Love from A to Z Summary
Love from A to Z is a young adult contemporary romance novel by S.K. Ali, which tells the story of two Muslim teenagers who meet while on a journey of self-discovery. The audiobook is narrated by S. K. Ali and Priya Ayyar, and was published in 2019.
The novel is divided into two parts, with the first part following the story of Zayneb, a Muslim girl of Pakistani and Caribbean heritage who lives in Indiana. Zayneb has always been outspoken about social justice issues, which has caused her to be expelled from her school. As a result, she decides to spend some time with her aunt in Qatar, where she hopes to gain a new perspective on life.
On the flight to Qatar, Zayneb meets Adam, a college student who is returning home to Qatar after visiting his estranged father in London. Adam is dealing with a recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis and the fallout of a broken relationship. Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, Zayneb and Adam are drawn to each other and begin to bond over their love of writing in their journals.
Throughout their time in Qatar, Zayneb and Adam navigate their complex family relationships, cultural expectations, and personal struggles while falling deeper in love. However, they are faced with challenges that test their relationship, including Zayneb’s struggles with Islamophobia and Adam’s fear of losing his independence due to his illness.
The second part of the novel is comprised of a series of journal entries written by both Zayneb and Adam, which provide deeper insights into their thoughts and feelings as they navigate their relationship and their personal journeys. The letters are organized in alphabetical order, with each entry beginning with a word that starts with the next letter of the alphabet. This unique structure adds an extra layer of depth to the story, as it provides a glimpse into the inner lives of the characters and their struggles.
One of the strengths of Love from A to Z is its portrayal of Muslim characters who are fully fleshed out and three-dimensional. The novel tackles important issues facing the Muslim community, including Islamophobia, cultural expectations, and family dynamics. Ali writes with sensitivity and nuance, portraying the characters’ experiences with authenticity and empathy.
Another standout aspect of the novel is the chemistry between Zayneb and Adam. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and empathy, making it a refreshing departure from many young adult romance novels. Their shared love of writing adds an extra layer of depth to their connection, and the journal entries provide an intimate look into their evolving feelings for each other.
The audiobook is narrated by the author, S.K. Ali, and Priya Ayyar, who do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Ali’s narration captures the emotional depth of the story, while Ayyar’s performance captures the distinct voices of the two main characters.
In conclusion, Love from A to Z is a beautifully written and heartfelt novel that tackles important issues facing the Muslim community while telling a captivating love story. The unique structure of the book and the excellent narration make it a must-listen for fans of young adult contemporary romance.
