Review Detail

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.