The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

(SPOILERS)Before I share my main issue with this book, I want to say that I really enjoyed reading it. I think it shines a light on the struggles women and gay people face in Muslim cultures. In fact, I read it in nearly one who sitting. It is very well written and I felt connected to Ruhksana and her struggles throughout the story.That being said, as soon as I hit the last several chapters after Rukhsana makes it back home, I was really disappointed.It makes NO sense for Ruhksana's parents' sudden change of heart about homosexuality at the end of the story. They were such devout Muslims that they abused and forced their daughter into an arranged marriage (not to mention they probably spent thousands of dollars for the wedding, to which Ruhksana and Sohail didn't show up). Suddenly they rescind their deeply held religious beliefs after all of that? I'm sorry, but it's just beyond the stretch of my imagination to grasp that as fathomable.Regardless of that one aspect, I really enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend it!

I one-clicked this book after reading the sample, without even realizing it was release day.And I was completely blown away by the story that unfolded before me.Rukhsana is a gay high school senior living in Seattle. She hasn't come out yet, because she's certain that her very strict Muslim parents would not approve. But when her mother catches her making out with her girlfriend, Ariana, shit hits the fan. She is taken to Bangladesh to see her family, but she soon realizes that her mother may have had ulterior motives.The plot follows Rukhsana through the hardships of being gay in a community where that could literally cost a person their life. Her relationship with her parents becomes strained, and she tries to do what she can to keep her friendships with back in Seattle intact. She knows she needs to find a way out -- but she doesn't know how.This book was, in one word, emotional. I felt horrified and angry and so sad for Rukhsana, and I wanted to hit her parents. I felt love for her cousin and grandmother. I loved Ariana. Sabina Khan wrote a truly emotional, real story -- one that (I think) represents Muslim culture well, both in America and in Bangladesh.I loved this book so much that I went and bought the hardcover and the Kindle version just to give her the support she so greatly deserves!We need more books like this.

I loved how relatable this story was - I'm not South Asian but I come from a home of strict African parents. I loved how culturally enriched it was and how brutally honest and bold the story is, unapologetically attacking and revealing true traumas and issues diverse groups are facing. Just a well-written story, you fall in love with characters, you feel their hope,joy and anxiety you love with them and cry with them.. just amazing. I will be reading it again. Also I'm not a reader. It takes a good book for me to read. And this book was good.

First thing I want to say is, if I could give this book infinity stars, I definitely would. One reason I was super excited about this book is that it is about a teenage lesbian girl and as a teenage lesbian girl, myself, I have not seen very many books with that representation.Rukhsana is a teenage lesbian Muslim girl who comes from a very conservative family. She has a girlfriend, Ariana, whom only her friends and brother know about. Throughout the book, her brother is super supportive of her and that is one of the many things I absolutely love in this book. Their relationship is so, so important to this story. He will always stand up for her and protect her no matter what. She is scared to tell her parents about Ariana in fear of how they would react to her being gay. Until one day, her mom catches her and Ariana kissing in her room and from that moment on, Rukhsana feels as if everything good in her life is gone. Her parents take her to Bangladesh and try to force her into arranged marriages. She will not give in though and I adore that about Rukhsana, she knows what’s good for her and she knows she deserves happiness so she will not let anyone tell her what to do with her life.While in Bangladesh she finds that people she thought might never support her, love her no matter what. I don’t want to give spoilers so I’m not going to say any names but those people who continue to give her love made my heart so full and I couldn’t be happier with them. Rukhsana’s grandmother gives her an old diary she used to write in earlier in her life. I loved how Khan put this in the book. It shows that even though we may go through really rough patches in life, there will always be good that will come back.I don’t think I’ve felt so many emotions while reading a book. I laughed, cried (both good and bad tears), got really angry, sad, then happy. Rukhsana also educated her American friends on Bengali culture and that was super important for both her and her friends. I, as the reader, learned so much also. I learned so much about Rukhsana’s family and where they come from, and that even though they still have so far to go with accepting different traditions, they have also gotten very far in not being as strict.I tried to pace myself on this book so I could take everything in but I just ended up flying through it and I am not ashamed. There are always questions to be asked throughout the book and that’s what kept me going. This is a great book for anyone and everyone to read. I will continue to recommend this book and give all my love to it. And, if you haven’t already, check this book out!

A high 3.5 for me, which is why I’m rounding it up to a four for Goodreads. I really liked the emotions in this book even though the pacing and some of the characters threw me a bit. First, definite trigger warnings with this book (homophobia, violence, sexual assault, abuse, death).Possible spoilers:If we’re being honest, I didn’t like Rukhsana’s Seattle friends or her girlfriend. Their attitudes in regards to what she was experiencing just made them extremely unlike able. I know it was supposed show their ignorance and lend itself to what Rukhsana was going to, but it just made me want her have a new gf and new friends, even at the end. In some ways their reactions were worse or on the same level as her family.The added level of her grandmother’s story was a great, unexpected, but sad addition. Just overall a very emotional book.

I love this book. It had me gripped from start to finish. I was begging Rukhsana not to get on the plane. It's a trap! The characters were well written and I love all the food and clothing. I'm hungry now.It's great being able to read about characters who are like me. I just wish this had been written 25 years ago!

I loved the beginning of this book, but I agree with other reviewers that the ending is very rushed and the main character is very forgiving!

AmazingI thought this was a very heart racing\warning book with a good meaning would recommend syn 've full nd

This was truly a rollercoaster of emotions to read. I had to put it down several times as it was difficult to realise that these things happen in reality. The author should be very proud of herself for being able to share this with the world and I am grateful for being able to read it.

My best friend recommended this inspiring and captivating book, and I am ever so glad I read it. Beautifully written!