Written in the Stars in Around the World in 80 Books

Mar 24, 2015 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: travel-the-world

A powerful story.

2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 03, 2015 Kirsten Barber rated it liked it

Shelves: genre-fiction, level-young-adult, genre-romance, mood-disturbing, setting-middle-east, genre-realistic-fiction, setting-usa, setting-pakistan, representation-middle-eastern

Naila's traditional Pakistani mother and father have a different parenting style than her other American friends. While she can choose how to do her hair and where to go to college, her parents will choose who she will marry. So when her mother and father discover her relationship with another Pakistani-American, Saif, they are angry and ashamed. They forbid her to finish her last week of high school, and plan a vacation to Pakistan starting on the day of her graduation. At first, Naila is excit Naila's traditional Pakistani mother and father have a different parenting style than her other American friends. While she can choose how to do her hair and where to go to college, her parents will choose who she will marry. So when her mother and father discover her relationship with another Pakistani-American, Saif, they are angry and ashamed. They forbid her to finish her last week of high school, and plan a vacation to Pakistan starting on the day of her graduation. At first, Naila is excited to meet her extended family and explore a new country, but it quickly becomes apparent that their trip is not all leisure. Her parents attend to arrange her marriage that summer, and Naila has no choice about who or when. Will she be able to escape the ties of tradition and find her way back to Saif? Or is she doomed to stay trapped in a world where she doesn't belong?

Written in the Stars was somewhat frustrating to read. Parts of it seemed somewhat contrived, especially what took place in America. I kept asking myself if the story was unbelievable because it was so far from the reality I'm used to, but really I think it had more to do with the flatness of Naila's parents and even Saif. In addition, it was hard to watch Naila wish that Saif would come and save her. As much as I could see how hopeless Naila's situation was and as much as I couldn't envision another solution, I still didn't want to admit that there were no other options.

Still, the cultural descriptions were fascinating, and it was interesting to learn more about arranged marriages and why they are still prevalent today. While introspective and character-driven, the book read quickly. I found Amin's character particularly interesting because he seemed to embody both tradition and humanity. Without him, I would not have been able to understand how arranged marriages still continue in today's world and how they might work in some situations. What's even more fascinating is that the author's bio mentions that she drew some of her inspiration from her own (happily) arranged marriage, along with the experiences of other friends who were not so lucky.

I do have to say that having Tinie Tempah's song in my head the whole time I was reading this wasn't entirely unpleasant, although it did get a little annoying after a bit. Maybe a different choice of title would have been better?

Recommended to readers who enjoy international stories like The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson or Patricia McCormick's Sold.

Ages 14 and up ...more

Like · see review