Reviews

Salaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg

sofypinho's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hibsreads's review against another edition

5.0

This is it. This is what I mean by Muslim rep.

Subjective rating: ♾ / 5

Objective rating: 4/5 gotta take point off because the writing was very simplistic and some transitions were lacking. Scenes jumped from one to the next and it was jarring. There were two characters in particular who were just kind of there and I really wanted them to have for development or more personality but they were just there to take space.

Spoiler:

Ibrahim and Rabia.

studywitmeh's review against another edition

5.0

If you want to kick off Ramadan with a fun HALAL romance I would suggest Salaam, with Love. A lot of the book focuses more on Dua (the main character) reconnecting with her faith, family and culture during Ramadan. The beginning of the novel is slow, but I think that is a bit intentional. Dua grows a lot as a character and faces a lot of hurdles along the way. We see topics around Islamaphobia addressed in the story and other modern day issues that many young Muslims face. Its a very sweet story and much of the romance is towards the end. The build up prior to the ending makes it all worth it. Finding a parther as a Muslim is complicated. I think the novel shows the journey to find that partner well.

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

4.0

Much more than just a cute YA rom com, this #ownvoices story follows Pakistani Muslim American teen Dua as she spends the Holy month of Ramadan with her conservative cousins in NYC. While there Dua learns to appreciate her faith like never before, while also exploring the feelings she develops for a cute Muslim musician. I really enjoyed learning more about the various aspects of Muslim culture. This book was heartfelt and humorous and doesn't shy away from harder topics. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of S.K. Ali or the books Once upon an Eid or Yes, no, maybe so.

CW: gun violence, Islamophobia, anti-Muslim racism/violence

ccceylinn's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the representation and I'm glad I read this during Ramadan.

stralins's review against another edition

4.0

Very cute and very needed as a story. As a non-Muslim reader I learned a lot, too (: I enjoyed the character arcs and the protagonist’s depth of growth and family

kawarwick's review against another edition

4.0

A super cute story about family, friends and faith. I learned a lot about Ramadan. I can’t wait to share this with my students. This one is perfect for so many of them.

rfrockwood's review against another edition

4.0

Really a delightful glimpse into the life of a young woman considering religion and her relationship with the culture of her family. I loved the lead!

rrgailey's review against another edition

3.0

I read this book because a Muslim author I followed posted about it and I thought it would be an interesting look into a culture different than by own. I’m not religious so didn’t relate to a lot of the book but still found it to be a cute, fun read. I’m guessing that if you are Muslim looking for an easy romance read, this might be a five star book for you. And if you aren’t religious or Muslim like me, I’d still recommend.

tasfiajarin's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Cute read