We are introduced to Naila, a senior in Florida, and her boyfriend Saif. Naila is unlike other teens because her family is a very conservative and traditional Pakistani family who immigrated to the United States. Naila's parents are very stifling toward Naila, all in the name of making a good match for her future. Yes, you read that right, Naila's parents and culture is one in which arranged marriage is front and center. Naila has already found the love of her life, Saif, though. We see Naila as a young lady who is in the prime of her adolescence.
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| Image Credit: Is, N. (2010, October 29). Desi Designs. Retrieved July 01, 2016, from https://goo.gl/jQx2Ky. The fabric of a Salwar Kamiz. |
Naila desperately wants to be able to attend to the rituals that "Normal" kids (meanwhile, what is normal?) are able to participate with, such as prom, graduation, and going to college. Naila is unable to participate in these teenage rituals and this has her really upset. Naila is finally given freedom to spend the night with her best friend, Carla. The aftermath of this slumber party has long-standing consequences that severely restrict Naila's freedom.
This story proves that #LoveWins. Naila is a very strong female character. She is able to conquer the adversity of a TERRIBLE situation and does so with tremendous grace and dignity.
As a thirty-something-year-old Caucasian female, I desperately needed to read Naila's story. Yes, I am aware of sexual violence and sexual slavery, but until you read from someone who experiences it (even if it is a fictional character), you are never truly able to empathize with the situation. American teenagers should be aware of various world cultures. Written in the Stars allows us, the reader, to view a new culture in spades.
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| photo credit: Shazia mehndi putting ring on via photopin (license) |
Memorable Quotes:
"I watch the trees along the road fly by as we drive past. It's almost summertime. Noth that anyone can tell. Elsewhere there are seasons. Leaves bloom green and then turn gold and crimson as they fall to the earth, change coming to everything in its path.
Not here.
In my world, the leaves stay green, the same Florida heat beating down on us, day after day, year after year. Unchanging.
But not for long. Soon things will change. Soon they will have to. I've spent my entire life banking on this very truth" (Saeed, 2015 p. 8).
This is a scene between Naila and her mother.
"Remember, just because you will be away at college doesn't mean the promises you've made no longer apply. You can choose many things," she continues. "You can choose what you want to be when you grow up, the types of shoes you want to buy, how long you want your hair to be. But your husband, that's different. We choose your husband for you. You understand that, right?"
I've heard this more times than I can count. The first time we had this conversation was seven years ago, when I was ten. "What if I find him first?" I asked then.
"That's not how it's done," she had said. "Just because we live in a different place doesn't change how things should be" (Saeed, 2015 p. 11-12).
Naila describing her mother.
"Florida might be where she lives. But Pakistan is home" (Saeed, 2015 p. 59).
An exchange between Naila and her cousin Selma about Saif:
"You are not the same person anymore. Honestly ask yourself, is this fair to him? My mother always says when you fight destiny, destiny fights back. Some things, they're just written in the stars. You can try, but you can never escape what's meant to be. You've tried. You both tried very hard to fight your destiny, but things didn't improve--they just keep getting worse" (Saeed, 2015 p. 199).
An exchange between Naila and Saif.
"Love is about the good moments, but it's about holding on to each other during the difficult ones too. Coming out the other side, weathered but still holding hands, isn't easy. It's the most difficult thing there can possibly be, but I know now it's the truest test of love there is. Life hasn't been easy, but it gets less painful every day, and as I look at Saif, I know that love--in its essence, at its core--is the most bittersweet thing there is" (Saeed, 2015 p. 277).
What I loved:
Everything. Period. The End.
Saeed created Naila and gifted her with such a wonderful voice. This novel was equal parts romance, suspense, travelogue, and cultural narrative. All this wrapped up in a beautiful YA package.
Naila. She was a strong young woman. She had to leave her family to have peace of mind and a good future. The lesson here is that sometimes your family, those you are supposed to love with your whole heart and those who are supposed to have your best interests at heart, do not have your best interests at heart. Sometimes you just have to make your own way in this terrible, harsh, and cold world.
The resource list at the back of the book is wonderful. I am so glad that it was presented and that those who are able to help can help out.
My one gripe is that the glossary was at the back of the book. This would have been helpful to have up front, but this is only a minor annoyance.
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