Culture

10 Books by Muslims, about Muslims, that are highly readable even if you’re not Muslim

16.04.2021

By Brent Taalur Ramsey

10 Books by Muslims, about Muslims, that are highly readable even if you’re not Muslim

For millions around the world, Ramadan is a festive time of fasting and special moments with family. Falling between 13 April and 12 May this year, the month-long celebration culminates with Eid al-Fitr on 13 May. If you’re looking for books to celebrate Ramadan or simply want to read more about Muslim representation in literature, this list gathers 10 of our most-beloved must-reads, from essential novels by Muslim authors to our favourite Muslim-led stories.

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf

Set during the historic race riots in 1969 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this heart-pounding literary debut by Hanna Alkaf follows a music-loving teen as she does everything she can to find her way back to her mother. Full of courage and grit, this story follows Melati as she works to overcome the violence on the streets and her own prejudices to make it back to the one person she can’t risk losing.

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Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed

With an alternating narrative that spans centuries, this novel by New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed explores the lives of two young women–Leila and Khayyam–who fight to write their stories, forge their own paths and escape the pressures of familial burdens and cultural expectations in worlds defined by men.

Once Upon an Eid edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed

 

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A collection of short stories, Once Upon an Eid brings together the most brilliant Muslim voices in a compilation all about Islam’s most joyful holiday of the year–Eid. This collection narrates the feelings and memories that all Muslim people may be familiar with–scents of delicious food, new outfits for Raya and holiday parties. This anthology is all about joy.

More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood

 

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For fans of Becky Albertalli

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