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Love From A to Z #2
Love from Mecca to Medina
On the trip of a lifetime, Adam and Zayneb must find their way back to each other in this surprising and romantic sequel to the “bighearted, wildly charming” (Becky Albertalli, New York Times bestselling author) Love from A to Z that’s a “contemplative exploration of faith, love, and the human condition” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review).
Adam and Zayneb. Perfectly matched. Painfully apart.
Adam is in Doha, Qatar, making a map of the Hijra, a historic migration from Mecca to Medina, and worried about where his next paycheck will come from. Zayneb is in Chicago, where school and extracurricular stresses are piling on top of a terrible frenemy situation, making her miserable.
Then a marvel Adam and Zayneb get the chance to spend Thanksgiving week on the Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia. Adam is thrilled; it’s the reboot he needs and an opportunity to pray for a hijra in real to migrate to Zayneb in Chicago. Zayneb balks at the trip at first, having envisioned another kind of vacation, but then decides a spiritual reset is calling her name too. And they can’t wait to see each other—surely, this is just what they both need.
But the trip is nothing like what they expect, from the appearance of Adam’s former love interest in their traveling group to the anxiety gripping Zayneb when she’s supposed to be “spiritual.” As one wedge after another drives them apart while they make their way through rites in the holy city, Adam and Zayneb start to was their meeting just an oddity after all? Or can their love transcend everything else like the greatest marvels of the world?
Adam and Zayneb. Perfectly matched. Painfully apart.
Adam is in Doha, Qatar, making a map of the Hijra, a historic migration from Mecca to Medina, and worried about where his next paycheck will come from. Zayneb is in Chicago, where school and extracurricular stresses are piling on top of a terrible frenemy situation, making her miserable.
Then a marvel Adam and Zayneb get the chance to spend Thanksgiving week on the Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, in Saudi Arabia. Adam is thrilled; it’s the reboot he needs and an opportunity to pray for a hijra in real to migrate to Zayneb in Chicago. Zayneb balks at the trip at first, having envisioned another kind of vacation, but then decides a spiritual reset is calling her name too. And they can’t wait to see each other—surely, this is just what they both need.
But the trip is nothing like what they expect, from the appearance of Adam’s former love interest in their traveling group to the anxiety gripping Zayneb when she’s supposed to be “spiritual.” As one wedge after another drives them apart while they make their way through rites in the holy city, Adam and Zayneb start to was their meeting just an oddity after all? Or can their love transcend everything else like the greatest marvels of the world?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2022
About the author
S.K. Ali
13 books2,671 followersS. K. Ali writes the characters she never saw growing up into the stories she never saw growing up. Find her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/skalibooks/ , on twitter at https://twitter.com/SajidahWrites , on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@skalibooks , and on her website at https://skalibooks.com/.
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March 18, 2022
Hi hello!
I didn’t think I would be writing a review for this book because I thought we all were of the same mind but it seems to be not the case.
First things first, I have read the book. I finished reading it last night and it made me laugh, cry, awwwww, walk around my room talking to myself. It gave me all the emotions ever.
So just to clear up some of the misconceptions going on: there is NO hanky-panky during the Umrah. Not in Mecca. Not in Medina. The whole bulk of the story is about the spiritual journey both Adam and Zayneb go through that brings them closer to one another when they thought they were growing apart due to Life Reasons. There was just One Kiss but I hope you don’t come after them because, you know, they’re married and it’s perfectly Halal. If you don’t like to see married Muslims in love, then maybe this isn’t the book for you. Please Unlearn your ignorance and come back.
It was so beautiful to read the Umrah and see Mecca and Medina from the characters’ eyes. I cried at the Ayat S.K Ali used at the beginning of the story’s parts. It was so wonderful. I can’t put into words how seen I felt. I said this to my mom, this story will make Muslim children yearn for Mecca and Medina when they don't know much about these two places that mean the world to them. Insh'Allah all of it will go to S.K Ali's hasanat 💜
What I love most of all is how this book isn’t just for Muslims. It’s also for non-Muslims who can learn more about what the Ka’aba means for us. What Umrah is for us. The Medina. They will see our spiritual journeys and how in Mecca everyone is equal from king to commoner. And how love and life walk hand in hand together in Islam.
Now we get to the controversy that I’ve seen circulating around due to, again, ignorance regarding your own religion.
I have seen some Muslim readers out there feeling a bit apprehensive with the story because it takes place when both characters are performing Umrah and going to Medina and so, in their minds, it was coming off as “sacrilegious” and “blasphemous” because the two main characters are in love and a married couple while visiting Meccah and Medina. If you don’t vibe with the story, that’s totally fine and it’s your right as a reader. I’m here to talk about how a story like this isn’t blasphemous nor sacrilegious but something so entrenched in Islam that is sadly something the world has forgotten about.
It will be in two versions. The short version and the long version.
A little about me so you know where this review is coming from. I am in no means a scholar. I have lived fifteen years in the United Arab Emirates. My mother tongue is Arabic and I come from what people would call a religious family. For years ever since I was eight until I was twenty-one, I used to attend the Islamic version of a Sunday school where I memorized twenty juz’a of the Quran and listened to lectures about Islam. I am also very curious about my religion and culture and read up on every book available that talked about them. I listened to scholars talk about the Prophet’s and the Companions’ lives. Through these, I found pride in who I am and where I come from. Ones I want to see in books because sadly nowadays, there is so much ignorance regarding Islam from Muslims.
Despite all that, I am still learning.
Short version:
There is nothing sacrilegious or blasphemous when combining love with Islamic duties because the root of Islam is love. Always has and always will be. Islam is not just a religion; it is a way of life. You cannot separate the two. That’s just how Allah has created this religion. Looking back at the Seera (the Prophet’s life) you will see how they are one and the same. Separating the two creates dangerous ideologies that can nudge people towards extremism or complete abandonment of their religion. If you don’t agree, please read up on your religion. Read the Ahadeeth and how the Prophet lived his life with his wives. How he remained loyal to Sayde Khadija years and years after her death. So if Adam and Zayneb do more than hold hands in Mecca and Medina, then it’s very much fine and very much halal and very much okay. I’m sorry if you think it’s not, but I’m here to tell you it’s very much fine. I have waited my entire life for a Muslim couple like this that breaks barriers and I will be damned if I let anyone take that from me. That includes my own Muslim brothers and sisters. The “haram” in Islam constitutes a very, very small percentage and everything else is halal. It’s not the other way around. And this isn’t me saying it, this is Islam.
Long version:
What is Umrah? Alhumdulilah, I have been fortunate enough to do Umrah three times in my life. Umrah is Tawaf and Sa’i. All of it takes about thirty minutes. And then you’re done with Umrah. Umrah takes place in the Haram which is the Ka’aba area. Mecca is the city, Ka’aba is a part of it. People live in Mecca but they don’t live in the Ka’aba/Haram. So if you were living in Mecca, you could pop in for a Umrah every day (granted if you follow the rules of Umrah).
Now, this is an important distinction because after you’re done with Umrah you can do whatever you want. Stay in the Haram and pray, talk, do tasbeeh. Or you can go out to Mecca and do anything you do in a city. Like walk around, shop, eat, visit friends… etc.
Now why would anyone write a love story that happens during Umrah, Mecca and Medina? Because it would be one of the purest forms of love that’s why! There are many, MANY couples who spend a part of their honeymoon performing Umrah (my parents for example). There is no higher form of duty than when you do it with your partner. Both of you encouraging the other, praying together, and in places as holy as Mecca and Medina, hearts become one. This is like Hasanat doubled! Why would anyone say no to that?!
Once Umrah is done, you can do. Whatever. You. Want.
A story like this bridges the obligations of Islam with love. This is something that every Muslim out there needs to know. Islam is not just obligations. Doing just the obligations such as praying, fasting, hajj, zakat… etc is not ALL of Islam. You’re just doing a part of it. And if you isolate it from other parts of your life, you will start thinking of things such as a story like this to be sacrilegious. When we mute stories like this, it gives rise to ones of “Muslim girl falls for the white savior boy” and I don’t know about you but I am tired of those. I want this trope to stop existing. Forever.
I would also like to point out that Zayneb and Adam are married. So whatever they do, it’s very much halal. Love and “spice” doesn’t exist throughout the world EXCEPT in Mecca and Medina because once again, there are people who LIVE there. People who grew up, found love, and got married there. They pay their respects in Masjid AlHaram and Masjid AlNabawi and that’s all there is to it. There is no blasphemy. It is a very, very, big sin in Islam to call something “haram” when it’s not. So please keep that in mind.
Please, I implore every single young Muslim out there who views Islam as “just rules” to read more. Know more. It’s a wonderful religion because it harmonizes your spiritual with your physical with your life. When we sneeze, we says Alhumdulilah. When we eat, we say Bismillah. When we are happy, we say Allahu Akbar. When we’re sad, we say la ilaha illa Allah. It is embedded in our lives. So how can it be embedded in every part but love? It doesn’t make sense.
Another thing I would like to add is that the Prophet (PBUH) met his wife Sayeda Maymunah during Umrah. Now some of you would say: ArE yOU comparing yourself to the Prophet?!! Blasphemy!
No. No I am not. But there is such a thing called Sunnah which if you don’t know what it is, it’s what the Prophet used to do. It’s how he lived his life. From his sleeping habits to his walking to his praying to how he talked to how he treated people. Everything. This is called Sunnah. He told us to do as he does. That’s a literal Hadeeth. Every aspect of his life was made to be followed. And this story of him meeting Sayedah Maymunah is no different.
If you still don’t agree with me, that’s fine. But I am sorry that you don’t know your religion enough to know that stories like this should be written. In our century, the world and most Muslims have forgotten how loving the Prophet was. They forget the poetic words he used to say to Sayeda Ayesha. They forget how much he loved her. They forget how the Prophet always talked about how a husband should treat his wife right and with love. They forget that he said that if two people love each other, they should be married (dispelling any talk of forced marriages). They forget how there was no topic he didn't talk about to educate us. This is our Prophet. This is our religion. And it is one I am very proud to be a part of. And ecstatic to see stories such as this be published because it is about time.
And I will keep praying for a day when we have more stories like this and ignorance towards all of what Islam entails doesn't exist anymore.
My God. Literally, can we just have nice things for once? Just for once?!!!! Just for once can we have nice things?!!!!!
I didn’t think I would be writing a review for this book because I thought we all were of the same mind but it seems to be not the case.
First things first, I have read the book. I finished reading it last night and it made me laugh, cry, awwwww, walk around my room talking to myself. It gave me all the emotions ever.
So just to clear up some of the misconceptions going on: there is NO hanky-panky during the Umrah. Not in Mecca. Not in Medina. The whole bulk of the story is about the spiritual journey both Adam and Zayneb go through that brings them closer to one another when they thought they were growing apart due to Life Reasons. There was just One Kiss but I hope you don’t come after them because, you know, they’re married and it’s perfectly Halal. If you don’t like to see married Muslims in love, then maybe this isn’t the book for you. Please Unlearn your ignorance and come back.
It was so beautiful to read the Umrah and see Mecca and Medina from the characters’ eyes. I cried at the Ayat S.K Ali used at the beginning of the story’s parts. It was so wonderful. I can’t put into words how seen I felt. I said this to my mom, this story will make Muslim children yearn for Mecca and Medina when they don't know much about these two places that mean the world to them. Insh'Allah all of it will go to S.K Ali's hasanat 💜
What I love most of all is how this book isn’t just for Muslims. It’s also for non-Muslims who can learn more about what the Ka’aba means for us. What Umrah is for us. The Medina. They will see our spiritual journeys and how in Mecca everyone is equal from king to commoner. And how love and life walk hand in hand together in Islam.
Now we get to the controversy that I’ve seen circulating around due to, again, ignorance regarding your own religion.
I have seen some Muslim readers out there feeling a bit apprehensive with the story because it takes place when both characters are performing Umrah and going to Medina and so, in their minds, it was coming off as “sacrilegious” and “blasphemous” because the two main characters are in love and a married couple while visiting Meccah and Medina. If you don’t vibe with the story, that’s totally fine and it’s your right as a reader. I’m here to talk about how a story like this isn’t blasphemous nor sacrilegious but something so entrenched in Islam that is sadly something the world has forgotten about.
It will be in two versions. The short version and the long version.
A little about me so you know where this review is coming from. I am in no means a scholar. I have lived fifteen years in the United Arab Emirates. My mother tongue is Arabic and I come from what people would call a religious family. For years ever since I was eight until I was twenty-one, I used to attend the Islamic version of a Sunday school where I memorized twenty juz’a of the Quran and listened to lectures about Islam. I am also very curious about my religion and culture and read up on every book available that talked about them. I listened to scholars talk about the Prophet’s and the Companions’ lives. Through these, I found pride in who I am and where I come from. Ones I want to see in books because sadly nowadays, there is so much ignorance regarding Islam from Muslims.
Despite all that, I am still learning.
Short version:
There is nothing sacrilegious or blasphemous when combining love with Islamic duties because the root of Islam is love. Always has and always will be. Islam is not just a religion; it is a way of life. You cannot separate the two. That’s just how Allah has created this religion. Looking back at the Seera (the Prophet’s life) you will see how they are one and the same. Separating the two creates dangerous ideologies that can nudge people towards extremism or complete abandonment of their religion. If you don’t agree, please read up on your religion. Read the Ahadeeth and how the Prophet lived his life with his wives. How he remained loyal to Sayde Khadija years and years after her death. So if Adam and Zayneb do more than hold hands in Mecca and Medina, then it’s very much fine and very much halal and very much okay. I’m sorry if you think it’s not, but I’m here to tell you it’s very much fine. I have waited my entire life for a Muslim couple like this that breaks barriers and I will be damned if I let anyone take that from me. That includes my own Muslim brothers and sisters. The “haram” in Islam constitutes a very, very small percentage and everything else is halal. It’s not the other way around. And this isn’t me saying it, this is Islam.
Long version:
What is Umrah? Alhumdulilah, I have been fortunate enough to do Umrah three times in my life. Umrah is Tawaf and Sa’i. All of it takes about thirty minutes. And then you’re done with Umrah. Umrah takes place in the Haram which is the Ka’aba area. Mecca is the city, Ka’aba is a part of it. People live in Mecca but they don’t live in the Ka’aba/Haram. So if you were living in Mecca, you could pop in for a Umrah every day (granted if you follow the rules of Umrah).
Now, this is an important distinction because after you’re done with Umrah you can do whatever you want. Stay in the Haram and pray, talk, do tasbeeh. Or you can go out to Mecca and do anything you do in a city. Like walk around, shop, eat, visit friends… etc.
Now why would anyone write a love story that happens during Umrah, Mecca and Medina? Because it would be one of the purest forms of love that’s why! There are many, MANY couples who spend a part of their honeymoon performing Umrah (my parents for example). There is no higher form of duty than when you do it with your partner. Both of you encouraging the other, praying together, and in places as holy as Mecca and Medina, hearts become one. This is like Hasanat doubled! Why would anyone say no to that?!
Once Umrah is done, you can do. Whatever. You. Want.
A story like this bridges the obligations of Islam with love. This is something that every Muslim out there needs to know. Islam is not just obligations. Doing just the obligations such as praying, fasting, hajj, zakat… etc is not ALL of Islam. You’re just doing a part of it. And if you isolate it from other parts of your life, you will start thinking of things such as a story like this to be sacrilegious. When we mute stories like this, it gives rise to ones of “Muslim girl falls for the white savior boy” and I don’t know about you but I am tired of those. I want this trope to stop existing. Forever.
I would also like to point out that Zayneb and Adam are married. So whatever they do, it’s very much halal. Love and “spice” doesn’t exist throughout the world EXCEPT in Mecca and Medina because once again, there are people who LIVE there. People who grew up, found love, and got married there. They pay their respects in Masjid AlHaram and Masjid AlNabawi and that’s all there is to it. There is no blasphemy. It is a very, very, big sin in Islam to call something “haram” when it’s not. So please keep that in mind.
Please, I implore every single young Muslim out there who views Islam as “just rules” to read more. Know more. It’s a wonderful religion because it harmonizes your spiritual with your physical with your life. When we sneeze, we says Alhumdulilah. When we eat, we say Bismillah. When we are happy, we say Allahu Akbar. When we’re sad, we say la ilaha illa Allah. It is embedded in our lives. So how can it be embedded in every part but love? It doesn’t make sense.
Another thing I would like to add is that the Prophet (PBUH) met his wife Sayeda Maymunah during Umrah. Now some of you would say: ArE yOU comparing yourself to the Prophet?!! Blasphemy!
No. No I am not. But there is such a thing called Sunnah which if you don’t know what it is, it’s what the Prophet used to do. It’s how he lived his life. From his sleeping habits to his walking to his praying to how he talked to how he treated people. Everything. This is called Sunnah. He told us to do as he does. That’s a literal Hadeeth. Every aspect of his life was made to be followed. And this story of him meeting Sayedah Maymunah is no different.
If you still don’t agree with me, that’s fine. But I am sorry that you don’t know your religion enough to know that stories like this should be written. In our century, the world and most Muslims have forgotten how loving the Prophet was. They forget the poetic words he used to say to Sayeda Ayesha. They forget how much he loved her. They forget how the Prophet always talked about how a husband should treat his wife right and with love. They forget that he said that if two people love each other, they should be married (dispelling any talk of forced marriages). They forget how there was no topic he didn't talk about to educate us. This is our Prophet. This is our religion. And it is one I am very proud to be a part of. And ecstatic to see stories such as this be published because it is about time.
And I will keep praying for a day when we have more stories like this and ignorance towards all of what Islam entails doesn't exist anymore.
My God. Literally, can we just have nice things for once? Just for once?!!!! Just for once can we have nice things?!!!!!
March 20, 2022
I just finished reading an advanced copy of this book and I LOVED it. I read it in two days WITH a newborn. I could not put this book down. I was so excited to be reunited with Adam and Zayneb to see what happens after happily ever after and I was not disappointed. But hooo boy watch out! SK Ali introduces a character that is so infuriating you're gonna stop reading just to say "No she did NOT."
But in addition to the joy I felt following Adam and Zayneb, I also loved that this takes place in Mecca. Like I actually FELT like I was standing in front of the kaaba. Seriously, I could almost feel the cold marble under my feet. This story was written with such a profound love for our most holiest places of worship that I can't wait to perform my own pilgrimage. For that alone I can't thank SK enough. Not to mention this was such a realistic take on performing umrah while struggling with real life issues.
The perfect sequel! Great book all around!
But in addition to the joy I felt following Adam and Zayneb, I also loved that this takes place in Mecca. Like I actually FELT like I was standing in front of the kaaba. Seriously, I could almost feel the cold marble under my feet. This story was written with such a profound love for our most holiest places of worship that I can't wait to perform my own pilgrimage. For that alone I can't thank SK enough. Not to mention this was such a realistic take on performing umrah while struggling with real life issues.
The perfect sequel! Great book all around!
October 19, 2022
edit 10/17/2022:
just a reminder that this beautiful book is also coming out tomorrow :) happy adamzayneb day to those who celebrate<333 can’t wait for everyone to read and love this :D
—————————————————————-
[ 5 very well deserved stars ]
I can't write a review I’m crying too much.
"I just wanted to look at the same sky as Zayneb for more than a vacation, a break, a pause in our lives. I wanted to lie under the same sky forever, with her lying beside me, marveling.”
this can’t be the end I refuse your honor.
just a reminder that this beautiful book is also coming out tomorrow :) happy adamzayneb day to those who celebrate<333 can’t wait for everyone to read and love this :D
—————————————————————-
[ 5 very well deserved stars ]
I can't write a review I’m crying too much.
"I just wanted to look at the same sky as Zayneb for more than a vacation, a break, a pause in our lives. I wanted to lie under the same sky forever, with her lying beside me, marveling.”
this can’t be the end I refuse your honor.
Want to read
February 17, 202216.02.2022 ah, that cover is so cute!
18.06.2021 more adam and zaynab? absolutely yes, a huge yes, all the yeses! after falling in love with love from a to z, there's no doubt this is going to be good.
18.06.2021 more adam and zaynab? absolutely yes, a huge yes, all the yeses! after falling in love with love from a to z, there's no doubt this is going to be good.
Want to read
March 6, 2024Edit: We got a cover reveal! Ahh I love it!
Is-Is this new Adam and Zayneb content? Please excuse me while I go cry happy tears 😩
Is-Is this new Adam and Zayneb content? Please excuse me while I go cry happy tears 😩
January 26, 2024
"There are no happily ever afters.
There is only a story that begins anew each day."
If you haven't read Love from A to Z yet allow me to direct you to the review I wrote for it
Fun facts about this book:
- Each part of the book starts with a qur'anic verse
- The chapters are artifacts instead of marvels and oddities
- It is narrated by the cat
- It takes place after the "happy ending" marriage
What I love most about S.K. Ali's writing is that she explains just the perfect amount: just enough for people who are unfamiliar with the term/concept so that they can look it up if they want to know more but not disturbing if you already know (translations, etc)
The characters are so real and flawed and the spiritual journey they go on to discover themselves and their paths as separate people within their relationship was so incredible.
I think what makes the book so much more impactful for me is how realistic and imperfect things are (their lives, Zayneb not feeling mentally ready for the umrah, Adam's insecurities, her jealousy, them navigating their own issues but also their relationship)
This is definitely the most unapologetically Muslim book we ever got in YA by a big publisher, I mean "Mecca" and "Medina" in the title? The entire story revolving around the holy pilgrimage?
ONE MILLION STARS this is the most beautiful book I've ever read in my life and I will never shut up about it
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a signed hardcover, it is now my most prized possession in addition to being a story that wrung my heart
Pre reading thoughts
Re: "SK Ali's team better reunite Joe and Hajraa for the sequel's cover"
The illustrated cover is cute and everything but please let's have a second one to match the original LFATZ cover
There is only a story that begins anew each day."
If you haven't read Love from A to Z yet allow me to direct you to the review I wrote for it
Fun facts about this book:
- Each part of the book starts with a qur'anic verse
- The chapters are artifacts instead of marvels and oddities
- It is narrated by the cat
- It takes place after the "happy ending" marriage
What I love most about S.K. Ali's writing is that she explains just the perfect amount: just enough for people who are unfamiliar with the term/concept so that they can look it up if they want to know more but not disturbing if you already know (translations, etc)
The characters are so real and flawed and the spiritual journey they go on to discover themselves and their paths as separate people within their relationship was so incredible.
I think what makes the book so much more impactful for me is how realistic and imperfect things are (their lives, Zayneb not feeling mentally ready for the umrah, Adam's insecurities, her jealousy, them navigating their own issues but also their relationship)
This is definitely the most unapologetically Muslim book we ever got in YA by a big publisher, I mean "Mecca" and "Medina" in the title? The entire story revolving around the holy pilgrimage?
ONE MILLION STARS this is the most beautiful book I've ever read in my life and I will never shut up about it
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a signed hardcover, it is now my most prized possession in addition to being a story that wrung my heart
Pre reading thoughts
Re: "SK Ali's team better reunite Joe and Hajraa for the sequel's cover"
The illustrated cover is cute and everything but please let's have a second one to match the original LFATZ cover
April 3, 2024
I'm going to cry like 10x before I write my review.
But im popping by to say this drops on October 18th and you still have time to pre-order!!!!
________
trc.
But im popping by to say this drops on October 18th and you still have time to pre-order!!!!
________
trc.
July 16, 2022
*inhales deeply* (i apologize in advance but i’m about to rant)
first off, i just wanted to start by saying this book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and needless to say, it genuinely truly absolutely positively wholeheartedly exceeded my expectations. it managed to make me laugh, sob AND swoon all in the matter of a few hours.
not only was this sequel extremely realistic, but zayneb & adam were just as relatable as they were in the first book. there was a obvious lack of communication between them at certain times which made complete sense (they’re a fairly new couple who were both dealing with their own issues and didn’t want to burden each other). i literally ran out of blue tabs while annotating simply because there were just so many emotions in the second half of the book
but don’t get me wrong, this novel is also extremely light-hearted as well. the bertha fatima povs?? from now on, i will be rating books based on whether or not a cat pov is included in them 🤭 also sasun?? she was gaslight gatekeep girlbossing her way through everything and i was so here for it.
if you loved “love from a to z”, trust me when i say you’ll be obsessed with “love from mecca to medina” (there was a parallel to their meet-cute in the first book which had me sobbing hysterically)
anyways head empty just “I just wanted to look at the same sky as zayneb for more than a vacation, a break, a pause in our lives. I wanted to lie under the same sky forever, with her lying beside me, marvelling.” (i need this quote to be permanently engraved in my brain 💓)
first off, i just wanted to start by saying this book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and needless to say, it genuinely truly absolutely positively wholeheartedly exceeded my expectations. it managed to make me laugh, sob AND swoon all in the matter of a few hours.
not only was this sequel extremely realistic, but zayneb & adam were just as relatable as they were in the first book. there was a obvious lack of communication between them at certain times which made complete sense (they’re a fairly new couple who were both dealing with their own issues and didn’t want to burden each other). i literally ran out of blue tabs while annotating simply because there were just so many emotions in the second half of the book
but don’t get me wrong, this novel is also extremely light-hearted as well. the bertha fatima povs?? from now on, i will be rating books based on whether or not a cat pov is included in them 🤭 also sasun?? she was gaslight gatekeep girlbossing her way through everything and i was so here for it.
if you loved “love from a to z”, trust me when i say you’ll be obsessed with “love from mecca to medina” (there was a parallel to their meet-cute in the first book which had me sobbing hysterically)
anyways head empty just “I just wanted to look at the same sky as zayneb for more than a vacation, a break, a pause in our lives. I wanted to lie under the same sky forever, with her lying beside me, marvelling.” (i need this quote to be permanently engraved in my brain 💓)
May 28, 2022
this book feels like sadqa-e-jaria. that is the simplest way i can summarize what it is, what it meant to me, and what it symbolizes. it teaches you so much, all the intricacies and elegance of islam; and it's just so insanely important, in a way that's feels categorically overlooked. the premise is apparent enough from the title itself, which is why i was so out-of-bounds excited to get to read this!, but i don't think i had fully comprehended the real /significance/ of a book such as this being written.
we go from makkah to madinah (sorry i really can't stand the way it's spelled in the book) on an umrah journey, where both adam and zayneb (but prerogatively adam) are hoping to reconnect. with each other, and their personal lives, but also with God and finding their faith afresh. it's a truly beautiful novel, with descriptions so apt and rich that it really felt like i was very much in saudi arabia with them. i was fortunate enough to get to go on hajj a year before the pandemic struck, and reading this book felt like i was thrown back in time, to 2019; i could see adam performing tawaf so clearly in my mind's eye, i could recall exactly which spot zayneb sat when she prayed in the haramain. a moment in time, when adam is walking towards zayneb in masjid-e-nabvi, was so crystal clear in my head, stunning and precise. the way both the cities are described were so exact to what i felt when i was there, that just about every chapter had me overwhelmed.
love from mecca to medina brought my hajj back to me. (and i'm not saying this lightly) it took me back to all those rites and rituals i did, all those years ago, and put them in a new clarity, a newer understanding. it took so much, and redefined it and gave it another meaning. i'll forever, and forever, love this book for that, if for nothing else: that it reconnected me to my faith in so many, seemingly mundane ways.
i saw a looot of criticism regarding the premise of this book a while ago, and though i didn't take any of it seriously, it's still very nice and heartening to know every bit of it was unfounded. this is a book that /needs/ to be read, it's a book with so much love, and understanding, and forgiveness, and what it means to be a muslim in essence.
i truly adore adam and zayneb very much. softest, prettiest couple<3 there are so many specific (and big) parts of both of them that i related to so much, that i've needed to read about very badly, all so i could reflect, which is a recurring factor i have always appreciated in sk ali books.
the parts i didn't like, however: weirdly enough, were the romance parts. i don't remember much from love from a to z considering it's been years since i read it, but i feel like i would've remembered it being so... (?) i couldn't figure out why adam or zayneb made such an issue out of what was essentially nothing and then actively squandered any chance of (a sooner) reconciliation with each other. i really expected them to act, if not perfect, at least a bit more.. serious, since they're married and all, but i was not ready for what was mostly 300 pages of vague thoughtlessness (mostly adam), dramatic and impulsive jumping-to-conclusions, and never honestly communicating about any of it. it got so tiring and repetitive, and i'm still stumped why it occurred in the first place. nevertheless, when it resolved, it was done so well, so beautifully that i just loved them all the more for it. the ending wrapped up so nicely, so heartwarmingly that i'm willing to forgive/ignore/look past whatever happened beforehand. adam and zayneb always always be my favorite people, regardless of anything else, and i'm over-the-moon happy i could be a part of their umrah journey.
thank you so much<3 to salaam reads for the arc, and for approving me on a friday! that feels important, somehow. (5,000/5 stars)
***
18/6/21 pre-read: HELLO??????? I LOVE THIS ALREADY
we go from makkah to madinah (sorry i really can't stand the way it's spelled in the book) on an umrah journey, where both adam and zayneb (but prerogatively adam) are hoping to reconnect. with each other, and their personal lives, but also with God and finding their faith afresh. it's a truly beautiful novel, with descriptions so apt and rich that it really felt like i was very much in saudi arabia with them. i was fortunate enough to get to go on hajj a year before the pandemic struck, and reading this book felt like i was thrown back in time, to 2019; i could see adam performing tawaf so clearly in my mind's eye, i could recall exactly which spot zayneb sat when she prayed in the haramain. a moment in time, when adam is walking towards zayneb in masjid-e-nabvi, was so crystal clear in my head, stunning and precise. the way both the cities are described were so exact to what i felt when i was there, that just about every chapter had me overwhelmed.
love from mecca to medina brought my hajj back to me. (and i'm not saying this lightly) it took me back to all those rites and rituals i did, all those years ago, and put them in a new clarity, a newer understanding. it took so much, and redefined it and gave it another meaning. i'll forever, and forever, love this book for that, if for nothing else: that it reconnected me to my faith in so many, seemingly mundane ways.
i saw a looot of criticism regarding the premise of this book a while ago, and though i didn't take any of it seriously, it's still very nice and heartening to know every bit of it was unfounded. this is a book that /needs/ to be read, it's a book with so much love, and understanding, and forgiveness, and what it means to be a muslim in essence.
i truly adore adam and zayneb very much. softest, prettiest couple<3 there are so many specific (and big) parts of both of them that i related to so much, that i've needed to read about very badly, all so i could reflect, which is a recurring factor i have always appreciated in sk ali books.
the parts i didn't like, however: weirdly enough, were the romance parts. i don't remember much from love from a to z considering it's been years since i read it, but i feel like i would've remembered it being so... (?) i couldn't figure out why adam or zayneb made such an issue out of what was essentially nothing and then actively squandered any chance of (a sooner) reconciliation with each other. i really expected them to act, if not perfect, at least a bit more.. serious, since they're married and all, but i was not ready for what was mostly 300 pages of vague thoughtlessness (mostly adam), dramatic and impulsive jumping-to-conclusions, and never honestly communicating about any of it. it got so tiring and repetitive, and i'm still stumped why it occurred in the first place. nevertheless, when it resolved, it was done so well, so beautifully that i just loved them all the more for it. the ending wrapped up so nicely, so heartwarmingly that i'm willing to forgive/ignore/look past whatever happened beforehand. adam and zayneb always always be my favorite people, regardless of anything else, and i'm over-the-moon happy i could be a part of their umrah journey.
thank you so much<3 to salaam reads for the arc, and for approving me on a friday! that feels important, somehow. (5,000/5 stars)
***
18/6/21 pre-read: HELLO??????? I LOVE THIS ALREADY
February 26, 2024
S.K. Ali's newest romance is centered around Adam and Zayneb, the protagonists from her previous novel Love From A to Z. Love From Mecca to Medina follows Adam and Zayneb as they struggle through the trials and tribulations that come with a new, and long-distance, marriage. Coupled with that (pun unintended), they're both facing personal issues and insecurities in themselves and their relationship. When they go on a (sort of reunion-based) Umrah trip and an old face from Adam's past comes into the picture, their marriage begins to seem like a difficult fix.
Moving on, let me wax poetic to you about the things in Love From Mecca to Medina that legitimately ruined me. First of all, getting this ARC is literally an unbelievable honor. I cried when I got the email, so thank you SimonTeen CA for this one. Secondly, aside from the issue that will be mentioned, S.K. Ali's prose is stunning. I cried at least four times. The overarching message of Allah promising us that with hardship comes ease is perfect. In my life, right now especially, there's so much that I'm learning to accept as the decree of Allah. Watching as Adam and Zayneb learn these lessons alongside me, literally growing up with them from book 1 to now, means so much more to me than I can ever put into words. Wish I could quote some of it right here but I'll leave that for you to discover when you read it. I hope S.K. Ali knows how much peace her books give me.
I feel like I should be starting this part of the review with a disclaimer, more for me than anyone else. Love From A to Z is one of my favorite books of all time. Reading it was the first time a book was written with me as the target audience. It was special to read something written purely as a joy for Muslim girls. Zayneb who was my age, Zayneb who looks and dresses like I do, Zayneb who gets a love story in an industry where someone like her is so rare.
However, that unapologetic Islamic nature of book one is missing in this. Love From Mecca to Medina feels different. S.K. Ali's voice feels altered, as if it's not written so much for the Muslim Audience but written with someone else in mind. I think the best way I can explain what I feel is with this quote, said by Toni Morrison:
Love From Mecca to Medina, plainly, reads like a manual on Islam. This is not criticism of S.K. Ali's writing style because I can confirm that the spirituality she brings to this book is stunning, but I'm attempting to explain the detached mentality I had while reading certain chapters. Whiteness is never explained. Whiteness doesn't get paragraphs explaining its culture or its language and Whiteness definitely does not make its readers feel like they're not the target audience for a book written specifically for their demographic. For me it was like there was this subconscious idea that a non-Muslim reader is reading over my shoulder so even though the descriptions and explanations are tedious I should suffer through for them. Through all the descriptions of prayer and umrah and this pilgrimage that means more than anything to me in the world I felt so unbelievable ostracized. I've been for umrah and I've prayed there and I'm Muslim but there were entire scenes I had to gloss over because of the way they were written for a non-Muslim reader. I don't blame the author for this, nor would I discourage anyone from reading it, but I have issues with an industry that allows for the marginalization of a community within their own representation. Centering whiteness in non-white stories by making everyone who isn't white need explanation is so hurtful. Obviously there are ways to circumvent something like this- a glossary would be perfect, actually.
Moving on, let me wax poetic to you about the things in Love From Mecca to Medina that legitimately ruined me. First of all, getting this ARC is literally an unbelievable honor. I cried when I got the email, so thank you SimonTeen CA for this one. Secondly, aside from the issue that will be mentioned, S.K. Ali's prose is stunning. I cried at least four times. The overarching message of Allah promising us that with hardship comes ease is perfect. In my life, right now especially, there's so much that I'm learning to accept as the decree of Allah. Watching as Adam and Zayneb learn these lessons alongside me, literally growing up with them from book 1 to now, means so much more to me than I can ever put into words. Wish I could quote some of it right here but I'll leave that for you to discover when you read it. I hope S.K. Ali knows how much peace her books give me.
I feel like I should be starting this part of the review with a disclaimer, more for me than anyone else. Love From A to Z is one of my favorite books of all time. Reading it was the first time a book was written with me as the target audience. It was special to read something written purely as a joy for Muslim girls. Zayneb who was my age, Zayneb who looks and dresses like I do, Zayneb who gets a love story in an industry where someone like her is so rare.
However, that unapologetic Islamic nature of book one is missing in this. Love From Mecca to Medina feels different. S.K. Ali's voice feels altered, as if it's not written so much for the Muslim Audience but written with someone else in mind. I think the best way I can explain what I feel is with this quote, said by Toni Morrison:
“I never asked Tolstoy to write for me, a little colored girl in Lorain, Ohio. I never asked Joyce not to mention Catholicism or the world of Dublin. Never. And I don’t know why I should be asked to explain your life to you.”
Love From Mecca to Medina, plainly, reads like a manual on Islam. This is not criticism of S.K. Ali's writing style because I can confirm that the spirituality she brings to this book is stunning, but I'm attempting to explain the detached mentality I had while reading certain chapters. Whiteness is never explained. Whiteness doesn't get paragraphs explaining its culture or its language and Whiteness definitely does not make its readers feel like they're not the target audience for a book written specifically for their demographic. For me it was like there was this subconscious idea that a non-Muslim reader is reading over my shoulder so even though the descriptions and explanations are tedious I should suffer through for them. Through all the descriptions of prayer and umrah and this pilgrimage that means more than anything to me in the world I felt so unbelievable ostracized. I've been for umrah and I've prayed there and I'm Muslim but there were entire scenes I had to gloss over because of the way they were written for a non-Muslim reader. I don't blame the author for this, nor would I discourage anyone from reading it, but I have issues with an industry that allows for the marginalization of a community within their own representation. Centering whiteness in non-white stories by making everyone who isn't white need explanation is so hurtful. Obviously there are ways to circumvent something like this- a glossary would be perfect, actually.
November 6, 2022
2.5☆ rounded up to 3
To say this sequel was a disappointment would be an euphemism.
Admittedly, it was well-written and easy to read and I appreciated the bits of seerah/islamic stories included even when they're quite random. But I couldn't stand Adam and Zayneb in this book. They weren't the cute couple from the 1st book instead they were replaced by some annoying codependent cringeworthy couple who behaved like some lovesick tenagers rather than the adult married couple they were. And my God their pet names !!!!! Zayby made me cringe in pain 😭😭 On top of that, Zayneb was downright annoying half the book and Adam was just 🤷🏽♀️ whatever
Moving on, this book was based on miscommunication and jalousy which is, as far as I am concerned, a recipe for disaster. I expected their omra as a newly married couple would bring them closer and they would be more aligned in their hearts. But instead they had the worst omra mixed with jalousy, conflicts and hatred !! And why did zayneb lied to her friend just to spend some time with Adam while being in Mecca is just 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ ! (And the lie had 0 consequence btw). It just didn't feel right 😔 All this miscommunication was resolved too easily
To say this sequel was a disappointment would be an euphemism.
Admittedly, it was well-written and easy to read and I appreciated the bits of seerah/islamic stories included even when they're quite random. But I couldn't stand Adam and Zayneb in this book. They weren't the cute couple from the 1st book instead they were replaced by some annoying codependent cringeworthy couple who behaved like some lovesick tenagers rather than the adult married couple they were. And my God their pet names !!!!! Zayby made me cringe in pain 😭😭 On top of that, Zayneb was downright annoying half the book and Adam was just 🤷🏽♀️ whatever
Moving on, this book was based on miscommunication and jalousy which is, as far as I am concerned, a recipe for disaster. I expected their omra as a newly married couple would bring them closer and they would be more aligned in their hearts. But instead they had the worst omra mixed with jalousy, conflicts and hatred !! And why did zayneb lied to her friend just to spend some time with Adam while being in Mecca is just 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ ! (And the lie had 0 consequence btw). It just didn't feel right 😔 All this miscommunication was resolved too easily
September 25, 2023
i love coming back #home to adamzayneb <3
y'all know the drill! adamzayneb is my forever bestfriends but lets talk about zayneb abit more. Woah....how do i put this into words....have you ever read a character who feel like you are staring straight at your reflection? that's me and zayneb. literally idk where zayneb begins and dina ends (except for the part she has adam chen and i dont have my version of adam chen....yet) literally gasped in "omg i felt the SAME way!" "ME FR!" throughout the whole book because why am i reading my own experience when i was performing umrah back in 2019....s.k ali be honest.... were u THERE with me?
the unexcitement (is that even a word) that both me and zayneb felt when my parents (adam in her case) told us we are going to perform umrah is so real to me. (astaghfirullahalazim i know...but hear me out!) that feeling is caused by so many factors tbh like i didn't feel ready to go so i kept having these am i good enough to visit the holy land? am i prepared enough? what is it actually going to be like? But mashaAllah all those feelings vanished straight away as soon as i caught the first sight of Kaabah. i can't even describe it. it was indescribable. i feel in awe. starstruck. humbled. those feelings come crashing down at me while i was going down the escalator. just like how zayneb was feeling.
and it didn't just end there. what zayneb went thru in this book. what she felt when she saw adam and sarina and just got filled with envy and jealousy. i experienced something similar (but not with a husband....still looking for my own adam chen! recs anyone?) and even though just like zayneb, i was like i shouldn't be feeling like this HERE...like here out of all places? but umrah does not just test our physical strength but also our mental strength in which we are tested to go against our darkest thoughts or as we call it nafs ammarah. so I GET ZAYNEB spiritually so i didn't give her a horrible time for it because i get u girlie pops i was there!
finally, adam chen. husbandism. its okay you're just ken. and thats kenough. love u <3
Pre-read review: MY BESTIES COMING BACK TO ME I THINK WE CAN CANCEL THAT THERAPY SESSION I AM OKAY NOW
COVER REVEAL UPDATE: LOOK AT THAT COVER BABES THEY LOOK SO GOOD BABES EVERYONE JUMPED EVERYONE CHEERED
y'all know the drill! adamzayneb is my forever bestfriends but lets talk about zayneb abit more. Woah....how do i put this into words....have you ever read a character who feel like you are staring straight at your reflection? that's me and zayneb. literally idk where zayneb begins and dina ends (except for the part she has adam chen and i dont have my version of adam chen....yet) literally gasped in "omg i felt the SAME way!" "ME FR!" throughout the whole book because why am i reading my own experience when i was performing umrah back in 2019....s.k ali be honest.... were u THERE with me?
the unexcitement (is that even a word) that both me and zayneb felt when my parents (adam in her case) told us we are going to perform umrah is so real to me. (astaghfirullahalazim i know...but hear me out!) that feeling is caused by so many factors tbh like i didn't feel ready to go so i kept having these am i good enough to visit the holy land? am i prepared enough? what is it actually going to be like? But mashaAllah all those feelings vanished straight away as soon as i caught the first sight of Kaabah. i can't even describe it. it was indescribable. i feel in awe. starstruck. humbled. those feelings come crashing down at me while i was going down the escalator. just like how zayneb was feeling.
and it didn't just end there. what zayneb went thru in this book. what she felt when she saw adam and sarina and just got filled with envy and jealousy. i experienced something similar (but not with a husband....still looking for my own adam chen! recs anyone?) and even though just like zayneb, i was like i shouldn't be feeling like this HERE...like here out of all places? but umrah does not just test our physical strength but also our mental strength in which we are tested to go against our darkest thoughts or as we call it nafs ammarah. so I GET ZAYNEB spiritually so i didn't give her a horrible time for it because i get u girlie pops i was there!
finally, adam chen. husbandism. its okay you're just ken. and thats kenough. love u <3
Pre-read review: MY BESTIES COMING BACK TO ME I THINK WE CAN CANCEL THAT THERAPY SESSION I AM OKAY NOW
COVER REVEAL UPDATE: LOOK AT THAT COVER BABES THEY LOOK SO GOOD BABES EVERYONE JUMPED EVERYONE CHEERED
September 10, 2022
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Love from Mecca to Medina is such a cute follow-up to Love from A to Z! I really enjoyed Book 1, but wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style. However, in Book 2, the writing and prose was really beautiful and drew me in. It's obvious from reading S.K. Ali's words how much care and craft goes into her characters. Even though I'm not Muslim myself, you can feel the joy through the pages of Adam and Zayneb's story as they develop an even deeper relationship with their faith by journeying to the holiest city for Muslims as a newly "nikah-fied" couple, as Zayneb quips. Even if their relationship became tumultuous at times, the two were so adorable and I could honestly read about them forever. It's definitely no secret that fans of Adam of Zayneb will love (no pun intended) Love From Mecca to Medina!!!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
Love from Mecca to Medina is such a cute follow-up to Love from A to Z! I really enjoyed Book 1, but wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style. However, in Book 2, the writing and prose was really beautiful and drew me in. It's obvious from reading S.K. Ali's words how much care and craft goes into her characters. Even though I'm not Muslim myself, you can feel the joy through the pages of Adam and Zayneb's story as they develop an even deeper relationship with their faith by journeying to the holiest city for Muslims as a newly "nikah-fied" couple, as Zayneb quips. Even if their relationship became tumultuous at times, the two were so adorable and I could honestly read about them forever. It's definitely no secret that fans of Adam of Zayneb will love (no pun intended) Love From Mecca to Medina!!!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
October 2, 2022
***EDITED TO ADD REVIEW***
I'm editing to add my actual review but I'm leaving my original message up since I think it's still important for readers to note. What I said previously still stands, S.K. Ali absolutely created a romance that lovingly honored our deen.
It's hard to capture the powerful experience that is this book.
Let's start with the basics. The engrossing plot makes the book un-put-downable. You'll have to know if Zayneb and Adam make it back to each other. As is typical of S.K. Ali books, the characters are incredibly real and their struggles take up space in your head and heart. I think this is the case even if you didn't read the first book in this series. While these characters are both technically married, they are living apart to pursue their careers and education as is typical for many young Muslim marriages in the modern age. This and other circumstances have led to a lot of secrets between the couple. Zayneb hides that she is unhoused (living on someone's couch) and dealing with serious accusations of corruption in her role with her MSA. Adam hides his unemployment and growing concerns about how his developing MS will affect their relationship. When Thanksgiving break happens, they are thrown into going to umrah when Adam, worried about how his MS will affect his ability to go to Makkah in the future, elects to take advantage of an opportunity. The problem: It means Zayneb quietly has to let go of her hopes of their long-planned romantic getaway together. The other problem: A woman organizer in their umrah group who clearly sees Adam as the one who got away vies for his attention in insidiously pious ways while finding ways to ensure Zayneb and Adam are separated the whole trip.
The spiritual aspects of the book had me tearing up at some points. It is a contemplative and beautiful story of the pilgrimage experience that made me immediately start looking up Hajj/Umrah packages at the end of my reading. Although I've never been, I resonated with Zayneb's struggles to completely be present in this spiritual experience because of all the above circumstances, and the way Ali repairs this aspect of the story was deeply emotional for me.
Some added bonuses are cameos and updates from Janna and other characters from the Misfit series. I won't spoil. And spicy romance scenes (outside of the spiritual pilgrimage period). Also not spilling this! (And don't worry... because of the spiritual content of this book, Ali was a bit tamer than in the Eid Gift. But don't worry, she's not that tame!)
In the end, this was a powerful and groundbreaking book–one with heart and humor and passion and spirituality–that showed me the possibilities for a romantic story between two observant Muslims.
***BEFORE READING MESSAGE***
I’m so excited for this book. Those of us who practice Islam know that people get married and have families in Mecca and Medina. Married couples from all over the world go on hajj and umrah together and feel their relationships strengthen in these places. There are also many stories of sahaba getting married right after going on umrah. Yes, romantic love happens in Mecca and Medina. Those of us who are practicing Muslims and see these places as real places, know this and don’t think it’s weird at all.
And those of us who know S. K. Ali’s work also know she wouldn’t disrespect our deen. She honors it with every book she writes and the Muslim characters she lovingly creates. I’m ecstatic to read this clean romance honoring our holy sites and rituals.
I'm editing to add my actual review but I'm leaving my original message up since I think it's still important for readers to note. What I said previously still stands, S.K. Ali absolutely created a romance that lovingly honored our deen.
It's hard to capture the powerful experience that is this book.
Let's start with the basics. The engrossing plot makes the book un-put-downable. You'll have to know if Zayneb and Adam make it back to each other. As is typical of S.K. Ali books, the characters are incredibly real and their struggles take up space in your head and heart. I think this is the case even if you didn't read the first book in this series. While these characters are both technically married, they are living apart to pursue their careers and education as is typical for many young Muslim marriages in the modern age. This and other circumstances have led to a lot of secrets between the couple. Zayneb hides that she is unhoused (living on someone's couch) and dealing with serious accusations of corruption in her role with her MSA. Adam hides his unemployment and growing concerns about how his developing MS will affect their relationship. When Thanksgiving break happens, they are thrown into going to umrah when Adam, worried about how his MS will affect his ability to go to Makkah in the future, elects to take advantage of an opportunity. The problem: It means Zayneb quietly has to let go of her hopes of their long-planned romantic getaway together. The other problem: A woman organizer in their umrah group who clearly sees Adam as the one who got away vies for his attention in insidiously pious ways while finding ways to ensure Zayneb and Adam are separated the whole trip.
The spiritual aspects of the book had me tearing up at some points. It is a contemplative and beautiful story of the pilgrimage experience that made me immediately start looking up Hajj/Umrah packages at the end of my reading. Although I've never been, I resonated with Zayneb's struggles to completely be present in this spiritual experience because of all the above circumstances, and the way Ali repairs this aspect of the story was deeply emotional for me.
Some added bonuses are cameos and updates from Janna and other characters from the Misfit series. I won't spoil. And spicy romance scenes (outside of the spiritual pilgrimage period). Also not spilling this! (And don't worry... because of the spiritual content of this book, Ali was a bit tamer than in the Eid Gift. But don't worry, she's not that tame!)
In the end, this was a powerful and groundbreaking book–one with heart and humor and passion and spirituality–that showed me the possibilities for a romantic story between two observant Muslims.
***BEFORE READING MESSAGE***
I’m so excited for this book. Those of us who practice Islam know that people get married and have families in Mecca and Medina. Married couples from all over the world go on hajj and umrah together and feel their relationships strengthen in these places. There are also many stories of sahaba getting married right after going on umrah. Yes, romantic love happens in Mecca and Medina. Those of us who are practicing Muslims and see these places as real places, know this and don’t think it’s weird at all.
And those of us who know S. K. Ali’s work also know she wouldn’t disrespect our deen. She honors it with every book she writes and the Muslim characters she lovingly creates. I’m ecstatic to read this clean romance honoring our holy sites and rituals.
August 9, 2022
this book was incredible
but let's get this out the way folks, *thank you to the publisher and netgalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review*
love from Mecca to Medina follows S.K Ali's first book and if you ever wanted to follow zayneb and adam's journey this is the perfect book to read
this book is special in that it documents our two favorite RELATABLE characters throughout their jounrey of love and rediscovering their religion in a deeper view. this depicts the religion of islam through two young adults navigating their sort-of-new relationship in accordance with them reflecting and finding themselves through their religious journey and PHYSICAL journey from Mecca to Medina.
i LOVED this book. it helped me personally as a current college student and it could help anyone honestly now that i'm thinking about it with zayneb's introspective thoughts and reflective statements about learning about yourself and acknowledging your faults and trying to see where your stressful and negative thoughts may come from and how to better yourself
adam is also learning how to figure himself out as well
thank you for this beautiful book, i will be going back to some quotes whenever i need to re-navigate my thoughts when i am stressed or worried about something that isn't that big to be worrying about or if there are things i can look at from a different view
4/5 stars
oh also the drama was good and i loved how zayneb and adam utilize efficient communication
ps- the author should've added a little bee on the cover
but let's get this out the way folks, *thank you to the publisher and netgalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest review*
love from Mecca to Medina follows S.K Ali's first book and if you ever wanted to follow zayneb and adam's journey this is the perfect book to read
this book is special in that it documents our two favorite RELATABLE characters throughout their jounrey of love and rediscovering their religion in a deeper view. this depicts the religion of islam through two young adults navigating their sort-of-new relationship in accordance with them reflecting and finding themselves through their religious journey and PHYSICAL journey from Mecca to Medina.
i LOVED this book. it helped me personally as a current college student and it could help anyone honestly now that i'm thinking about it with zayneb's introspective thoughts and reflective statements about learning about yourself and acknowledging your faults and trying to see where your stressful and negative thoughts may come from and how to better yourself
adam is also learning how to figure himself out as well
thank you for this beautiful book, i will be going back to some quotes whenever i need to re-navigate my thoughts when i am stressed or worried about something that isn't that big to be worrying about or if there are things i can look at from a different view
4/5 stars
oh also the drama was good and i loved how zayneb and adam utilize efficient communication
ps- the author should've added a little bee on the cover
Shelved as 'unreleased'
June 18, 2021new s. k. ali let's goooo
August 20, 2023
4⭐ - really enjoyed this one. Zayneb sometimes acted a little childish, but at the end she made up for it. Sad that there won't be another book about Zayneb & Adam.
October 28, 2022
This book follows Zayneb Malik and Adam, who are now nikahfied but living apart. Adam is living in Doha, struggling financially while working on a Hijrah map independently. On the other hand, Zayneb is living in Chicago, studying law, and dealing with outrageous accusations regarding the funds. On Thanksgiving, Adam and Zayneb decided to spend their vacations in London but something comes up and they were presented with the opportunity to spend the vacation on Umrah Adam decided to avail this opportunity while he was in good health (He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis). But as they travel with the group of people and meet Sarina who happens to be someone Adam was interested in before Zayneb which makes things difficult. Therefore, the whole experience didn't go as they hoped.
First of all, I appreciate the author's effort for presenting Muslims. This book is a sequel to 'Love From A To Z', the writing style was simple and beautiful. The message and the spiritual moments of Umrah were moving. I like Adam's character as he's caring and as for Zayneb, her character was a bit annoying, I get it that she wants to spend time with Adam but her reluctant behavior was off for me. And why was she so desperate to get intimate with Adam even on the journey to Umrah was beyond my understanding. Sarina played an important role in the plot. While reading, I keep getting the feeling that this book is not written for Muslim audiences only but rather for non-muslims.
Other than that author didn't write salutations while mentioning the Prophet ﷺ in many places. Which is an irresponsible thing for a Muslim author. And there is a minor language too. Overall, it was a nice read.
Thank you for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I appreciate the author's effort for presenting Muslims. This book is a sequel to 'Love From A To Z', the writing style was simple and beautiful. The message and the spiritual moments of Umrah were moving. I like Adam's character as he's caring and as for Zayneb, her character was a bit annoying, I get it that she wants to spend time with Adam but her reluctant behavior was off for me. And why was she so desperate to get intimate with Adam even on the journey to Umrah was beyond my understanding. Sarina played an important role in the plot. While reading, I keep getting the feeling that this book is not written for Muslim audiences only but rather for non-muslims.
Other than that author didn't write salutations while mentioning the Prophet ﷺ in many places. Which is an irresponsible thing for a Muslim author. And there is a minor language too. Overall, it was a nice read.
Thank you for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
September 7, 2022A SEQUEL FROM LOVE FROM A TO Z?
I NEED THIS LESS THAN THREE <3
I NEED THIS LESS THAN THREE <3
December 31, 2022
Appeal for a third book pleaseee!!!!!!
October 13, 2022
There's nothing I love more than a good representation, and this book gave me just that.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
If Love From A to Z made me giddy and happy, this book had made me frowning but also just in love with it all. Yes, it has conflicts. Yes, it will get you frustrated. Yes, you'd at some point in the book just want to make Zayneb and Adam to SIT DOWN AND TALK but its also a real representation of what young couples goes through, the anxiety and most of all, how Faith and God brought them together again, as a whole, as they try to find themselves in the midst of their problems and anxieties.
Personal Ratings
No short summaries, as you can read the blurb for that, but I do want to sincerely thank the author for writing a story that matters, that can transcend time and can be passed down to generations ahead. Its not often that POC authors, that is Muslim to be highlighted and I'm thankful that more POC Muslim Authors books are brought forward in the limelight. Even as a Muslim Living in Malaysia, where I can wear my hijab with ease and not experience the harsh truths of Islamphobia as much, in which the story had made me just feeling touched, I can't imagine reading it from the perspectives of Muslim children around the world to feel as represented and understood. Books are a form of media that can provide the feelings of being understood, and its not only you against the world, and again I'm happy that our religion and cultures are being discussed in a way that makes me proud and happy to experience the whole journey.
Plot - Wise , I honestly love how we are brought into the problems of Zayneb and Adam as a couple. Lord it was frustrating, please I kinda wanna go in the book and make them SIT DOWN AND TALK, but SK Ali had showed the realities of a young couple , who is doing super long-distance relationship at the very start of their marriage, AND juggling to come to footings with their lives. In some ways, I do understand why she had written the miscommunication as it is. We do want butterflies in our lives, but SK Ali had shown that Marriage is A Responsibility and its not only butterflies and rainbows. It comes with Understanding your partner, Being Honest and mostly, Working as a We rather than as an I The problems that Zayneb and Adam had seemed menial and can be solved, but I liked that they somehow worked through their problems with the reliance of faith and mostly of their families and the people that cares about them. It shows that in each problem that they face, there will be a way to ease it, and it will make them more closer and stronger as a couple, which made me just smile CAUSE PLEASE ADAM IS THE CUTEST AND THEM TOGETHERRRRRRRRR HALAL COUPLE THINGS MAKES ME HAPPY OKAY.
I think the highlight of the book that makes it special was the topic of Pilgrimage and Umrah . Its not often that we find the topic of umrah to be talked about, especially in YA Books, but thats what makes SK Ali's books special. Its not just about the romance, but its also about Faith and Family. Its more than just a love story, but its the story of everything that compasses you as a muslim. Umrah and the Hajj is one of the most sacred prayers for Muslims, and to see it being explained so well in a book, that can be accessed by everyone, makes my heart just soar. You'll def be thinking.. "Huh... Mecca? Love story? Are you sure?" No worries, I can ensure that the boundaries follows the sunnah and also showed a side of Medina of the people that has lived there and make a home there. I had loved the explanations of the Prophet and the explanations of Mecca and Kaaba, makes me want to go there right this instant as I was reading the book.
For me, this book is not a perfect book , but, its a book that I would proudly share with my nieces and nephews . Its a book that makes you smile and frown and be angry and be whole. This series does things for your heart and I had loved every single moment of it.
Thank you to the publisher and mlc_tours for including me in the booktour and providing me an early ARC for this book! I'm def in love <3
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
If Love From A to Z made me giddy and happy, this book had made me frowning but also just in love with it all. Yes, it has conflicts. Yes, it will get you frustrated. Yes, you'd at some point in the book just want to make Zayneb and Adam to SIT DOWN AND TALK but its also a real representation of what young couples goes through, the anxiety and most of all, how Faith and God brought them together again, as a whole, as they try to find themselves in the midst of their problems and anxieties.
Personal Ratings
No short summaries, as you can read the blurb for that, but I do want to sincerely thank the author for writing a story that matters, that can transcend time and can be passed down to generations ahead. Its not often that POC authors, that is Muslim to be highlighted and I'm thankful that more POC Muslim Authors books are brought forward in the limelight. Even as a Muslim Living in Malaysia, where I can wear my hijab with ease and not experience the harsh truths of Islamphobia as much, in which the story had made me just feeling touched, I can't imagine reading it from the perspectives of Muslim children around the world to feel as represented and understood. Books are a form of media that can provide the feelings of being understood, and its not only you against the world, and again I'm happy that our religion and cultures are being discussed in a way that makes me proud and happy to experience the whole journey.
Plot - Wise , I honestly love how we are brought into the problems of Zayneb and Adam as a couple. Lord it was frustrating, please I kinda wanna go in the book and make them SIT DOWN AND TALK, but SK Ali had showed the realities of a young couple , who is doing super long-distance relationship at the very start of their marriage, AND juggling to come to footings with their lives. In some ways, I do understand why she had written the miscommunication as it is. We do want butterflies in our lives, but SK Ali had shown that Marriage is A Responsibility and its not only butterflies and rainbows. It comes with Understanding your partner, Being Honest and mostly, Working as a We rather than as an I The problems that Zayneb and Adam had seemed menial and can be solved, but I liked that they somehow worked through their problems with the reliance of faith and mostly of their families and the people that cares about them. It shows that in each problem that they face, there will be a way to ease it, and it will make them more closer and stronger as a couple, which made me just smile CAUSE PLEASE ADAM IS THE CUTEST AND THEM TOGETHERRRRRRRRR HALAL COUPLE THINGS MAKES ME HAPPY OKAY.
I think the highlight of the book that makes it special was the topic of Pilgrimage and Umrah . Its not often that we find the topic of umrah to be talked about, especially in YA Books, but thats what makes SK Ali's books special. Its not just about the romance, but its also about Faith and Family. Its more than just a love story, but its the story of everything that compasses you as a muslim. Umrah and the Hajj is one of the most sacred prayers for Muslims, and to see it being explained so well in a book, that can be accessed by everyone, makes my heart just soar. You'll def be thinking.. "Huh... Mecca? Love story? Are you sure?" No worries, I can ensure that the boundaries follows the sunnah and also showed a side of Medina of the people that has lived there and make a home there. I had loved the explanations of the Prophet and the explanations of Mecca and Kaaba, makes me want to go there right this instant as I was reading the book.
For me, this book is not a perfect book , but, its a book that I would proudly share with my nieces and nephews . Its a book that makes you smile and frown and be angry and be whole. This series does things for your heart and I had loved every single moment of it.
Thank you to the publisher and mlc_tours for including me in the booktour and providing me an early ARC for this book! I'm def in love <3
December 20, 2022
Solid four stars. Ngl there were times when I thought the rating would be way lower. But the ending was beyond perfection. Full review to come inshaAllah
Okay so when I first heard that SK Ali was writing a sequel to one of my favorite Muslamic books and that it would take place in MECCA AND MEDINA I was psyched. I was a little concerned about how the romance would work out in Mecca and Medina (and indeed, how the romance would work out considering they'd already be married in this book, so what would the conflict be? ) but I decided to put those worries aside because if I trust anyone to write a love story set in Mecca/Medina, it would be SK Ali.
This book was definitely a page turner. And not always in a good way. Sometimes it was a page turner because of how frustrating the conflict was (combined with how desperately I wanted Adam and Zayneb to resolve their issues instead of ruining their umrah). For one, the conflict is almost entirely based on a miscommunication trope, which is the trope I dislike the most. With every new issue, I got more and more annoyed at how SIMPLY they could all be resolved--if they were just honest with each other!
There was also a lot of pettiness and and insecurities that I feel were conflict-driven more than character-driven--issues that were put there for the sake of the conflict, not something that made complete sense to the characters.
Also, I was surprised by all the mixing/chilling/"hanging-out" that was happening between the male/female members of the umrah group--even when they were at Makkah. I suppose it's realistic of a group of Western Muslims--unfortunately free-mixing is common in Western Muslim culture so it would continue to be normal as they went for umrah. But it just goes to show that a lot of drama can be avoided if Muslim men and women who aren't mahrams are not unnecessarily "friendly" with each other.
ANYWAYYYS it's not all bad. It's actually really good overall--hence the 4 star ratings. I just expected better from SK Ali, who is STILL my favorite Muslamic author <3
I loved that she made me feel I was in Makkah. The descriptions were so beautiful and detailed that I could both picture the Kabah and the Haram and its surroundings as well as feel the emotions the characters were feeling. I loved the reflective moments for the characters--they were really so beautiful sometimes (when they weren't being petty lol) and grounded in Islam.
I also liked he glimpses into the characters' backstories, which added more depth to their personalities both in this book and LFATZ.
The conclusion was also PERFECTION (which is a major reason why I didn't rate this book lower lol) - both Adam and Zayneb go through a lot of growth, and it's just such a happy feels-good ending. And I love all the cameos too, which didn't feel like random inserts but actually helped the characters grow! I wish I got more of them though.
Anyways, these are my pure, unfiltered and unedited impressions. Now to edit it so it's more concise for bookstagram lol
Okay so when I first heard that SK Ali was writing a sequel to one of my favorite Muslamic books and that it would take place in MECCA AND MEDINA I was psyched. I was a little concerned about how the romance would work out in Mecca and Medina (and indeed, how the romance would work out considering they'd already be married in this book, so what would the conflict be? ) but I decided to put those worries aside because if I trust anyone to write a love story set in Mecca/Medina, it would be SK Ali.
This book was definitely a page turner. And not always in a good way. Sometimes it was a page turner because of how frustrating the conflict was (combined with how desperately I wanted Adam and Zayneb to resolve their issues instead of ruining their umrah). For one, the conflict is almost entirely based on a miscommunication trope, which is the trope I dislike the most. With every new issue, I got more and more annoyed at how SIMPLY they could all be resolved--if they were just honest with each other!
There was also a lot of pettiness and and insecurities that I feel were conflict-driven more than character-driven--issues that were put there for the sake of the conflict, not something that made complete sense to the characters.
Also, I was surprised by all the mixing/chilling/"hanging-out" that was happening between the male/female members of the umrah group--even when they were at Makkah. I suppose it's realistic of a group of Western Muslims--unfortunately free-mixing is common in Western Muslim culture so it would continue to be normal as they went for umrah. But it just goes to show that a lot of drama can be avoided if Muslim men and women who aren't mahrams are not unnecessarily "friendly" with each other.
ANYWAYYYS it's not all bad. It's actually really good overall--hence the 4 star ratings. I just expected better from SK Ali, who is STILL my favorite Muslamic author <3
I loved that she made me feel I was in Makkah. The descriptions were so beautiful and detailed that I could both picture the Kabah and the Haram and its surroundings as well as feel the emotions the characters were feeling. I loved the reflective moments for the characters--they were really so beautiful sometimes (when they weren't being petty lol) and grounded in Islam.
I also liked he glimpses into the characters' backstories, which added more depth to their personalities both in this book and LFATZ.
The conclusion was also PERFECTION (which is a major reason why I didn't rate this book lower lol) - both Adam and Zayneb go through a lot of growth, and it's just such a happy feels-good ending. And I love all the cameos too, which didn't feel like random inserts but actually helped the characters grow! I wish I got more of them though.
Anyways, these are my pure, unfiltered and unedited impressions. Now to edit it so it's more concise for bookstagram lol
June 3, 2024
Adam and Zayneb are so endearing <3 I love how Janna and Layth showed up and I really loved how this book was very unapologetically Muslim.
(I'll write a better review later )
(I'll write a better review later )
June 3, 2022
Receiving an ARC of Love from Mecca to Medina was my sign that I ~ made it ~ in the Muslim Bookstagram world!!!!
Although being stuck in the hospital with my kid for 10 hours is never an ideal reading spot, it did give me uninterrupted time to get through this long-awaited sequel of Love from A to Z!
Adam and Zayneb are together but apart: nikahed and officially husband and wife, but separated by continents as they figure out school and work and still trying to convince their families that getting married was a good idea for them. And while they're still madly in love, they're also keeping secrets from each other - big ones.
When they end up going for Umrah instead of their planned romantic getaway, Adam and Zayneb both have to contend with the cost of their secrets - on themselves, their relationship, and their spirituality. It doesn't help that Adam's long-ago almost-rishta is in their Umrah group, irritating Zayneb with her holier-than-thou attitude and conveniently wiggling herself into pictures with Adam.
Much angst ensues!
It is truly amazing just how unapologetically Muslamic this book is, for a traditionally published book. I was especially moved by the powerful spiritual message at the end it, a necessary reminder that even in the midst of a love story, there is a more important love to be focused on.
I felt so much nostalgia reading the descriptions of Adam and Zayneb on their Umrah adventure! It's been about 15 years since I went, and reading about it rekindled the longing for praying in the two most sacred masaajid in the world.
For fans of SK Ali's other books, we get cameos from Layth, Jannah, and Sousan! It was great to reconnect with them all, even if briefly.
I loved this book for the most part, although there were moments throughout that felt a little underdeveloped. (And to be honest, I cringed every time Adam called Zayneb "Zayby" lol) For YA, this continues to be a shining example of halal romance - one that continues beyond the first happy ending and explores the "ever after" bit.
Although being stuck in the hospital with my kid for 10 hours is never an ideal reading spot, it did give me uninterrupted time to get through this long-awaited sequel of Love from A to Z!
Adam and Zayneb are together but apart: nikahed and officially husband and wife, but separated by continents as they figure out school and work and still trying to convince their families that getting married was a good idea for them. And while they're still madly in love, they're also keeping secrets from each other - big ones.
When they end up going for Umrah instead of their planned romantic getaway, Adam and Zayneb both have to contend with the cost of their secrets - on themselves, their relationship, and their spirituality. It doesn't help that Adam's long-ago almost-rishta is in their Umrah group, irritating Zayneb with her holier-than-thou attitude and conveniently wiggling herself into pictures with Adam.
Much angst ensues!
It is truly amazing just how unapologetically Muslamic this book is, for a traditionally published book. I was especially moved by the powerful spiritual message at the end it, a necessary reminder that even in the midst of a love story, there is a more important love to be focused on.
I felt so much nostalgia reading the descriptions of Adam and Zayneb on their Umrah adventure! It's been about 15 years since I went, and reading about it rekindled the longing for praying in the two most sacred masaajid in the world.
For fans of SK Ali's other books, we get cameos from Layth, Jannah, and Sousan! It was great to reconnect with them all, even if briefly.
I loved this book for the most part, although there were moments throughout that felt a little underdeveloped. (And to be honest, I cringed every time Adam called Zayneb "Zayby" lol) For YA, this continues to be a shining example of halal romance - one that continues beyond the first happy ending and explores the "ever after" bit.
March 15, 2024
S.K Ali is one of my favorite authors, I loved all of her books: Saints and Misfits, Misfit in Love, Love From A to Z, Once Upon an Eid and other short stories. So, it would be an understatement to say that LFMM was one of my most anticipated reads of this year.
Saying this book is unique won’t be an understatement. Where most authors misinterpret Muslim characters and halal love stories, only S K Ali has the guts to remain true to the basics and portray real Islam in her stories without glamorizing it for sake of mass readers. I never thought I’ll read a book about the journey of Umrah in a romance book.
Adam and Zaynab are living in two countries after getting nikahified and obviously, long distance relationship is as hard as it can be, both have their fights to battle. Long distance comes with insecurities and doubt, it is better to meet each other on vacations. This story is following their journey of Umrah, their struggles, miscommunications, jealousies, internal fears, and stubbornness. Both have their own demon but don’t want to burden each other at the same time struggling. Zaynab always has been one with a temper and Adam is just the opposite, which makes them perfect for each other.
I found Zaynab a bit more insecure, I really wish she was better at communicating her feelings with people around her. Adam is a bit naive to set boundaries for people around him. I like all of the Islamic details and references, it was a really new experience. Same like her other books, diverse Muslim characters were introduced in this book. I wish we could have gotten more insight into Susan’s character. The way chapters were introduced and the POV of bertha Fatima wasn’t my cup of tea, instead, I also found it a bit cringe.
Overall, it was an average story of a couple facing problems in their long-term relationship. The concept and the way the entire journey was penned down made it worth reading. I was expecting more from this book. I wish, I would’ve liked it more.
Saying this book is unique won’t be an understatement. Where most authors misinterpret Muslim characters and halal love stories, only S K Ali has the guts to remain true to the basics and portray real Islam in her stories without glamorizing it for sake of mass readers. I never thought I’ll read a book about the journey of Umrah in a romance book.
Adam and Zaynab are living in two countries after getting nikahified and obviously, long distance relationship is as hard as it can be, both have their fights to battle. Long distance comes with insecurities and doubt, it is better to meet each other on vacations. This story is following their journey of Umrah, their struggles, miscommunications, jealousies, internal fears, and stubbornness. Both have their own demon but don’t want to burden each other at the same time struggling. Zaynab always has been one with a temper and Adam is just the opposite, which makes them perfect for each other.
I found Zaynab a bit more insecure, I really wish she was better at communicating her feelings with people around her. Adam is a bit naive to set boundaries for people around him. I like all of the Islamic details and references, it was a really new experience. Same like her other books, diverse Muslim characters were introduced in this book. I wish we could have gotten more insight into Susan’s character. The way chapters were introduced and the POV of bertha Fatima wasn’t my cup of tea, instead, I also found it a bit cringe.
Overall, it was an average story of a couple facing problems in their long-term relationship. The concept and the way the entire journey was penned down made it worth reading. I was expecting more from this book. I wish, I would’ve liked it more.
October 13, 2022
THAT WAS SOOO INTENSE. I came for Zaydam (Zayneb & Adam)'s cuteness to boost my serotonin but instead this book gave me constant angst through and through??? How did we get here😭
So the story started where Zaydam had to do long distance marriage—Adam in Doha for his art projects and Zayneb in Chicago for her law school. That made them always looking forward to actual face-to-face meeting, even planned it for months.
For Thanksgiving that year they already planned to have a little getaway, quality time just for the two of them in London. But, sudden change of plans, they went for Umrah instead.
And something happened on that trip that made them barreled away from each other.
Unlike Love from A to Z, this book didn't persistently make me giddy giggling and blushing because the problems were complex and the tense was sooo taut & serious. A proof that marriage at young age isn't all fun and games all the time. I liked it even though I felt tortured to see them like that, because it made the story felt realistic. And when it's getting too unbearably intense, SK Ali decided to threw some light jokes to the narrative.
The journey in Mecca and Medina were captured perfectly, I could almost feel the breeze on my face and sniff Masjidil Haram's heavenly scent on my nose. This book awakened my memories of when I went for Umrah 8 years ago and I wasn't sure if it made up for my longing to go there again or made me miss it even more. But this book not inclusive to Muslims only, anyone can read it to get to know more about Islamic culture and the pilgrimage to Mecca. I assure you, there's a LOT we can learn from this book.
SK Ali writing was as fun and unique as ever. I love how each chapter title looks like we're walking on a museum corridor that held Zaydam's journey. And most of them are even highlight-able. Chapter titles!!! Highlight-able!!! That's just how full-of-meaning this book is.
And I'd like to confirm that it's not a mandatory to read Saints & Misfits and Misfit in Love before reading this book because the plots didn't exactly related. BUT, there's a lot of S&M/MiL characters that appeared or mentioned in this book, and you'd understand the context better and could feel less overwhelmed if you've familiar with them before. And IF you decide to read S&M/MiL after reading LfMtM, you'll get spoiled so the reading experience might lessen. Anyway I absolutely adored Sausun in this book. She shows that a niqabi woman can be strong and impactful and be a GIRLBOSS. I beg SK Ali to give a place for her in all of her future books🙏🏼
I also felt that the story could be expanded. I'd like to see where Zayneb's school problem's going. I'd like to see Zaydam live their daily life, as separate persons and as a couple. I'd like to attend to their wedding and see them raise their kids. In short I'D LIKE TO HAVE ANOTHER ZAYDAM BOOK(S).
ㅤ
Overall this book is so meaningful, angst but also heartwarming. 100% recommended for those who loved Love from A to Z.
So the story started where Zaydam had to do long distance marriage—Adam in Doha for his art projects and Zayneb in Chicago for her law school. That made them always looking forward to actual face-to-face meeting, even planned it for months.
For Thanksgiving that year they already planned to have a little getaway, quality time just for the two of them in London. But, sudden change of plans, they went for Umrah instead.
And something happened on that trip that made them barreled away from each other.
Unlike Love from A to Z, this book didn't persistently make me giddy giggling and blushing because the problems were complex and the tense was sooo taut & serious. A proof that marriage at young age isn't all fun and games all the time. I liked it even though I felt tortured to see them like that, because it made the story felt realistic. And when it's getting too unbearably intense, SK Ali decided to threw some light jokes to the narrative.
The journey in Mecca and Medina were captured perfectly, I could almost feel the breeze on my face and sniff Masjidil Haram's heavenly scent on my nose. This book awakened my memories of when I went for Umrah 8 years ago and I wasn't sure if it made up for my longing to go there again or made me miss it even more. But this book not inclusive to Muslims only, anyone can read it to get to know more about Islamic culture and the pilgrimage to Mecca. I assure you, there's a LOT we can learn from this book.
SK Ali writing was as fun and unique as ever. I love how each chapter title looks like we're walking on a museum corridor that held Zaydam's journey. And most of them are even highlight-able. Chapter titles!!! Highlight-able!!! That's just how full-of-meaning this book is.
And I'd like to confirm that it's not a mandatory to read Saints & Misfits and Misfit in Love before reading this book because the plots didn't exactly related. BUT, there's a lot of S&M/MiL characters that appeared or mentioned in this book, and you'd understand the context better and could feel less overwhelmed if you've familiar with them before. And IF you decide to read S&M/MiL after reading LfMtM, you'll get spoiled so the reading experience might lessen. Anyway I absolutely adored Sausun in this book. She shows that a niqabi woman can be strong and impactful and be a GIRLBOSS. I beg SK Ali to give a place for her in all of her future books🙏🏼
I also felt that the story could be expanded. I'd like to see where Zayneb's school problem's going. I'd like to see Zaydam live their daily life, as separate persons and as a couple. I'd like to attend to their wedding and see them raise their kids. In short I'D LIKE TO HAVE ANOTHER ZAYDAM BOOK(S).
ㅤ
Overall this book is so meaningful, angst but also heartwarming. 100% recommended for those who loved Love from A to Z.
Want to read
March 3, 2023Assalamoalaekum and hello my bookish fam! Yes, J am back with an important post.Enough chit chat.
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I am here because it is my tour stop of Love from Mecca to Medina by S.K. Ali hosted by @mlc_tours and I feel honored to have gotten its advanced copy and written a review on it. Let's dive right in!
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Oh and it is coming out on 18th October 2022 which si tomorrow so make sure you get your copies because you will LOVE it!
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Book Review:
I just wanted to look at the same sky as Zaynab, for more than a vacation, a break, a pause in our lives. I wanted to lie under the same sky forever, with her lying beside me, marvelling.
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Everyone is important. When you know that and believe it and act upon it, everything and everyone around you will feel at peace with you.
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Love from Mecca to Medina is a sequel to Love from A to Z in which we stumbled across Zayneb and Adam's journey before their nikkah (which I absolutely ADORED). Love from Mecca to Medina ,the sequel is all about their journey after their nikkah. The name is enough of a giveaway that they would visit Mecca and Medina so yes it about that and so much more.
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JUST PUTTING IN HERE. I loved Adam's chapters much more than Zayneb's cause why not!
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Anyways, I personally could relate to Zaynab in the book so much when she didn't feel that spiritual because her mind was scattered and she planned something else. This happens to literally all of us on daily basis.
And Adam's enthusiasm was actually contagious because I started yearning to go that special place again😭 I could literally feel him as I have been through this. I loved how SK Ali had put such an amazing depth in such a simple way because these get highs and lows make us to want to be better and good humans and Muslims. Their journey together was inspirational.
Moreover, Zaynab and Adam's struggle in their relationship worried me so much ngl but, after reading a few chapters they all went away. Even the author's note freaked me out😂 Anyways, even this aspect was understandable because they were newly married and one expects pretty unrealistic things from their partners.
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Adam's worries regarding his career made sense but yes no matter how much you try, these highs and lows always hit you. On the other hand, Zaynab had so much going on in her life and that it got stressful for her in a completely different way. But both of their efforts to get over all these things were commendable.
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I especially liked how Hanna teased Adam😂
In addition, Sausan's entry was as usual cherry on top.
I loved Janna's part as well because I missed and wanted to know more about her and trust me I am so so happy for her. Sarina and Sheikh Murtaza were good as well.
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Overall, I loved the book and always cherish that SK Ali writes such unapologetic Muslim Fiction.
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P.S. I especially liked how Hanna teased Adam😂
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I am here because it is my tour stop of Love from Mecca to Medina by S.K. Ali hosted by @mlc_tours and I feel honored to have gotten its advanced copy and written a review on it. Let's dive right in!
.
Oh and it is coming out on 18th October 2022 which si tomorrow so make sure you get your copies because you will LOVE it!
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Book Review:
I just wanted to look at the same sky as Zaynab, for more than a vacation, a break, a pause in our lives. I wanted to lie under the same sky forever, with her lying beside me, marvelling.
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Everyone is important. When you know that and believe it and act upon it, everything and everyone around you will feel at peace with you.
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Love from Mecca to Medina is a sequel to Love from A to Z in which we stumbled across Zayneb and Adam's journey before their nikkah (which I absolutely ADORED). Love from Mecca to Medina ,the sequel is all about their journey after their nikkah. The name is enough of a giveaway that they would visit Mecca and Medina so yes it about that and so much more.
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JUST PUTTING IN HERE. I loved Adam's chapters much more than Zayneb's cause why not!
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Anyways, I personally could relate to Zaynab in the book so much when she didn't feel that spiritual because her mind was scattered and she planned something else. This happens to literally all of us on daily basis.
And Adam's enthusiasm was actually contagious because I started yearning to go that special place again😭 I could literally feel him as I have been through this. I loved how SK Ali had put such an amazing depth in such a simple way because these get highs and lows make us to want to be better and good humans and Muslims. Their journey together was inspirational.
Moreover, Zaynab and Adam's struggle in their relationship worried me so much ngl but, after reading a few chapters they all went away. Even the author's note freaked me out😂 Anyways, even this aspect was understandable because they were newly married and one expects pretty unrealistic things from their partners.
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Adam's worries regarding his career made sense but yes no matter how much you try, these highs and lows always hit you. On the other hand, Zaynab had so much going on in her life and that it got stressful for her in a completely different way. But both of their efforts to get over all these things were commendable.
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I especially liked how Hanna teased Adam😂
In addition, Sausan's entry was as usual cherry on top.
I loved Janna's part as well because I missed and wanted to know more about her and trust me I am so so happy for her. Sarina and Sheikh Murtaza were good as well.
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Overall, I loved the book and always cherish that SK Ali writes such unapologetic Muslim Fiction.
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P.S. I especially liked how Hanna teased Adam😂
June 1, 2023
reasons i loved it:
- it was (sometimes) very cute
- great Muslim representation
- I love how the characters have their faults and strengths (?)
- I liked the umrah/makkah/madinah descriptions
reasons I did not like it
- THERE WERE MORE PROBLEMS THAN SOLUTIONS IN THIS BOOK
- I realised I HATE miscommunication storylines and that was basically the whole book
- Zayneb GOT ON MY NERVES she was so annoying sometimes, and she baaarely redeemed herself
- not enough Adam and Zayneb actually liking each other/being together
- guys literally just go to therapy please
- it was (sometimes) very cute
- great Muslim representation
- I love how the characters have their faults and strengths (?)
- I liked the umrah/makkah/madinah descriptions
reasons I did not like it
- THERE WERE MORE PROBLEMS THAN SOLUTIONS IN THIS BOOK
- I realised I HATE miscommunication storylines and that was basically the whole book
- Zayneb GOT ON MY NERVES she was so annoying sometimes, and she baaarely redeemed herself
- not enough Adam and Zayneb actually liking each other/being together
- guys literally just go to therapy please
December 5, 2022
Words cannot describe how much I loved this book
May Allah grant us all the opportunity to go for Umrah and Hajj one day
May Allah grant us all the opportunity to go for Umrah and Hajj one day
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