Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed
This heart-wrenching novel explores what it is like to be thrust into an unwanted marriage. Has Naila’s fate been written in the stars? Or can she still make her own destiny?
Naila’s conservative immigrant parents have always said the same thing: She may choose what to study, how to wear her hair, and what to be when she grows up—but they will choose her husband. Following their cultural tradition, they will plan an arranged marriage for her. And until then, dating—even friendship with a boy—is forbidden. When Naila breaks their rule by falling in love with Saif, her parents are livid. Convinced she has forgotten who she truly is, they travel to Pakistan to visit relatives and explore their roots. But Naila’s vacation turns into a nightmare when she learns that plans have changed—her parents have found her a husband and they want her to marry him, now! Despite her greatest efforts, Naila is aghast to find herself cut off from everything and everyone she once knew. Her only hope of escape is Saif … if he can find her before it’s too late.
FIRST THOUGHTS
Date Started: July 14th, 2017
Acquired: Public Library
Why I Picked It Up: I heard this one was a quick read, and I wanted something nice and simple to read this weekend. It was one of the few books on my TBR that was already at the library when I went browsing yesterday, but since it’s been recommended to me by @eliniei and others, I was happy to find it. It’s also part of my effort this year to read more books by authors of color, especially #ownvoices authors. Aisha Saeed is a founding member of @weneeddiversebooks and even though I didn’t know that when I started reading, it makes me even happier that I chose to pick it up! Also, my friend @mahnoorjahan is Pakistani so I love that this reps her birthplace. ^_^
Why I Kept Reading: The prose is simple and easy, which is exactly what I was looking for. I like Naila’s narration and I want to see what happens with this book. I’m curious to see how the plot is going to turn out, because I don’t necessarily want to read a story that’s like ~~~ooooh arranged marriage is so strange and foreign and backwards~~~~ or anything. But since this is written by someone who knows the culture, maybe it won’t be that. I’m not sure, but I’d like to find out.
Sarah Viehmann 