WRITTEN IN THE STARS

A compelling YA debut novel about a Pakistani-American girl who struggles to create her own fate.

Naila’s conservative immigrant parents have always planned an arranged marriage for her, following their cultural tradition. Until then, dating, even friendship with a boy, is forbidden. So when Naila falls in love with Saif, they’re 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 suitor, and they’re going to make her marry him. 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 even find her.

This heart-wrenching novel explores what it is like to be thrust into an unwanted marriage. While Naila grieves, her family celebrates her union. Is she a fool to fight her destiny? Was it written in the stars? Or can she still make her own destiny?

The author Aisha Saeed is a Pakistani-American writer, teacher, and attorney. Her writings have appeared in publications including The Orlando Sentinel, Muslim Girl magazine, and Rivaaj magazine. She is also a contributing author to the highly-acclaimed Love Insh’Allah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women, which features the story of her own (happily) arranged marriage. Aisha was one of the creators of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks social media campaign and spoke on the BEA panel.