Asiyah | A quest for self-love

Asiyah is an excellent piece of writing ! I finished reading the book in less than 24 hours - it was so engaging; I had to go on and before I knew it, I was done ! The whole story was very real and relate-able ! The attention to details was amazing. But what I loved most about the book was that it had subtle, yet very thought provoking messages everywhere. I even mentioned to the author - Zainab that I feel like I want to meet Asiyah and Armaan :)

Great work - and I hope for a sequel in the near future !!

I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend. While many aspects of the character's life were relatable, it was very interesting for me personally (coming from a very similar background), to find other instances that gave me another perspective and insight. The book is genuine, well-written, and takes the reader through various emotions. Thank you Zainab for a great read!

Asiyah offers a very accurate insight into the life of a regular Muslim girl (particularly a Khoja Shia from East Africa). It is very well-written and Zainab does a great job of covering some important conflicts that we (Shia girls) experience in a very matter-of-fact and humorous manner. There were so many times that I felt like Asiyah was the 18-22 year old me. Zainab has done a brilliant job for her first novel, I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

I'm in total lack of words to describe the many emotions I felt reading this book. I laughed and cried and sympathized_ aaah it was just amazing.
I could totally relate to most of the situations even though I'm from Nigeria and it was just great to see that someone else has experienced this.
It wasn't only relatable but also inspiring. I'm glad I came across this book and bought it on impulse on Instagram. I look forward to reading more of your work.

Asiyah is an incredible book written by Zainab Karim. It's a tale about a girl who is trying to discover who she is while listening to everyone telling her who she should be. It revolves around the concept of acceptance, friendship and sisterhood, as well as the concept of marriage in Islam. Growing up, I never read any books that had my side of a fairytale. A book that told me how the process of getting to know someone islamically unfolds and this book also gave me that with detail, emotions, and most importantly, reality. I connected with this book on so many levels and it really opened my eyes to how many unspoken rules and customs we follow without even realizing. I saw myself in Asiyah several times in this book and I truly felt what she felt. I would definitely recommend it to those who are interested in knowing more about finding yourself and the importance of appreciating yourself

This book was extremely touching, inspiring and over all just AMAZING. the fact that I could relate to Asiyah in some parts made it even more impactful for me. I'd never tire of reading it.

This book was such a good read. I loved it so much and the way that Colorado is described makes me wanna back to the places mentioned and see them with fresh eyes. I also felt like I was living her life which is always a sign of a good book to me

After a long awaited wait I finally got my copy of Asiyah and just finished reading it.
It was the kind I could not put down. So beautifully written and so many relatable aspects which a growing up young woman can relate to. This is a must read for all the young girls out there. Loved every bit of the book. Well done Zainab!! Truly incredible and impressive. I could not stop smiling while reading it . I am already looking forward to a sequel :) and hoping there's going to be one soon In Shaa Allah. Keep it up and don't stop. You have a long way to go :) Definitely deserves 5 stars.

Asiyah is so far one of my favourite books. I am so glad I got my hands on it that I could not leave it. Thankfully, I got it during my holidays and I could read it for hours without mum scolding me ;)
Anyways it was great reading it and I especially loved the self confidence part which was very relatable for me. Thank you for an amazing and motivating novels. May you always be successful in the future. God bless! ❤

I just wanted to say that it was beautiful reading a book that had so much depth and so many things to reflect on. I've learned a lot from reading it and I'd absolutely love to read anything like this again!
I loved how you wrote about being content and happy with yourself, because it's something that's so easy to forget with the way we live. There's so many more things I learned too, and the little reflections Asiyah has after the things she goes through really stood out to me.
Thank you for writing this Zainab!

And after a long wait to hold it, I've finally finished it. For starters, it's an amazingly written book and leaves you wanting more! However, even better is the fact that as a Muslim lady (in particular a Khoja Shia one) I could totally relate to the thoughts, struggles and happenings in Asiyah's life - something a book has never done for me. As an avid reader, I've always enjoyed losing myself in the stories I read but when one can relate to that story so strongly; then that's a whole other league!
Well done Zainab for introducing Asiyah into our lives and giving us a character we can see ourselves in. Maybe a sequel now? �

Had my aunt grab me a copy in April...meant to read it after exam season...ended up reading the entire book the same day!!!

Undoubtedly one of the best reads I've had in a while. Every chapter speaks right to you and offers an exceptional insight into Asiyah's life. The book does justice to the themes discussed, whilst simultaneously magnifies the importance of such discussions in our world today.

I loved this book so much! It's definitely going to be one of my favorites!
I saw so many similarities between Asiyah and me! Do you know how it feels when you find yourself in a book? Well, I found myself here :)

I loved all the Bollywood references since am a very big Bollywood fan.. and reading about all that Indian food made me crave it!
I had a really good feeling while reading this, whenever I opened the book I felt like am entering another beautiful world! I always felt happy when I closed it.
Oh and I'll definitely give a star to the definitions at the end of some pages, they really are useful for the non Muslim reader.
5/5
Well done Zainab :)

I have to admit, reading Asiyah wasn't foremost on my list given that I'm so far past my 24-yr old self that I didn't imagine I would be able to connect with many of Asiyah's experiences. Perhaps I had chosen to forget my own from this time of my life.

Anyway, one night when I knew I wasn't going to get any sleep, I started flicking through the early pages of the book. I found the script very easy to read and seldom did I have to go back to connect the dots - this for me is always a good sign.

When I woke the next morning, I felt compelled to go back and see where Asiyah's journey was taking her. So I settled into my armchair with my cup of tea and my warm throw. At 9pm, I put the book down (complete!).

Reading Asiyah took me back many years to this poignant part of my life - so many of her struggles sounded familiar ... her struggle to fit in, to conform, to be someone that she's inherently not, and almost a sadness for being in a society that has settled at a physical / material level. Asiyah takes courageous steps to reflect and analyse, something that many don't. Isn't it her Mum who says at the beginning just look around and do what everyone else is doing?

Zainab, you did good! Well written and able to transport the reader to Asiyah's world. Clearly this book has a target audience so it'll be interesting to see how people outside our community will respond, but it is a very authentic and honest story. I really see a lot of potential in your writing and really hope that Asiyah will be the first of many publications.

I can relate so much to Asiyah which made this book so enjoyable to read. The book is very well written and I love the way it takes us through Asiyah's journey to discover what real 'happiness' is. I hope there is another book because the ending didn't do it for me.. I was expecting more! ;)

Asiyah spoke to my heart right from the first page to the last..and for that case; as a blogger , am offering to do a review of the book and post on my site (salummy.co.ke)
I could actually relate with so much; from the pajama nights, to the messy buns, the no-make up faces, the hashtags and how arranged marriages are posed. I was joyous at so many instances remembering how I tackled some of the issues that Asiyah faced as well; how you read through my mind is magic that only another writer can decipher
Ratings, oh well, 4.5/5✴

Asiyah is a must read for sure !
I hardly read books but Asiyah , I didnt want it to end at any point !

I am not a bookworm but I just couldn't stop turning the pages!!

Honestly i am not one to read for too long before getting tired, but not with this book... its full of smiles, giggles, tears and most importantly a perspective not commonly seen by most men at least. From the get go of this book you will be captivated and allured in by how raw and realistic the characters are and the backpack of emotions each carry as well as how you will be able to relate to them. I honestly can not do justice to this book. Thumbs up Zainab. I am eagerly looking forward to Your next book!
That is just the gist of what this book entails. so buy it, read it, spread it, keep it and cherish it for your children to benefit too.

I had no idea what to expect when I began reading Asiyah. What I ended up reading was a well-written, entertaining and thought provoking glimpse into the life of a not-so-ordinary Muslim woman. The lessons on being comfortable and loving yourself, respecting yourself and your values, and living with integrity are invaluable especially in the current state of affairs in the world. For Zainab to be able to articulate so many raw, emotional and vulnerable aspects of life that a young woman experiences is incredibly brave and refreshing. I especially loved the glimpses into Muslim life and how it's helped me better understand those who follow Islam.

Looking forward to the next book!

I just love this bookkkk! I am so not a bookworm but this book was just so amazing! You don't get such books nowadays also it's was really nice because you understand the Muslim stuff in the book I am definitely waiting for another book from you❤️❤️ Keep it up!

Very well written. Amazing.

I could relate with Asiyah so much, that her feelings became mine while reading the book. There were times I used to be very self concious about my modest looks and considered changing them just to be liked by others, but Asiyah taught me to love myself a little more. Just the mere thought of a man giving me attention made me curious and my naive past self would have given in, just cause I was sucked into that obsession of marriage, as if it is the only thing that will make me worth something. I learned to value much more important things not only about myself but also others (friends, potential husband and so on). So if you are feeling under pressure by societys expectations about a muslim girl then I'd recommend you to give this book a try!

First of all, I am so so proud of you Zainab! Your writing is phenomenal!
About the book: Its AMAZING!! The words have been put so perfectly about what every girl or rather muslim girl feels or experiences on her day to day life. This is for all the girls/ladies out there who think they are not good enough because of how they appear and what they wear. This book is totally going to change my thoughts when I look at myself in the mirror as I get ready for a khushali function or a wedding or just a casual outing. I couldn't agree any more on how hollywood and bollywood movies have influenced our thoughts and built a wall of expectations in our minds that when broken down, shatters us too.
It has taught me that beauty is not how I appear and which lipstick color looks best on me, rather its in my actions, words and thoughts. It has made me understand that it's okay to have a pimple on my face or not to look 'sent from heaven' on my special day (that's coming up really soon), as long as everyone around me appreciates my existence and loves me for who I am not how I look.
Most of all, makes me feel proud to be muslim and to wear a hijab

This book had me totally captivated! Brilliantly written, well thought-out and perfectly executed, the story of Asiyah is completely relatable to every modern hijabi muslim girl who is searching for or has at some point been unsure of her self-identity. I read the book in just two afternoons! Thank you so much for sharing the story of Asiyah with all of us. Will keep an eye out for a sequel inshaAllah!! WELL DONE!!

Asiyah | A quest for self-love

Truly amazing

I'll pre-face this by saying I don't typically stray from crime/thriller books, but I read the first few pages and was instantly hooked by the realness of the characters and their interactions, and wanting to know what curveballs life threw their way. Aside from an engaging story about a young woman facing various aspects of adulthood (that brought me instantly back to those same thoughts and feelings) was an intimate look into the Muslim culture and practices that I had never had a true glimpse into before. The book is full of good humour and interesting observations about conflicting priorities, and will have you rooting for the likeable Asiyah. The book felt very raw and honest, and had me looking forward to my subway rides to and from work to continue the read! Hope to see more from this author or perhaps continuing to read up on an older Asiyah and her family :).

Asiyah is a 22yr Uni student living at home with her parents. She has a caring supportive older sister who's always by her side. Asiyah is at an age where marriage proposals are coming in and she decides to look into them. Through this decision she experiences heartbreak, disappointment and other emotions. I found Asiyah to be a relatable person, she's a simple, down to earth kind of girl trying to find her feet in life. She's trying to find her likes and dislikes, specially with fashion and make-up. In the end she finds a balance with most things that come her way and she learns about self love. I liked the way Asiyah's parents are very supportive and always there for her. It was nice to see that nothing was forced and all the decision making was left to her alone. The inner struggles and insecurities she faces, I remember facing the same ones Yonks ago, so It was refreshing to read a story I can see myself in! I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend.

Asiyah | A quest for self-love

Asiyah was an absolute amazing read. It is captivating from the get go and i would at most times struggle to keep it down without knowing what's going to happen next.
In addition, it is an extremely relatable piece.

Definite must read!

So when I first decided to buy this book, I only had read a quote of it off ig. I actually considered this an "impulse buy" I was just intrigued by the quote and the aesthetic of it. But when I got into reading this book I felt as if I could relate to it completely. With also having an older sister and trying to live in America.

I would recommend everyone to read it especially Muslimah's. As a child I used read a lot of books but I wasn't able to relate to the characters. However as a hijabi I was able to relate to the main character. The narration is beautifully put together and it is relatively an easy read therefore anyone can read it. I hope you guys enjoy the book as much as I did.

Zainab writes in a way that makes "Asiyah" not just a pleasurable read, but a story packed with realistic situations that a muslimah faces every day and meaningful progressive ways that one can deal with them. She inspires young women to shake free of the need to be proving themselves as normal, peaceful, fun and fashionable Muslims.
Relating from real-life experiences, readers will be able to connect and transform their views on day to day issues to help themselves live happier and more liberated lives.
This novel is also filled with moments of poetic reflections and is guaranteed to change your perspective on things that you encounter daily.

I'm so happy I read this book, AND in less than 3 days. The writing is wonderful and the characters are so relatable! It made me reevaluate my relationship with some material attachments that get in the way of my proper practice. I'm not a born Muslim, I'm a revert of only 1 year, and this book also allowed me to hear the struggles of born Muslims letting me know my own insecurities are that of every female. Jazakhallah khair for this wonderful piece of writing!!!!!

Asiyah is an exceptional story of a Muslim girl who migrates to the West. The struggles with love, family and studies are beautifully narrated. For me, the best part was that I could finally relate to the main lead in a story. A riveting tale that I would recommend everyone to read!

In a world where young women can feel insecure about themselves by the impossible standards of beauty that the magazines have set, Asiyah is a refreshing look at what really matters: self love. Asiyah's rebellious nature is a fun experience and it gives the reader the confidence to celebrate their own uniqueness. Asiyah's quest for self love teaches us that finding happiness is not about how well you can fit in to the norms that society expects of you, but rather how to learn to appreciate what makes you different.

This book is a must read for all Muslim girls growing up in today's high fashion, make up and social media boom! Asiyah helps the reader realize and draw a connection to a deeper and more meaningful self. The ability to reconnect with your soul and your Lord. It's very easy to relate to Asiyah, the main character in the book! The author is very articulate and can express complex things so easily into words. There should definitely be a sequel to the book! Good Job Zainab!!

I liked the detail of the writing in this story and the themes such as not judging people and challenges girls face when seeking self-love. I did, however, feel that the story focused a lot on marriage. But overall I liked it!

I honestly, truly, actually thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's so relevant to me and I’m sure youth living in the West can understand the themes in this book!
I think the part that resonated most with me was about being judgmental. We can be so quick to judge people without actually understanding where they are coming from. I appreciate how Asiyah’s character recognizes her flaw and then actively works toward being a more genuine person.

Asiyah | A quest for self-love

I think the book is a fantastic read for muslims, young adults, teenagers and anyone who can relate to the issues faced by Asiyah. I haven't read the book myself yet as my sisters have read it and have passed it onto their friends as it was soo good. I would hope the international shipping costs would reduce for other people as shipping to the UK it was a little much. I have to say the shipping was extremely fast, within a few days which I wasn't expecting Its also nice to have young muslim writers getting their work out as such a scale :) Keep it up