It was wonderful, showing a YA character practicing her Muslim religion. Ali's newest book, Love From A to Z, continues to give insight on what it is like to be a Muslim in America. It is also really fun, and wildly romantic. I loved it.
What I Liked:
Characters:Zayneb is a very strong female character. I love that she calls people out when they are being racist. She sometimes gets into trouble as she confronts others. But she also fights in more subtle ways such as turning up the volume on her Arabic music when a woman gives her nasty looks on a plane. I fully connected with Zayneb's anger and frustration.
But Zayneb also struggles balancing her need for working towards social justice with her parents need for her to not rock the boat. Their feelings are understandable. No one wants to see their child get into trouble. But Zayneb must help them understand that she is willing to risk a bit to enact meaningful change.
Romance:
This book is very romantic and swoony. I adored how Adam and Zayneb found ways to get to know each other, while following the rituals of their culture. It wasn't all smooth sailing. But they really did have so much in common that it was lovely when they found those common interests.
Religion On The Page:
Most YA books shy away from any portrayal of a character's religion. I guess it's considered controversial, but the reality is that many teens have a very active religious practice. The main characters in this book, Zayneb and Adam, are both Muslim and it is an important aspect of their daily lives. I appreciated how the author showed daily prayers and customs, and explained them without dragging the story down in exposition.
I think one of the most interesting parts of Islam that the book explores is how dating works for Muslim teens. The rules and expectations are different than what non-Muslim teens know, and I thought the author did an exceptional job of giving insight into this topic. I love how the emphasis is on finding someone who shares your values. If one has any misconceptions about what are expected of Muslim girls (and boys), they will be set straight by this book.
Story:
Although Zayneb and Adam face different challenges, both choose to make sense of their problems by writing in a journal. They each get their writing inspiration from an ancient text called The Marvels of Creation and the Oddities of Existence. Each day they try to write about at least one Marvel and one Oddity. This was a great vehicle to show the character's inner feelings and concerns. It also showed why they were a great match.
Another part of the the story that was important was showing Zayneb's experiences being a Muslim in a post 9/11 America. There is subtle racism as people make snap assumptions about why women wear a hijab, to all out hostility from people who blame Islam for all the violence in the world. Because Zayneb is easily identified as Muslim from what she wears, she notices how people react to her, and she is not shy about calling them out. This lands her in some trouble, but I admire her bravery for standing up for herself.
Adam is dealing with a new illness (the same one that led to his mother's early death). He has always been the rock as his dad kind of fell apart when his mother died. How can he possibly burden his dad with another worry? Adam has to learn to accept help from others. If your family loves you, it is no obligation to care about you.
Music:
This book has many older songs that Adam's mom and Zayneb's aunt both love. Each has a special meaning in the book.
I made a playlist of all the wonderful music on Spotify:
What I Didn't Like:
via GIPHY
Rating:
Release Date: April 30th, 2019
Author: S.K. Ali
Publisher: Salaam Reads
Genre: YA Contemporary
Page Length: 384 Pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: This is a smart, romantic book about two teens and the marvels and oddities of love. I highly recommend this book.
