A review by onthesamepage
Salaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg

emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-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

5.0

 I mean, it should probably be 4 stars, but my heart was so full after finishing this that I just don't care.

"I know Ramadan is supposed to be this amazing, special time of year for us. But...I don't feel that. And with being here, it's too different. You should hear how Mom and Dad speak of you all--they think you're perfect young Muslims, and that's not me. I don't measure up." My voice cracked. "I don't fit in."

The Muslim representation here is the closest I've ever come to what I felt like growing up as a teenager. At the beginning of the book, when her parents tell Dua that they will be spending Ramadan with her much more religious uncle and his family, Dua is annoyed because she doesn't want to spend the entire month being preached at. Her struggle with finding a connection to her faith and to Allah reminded me of my own struggles, and how I used to see Ramadan as an opportunity to improve the things I felt were lacking. And even as an adult, the struggle is still real. It's not like it suddenly becomes easier after you hit your twenties; I'm still constantly looking to do better, and some days are better than others. I loved the steps Dua took, and the plan she created for herself to find that closeness to God.

I read this book during Ramadan, which made it extra special and relatable. It's in the minor details, like having low energy levels because of fasting, the extra prayers, the importance of the last ten nights. I really appreciated the way the author highlighted the characters actually practicing Islam--there was praying, supplication, reading Quran. Usually a Muslim book will show some of these aspects, but I've never read anything else where it's this often and constant, and such a major part of the story, and I loved it.

The book also has some great, diverse representation. Dua and her family are desi, while Hassan and his family are Arab. There's also disability representation in Ibrahim. There is a very sweet, wholesome, halal romance between Dua and Hassan, which isn't the focus of the book, but I thought it was really cute nonetheless. I also liked the way the author explored interracial/intercultural relationship and the challenges that come with that. 
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