Written in the Stars

Written in the Stars is by debut author Aisha Saeed

Naila's conservative immigrant parents have always said the same thing: She may choose what to study, how to wear her hair, and what to be when she grows up- by they will choose her husband.  Following their cultural tradition, they will plan an arranged marriage for her.  And until then, dating- even friendship with a boy- is forbidden.  When Naila breaks their rules by falling in love with Saif, her parents are livid.  Convinced she has forgotten who she truly is, they travel to Pakistan to visit relatives and explore their roots.  But Naila's vacation turns into a nightmare when she learns that plans have changed- her parents have found her a husband and they want her to marry him, now!  Despite her greatest efforts, Naila is aghast to find herself cut off from everything and everyone she once knew.  Her only hope of escape is Saif... if he can find her before it's too late.

The Breakdown:
1. Saeed's style and subject remind me heavily of Khaled Hosseni's writing. This is not a subject for the light of heart, but it is a great story and has some very deep messages.  It really enlightened me of forced arranged marriages, and they are not just happening to people in far off places.

2. I really liked Naila as a character.  She is smart, and so much stronger than I imagine I would be in her situation.  She bends but they do not break her in the end.  My heart hurts for her at times, and despite what a good daughter she has been that her parents so easily throw her away.

3. Saif is a truly amazing character.  What he goes through to find her, and how his love for her does not change despite the changes in her.  He is the kind of guy every girls wish they could meet.

4. Saeed does not only an amazing job of writing on such a heavy subject, but she also paints an amazing picture of Pakistan.  She describes the food, landscape, and even the culture so wonderfully.  It is easy to imagine the setting and almost the feel and smell of being there.

To Read or Not to Read:
Read