Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions

What I Liked: This book is a must-read for everyone, but especially for teenagers who need to know that they can be queer and have their own relationship with God. There were so many moments while listening to this audiobook in which I paused to take in the words that were just said. These moments were moments of clarity and to cheer for the realizations that were happening for Ramin.

The inclusion of Ramin's faith is important and a central part of this story. Throughout this book, you see various interactions Ramin has with the Imam and with others about what being Muslim is about. He engages online through a forum in which he searches for answers regarding his sexuality and what it means to be gay and Muslim. These moments are crucial to the plot of this story and to Ramin's character development. It's amazing to see the realizations that Ramin comes to after reflecting on what he knows and getting information from various sources. It was refreshing to see him push back against what the Imam was teaching him and question what others of the same faith said about his sexuality.

The relationships that Ramin forms with each member of the soccer team add heart to the story as they all help him navigate different aspects of his life. Watching the team work together to ensure that Ramin feels welcome with the group and to place him in a role that works for him is heartwarming. While soccer plays a large role in this story, I wouldn't be deterred if you aren't a sports fan, because there is a lot more involved with this story.

The emotions that Ramin goes through jump off the page at you because he is a multifaceted character. Ramin is a fun character to follow because of his various emotions, and because of the way he is written, it feels like you are immersed in those same feelings alongside Ramin. Each of the moments in which he shifts from day-to-day regular feelings to angsty feelings is intriguing, as he feels those feelings genuinely. As we are in Ramin's mind, we get to see his feelings unfold and see what he keeps from others.

Final Verdict: Ramin Abbas has Major Questions is perfect for fans of Adib Khorram, coming-of-age stories, and coming-out stories. This book should get into the hands of queer youth who might be struggling with reconciling their faith and their queerness, as it will feel like a validation of who they are. Young adults will relate to the struggles that Ramin is facing throughout this book, both because of his sexuality and also just because of the difficulty of being a teenager, making friends, and navigating their family.

RAMIN ABBAS HAS MAJOR QUESTIONS follows the titular character, Ramin, as he struggles with being both gay and a Muslim. He’s spent his whole life obeying his parents and his religion, but a new crush throws a bunch of new questions his way. How can he decide between being true to himself and staying with his religion? Does he have to?

This book tackles a lot of heavy topics. There’s no question about that. Ramin has some serious questions and a lot of emotions. But, as serious as it may feel at times, the author does a fantastic job of not letting it seem hopeless. Ahmad Saber manages to portray joy, even when the description and setting make it feel like it should be all doom and gloom. It’s a fascinating dichotomy.

Saber does a fantastic job at writing Ramin’s emotions. They feel so genuine that your heart may hurt at times. There’s no corners cut, no overwhelming sugar-coating. As joyful as this book is, it’s just as emotional. It’s written where joy isn’t the absence of emotion and struggle, it’s overcoming that and finding who you are even when the world would rather you stay hidden.

Ramin is also just a fantastic character to follow. His voice carries through the pages. He can go from regular teenager to angsty young adult in a heartbeat. Because he is all of those things. He’s not written as a flat character. He comes off the page with life, his experiences shaping him into who he is today.

A joyfully emotional ride, RAMIN ABBAS HAS MAJOR QUESTIONS is a fantastic YA reader. Perfect for readers who want to be torn apart and rebuilt all at once.