Love From A to Z

Zayneb has been suspended from school for standing up to an Islamophobic teacher, and her parents have suggested she spend a week with her aunt in Doha, Qatar. Coincidentally, Adam is also heading to Doha to spend spring break with his family. They meet briefly on the plane from England to Qatar and then fate brings them together once again. Despite some early reluctance and misgivings about serious relationships, the two soon realize that their friendship is special and that they are falling in love.

Adam has left school after being diagnosed with MS a few months earlier. Because his mom died from the same disease, he has a clear idea of what the future might hold for him. This gives him an overwhelming urge to follow his creative side and make things, particularly to help his little sister remember her mother. Adam is a steady and caring character who treats both his father and sister with kindness and love. For much of the book, he struggles to keep his diagnosis to himself in order to protect his family. Readers will see him as a peaceful, solid young man whose outward calmness belies the worry and frustration he often feels.

Zayneb, on the other hand, is a firecracker. She is passionate about her beliefs and vocal when she sees injustice. She never hesitates to be confrontational when she feels it is necessary. As the story progresses, there is a coming-of-age element – Zayneb becomes more able to channel her feelings and, as she says, be more “quietly angry”. She realizes that this approach can be just as effective and intimidating as losing her temper and causing a scene.

The author clearly states on the first page, “This is a love story. You’ve been warned.” The romance which blossoms between Adam and Zayneb is a cornerstone of the book. While seeming quite different at first glance, they make good partners who are willing to listen to one another and learn from one another. Each seems to absorb some of the good qualities of the other as the story goes on. Both are only 18, yet show remarkable maturity. And they eventually learn that, surprisingly, they both have been keeping journals about the marvels and oddities in their lives.

Doha, Qatar, provides an entertaining, almost fairytale, setting for the story. Readers learn about various parts of the city and the many attractions tourists might visit, from museums to dune bashing and desert picnics. The author also mentions some of the many cuisines available in the city.

Certainly, S. K. Ali’s main theme in the book is justice and how to effectively fight against Islamophobia and other injustices in the world. She helps correct some of the preconceptions and misunderstandings of her non-Muslim readers about everything from wearing a hijab to the expectations of Islam when it comes to relationships between young couples. Readers learn more about the religion and those who practice it from an inside point of view, without ever being preached to by the author. By the end of the novel, many readers will have more knowledge and understanding of the Muslim faith. Muslim teens who pick up this book will be pleased to see themselves portrayed with understanding and sympathy in a realistic and modern way.

S. K. Ali’s second novel is just as entertaining and thought-provoking as Saints and Misfits which appeared just a couple of years ago. Her writing is strong yet also sympathetic. Recent world events and the continued clashes between Muslims and non-Muslims make Love from A to Z a very timely book which should have a place in all public and school libraries.