What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Man in Paradise
A darkly humorous and emotional homecoming story about a young man reconciling with his estranged family and finding the way back to love, from the author ofThe Bad Muslim Discount.
A decade ago, Azaan, a rebellious teenager with dreams of becoming an actor, was exiled from Redding, California to a religious academy in Egypt by his imam father. His crime? Getting caught kissing Madison, the girlfriend he isn’t supposed to have.
But while letting his family believe he is studying to become a preacher, Azaan ditched school and embarked on an acting career. Given that he has minimal contact and nonexistent plans to return home, he figured no one would ever know. Now, however, Azaan’s grandfather has a dying he wants to see his grandson one last time. In order to maintain the story he’s told his family for years, Azaan decides to become a fake imam. Playing at being a religious leader, he finds a community in Redding on the brink of a scandal involving his family. It’ll be the most challenging role of his life.
Navigating his new identity and old relationships, Azaan reunites with Madison, connects with old friends, and uncovers a shocking truth about his family history that threatens to expose his father as a fraud. It turns out, Azaan isn’t the only one pretending to be something he isn’t.
Before he can finish weighing the consequences of exposing his father or protecting him, an untimely death shakes Azaan's priorities. He is forced to grapple with his religion, future, and family in a way that is sure to break hearts, but might heal a few along the way.
A decade ago, Azaan, a rebellious teenager with dreams of becoming an actor, was exiled from Redding, California to a religious academy in Egypt by his imam father. His crime? Getting caught kissing Madison, the girlfriend he isn’t supposed to have.
But while letting his family believe he is studying to become a preacher, Azaan ditched school and embarked on an acting career. Given that he has minimal contact and nonexistent plans to return home, he figured no one would ever know. Now, however, Azaan’s grandfather has a dying he wants to see his grandson one last time. In order to maintain the story he’s told his family for years, Azaan decides to become a fake imam. Playing at being a religious leader, he finds a community in Redding on the brink of a scandal involving his family. It’ll be the most challenging role of his life.
Navigating his new identity and old relationships, Azaan reunites with Madison, connects with old friends, and uncovers a shocking truth about his family history that threatens to expose his father as a fraud. It turns out, Azaan isn’t the only one pretending to be something he isn’t.
Before he can finish weighing the consequences of exposing his father or protecting him, an untimely death shakes Azaan's priorities. He is forced to grapple with his religion, future, and family in a way that is sure to break hearts, but might heal a few along the way.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2024
7 people are currently reading
8144 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 12, 2024
↬ review: 5 stars ☾ ❦
i picked this book up on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and i have to admit, i almost put it down before finishing it. initially, i worried it might portray islam in a negative light, but i'm so incredibly glad i kept reading. this book turned out to be a stunning tribute to the beauty and universality of islam and the complexity of human nature.
before i continue, i must mention that this book is about so much more than islam. it's also about love, family, friendships, growth and the importance of a community.
❀ islam:
masood does an incredible job of showing islam not just as a religion, but as a source of wisdom and unique understanding. he paints a picture of its essence and importance for muslims while acknowledging that people are imperfect and sometimes don't live up to its ideals. this balance made the story feel authentic and so relatable.
it's so important that the author shows that while the religion itself is pure, its followers, being human, are not infallible. every critique was respectful, clever, and understandable.
the diversity of the characters really stood out. the book introduces you to different types of muslims and believers in general, each with their own perspective. this diversity was refreshing and showed the richness of the muslim community.
❀ love:
one delightful surprise was the romance. although love isn't the main focus, the backstory, chemistry, and adoration between the characters are beautifully done. it added such a sweet touch without overshadowing the main themes.
❀ conclusion:
i went through a rollercoaster of emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, furious, and everything in between. by the end, all the pieces came together perfectly, and i was so glad i didn't give up on this book.
it's such an intelligent book filled with wisdom, emotion, and beauty, and i wouldn't change a thing about it. if you're looking for a story that's both thought-provoking and heartwarming, try this one, please.
thank you, netgalley and syed m. masood, for the arc in exchange for my honest review. it means a lot to me, and i appreciate it.
i picked this book up on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and i have to admit, i almost put it down before finishing it. initially, i worried it might portray islam in a negative light, but i'm so incredibly glad i kept reading. this book turned out to be a stunning tribute to the beauty and universality of islam and the complexity of human nature.
before i continue, i must mention that this book is about so much more than islam. it's also about love, family, friendships, growth and the importance of a community.
❀ islam:
masood does an incredible job of showing islam not just as a religion, but as a source of wisdom and unique understanding. he paints a picture of its essence and importance for muslims while acknowledging that people are imperfect and sometimes don't live up to its ideals. this balance made the story feel authentic and so relatable.
it's so important that the author shows that while the religion itself is pure, its followers, being human, are not infallible. every critique was respectful, clever, and understandable.
the diversity of the characters really stood out. the book introduces you to different types of muslims and believers in general, each with their own perspective. this diversity was refreshing and showed the richness of the muslim community.
❀ love:
one delightful surprise was the romance. although love isn't the main focus, the backstory, chemistry, and adoration between the characters are beautifully done. it added such a sweet touch without overshadowing the main themes.
❀ conclusion:
i went through a rollercoaster of emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, furious, and everything in between. by the end, all the pieces came together perfectly, and i was so glad i didn't give up on this book.
it's such an intelligent book filled with wisdom, emotion, and beauty, and i wouldn't change a thing about it. if you're looking for a story that's both thought-provoking and heartwarming, try this one, please.
thank you, netgalley and syed m. masood, for the arc in exchange for my honest review. it means a lot to me, and i appreciate it.
July 4, 2024
That is now two in a row. I think he gives a balanced view of Islam, though I’m sure some deeply rooted in the religion may disagree. But, Syed has found a humorous formula to work in the various ways one can exist in any religion. Azaan is a Muslim in name only, doesn’t practice at all, and pushes back against important tenants and teachings.
Azaan is raised by his strict fundamentalist father who wishes for Azaan to become an Imam. Well, Azaan along with his Tiger Uncle (really his father’s best friend) cook up a plan to get Azaan away from his father in an implausible scheme that locks Azaan into an impossible imposter syndrome situation.
It is the witty prose that pulls us through this hilarious setup and keeps the pages turning as Syed adds balance by bringing the wonderful wisdom of Islam through various characters to combat Azaan’s irreligious nature. So Syed Masood is on a serious roll as an author and I’m eagerly awaiting what’s next. A big thank you to Netgalley and 8th note press for an advanced DRC. Book is out now!
Azaan is raised by his strict fundamentalist father who wishes for Azaan to become an Imam. Well, Azaan along with his Tiger Uncle (really his father’s best friend) cook up a plan to get Azaan away from his father in an implausible scheme that locks Azaan into an impossible imposter syndrome situation.
It is the witty prose that pulls us through this hilarious setup and keeps the pages turning as Syed adds balance by bringing the wonderful wisdom of Islam through various characters to combat Azaan’s irreligious nature. So Syed Masood is on a serious roll as an author and I’m eagerly awaiting what’s next. A big thank you to Netgalley and 8th note press for an advanced DRC. Book is out now!
April 15, 2024
4 stars
This is my third book by this author, and if I was uncertain previously, I am fully confident now; this writer KNOWS how to bring readers right into the center of challenging relationships.
Azaan, like most teens, doesn't really want to listen to his father's demands or rules, and since his father is a religious leader and figurehead in their Northern California hometown, there's even more pressure and added scrutiny than a typical teen might encounter. When Azaan commits what most would consider a minor infraction, their relationship implodes. This results in a lengthy rift, a series of harmful secrets and lies, and an opportunity for redemption.
Readers journey between the past and present to learn more about the challenges that several characters either face or inflict upon themselves, and it's fascinating to evaluate the present-day fallout. Azaan has secretly become an actor and decides to use this skill to play the role of imam when he returns to his family, and this is just the backdrop for the real-life drama that ensues (and, in some cases, picks up from where they hit pause many years earlier).
Readers who enjoy stories about longstanding family drama, religious and cultural distinctions, and lost loves will find a lot to like in this newest effort from Masood. It's not an easy story, but it is a compelling read.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is my third book by this author, and if I was uncertain previously, I am fully confident now; this writer KNOWS how to bring readers right into the center of challenging relationships.
Azaan, like most teens, doesn't really want to listen to his father's demands or rules, and since his father is a religious leader and figurehead in their Northern California hometown, there's even more pressure and added scrutiny than a typical teen might encounter. When Azaan commits what most would consider a minor infraction, their relationship implodes. This results in a lengthy rift, a series of harmful secrets and lies, and an opportunity for redemption.
Readers journey between the past and present to learn more about the challenges that several characters either face or inflict upon themselves, and it's fascinating to evaluate the present-day fallout. Azaan has secretly become an actor and decides to use this skill to play the role of imam when he returns to his family, and this is just the backdrop for the real-life drama that ensues (and, in some cases, picks up from where they hit pause many years earlier).
Readers who enjoy stories about longstanding family drama, religious and cultural distinctions, and lost loves will find a lot to like in this newest effort from Masood. It's not an easy story, but it is a compelling read.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 14, 2024
I loved this.
Azaan grew up with a very, very strict, very religiously observant father. His father is an imam. If Azaan acted out as a teenager, he got beaten (sometimes lashed). His father seemed to believe that was the right thing to do. I’m mentioning this because I definitely consider that a content warning. But I will say that it did not happen often through the book because most of the book was about Azaan as an adult.
When Azaan is caught kissing his girlfriend at 17, his father actually hits him in public.
Azaan’s “uncle” (basically his dad’s best friend) helps him plan a way out. He’s going to just pretend to be what his dad wants in order to avoid his wrath and then he’s going to run as far as he can.
So at 18, Azaan winds up in another country. He’s told his dad he’s in school studying to be an imam himself, but he is actually an actor.
Ten years have passed before Azaan has to go home again. His grandfather makes a request on his death bed for Azaan to come home.
So Azaan has to go home and run with the lie he’s been telling for a decade and pretends to be a religious man.
He also quickly runs into his first love again. It’s been a decade since they’ve seen each other but there’s definitely still something there.
But could they ever have a chance when Azaan’s whole life is a lie?
Lots of stuff to think about while reading this book. It touches on generation trauma (Azaan’s mom thinks his dad beat him because he was beat himself), and the different ways people practice their religious beliefs.
I really enjoyed it.
I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thank you!
Azaan grew up with a very, very strict, very religiously observant father. His father is an imam. If Azaan acted out as a teenager, he got beaten (sometimes lashed). His father seemed to believe that was the right thing to do. I’m mentioning this because I definitely consider that a content warning. But I will say that it did not happen often through the book because most of the book was about Azaan as an adult.
When Azaan is caught kissing his girlfriend at 17, his father actually hits him in public.
Azaan’s “uncle” (basically his dad’s best friend) helps him plan a way out. He’s going to just pretend to be what his dad wants in order to avoid his wrath and then he’s going to run as far as he can.
So at 18, Azaan winds up in another country. He’s told his dad he’s in school studying to be an imam himself, but he is actually an actor.
Ten years have passed before Azaan has to go home again. His grandfather makes a request on his death bed for Azaan to come home.
So Azaan has to go home and run with the lie he’s been telling for a decade and pretends to be a religious man.
He also quickly runs into his first love again. It’s been a decade since they’ve seen each other but there’s definitely still something there.
But could they ever have a chance when Azaan’s whole life is a lie?
Lots of stuff to think about while reading this book. It touches on generation trauma (Azaan’s mom thinks his dad beat him because he was beat himself), and the different ways people practice their religious beliefs.
I really enjoyed it.
I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thank you!
June 1, 2024
Thank you Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC. Azaan & Madison are so sweet and relatable, I connected with these characters instantly and was cheering for their happy ending the entire novel.
July 26, 2024
This is the second book I've read by this author. Told in the first person, a young Muslim man struggles with his religion, his lack of religion, his family history, and members of his family. the author is from Sacamento, and this story is set in nearby Redding. This is both a romance and a coming of age story. Nicely written and it held my interest.
July 2, 2024
4.5 stars
You know when you read a description of a book and you immediately think this book is going to be right up my street. This was it.
Years ago after being shunned from his family after kissing a girl in the mosque car park, Azaan told a little lie- that he is going to Al Azhar University in Cairo to become the new Imam Saifi, following the footsteps of his strict father. Now being requested to go back home to fulfil his grandfather's last wish before dying, Azaan faces the challenge of making up the last 10 years of his life.
As he gets home, he meets his old lover, one he never lost feelings for and as time goes he unravels happenings of the last 10 years or more, discovering he is not the only one keeping a big secret!
This was a intricately woven tale touching on relationships, generational trauma, religious trauma and relationships with God and religion- all topics that are so hard to read and write about, yet was done so wonderfully. Would highly recommend. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
You know when you read a description of a book and you immediately think this book is going to be right up my street. This was it.
Years ago after being shunned from his family after kissing a girl in the mosque car park, Azaan told a little lie- that he is going to Al Azhar University in Cairo to become the new Imam Saifi, following the footsteps of his strict father. Now being requested to go back home to fulfil his grandfather's last wish before dying, Azaan faces the challenge of making up the last 10 years of his life.
As he gets home, he meets his old lover, one he never lost feelings for and as time goes he unravels happenings of the last 10 years or more, discovering he is not the only one keeping a big secret!
This was a intricately woven tale touching on relationships, generational trauma, religious trauma and relationships with God and religion- all topics that are so hard to read and write about, yet was done so wonderfully. Would highly recommend. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
June 2, 2024
Thank you Netgalley & 8th Note Press Publishing for an eARC ♥️♥️
As a Muslim myself, I found it particularly fascinating to read a story that explores the complexities of Islamic culture and identity in modern America.
The story follows a second-generation Muslim-American man who's been living in London, pretending to train as an imam to please his fundamentalist father. But in reality, he's been chasing his passion for acting.
When his grandfather falls ill, he returns to his hometown of Redding, California, and gets pulled into a vortex of mosque politics, mysterious attacks, and a renewed romance with his teenage crush. As he navigates this chaotic landscape, he must confront his lifelong habit of fibbing to his family and figure out how to reconcile his desire for personal freedom with his love for his faith and family.
I loved how Syed Masood tackled sensitive topics like the tensions between traditionalism and modernity, the challenges of cultural identity, and the power of redemption and forgiveness. Azaan’s journey resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated the author's thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of Muslim experiences.
The writing is engaging, witty, and heartwarming, making this book a true page-turner. I devoured it in just one day , and I'm still thinking about it weeks later. Whether you're Muslim or not, this novel offers a compelling story that explores universal themes of identity, community, and the human condition. Highly recommended!♥️
As a Muslim myself, I found it particularly fascinating to read a story that explores the complexities of Islamic culture and identity in modern America.
The story follows a second-generation Muslim-American man who's been living in London, pretending to train as an imam to please his fundamentalist father. But in reality, he's been chasing his passion for acting.
When his grandfather falls ill, he returns to his hometown of Redding, California, and gets pulled into a vortex of mosque politics, mysterious attacks, and a renewed romance with his teenage crush. As he navigates this chaotic landscape, he must confront his lifelong habit of fibbing to his family and figure out how to reconcile his desire for personal freedom with his love for his faith and family.
I loved how Syed Masood tackled sensitive topics like the tensions between traditionalism and modernity, the challenges of cultural identity, and the power of redemption and forgiveness. Azaan’s journey resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated the author's thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of Muslim experiences.
The writing is engaging, witty, and heartwarming, making this book a true page-turner. I devoured it in just one day , and I'm still thinking about it weeks later. Whether you're Muslim or not, this novel offers a compelling story that explores universal themes of identity, community, and the human condition. Highly recommended!♥️
June 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and learned more about the Muslim religion by reading it. Azaan was a rebellious teenager who is still rebelling. Leaving home after not complying with his strict, Imam father's rules, he tells his parents he went to Muslim university in Egypt and is now an Imam in London. His life changes when he's asked to come home because his dying grandfather wants to get to know him. After returning home after a dozen or so years, he learns his parents are divorced, his father is broke although he did manage to build his dream - a mosque, and the true love of his life is divorced with a daughter. He learns about his parents marriage, his father's less than perfect life, and how love changes everything. The characters are very well written, the plot is believable and intersection, and the book will make you think about fanaticism in any religion. #GoodreadsGiveaways
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
This book didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed the bad muslim discount. Will surely recommend.
Strong and terrific!
I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed the bad muslim discount. Will surely recommend.
Strong and terrific!
September 12, 2024
currently shaking the bars of my enclosure because this is one of my favorite authors and i can’t figure out a way to get a print copy of this book?!?!?!?!
August 13, 2024
This was such an entertaining and clever story full of funny characters, witty banter, some drama and mystery, a delightful romance, and a complicated relationship between a deeply religious Muslim father and a son who identifies as Muslim but does not practice.
I really liked Syed M. Masood's previous book The Bad Muslim Discount which focused on the overall theme of what it means to be a 'good Muslim' from two characters who experienced the religion in very different ways.
Masood's latest book, The Last Man in Paradise maintains similar themes, but with the added layer of complex family dynamics and a romance that I 100% was rooting for.
The story is told from Azaan's POV and starts with Azaan as a teenager and aspiring actor, who was caught kissing his (white, Jewish) girlfriend, Madison, in the parking lot during his father's interfaith outreach event. Azaan had always been a rebellious teenager living under his father - Imam Saqlain Saifi's - strict and abusive upbringing. But Azaan's actions that night somehow crossed a line. He was beaten to a pulp and then kicked out of his home.
With the help and guidance from a close family friend, Tiger Uncle, they manage to convince Imam Saifi to send Azaan to Egypt to become a reformed Muslim and to pay for his education to become an imam. But the moment Azaan landed in Egypt, he hopped on another flight to England and used his tuition money to study acting.
11 years later, Azaan has remained in distant contact with his parents who believe that he's been working as an imam in UK (when, in reality, he's a struggling actor). One day, he receives a call that his dying grandfather has requested for him to come back home to Redding. And so, Azaan flies back home and starts preparing for his biggest role yet - pretending to be an imam.
This was a brilliantly crafted novel that was both wildly entertaining and funny, but also sweet and thoughtful. There were so many hilarious moments and dialogue that made me laugh out loud but there were also moments that made me sit back, think, and reflect on what (little) I know about faith and religion.
I also absolutely loved Azaan. His sense of humour is amazing (it's honestly surprising that he's an actor that doesn't do comedies because he is whip smart and says/thinks the funniest things). He's also such a romantic and has been holding a torch for Madison for the past decade. I honestly highlighted and annotated nearly every interaction he's had with Madison because their chemistry is amazing and he always says the most poetic (and sometimes wonderfully cheesy) things to her that make my heart melt.
I also have to point out that all the other characters were also very well developed and every single one of them has a different, yet interesting and perhaps even valid, interpretation and approach to practicing their religion.
Finally, I was extremely tickled by the discussion the characters had about representation and their thoughts on the book, The Bad Muslim Discount. It was also very meta and seems to be in response to the negative reviews from that book.
tl;dr - Overall, a very entertaining and compelling read that was funny, thought-provoking, and feels like an authentic portrayal of the messy relationships, family dynamics and complexities of being Muslim American.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
Our religion was the same. Our experience of it was different.
I really liked Syed M. Masood's previous book The Bad Muslim Discount which focused on the overall theme of what it means to be a 'good Muslim' from two characters who experienced the religion in very different ways.
Masood's latest book, The Last Man in Paradise maintains similar themes, but with the added layer of complex family dynamics and a romance that I 100% was rooting for.
The story is told from Azaan's POV and starts with Azaan as a teenager and aspiring actor, who was caught kissing his (white, Jewish) girlfriend, Madison, in the parking lot during his father's interfaith outreach event. Azaan had always been a rebellious teenager living under his father - Imam Saqlain Saifi's - strict and abusive upbringing. But Azaan's actions that night somehow crossed a line. He was beaten to a pulp and then kicked out of his home.
With the help and guidance from a close family friend, Tiger Uncle, they manage to convince Imam Saifi to send Azaan to Egypt to become a reformed Muslim and to pay for his education to become an imam. But the moment Azaan landed in Egypt, he hopped on another flight to England and used his tuition money to study acting.
I mean, religion is one thing, but acting... well, that is a serious business.
11 years later, Azaan has remained in distant contact with his parents who believe that he's been working as an imam in UK (when, in reality, he's a struggling actor). One day, he receives a call that his dying grandfather has requested for him to come back home to Redding. And so, Azaan flies back home and starts preparing for his biggest role yet - pretending to be an imam.
This was a brilliantly crafted novel that was both wildly entertaining and funny, but also sweet and thoughtful. There were so many hilarious moments and dialogue that made me laugh out loud but there were also moments that made me sit back, think, and reflect on what (little) I know about faith and religion.
I also absolutely loved Azaan. His sense of humour is amazing (it's honestly surprising that he's an actor that doesn't do comedies because he is whip smart and says/thinks the funniest things). He's also such a romantic and has been holding a torch for Madison for the past decade. I honestly highlighted and annotated nearly every interaction he's had with Madison because their chemistry is amazing and he always says the most poetic (and sometimes wonderfully cheesy) things to her that make my heart melt.
I also have to point out that all the other characters were also very well developed and every single one of them has a different, yet interesting and perhaps even valid, interpretation and approach to practicing their religion.
Finally, I was extremely tickled by the discussion the characters had about representation and their thoughts on the book, The Bad Muslim Discount. It was also very meta and seems to be in response to the negative reviews from that book.
tl;dr - Overall, a very entertaining and compelling read that was funny, thought-provoking, and feels like an authentic portrayal of the messy relationships, family dynamics and complexities of being Muslim American.
*All quotes are taken from an Advanced Readers Copy and may change prior to the release of the final copy.*
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
May 13, 2024
I enjoyed The Bad Muslim Discount and was eager to read Syed M. Masood’s new novel The Last Man in Paradise, which did not disappoint.
The story is engaging, the prose is elegantly spare and witty, the pacing is spot-on, and the emotional pull is strong. Equally compelling for this reader and consistent with themes in the author’s prior work, Masood’s storytelling provides insight into the struggles and joys of a Muslim-American family as together and individually they consider (and reconsider) traditional religious dictates in the context of Western culture.
Specifically, our main character, Azaan, wrestles with the question of how to untangle his relationship with Islam from the childhood trauma inflicted by his father, a revered religious leader in his community. Azaan’s father believed raising his only son to be devout required beating him into submission. Azaan’s back is covered in scars. So is his heart. As an adult, Azaan has turned away from family, love and religion.
Here’s the setup: Azaan is called back to California after a decade away from home. His grandfather Baba’s deathbed wish is to see his grandson again. But there’s a problem. Azaan now lives in London and is trying to make it as an actor. To simplify his life and to avoid what he believes will be complicated drama and histrionics, he has told a whopper of a lie to his family—they believe he has followed in his father’s footsteps and is serving as an imam in London when, in fact, he dropped out from the religious school years ago to take up acting. Azaan chose to take on (with secret help from a slippery uncle) the role of his life—a fake imam. What harm would it do to make his family happy? He didn’t intend to see them ever again.
Reluctantly, he returns to California and sees no choice but to maintain the pretense, complete with a glued-on beard and appropriate vestments. Now, his acting chops will be put to a real-life test. “Other people would probably have thrown their arms around each other and embraced. But we were not, as was perhaps the great tragedy of our lives, other people.”
It’s a wild ride from this point on as Azaan struggles to keep up the guise, is forced to “perform” religious services several times, then uncovers a dark secret from his father’s past now poised to break into a scandal that will engulf the entire family, and along the way, rekindles his relationship with Madison, a woman his father forbid him to date in high school, who is now a single mom.
Baba, it turns out, isn’t as close to death as Azaan was led to believe and seems, in his way, eager to help his grandson find a way back to the family by acknowledging the sadistic behavior of Azaan’s father. “‘You don’t know anything about us, do you?’ Baba raised his bushy eyebrows, cast a longing glance at the video stream suspended on the screen before him, and then put it aside. ‘I know enough. He made up strict rules for you. He tried to control you, to make you what he wanted. You rebelled. He beat the shit out of you. It’s not so complicated.’ I looked away.”
Masood is an excellent writer, deftly navigating his intricate plot with the anchoring strength of Azaan’s character and dark humor. The characters throughout are unique, entertaining and believable. The commentary about Islam through these characters, all of whom have differing relationships to (and for some, interpretations of) the religion is a strength of the book. At the core of this novel is Azaan’s intimate journey as he, with the help of friends and family, begins to rediscover the joy of religion, and love, finding ways to sculpt both into the life he wants, finally separating both from the singular abuse endured at the hands of his father.
A terrific book. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher 8th Note Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The story is engaging, the prose is elegantly spare and witty, the pacing is spot-on, and the emotional pull is strong. Equally compelling for this reader and consistent with themes in the author’s prior work, Masood’s storytelling provides insight into the struggles and joys of a Muslim-American family as together and individually they consider (and reconsider) traditional religious dictates in the context of Western culture.
Specifically, our main character, Azaan, wrestles with the question of how to untangle his relationship with Islam from the childhood trauma inflicted by his father, a revered religious leader in his community. Azaan’s father believed raising his only son to be devout required beating him into submission. Azaan’s back is covered in scars. So is his heart. As an adult, Azaan has turned away from family, love and religion.
Here’s the setup: Azaan is called back to California after a decade away from home. His grandfather Baba’s deathbed wish is to see his grandson again. But there’s a problem. Azaan now lives in London and is trying to make it as an actor. To simplify his life and to avoid what he believes will be complicated drama and histrionics, he has told a whopper of a lie to his family—they believe he has followed in his father’s footsteps and is serving as an imam in London when, in fact, he dropped out from the religious school years ago to take up acting. Azaan chose to take on (with secret help from a slippery uncle) the role of his life—a fake imam. What harm would it do to make his family happy? He didn’t intend to see them ever again.
Reluctantly, he returns to California and sees no choice but to maintain the pretense, complete with a glued-on beard and appropriate vestments. Now, his acting chops will be put to a real-life test. “Other people would probably have thrown their arms around each other and embraced. But we were not, as was perhaps the great tragedy of our lives, other people.”
It’s a wild ride from this point on as Azaan struggles to keep up the guise, is forced to “perform” religious services several times, then uncovers a dark secret from his father’s past now poised to break into a scandal that will engulf the entire family, and along the way, rekindles his relationship with Madison, a woman his father forbid him to date in high school, who is now a single mom.
Baba, it turns out, isn’t as close to death as Azaan was led to believe and seems, in his way, eager to help his grandson find a way back to the family by acknowledging the sadistic behavior of Azaan’s father. “‘You don’t know anything about us, do you?’ Baba raised his bushy eyebrows, cast a longing glance at the video stream suspended on the screen before him, and then put it aside. ‘I know enough. He made up strict rules for you. He tried to control you, to make you what he wanted. You rebelled. He beat the shit out of you. It’s not so complicated.’ I looked away.”
Masood is an excellent writer, deftly navigating his intricate plot with the anchoring strength of Azaan’s character and dark humor. The characters throughout are unique, entertaining and believable. The commentary about Islam through these characters, all of whom have differing relationships to (and for some, interpretations of) the religion is a strength of the book. At the core of this novel is Azaan’s intimate journey as he, with the help of friends and family, begins to rediscover the joy of religion, and love, finding ways to sculpt both into the life he wants, finally separating both from the singular abuse endured at the hands of his father.
A terrific book. Highly recommended.
Thank you to the publisher 8th Note Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2024
I'll be honest, if I would have read the blurb about this book from another author, I probably would not have read the book. From the description alone, I could assume that it will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, it is an adult read, it is going to be irreverent, and I will disagree with probably whatever messaging the impossible situation the characters are placed in, come out with. But, having read his two YA books, and really liking More than Just a Pretty Face, despite the raised eyebrows I get from Muslim book fans when I say that, I felt pretty confident that Islam would not be othered or villainized, and that the writing quality would make the cringey situations worth getting through to hear the commentary that would be forth coming. I've felt with the author's other work that the Muslim characters, own their flaws as individuals, not as representatives of their faith, so, I was willing to give this book a read.
The first quarter of the book was a little stilted, but by the midpoint, I could not put the book down, as the writing did not disappoint. Would I recommend this book? No, not to the majority of followers of my platform, much like the satire of Zarqa Nawa's Jameela Green Ruins Everything, I know that this style of ridiculous situations to reveal humanity, consideration, and introspection, while being entertained by very Islamic concepts, is not for everyone. Did the make-out scenes in the masjid parking lot, child abuse, sleeping around, drinking alcohol, talk of pubic hair and board games, grandpa on masjid grounds watching porn, hate crimes, involuntary manslaughter, and impersonating an imam giving khutbahs and performing ghusl, cross lines? Probably, but it is fiction, it is raising the stakes to show extremes, and let the reader opine on their perspective when faced with it. And no, I won't write my typical review about Islamic rep, because reviewers like me got called out for that too, about policing representation and confining Muslim experience to looking like one thing. The author went really meta and called himself out for the ending of his other adult book (that I haven't read, but probably should), The Bad Muslim Discount, so clearly no one was out of the line of fire.
Suffice it to say, this book literary wise is an easy read, the craft is on point, it flows and is compelling (except for the end, SPOILER, who was going to look after Baba, that thread just dropped), for Muslims though it will be very uncomfortable. For non Muslims, or Muslims that don't read to see themselves represented with the fervor that I do, I think Islam is not painted in a negative light or insulted by the text. The characters are messed up, their flaws their own, but because they are Muslim, religion is part of their understanding and view of their existence. I do wish there was at least one Muslim character that had it together, that might hint that as a whole we are not all one extreme or another. I don't like labels of "liberal" or "extreme" and the book provides commentary and nuance to those flawed dichotomies as well. The book is not heavily moral, (SPOILER) the protagonist does not come back to Islam (might not have been an identity to even come back to), but identifies as Muslim, there is no YA or MG revelation or singular take away. The book centers Islam, but somehow is not Islamic rep, it simply has Muslims dealing with the messiness of life, expectation, family, relationships, and honesty.
The first quarter of the book was a little stilted, but by the midpoint, I could not put the book down, as the writing did not disappoint. Would I recommend this book? No, not to the majority of followers of my platform, much like the satire of Zarqa Nawa's Jameela Green Ruins Everything, I know that this style of ridiculous situations to reveal humanity, consideration, and introspection, while being entertained by very Islamic concepts, is not for everyone. Did the make-out scenes in the masjid parking lot, child abuse, sleeping around, drinking alcohol, talk of pubic hair and board games, grandpa on masjid grounds watching porn, hate crimes, involuntary manslaughter, and impersonating an imam giving khutbahs and performing ghusl, cross lines? Probably, but it is fiction, it is raising the stakes to show extremes, and let the reader opine on their perspective when faced with it. And no, I won't write my typical review about Islamic rep, because reviewers like me got called out for that too, about policing representation and confining Muslim experience to looking like one thing. The author went really meta and called himself out for the ending of his other adult book (that I haven't read, but probably should), The Bad Muslim Discount, so clearly no one was out of the line of fire.
Suffice it to say, this book literary wise is an easy read, the craft is on point, it flows and is compelling (except for the end, SPOILER, who was going to look after Baba, that thread just dropped), for Muslims though it will be very uncomfortable. For non Muslims, or Muslims that don't read to see themselves represented with the fervor that I do, I think Islam is not painted in a negative light or insulted by the text. The characters are messed up, their flaws their own, but because they are Muslim, religion is part of their understanding and view of their existence. I do wish there was at least one Muslim character that had it together, that might hint that as a whole we are not all one extreme or another. I don't like labels of "liberal" or "extreme" and the book provides commentary and nuance to those flawed dichotomies as well. The book is not heavily moral, (SPOILER) the protagonist does not come back to Islam (might not have been an identity to even come back to), but identifies as Muslim, there is no YA or MG revelation or singular take away. The book centers Islam, but somehow is not Islamic rep, it simply has Muslims dealing with the messiness of life, expectation, family, relationships, and honesty.
May 21, 2024
This is a hilarious, touching, and feel-good story of a second-generation Muslim-American who comes from Redding, California and lives in London. He is the disgraced son of the local imam who is a fundamentalist, who pretends to go to Cairo to become an imam but ends up being an actor in the UK. He returns home because his grandfather is on his deathbed. Once back in Redding, he is embroiled in mosque scandals, mysterious attacks on the mosque that appear to be hate crimes, and plenty of memories of his teen crush. Can he come clean after a lifetime of fibs/lies, done to gain some personal freedom without infuriating his father?
Maybe this doesn’t sound like a laugh-out-loud set up. But it is, mostly because of the author’s wonderfully self-deprecating voice, the crazy conversations he has about Islam in the modern world, and the endearing character of the narrator himself. We come to adore this hapless character and his misadventures in small-city America. We also come to understand his conflicting emotions about his faith, family and personal choices.
I loved this book, and hope to read more books by the author. Even if a reader wasn’t previously all that interested in Islam in America (which I happen to be), this is still a rollicking good read about love and redemption (believe it or not). What a great surprise this novel turned out to be! Highly recommended. I finished it in just two days — it was that entertaining.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy. Here are a few memorable quotes:
“Humanity appeared to have reached a consensus — regardless of religion, race, culture, or creed — that we are obligated to ruin at least some portion of our holidays by spending them with our families. Given that all of us agree on so little, it felt churlish not to honor this collective commitment our species had made to be miserable.”
“No one does guilt like family.”
“Everyone knows that murder is okay if you’re wearing the right outfit. That’s Western Civilization 101.”
“I broke into my father’s office. Well, that’s not exactly true. It overstates things quite a bit since none of the doors in the mosque had any hardware on them yet and were, therefore, incapable of being locked. However, it sounds badass and I do like sounding that way, so I’ll go with it.”
Maybe this doesn’t sound like a laugh-out-loud set up. But it is, mostly because of the author’s wonderfully self-deprecating voice, the crazy conversations he has about Islam in the modern world, and the endearing character of the narrator himself. We come to adore this hapless character and his misadventures in small-city America. We also come to understand his conflicting emotions about his faith, family and personal choices.
I loved this book, and hope to read more books by the author. Even if a reader wasn’t previously all that interested in Islam in America (which I happen to be), this is still a rollicking good read about love and redemption (believe it or not). What a great surprise this novel turned out to be! Highly recommended. I finished it in just two days — it was that entertaining.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy. Here are a few memorable quotes:
“Humanity appeared to have reached a consensus — regardless of religion, race, culture, or creed — that we are obligated to ruin at least some portion of our holidays by spending them with our families. Given that all of us agree on so little, it felt churlish not to honor this collective commitment our species had made to be miserable.”
“No one does guilt like family.”
“Everyone knows that murder is okay if you’re wearing the right outfit. That’s Western Civilization 101.”
“I broke into my father’s office. Well, that’s not exactly true. It overstates things quite a bit since none of the doors in the mosque had any hardware on them yet and were, therefore, incapable of being locked. However, it sounds badass and I do like sounding that way, so I’ll go with it.”
April 20, 2025
4.25 stars
“There must be a reason God made it so that people’s thoughts, people’s mistakes, people’s faults are hidden from us. Maybe it’s a sign of His grace that only He gets to know everything… Mercy is for those who struggle. Forgiveness is for those who sin. Don’t deprive the wretched of what God has given us.”
I love books that explore struggles with faith; not just the faith that I practice in my own life, but any faith. For those of us raised with a religious faith as central to our lives, it can be difficult as we age to work through what continues to work for for us spiritually and what no longer serves us- or even what harms us. Faith can be so entangled with our culture, family, and identity that this can be difficult to parse out; what is human-made and what is truly what God wants for our lives?
No one writes about this with more honesty, grace, thoughtfulness, and humor than Masood. The Bad Muslim Discount was one of my top two books I read the year it was published, and I was thrilled to learn he had another book out, and I’m shocked and disappointed that no one seems to be reading or talking about it! While this book is a tad bit less dark, he works his magic here again, giving us both a lot to think about and some deeply sad storylines, while also using the kind of humor that actually makes me laugh out loud. Masood writes protagonists who are thoroughly decent. They are so often trying and failing and trying again to be good people and figure out who they are and what matters to them, even as they both struggle against and run toward the faiths that have in part made them who they are.
If you read Bad Muslim, which was a BOTM selection, and enjoyed it, don’t miss this one. If you haven’t read either, I strongly recommend both if you like smart, thoughtful books that can make you laugh and cry without bogging you down.
“There must be a reason God made it so that people’s thoughts, people’s mistakes, people’s faults are hidden from us. Maybe it’s a sign of His grace that only He gets to know everything… Mercy is for those who struggle. Forgiveness is for those who sin. Don’t deprive the wretched of what God has given us.”
I love books that explore struggles with faith; not just the faith that I practice in my own life, but any faith. For those of us raised with a religious faith as central to our lives, it can be difficult as we age to work through what continues to work for for us spiritually and what no longer serves us- or even what harms us. Faith can be so entangled with our culture, family, and identity that this can be difficult to parse out; what is human-made and what is truly what God wants for our lives?
No one writes about this with more honesty, grace, thoughtfulness, and humor than Masood. The Bad Muslim Discount was one of my top two books I read the year it was published, and I was thrilled to learn he had another book out, and I’m shocked and disappointed that no one seems to be reading or talking about it! While this book is a tad bit less dark, he works his magic here again, giving us both a lot to think about and some deeply sad storylines, while also using the kind of humor that actually makes me laugh out loud. Masood writes protagonists who are thoroughly decent. They are so often trying and failing and trying again to be good people and figure out who they are and what matters to them, even as they both struggle against and run toward the faiths that have in part made them who they are.
If you read Bad Muslim, which was a BOTM selection, and enjoyed it, don’t miss this one. If you haven’t read either, I strongly recommend both if you like smart, thoughtful books that can make you laugh and cry without bogging you down.
May 12, 2024
The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M. Masood is the first book i got to read and review by this author and can i just say how great of a read it was.
This book delves into the life of Azaan, a young man who struggles to connect with the religion his father, a very powerful man in the community, follows. Azaan prefers to lie and deceive his father, to live far away from him in order to follow his dreams, rather than to tell him the truth.
This is a way of showing the reader the rocky relationship they have with each other. But one phone call makes him go back to the town he never thought he'd come back to, and to help his father nonetheless.
Now Azaan has to put his acting skills to play and try to fool everyone into thinking he followed what they deem as the right path.
This book was great and i loved it, it opened my eyes on many things that we might not go through ourselves but many people do. For example, the struggle of following a certain religion while undergoing pressure from your parents, living under a roof with people who either abuse you or don't support you on your dreams, and many more.
The characters were well depicted showcasing the different types of people in the world and how they act, the writing style is smooth and understandable making it so much easier to get immersed in the book and not put it down.
I hope the next reader gives this book a chance to realise how amazing, well written, well expressed it is. And if you are someone that enjoys reading religious and cultural distinctions and family drama this is the book for you.
*Thank you to NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read this amazing piece of writing and discover a new world of books.
This book delves into the life of Azaan, a young man who struggles to connect with the religion his father, a very powerful man in the community, follows. Azaan prefers to lie and deceive his father, to live far away from him in order to follow his dreams, rather than to tell him the truth.
This is a way of showing the reader the rocky relationship they have with each other. But one phone call makes him go back to the town he never thought he'd come back to, and to help his father nonetheless.
Now Azaan has to put his acting skills to play and try to fool everyone into thinking he followed what they deem as the right path.
This book was great and i loved it, it opened my eyes on many things that we might not go through ourselves but many people do. For example, the struggle of following a certain religion while undergoing pressure from your parents, living under a roof with people who either abuse you or don't support you on your dreams, and many more.
The characters were well depicted showcasing the different types of people in the world and how they act, the writing style is smooth and understandable making it so much easier to get immersed in the book and not put it down.
I hope the next reader gives this book a chance to realise how amazing, well written, well expressed it is. And if you are someone that enjoys reading religious and cultural distinctions and family drama this is the book for you.
*Thank you to NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read this amazing piece of writing and discover a new world of books.
May 21, 2024
Having thoroughly enjoyed his other novels, I couldn't wait to dive into this newest offering from Syed M. Masood. Suffice it to say, I was not disappointed!
Masood deftly weaves a story that is at once hilarious, thought provoking and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I know some readers took issue with his other novels because they didn't feel the Muslim characters were pious or practicing enough. I think these readers miss the point that it isn't the job of the writer, even from a minority community, to represent the "best" of that community.
The point of a novel is to write about a particular observed truth about life and the world, the good, the bad, the ugly, all of it, to try to make better sense of our world through this art form. And in 'The Last Man in Paradise' Masood brings to life characters that are so complex and varying in their religious identities and values. There's the grandfather, Baba, who is a committed "fallen one" and Azaan's father, the Imam and leader of their community, and then Azaan himself who has a complicated relationship with Islam, and his Dad, because of a traumatic childhood.
Like all Masood stories, the plot twist made my jaw drop to the floor. It's a book that unapologetically portrays the many threads that make up the tapestry of this fictional world, which is a reflection of our own. The characters are confronted with questions of good and evil, love and redemption, anger and forgiveness and ultimately how to persevere when the tapestry unravels.
Highly recommend, don't sleep on this one!
Masood deftly weaves a story that is at once hilarious, thought provoking and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I know some readers took issue with his other novels because they didn't feel the Muslim characters were pious or practicing enough. I think these readers miss the point that it isn't the job of the writer, even from a minority community, to represent the "best" of that community.
The point of a novel is to write about a particular observed truth about life and the world, the good, the bad, the ugly, all of it, to try to make better sense of our world through this art form. And in 'The Last Man in Paradise' Masood brings to life characters that are so complex and varying in their religious identities and values. There's the grandfather, Baba, who is a committed "fallen one" and Azaan's father, the Imam and leader of their community, and then Azaan himself who has a complicated relationship with Islam, and his Dad, because of a traumatic childhood.
Like all Masood stories, the plot twist made my jaw drop to the floor. It's a book that unapologetically portrays the many threads that make up the tapestry of this fictional world, which is a reflection of our own. The characters are confronted with questions of good and evil, love and redemption, anger and forgiveness and ultimately how to persevere when the tapestry unravels.
Highly recommend, don't sleep on this one!
November 7, 2024
The Last Man in Paradise is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and cultural exploration. Syed M. Masood's witty prose and engaging storytelling draw you into the world of Azaan, a young man who faked his way through life and is now forced to confront his past.
Azaan's journey back home is filled with unexpected twists and turns, as he navigates a complex web of family dynamics, religious beliefs, and personal desires. Masood expertly balances lighthearted humor with poignant moments, creating a well-rounded and emotionally resonant narrative.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the complexities of faith and family. Masood delves into the challenges faced by individuals who struggle to reconcile their personal beliefs with societal expectations. Through Azaan's experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the impact of religious extremism and the importance of tolerance and understanding.
The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable. Azaan's journey of self-discovery is both entertaining and inspiring. His interactions with his family and friends, particularly his childhood sweetheart, Madison, are filled with wit and warmth.
The author's ability to blend humor and heartfelt emotion makes The Last Man in Paradise a truly enjoyable read. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think. If you're looking for a captivating story that explores themes of identity, family, and faith, I highly recommend this book.
Thanks, NetGalley! I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.
Azaan's journey back home is filled with unexpected twists and turns, as he navigates a complex web of family dynamics, religious beliefs, and personal desires. Masood expertly balances lighthearted humor with poignant moments, creating a well-rounded and emotionally resonant narrative.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the complexities of faith and family. Masood delves into the challenges faced by individuals who struggle to reconcile their personal beliefs with societal expectations. Through Azaan's experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the impact of religious extremism and the importance of tolerance and understanding.
The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable. Azaan's journey of self-discovery is both entertaining and inspiring. His interactions with his family and friends, particularly his childhood sweetheart, Madison, are filled with wit and warmth.
The author's ability to blend humor and heartfelt emotion makes The Last Man in Paradise a truly enjoyable read. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think. If you're looking for a captivating story that explores themes of identity, family, and faith, I highly recommend this book.
Thanks, NetGalley! I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 4, 2024
First, let me say that the title of this book made me think that this story was a fun summer rom-com. a chick book - perfect for light beach reading, but that was so not the case. The Last Man in Paradise is rich and valuable, heart wrenching, and thought provoking.
Azaan's father is a Muslim Imam in Redding, California, and will not tolerate any of his son's teenage antics, especially with regard to his cute "girlfriend", Madison. He sends Azaan away to Egypt to be trained to be an Imam, but Azaan wants to be an actor, so rather than study in Cairo, he travels to London, unbeknownst to his father, to work on his acting career, where he can make a living pretending to be someone else. This sets the stage for the story that happens when Azaan is called back to California by his "dying" grandfather.
I loved this book! It has all the elements of a great read. Azaan struggles with what love really means, what the value of truth is, of mistakes made in the past, and coming to grips with the future. It is incredibly well written and compelling. It brings in a lot of the "spiritualness" of Islam, in a way that I, as a Christian, could relate to, and I really liked that. The ending is wonderfully satisfying, and I highly recommend it!
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Last Man in Paradise.
Azaan's father is a Muslim Imam in Redding, California, and will not tolerate any of his son's teenage antics, especially with regard to his cute "girlfriend", Madison. He sends Azaan away to Egypt to be trained to be an Imam, but Azaan wants to be an actor, so rather than study in Cairo, he travels to London, unbeknownst to his father, to work on his acting career, where he can make a living pretending to be someone else. This sets the stage for the story that happens when Azaan is called back to California by his "dying" grandfather.
I loved this book! It has all the elements of a great read. Azaan struggles with what love really means, what the value of truth is, of mistakes made in the past, and coming to grips with the future. It is incredibly well written and compelling. It brings in a lot of the "spiritualness" of Islam, in a way that I, as a Christian, could relate to, and I really liked that. The ending is wonderfully satisfying, and I highly recommend it!
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Last Man in Paradise.
August 23, 2024
[4.25 stars]
If y’all read The Bad Muslim Discount, you know that Syed Masood addressed themes of the Muslim faith and struggles with it in a humorous package…and he does that again in The Last Man in Paradise. Azaan was sent away from his Redding, CA home when his father caught him kissing his girlfriend, Madison, which he wasn’t supposed to be doing as a Muslim (and particularly as an Imam’s son). Azaan was sent to a religious school in Egypt and, over the past 10 years, his family back home has believed he’s become an Imam himself. Instead, Azaan moved to the UK and is trying to become an actor. Azaan has to face all this when he’s called home because his grandfather is dying. This is a family story with a prodigal son element and a bit of a love story. Masood goes deep into how Islam can be twisted in the homes of different types of believers who adhere to the tenants with different levels of strictness. And, how this impacts children and teens growing up Muslim in America. Though I wish the plot had started to show itself a bit sooner, I love his writing and his dry sense of humor. It’s highly irreverent and he doesn’t shy away from using it relating to sacred religious topics.
If y’all read The Bad Muslim Discount, you know that Syed Masood addressed themes of the Muslim faith and struggles with it in a humorous package…and he does that again in The Last Man in Paradise. Azaan was sent away from his Redding, CA home when his father caught him kissing his girlfriend, Madison, which he wasn’t supposed to be doing as a Muslim (and particularly as an Imam’s son). Azaan was sent to a religious school in Egypt and, over the past 10 years, his family back home has believed he’s become an Imam himself. Instead, Azaan moved to the UK and is trying to become an actor. Azaan has to face all this when he’s called home because his grandfather is dying. This is a family story with a prodigal son element and a bit of a love story. Masood goes deep into how Islam can be twisted in the homes of different types of believers who adhere to the tenants with different levels of strictness. And, how this impacts children and teens growing up Muslim in America. Though I wish the plot had started to show itself a bit sooner, I love his writing and his dry sense of humor. It’s highly irreverent and he doesn’t shy away from using it relating to sacred religious topics.
June 2, 2024
The Last Man in Paradise was an interesting look at family relationships, pride, and religious/cultural identity.
Asaan learns to lie to his family from afar to escape the abuse of his hardline imam father, who himself was raised by a father (Baba) who was un-religious. When Asaan is called home to say goodbye to his dying grandfather, he decides to continue the lies so that he can get through the visit and then return to his life in London with minimal familial drama. But his father has more secrets that Asaan dreamed and they are about to come crashing down.
The look into various "levels" of piousness in Islam was interesting to me, as well as Asaan's assertion that while he didn't practice, he is Muslim and Jabreel's assertion that without practice, he cannot be Muslim as the religion IS the practice.
Asaan learns to lie to his family from afar to escape the abuse of his hardline imam father, who himself was raised by a father (Baba) who was un-religious. When Asaan is called home to say goodbye to his dying grandfather, he decides to continue the lies so that he can get through the visit and then return to his life in London with minimal familial drama. But his father has more secrets that Asaan dreamed and they are about to come crashing down.
The look into various "levels" of piousness in Islam was interesting to me, as well as Asaan's assertion that while he didn't practice, he is Muslim and Jabreel's assertion that without practice, he cannot be Muslim as the religion IS the practice.
May 17, 2024
Spice 🌶️
This story is more plot than romance. (Not that that is good or bad, just heads up). The story was incredibly written and structured and was not at all what I expected (in a good way).
- mystery
- complicated familial relationships
- incredible rep
- philosophical blurring of right and wrong
The characters and the relationships feel so real and raw - a real credit to the author! Definitely a good read this year!
Overall the story and the way it all unfolded isn’t my cup of tea. It’s too “real” and not enough hallmark (I prefer reading to be an escape into fantasy and whimsy). However that’s my preference, I can still acknowledge that this was a fantastic real and raw story that was woven together really beautifully.
Thank you for this ARC from #NetGalley.
This story is more plot than romance. (Not that that is good or bad, just heads up). The story was incredibly written and structured and was not at all what I expected (in a good way).
- mystery
- complicated familial relationships
- incredible rep
- philosophical blurring of right and wrong
The characters and the relationships feel so real and raw - a real credit to the author! Definitely a good read this year!
Overall the story and the way it all unfolded isn’t my cup of tea. It’s too “real” and not enough hallmark (I prefer reading to be an escape into fantasy and whimsy). However that’s my preference, I can still acknowledge that this was a fantastic real and raw story that was woven together really beautifully.
Thank you for this ARC from #NetGalley.
May 22, 2024
I loved his last book, The Bad Muslim Discount, so when I heard that Syed Masood had a new one, I couldn't wait to read it. Azaan Saifi is the only child of a popular imam, whose project to build a new place to worship is all-consuming. His mother only wants to work at her hospital. As a result, his childhood is difficult until he figures out that lying makes things smoother, and from there the ride is wild, with some romance thrown in.
This novel has the same complicated family relationships and is fun and funny even though there are serious topics involving religion and child abuse. The author even pokes fun at his previous book. Definitely kept me interested to see what would happen next, with an ending that was satisfying.
This novel has the same complicated family relationships and is fun and funny even though there are serious topics involving religion and child abuse. The author even pokes fun at his previous book. Definitely kept me interested to see what would happen next, with an ending that was satisfying.
June 16, 2024
Looking for something "different", I chose this story set in a way of life I know little about. Syed M Masood does an excellent job of portraying the characters as they do their best to live within this community within a community and the differences imposed on the younger generation. This generation knows little of the history that has bound the families into a tight knit support group, setting the back story within the Islamic life that is surrounded by a very different American influence. As each generation made their choices, they would set the next genration to examine history and make their own life goals. While an excellent family drama, the back story fascinated me in their differences and similarities.
April 15, 2024
I read and enjoyed "The Bad Muslim Discount," so I was interested in trying the author's newest book, particularly as it was tagged as romance. I think the writing is engaging, and Azaan is a very relatable main character. The romance, to me, is more of a subplot, with Azaan's relationship with his father, and his thoughts on his religion, taking the main stage. There are some tangents Azaan goes down that feel out of place, and the self-reference threw me off, but this is an easy book to get hooked on and a worthwhile one.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 22, 2024
3.5. Quick and enjoyable read provided to me by NetGalley, thank you. Story of a young man raised as a Muslim and expected to be a devout son. He is not, but pretends to be upon returning to his childhood home after many years living a secular life in London. Knowing very little about Muslim practices and traditions, this book taught me some basics - the learning was interesting and good. The young man struggles with his choices, and his decisions are not made clear until the very last pages of the book. A love triangle is involved. Darkly humorous and very insightful about choices we make in life regarding our own preferences and those of our elders for us. Recommend the book.
April 12, 2025
This is my first time reading anything from this author and I quite enjoyed this book. The first 3/4 were a slow build up to a lit of twists and turns in the end. I enjoyed the premise of an individual struggling with his relationship with a religion ingrained in him and his negative experience of it. When he had to return home and face the demons of the past, I enjoyed how the author wrote about his struggle while also dropping in bits on Islamic thought. I will definitely read more from this author!
July 31, 2025
I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first, because there were no characters to really root hard for, except Maddie. The rest all needed a lot of redemption, but with the author’s theme of mercy, that fit well. He had Maddie explain why she didn’t like the ending of Bad Muslim Discount, and this time, he corrects that and leaves the reader with a lot of open questions to ponder instead of having everything wrapped up. As a no -Muslim, I was left wondering how representative the thoughts of the non practicing narrator were.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews