Book Review: Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali

We’re not even halfway through 2019, but I’ve already chosen Love from A to Z as my favorite YA novel of the year. S.K. Ali has written a beautiful, heartfelt story of two Muslim teens falling in love despite the hardships of their lives. It packs an emotional punch that I didn’t expect and is a deeply contemplative story that discusses important themes like Islamophobia, social justice, Muslim identity, and chronic illness. The light-hearted moments are masterfully balanced with ones of poignant soul-searching. Ali delivers a highly developed plot and fleshed out main characters that elevates this love story into something more profound.

Love from A to Z follows Adam and Zayneb as they learn to overcome unexpected challenges and discover who they are meant to be. Adam is trying to cope with his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis on his own and make the most of the time he has left. Zayneb is suspended from high school for standing up to an Islamophobic teacher. She struggles between being the social justice warrior she wants to be and the quiet, studious girl her parents expect her to be. Adam and Zayneb’s serendipitous meeting as they both travel to Doha, Qatar changes their lives forever.

S.K. Ali shares Adam and Zayneb’s story through a series of journal entries from their alternating points of view. They are presented in a narrative format that transitions smoothly from Adam’s gentle voice to Zayneb’s passionate one. Coincidentally, Adam and Zayneb both write about their lives in terms of marvels and oddities. This unique way of interpreting the world allows for an intimate look at their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Adam and Zayneb always feel real, authentic, and very much Muslim. It’s rare to read about young adult Muslims who confidently practice their faith and humbly live by its ideals. The mutual respect Adam and Zayneb have for each other and how they approach their burgeoning relationship is admirable. As a Muslim-American myself, this representation meant everything to me. I loved how Ali wrote this novel with her audience in mind and didn’t stop to explain parts of the culture or religion. This is why I felt a strong connection to the story and characters.

I must warn you that Love from A to Z will pull every emotion out of you. You’ll delight in the humor and witty dialgoue, swoon over the blossoming romance, become angry at the prejudice and micro aggressions Zayneb faces for being a visible Muslim, and sob as Adam bravely copes with his illness as he fears the loss of his mobility and senses. But your heart will also burst with all the love and joy for these wonderful characters. It is impossible not to be emotionally invested in Adam and Zayneb and their love story.

Final thoughts: Love from A to Z is an exceptionally written #ownvoices novel that will leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of readers long after the final pages.

Thank you to Salaam Reads/Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for sending us an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!