Fairly certain I read this years ago, rereading for work and just as emotional. Just wish I saw more relationship development at the beginning. ( )

This one was heartbreaking.
I was glad for the Author Note at the end juxtaposing her happy arranged marriage to the abject horror of an arrangement which was Naila's.
I was also heartened that Amin was portrayed in a sympathetic light, also affected by cultural expectations as much as Naila.

One thing bothered me: did Naila really think that she could sneak and go to prom without it getting back to her parents?

This story of teen spirited away to the Indian subcontinent for a forced arranged marriage reminds me of another novel I've read The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan.
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This book was so hard to read. So full of betrayals and so true to life that I found it gut-wrenching. If you want an excellent book on the plight of women in the world and arranged marriages from an inside view, this one has a lot to say. Naila's story made me angry, but I appreciate that the author tried to offer a balanced perspective on the subject.

Advanced copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

Naila is a young Pakistani American living the life of a normal teenager until her parents force her into an arranged marriage in Pakistan. An intense, suspenseful story of the realities of forced marriages. Author’s Note, Resources.

Another excellent teen book by Aisha Saeed, actually her first. It was heartbreaking to read of this young woman's frightening clash with her familial culture, love, and independence we here count on. So well done! ( )