Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices
by S. K.Ali (Editor), Alisha Saeed (Editor)
There are a lot of ways to show our faith and love to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
You pick the ones that are right for who you are right now.
Candice Montgomery
You pick the ones that are right for who you are right now.
Candice Montgomery
 |  So this is what Eid tastes like! N.H. Senzai This collection of short stories paints miniature portraits of an assemblage of Eid-al-Fitr celebrations. While the practice of faith varies within the Muslim community, each unique Eid observance is memorable. |
The anthology is feast for the senses. Stories include lighthearted as well as poignant glimpses into the culminating observance of Ramadan with descriptions of private prayer, public celebrations, distinctive clothing, special food, and gifts. Readers meet a recent convert to Islam. She fasts and samples spicy foods for the first time. For others Eid is bittersweet, reviewing celebrations from years past and remembering absent family members. Some entries follow the journey to be with family: taking the subway to the Bronx or sitting in the car’s back seat with siblings on the way to Sydney, Australia. I loved the descriptions of clothing: choosing to wear a hajib for the first time or fashioning a unique gown from a thrift store purchase.
A variety of writing styles and formats (prose, verse, comic panels) share long-standing traditions and introduce contemporary celebrations. Bake a batch of special Eid brownies with ALL the toppings and savor this delightful anthology. Share the joy of family, generosity, and friendship.
Joyous Faces
| It’s true. Muslims women are diverse. They cannot be typecast. Each woman is unique, reflecting her country, culture, and family. Some chose to express themselves with a head scarf. Some opt for a western style of dress. What do they have in common? Pride in their Muslim identity. Respect for the diverse ways to practice their faith. |  |   |
Insightful stories. Engaging plots. Thought-provoking points of view. S.K. Ali and Alisha Saeed have assembled the work of fifteen talented women. Meet some of the amazing authors who contributed to this anthology.
| | Once Upon an Eid contributors include: G. Willow Wilson (Alif the Unseen, Ms. Marvel), Hena Khan (Amina's Voice, More to the Story), N. H. Senzai (Shooting Kabul, Escape from Aleppo), Hanna Alkaf (The Weight of Our Sky), Rukhsana Khan (Big Red Lollipop), Randa Abdel-Fattah (Does My Head Look Big in This?), Ashley Franklin (Not Quite Snow White), Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (Mommy's Khimar), Candice Montgomery (Home and Away, By Any Means Necessary), Huda Al-Marashi (First Comes Marriage), Ayesha Mattu ( Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim and Salaam), Asmaa Hussein (A Temporary Gift: Reflections on Love, Loss and Healing), and Sara Alfageeh ( Star Wars Women of the Galaxy). |
| I can almost hear their whispered wishes- duas spoken in the fields each Eid. Say “ameen” to those prayers, all our voices as one. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow |
Electronic copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: May 5, 2020 Publisher: Amulet Books ISBN: 978-1419740831
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