Friday, June 24, 2011

Debut YA Author Medeia Sharif & BESTEST. RAMADAN. EVER.

Do you know one of those people who's pretty much awesome at everything and makes you feel like a total heel? Well, if you don't know her already, here's one more to add to your list! Yes, you guessed it, I'm talking about debut YA Author, Medeia Sharif!
Medeia is not only a gorgeous debut author (ummm...did you see that hair and those eyes), but she holds a master's degree in psychology, she's a teacher, and get this folks, she's a member of Mensa! And yes, I feel even dumber now just writing this post! ;)

In any case, I'm so happy that Medeia's book has finally released. When you read the above, you might think with all her brains, her writing might be kind of stuffy, right--because she's such a smarty-pants? No way! Her debut novel, BESTEST. RAMADAN. EVER. is anything but stuffy! What kind of stuffy person uses the word "bestest" and in the title no less?

Here's a little blurb from BRE to show you what I mean:
During Ramadan, we're not allowed to eat from sunrise to sunset, for a whole month. My family does this every year, even though I've been to a mosque exactly twice in my fifteen years. My exercise-obsessed mom—whose hotness skipped a generation, sadly—says I could stand to lose a few. But is torture really an acceptable method? I think not.

Things wouldn't be so bad if I had a boyfriend, but my oppressive parents forbid me to date. This is just cruel and wrong. Especially since Peter, a cute and crushable artist, might be my soul mate. Figures my bestest friend Lisa likes him, too.


To top it off, there's a new Muslim girl in school who struts around in super-short skirts, commanding every boy's attention—including Peter's. How can I get him to notice me? And will I ever feel like a typical American girl?

Doesn't this book sound like a blast? Kirkus and Booklist say so!
"A humorous, hip look at the ups and downs of fasting for Ramadan within the context of intergenerational and cultural challenges."—KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Upbeat and breezy, this novel will be a useful addition to many YA collections seeking diversity with a light tone and a focus on family, friends, and faith."—BOOKLIST

Long story short, I think Medeia is awesome and I'm so thrilled her book is finally out! Please follow her blog if you don't already and of course...BUY HER BOOK, all the links you need are below!! 

BESTEST. RAMADAN. EVER., Flux, 2011
ISBN: 0738723231 (ISBN13: 9780738723235)
Purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, Indiebound, Borders, Books-A-Million, The Book DepositoryFlux, Kobo

CONGRATS, MEDEIA!!

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous6/24/2011

    Thank you, Hilary!

    I'm not too much of a smarty-pants. I was surprised Mensa let me in. :p

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  2. Medeia, you are so welcome! Have a blast at ALA! I'm so happy for you!!!! :)

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  3. Yay for Medeia! The book sounds like a blast, and the voice--wow.

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  4. Edith Brooks6/24/2011

    Oh, this looks like so much fun! I bet my daughter would love this, me too!

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  5. Julie, I know! I love the voice too and it's totally age appropriate for the character!

    Edith, I bet you're daughter will think it's fantastic!!

    xoxo -- Hilary

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  6. This does sound wonderful. I'm definitely going to get for me daughter...and me! :-)

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  7. Can't wait to read it! And I'm a lifetime member of the Medeia fan club. Got my Sharif badge and everything! Bestest of luck to you and your book, Medeia!

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  8. SP, yes, total daughter love!

    Kai, she's just a cool chicka! You have the badge. I have the T-shirt! Ha, ha!

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  9. This sounds like a fun read. Congratulations Medeia!

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  10. Anonymous6/29/2011

    You're a member of Mensa? I am increasingly impressed, the more I find out about you, Medeia.

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