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The Singular Life of Aria Patel
For fans of You’ve Reached Sam and See You Yesterday, this captivating and mind-bending second-chance romance explores what it means to love—even across the multiverse.Aria Patel likes stability, certainty, predictability. It’s why she’s so into science. It's why she dumped her boyfriend before they went to different colleges because the odds were that something would go wrong, eventually. In a life that’s already so chaotic, why obsess over complicated relationships and shadowy unknowns when the scientific method gives you direction and a straight path to avoid all the drama. But there’s no avoiding anything when Aria finds herself suddenly falling through parallel universes and there’s no formula that can save her. She can’t explain why she’s been waking up in a new reality almost every day, or why Rohan, and a poem from her English class, seem to be following her through every new life.As Aria desperately attempts to find a way home, she eventually ends up stuck in a parallel world very similar to her own. She cherishes this new version of her family, and she finds herself unable to deny the yearning she has for Rohan…but it’s not her life or her Rohan. It belongs to another Aria, another girl, and unless Aria can get back home, she’ll have taken this happiness away from someone else forever. And she may never find her own.
This whirlwind novel from New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed will whisk you through worlds unknown, all while putting a multiverse spin on one of BookTok’s favorite second chance romance.
This whirlwind novel from New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed will whisk you through worlds unknown, all while putting a multiverse spin on one of BookTok’s favorite second chance romance.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2025
31 people are currently reading
6324 people want to read
About the author
Samira Ahmed
28 books1,534 followersSAMIRA AHMED was born in Bombay, India, and grew up in Batavia, Illinois, in a house that smelled like fried onions, spices, and potpourri. She currently resides in the Midwest. She’s lived in Vermont, New York City, and Kauai, where she spent a year searching for the perfect mango.
A graduate of the University of Chicago, she taught high school English for seven years, worked to create over 70 small high schools in New York City, and fought to secure billions of additional dollars to fairly fund public schools throughout New York State. She’s appeared in the New York Times, New York Daily News, Fox News, NBC, NY1, NPR, and on BBC Radio. Her creative non-fiction and poetry has appeared in Jaggery Lit, Entropy, the Fem, and Claudius Speaks.
Her writing is represented by Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary, Inc.
A graduate of the University of Chicago, she taught high school English for seven years, worked to create over 70 small high schools in New York City, and fought to secure billions of additional dollars to fairly fund public schools throughout New York State. She’s appeared in the New York Times, New York Daily News, Fox News, NBC, NY1, NPR, and on BBC Radio. Her creative non-fiction and poetry has appeared in Jaggery Lit, Entropy, the Fem, and Claudius Speaks.
Her writing is represented by Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary, Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 12, 2025
4.5✨
I didn’t really expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I didn’t think it was going to be bad, I just wasn’t that interested in reading a multiverse book. I did want to read it though ‘cause I own the book and got it signed so I felt that I should.
I really like the cover.
I kinda expected to have second-hand embarrassment and discomfort the whole book ‘cause Aria was “jumping” into random worlds and making a bunch of mistakes and kinda ruining some of the Aria’s lives. But I didn’t the whole time! (yippee!)
I love Zayna. She’s such a sweet little girl. I also love the Rohan from that world (Rohan is such a cool name).
FYI there was some lgbt content. It was very minimal and was only present like, twice. On page 120 Aria’s mom says, “Could it be a crush? Sometimes that can throw you off your axis, make you feel awkward. You know you can tell me, if you want. No judgment. Boy, girl, nonbinary person…” And on page 178 a person named Emani is mentioned. Dilnaz says something about Emani still being “in my heart.” Emani sounds like a girl name and Dilnaz is a girl. I dunno if it was implying that Dilnaz is a lesbian or what. And Aria thinks, “I haven’t met any Emanis at school and don’t know their pronouns.” I’m sorry if I missed anything else.
I totally figured out that wrote the poem. I made the connection with the I’m so proud of myself.
I didn’t really like the ending. I also wish we knew what happened after. I think it would be considered an open ending? I don’t like those.
It was very good. I give you, my recommendation.
Quotes! ⬇️
I didn’t really expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I didn’t think it was going to be bad, I just wasn’t that interested in reading a multiverse book. I did want to read it though ‘cause I own the book and got it signed so I felt that I should.
I really like the cover.
I kinda expected to have second-hand embarrassment and discomfort the whole book ‘cause Aria was “jumping” into random worlds and making a bunch of mistakes and kinda ruining some of the Aria’s lives. But I didn’t the whole time! (yippee!)
I love Zayna. She’s such a sweet little girl. I also love the Rohan from that world (Rohan is such a cool name).
FYI there was some lgbt content. It was very minimal and was only present like, twice. On page 120 Aria’s mom says, “Could it be a crush? Sometimes that can throw you off your axis, make you feel awkward. You know you can tell me, if you want. No judgment. Boy, girl, nonbinary person…” And on page 178 a person named Emani is mentioned. Dilnaz says something about Emani still being “in my heart.” Emani sounds like a girl name and Dilnaz is a girl. I dunno if it was implying that Dilnaz is a lesbian or what. And Aria thinks, “I haven’t met any Emanis at school and don’t know their pronouns.” I’m sorry if I missed anything else.
I totally figured out that wrote the poem. I made the connection with the I’m so proud of myself.
I didn’t really like the ending. I also wish we knew what happened after. I think it would be considered an open ending? I don’t like those.
It was very good. I give you, my recommendation.
Quotes! ⬇️
Soft, buttery morning light filters in through gauzy lavender curtains.
(Page 29)
AI scares me.
(Page 31)
And their commercials are totally different, too. Like, there’s universal access to health care, so that means there are none of those drug commercials showing a happy family at the beach while a voice-over speeds through the million terrifying possible side effects, including death (!), of meds that they are trying to get you to ask your doctor for.
(Page 85)
“It is easy to forget the good things in front of us. It’s the human condition.”
(Page 128)
March 3, 2025
Honestly, this book really just stressed me out. It just gets tenser and tenser without a real release. Though, I did enjoy the differences of other worlds, and the multiverse is always fun.
June 3, 2025
Solid 4 ⭐
TLDR: The Singular Life of Aria Patel does a great job mixing the seemingly different topics of quantum physics, poetry, and the struggles of belonging. Fair warning: I sometimes couldn't understand the explanations behind the sciencey bits. The poem that is a constant in every reality Aria is thrust into, To Be or Not To Be 2.0, is surprisingly so good! And that's coming from someone who doesn't really like poetry. Also that ending is unexpected to say the least (and a little confusing). Overall, it’s a fun, thought-provoking read for anyone who likes sci-fi with loveable characters.
Despite starting this a week ago, it feels as though I tore through this. It would've taken less time if I was less busy with school work, but so goes life.
Okay so what is The Singular Life of Aria Patel about?
Ever heard of people talking about how poetry changed their life? Well, think that but on a multiverse scale.
Aria Patel goes to her physics class one day to come home with homework that evolves reading a poem. Yup, you read that right. A poem. In physics class.
After getting this poem, Aria finds herself falling in and out of different worlds/universes. She only stays in each alternate reality for a short amount of time, but then she enters this world that is strikingly similar to hers, one that she is unable to leave. Rohan (her ex) and To Be or Not To Be 2.0 (the poem from physics class) seem to be following her in every world. As Aria desperately tries to leave this alternate world, she finds herself hitting roadblock after roadblock, finds herself becoming more and more like the Aria from that world. Can she find her way home, or will she be stuck living that Aria's life forever?
Sounds good, right?
I was checking out some of the reviews on Goodreads, and many of them said the same thing: they couldn't really understand the physics parts of the book. After reading it, I totally understand what they mean. Although I understood some explanations about quantum physics, Feynman, and multiverse, there were some parts that I was a bit lost on (no spoilers though!). Even though I didn't understand all of it, it was fun to just go along with it and pretend like I took physics in high school already!
I mentioned that Aria travels to different realities, which, by the way, was really well-written! My favourite had to be the one with the AI, which was really fun to read. It was also really interesting to see Aria in the reality that the majority of the book took place. This world was the most similar to hers, and surprisingly did not have phones. The following quote is something that stood out to me perhaps more than the main messages of the book of belonging, family, and the power of choices.
Honestly, I find it a bit superficial when people post their monthly dumps and practically document everything in their lives. Not like everything in the pictures were fake, but when people are spending every moment taking pictures to be posted, it's as if they're trying to prove that they had a good time, and as if they're saying, "look at how much fun I'm having in my life that you aren't having." If you do that, please don't be offended—that's just my opinion—you do you.
That being said, the constant moving between realities at the start was annoying, and I am so happy that the entire book wasn't like that. If it was... let's just say my rating would not be 4 stars.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel truly fits the definition of every chapter leaving you wanting more! Before going to sleep, I would tell myself, "Okay Isabella, just read one chapter then you have to sleep." Ahem... maybe in another reality that is true, but definitely not this one. (See what I did there?)
All I have to say about To Be or Not To Be 2.0 is that, as someone who isn't the biggest fan of poetry, IT WAS SO GOOD! I loved why it was so central to the story, and how Samira Ahmed merged two completely separate subjects together. Here's the first two lines:
Okay and another thing Goodreads reviews talked a lot about: the ending.
Not that I didn't like it, but it was so unexpected. I don't think I would have ever guessed that was how the book would end. I had a couple of theories, but none except my theory on the specifics of the poem came true.
Also I just was a bit confused with a bit of the ending.
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-
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⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
If you read this already, could you help me understand why there were two Aria's? Like I know there was the "present" one that we were following throughout the book, but what about the other one? I think she was the Aria from the future, right? But if the Aria from the future was there, why did she make Aria go through all that? I guess it was for character development. Sigh.
⚠️ END OF SPOILERS ⚠️
-
-
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Overall, I am sad I didn't read The Singular Life of Aria Patel sooner. Although it could be confusing at times, it was generally a good book that touched on so many important themes of belonging, the power of choices, and family. If you like books that blend science-fiction with the genuine struggles of a teenage girl, then this is for you!
P.S. Pay attention to the epigraph—it’s very relevant.
Favourite Quotes:
“Failure is just another step toward success, and now you've eliminated one of the possibilities," Rohan says cheerfully.”
“Because I could stay in this world, live in this world, but my whole life I'd be looking down at that closed box—the one I refused to even try to open—wondering if my mom was alive or dead and never knowing. The uncertainty would kill me,”
“Rule #1: Survive. When I wrote that I wasn't anticipating the possibility of death by Halloween costume.”
“It's easy to forget the good things in front of us.”
“Every decision we make in life is a choice to step in one direction instead of another. So that one future comes at the expense of all the other ones. Opening one door means all the other doors are closed.”
Check out the review also on my blog, The Inkbound Reader!
Many thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from an ARC and may vary from the published version.
TLDR: The Singular Life of Aria Patel does a great job mixing the seemingly different topics of quantum physics, poetry, and the struggles of belonging. Fair warning: I sometimes couldn't understand the explanations behind the sciencey bits. The poem that is a constant in every reality Aria is thrust into, To Be or Not To Be 2.0, is surprisingly so good! And that's coming from someone who doesn't really like poetry. Also that ending is unexpected to say the least (and a little confusing). Overall, it’s a fun, thought-provoking read for anyone who likes sci-fi with loveable characters.
Despite starting this a week ago, it feels as though I tore through this. It would've taken less time if I was less busy with school work, but so goes life.
Okay so what is The Singular Life of Aria Patel about?
Ever heard of people talking about how poetry changed their life? Well, think that but on a multiverse scale.
Aria Patel goes to her physics class one day to come home with homework that evolves reading a poem. Yup, you read that right. A poem. In physics class.
After getting this poem, Aria finds herself falling in and out of different worlds/universes. She only stays in each alternate reality for a short amount of time, but then she enters this world that is strikingly similar to hers, one that she is unable to leave. Rohan (her ex) and To Be or Not To Be 2.0 (the poem from physics class) seem to be following her in every world. As Aria desperately tries to leave this alternate world, she finds herself hitting roadblock after roadblock, finds herself becoming more and more like the Aria from that world. Can she find her way home, or will she be stuck living that Aria's life forever?
Sounds good, right?
I was checking out some of the reviews on Goodreads, and many of them said the same thing: they couldn't really understand the physics parts of the book. After reading it, I totally understand what they mean. Although I understood some explanations about quantum physics, Feynman, and multiverse, there were some parts that I was a bit lost on (no spoilers though!). Even though I didn't understand all of it, it was fun to just go along with it and pretend like I took physics in high school already!
I mentioned that Aria travels to different realities, which, by the way, was really well-written! My favourite had to be the one with the AI, which was really fun to read. It was also really interesting to see Aria in the reality that the majority of the book took place. This world was the most similar to hers, and surprisingly did not have phones. The following quote is something that stood out to me perhaps more than the main messages of the book of belonging, family, and the power of choices.
“It makes me wonder if not documenting every moment to share with the world makes it more real or makes me feel more present.”
Honestly, I find it a bit superficial when people post their monthly dumps and practically document everything in their lives. Not like everything in the pictures were fake, but when people are spending every moment taking pictures to be posted, it's as if they're trying to prove that they had a good time, and as if they're saying, "look at how much fun I'm having in my life that you aren't having." If you do that, please don't be offended—that's just my opinion—you do you.
That being said, the constant moving between realities at the start was annoying, and I am so happy that the entire book wasn't like that. If it was... let's just say my rating would not be 4 stars.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel truly fits the definition of every chapter leaving you wanting more! Before going to sleep, I would tell myself, "Okay Isabella, just read one chapter then you have to sleep." Ahem... maybe in another reality that is true, but definitely not this one. (See what I did there?)
All I have to say about To Be or Not To Be 2.0 is that, as someone who isn't the biggest fan of poetry, IT WAS SO GOOD! I loved why it was so central to the story, and how Samira Ahmed merged two completely separate subjects together. Here's the first two lines:
Where are your roots planted / Where did your wings take you?
Okay and another thing Goodreads reviews talked a lot about: the ending.
Not that I didn't like it, but it was so unexpected. I don't think I would have ever guessed that was how the book would end. I had a couple of theories, but none except my theory on the specifics of the poem came true.
Also I just was a bit confused with a bit of the ending.
-
-
-
⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
If you read this already, could you help me understand why there were two Aria's? Like I know there was the "present" one that we were following throughout the book, but what about the other one? I think she was the Aria from the future, right? But if the Aria from the future was there, why did she make Aria go through all that? I guess it was for character development. Sigh.
⚠️ END OF SPOILERS ⚠️
-
-
-
Overall, I am sad I didn't read The Singular Life of Aria Patel sooner. Although it could be confusing at times, it was generally a good book that touched on so many important themes of belonging, the power of choices, and family. If you like books that blend science-fiction with the genuine struggles of a teenage girl, then this is for you!
P.S. Pay attention to the epigraph—it’s very relevant.
Favourite Quotes:
“Failure is just another step toward success, and now you've eliminated one of the possibilities," Rohan says cheerfully.”
“Because I could stay in this world, live in this world, but my whole life I'd be looking down at that closed box—the one I refused to even try to open—wondering if my mom was alive or dead and never knowing. The uncertainty would kill me,”
“Rule #1: Survive. When I wrote that I wasn't anticipating the possibility of death by Halloween costume.”
“It's easy to forget the good things in front of us.”
“Every decision we make in life is a choice to step in one direction instead of another. So that one future comes at the expense of all the other ones. Opening one door means all the other doors are closed.”
Check out the review also on my blog, The Inkbound Reader!
Many thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from an ARC and may vary from the published version.
July 17, 2025
Solid multiverse travel coming of age type book. I agree with the masses who say the ending was a bit of a let-down or a bit confusing at least, but it was fun!
May 17, 2025
An intriguing book, and one which slowly draws you in to the world of the main character, Aria Patel.
The basic premise is that Aria - a girl who thrives on predictability and routine - finds herself falling into parallel universes. For reasons she cannot explain she keeps waking up in alternate worlds. There are many similarities with the world she has left, but the differences highlight things she is missing. Determined to find a way back to her own true self, Aria has to work out the mystery she finds herself in.
I’m not even going to begin to try to say I understood the physics behind this, but once we establish what’s going on the book draws you in. The initial forays into other worlds allowed the author a bit of fun, but once Aria is in a world very similar to her own the emotional depth of the character became the focus.
A sci-fi coming-of-age story would be my best attempt to explain this book. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
The basic premise is that Aria - a girl who thrives on predictability and routine - finds herself falling into parallel universes. For reasons she cannot explain she keeps waking up in alternate worlds. There are many similarities with the world she has left, but the differences highlight things she is missing. Determined to find a way back to her own true self, Aria has to work out the mystery she finds herself in.
I’m not even going to begin to try to say I understood the physics behind this, but once we establish what’s going on the book draws you in. The initial forays into other worlds allowed the author a bit of fun, but once Aria is in a world very similar to her own the emotional depth of the character became the focus.
A sci-fi coming-of-age story would be my best attempt to explain this book. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
May 24, 2025
A unique story, from start to finish, this book tells of Aria Patel’s journey through the lives of other Aria’s in different universes. I appreciated how it wasn’t just that Aria was different in each universe, but that, in some cases, everything around her was also wildly different. The ending was definitely not what I was expecting, and at first I was disappointed, but I see how it had to be the way it was, even if it meant a bit less closure.
March 26, 2025
I don't think I have enough words to describe just how incredible The Singular Life of Aria Patel is. I went into the book completely blind, and came out utterly wowed. Physics was never my strongest subject, and I haven't studied it since I was in grade 10, but this book actually made it kind of fun. The science fiction elements of the book, especially when it talks about Feynman, quantum physics, the concepts of the multiverse and so much other stuff were so so interesting. I know its fiction, but it was pretty fun to learn this.
The base of the story lies in the way the multiverse is written about. It starts off with a poem written by an unknown author which leads to our main character, Aria, falling into different worlds and universes, where there is one constant - her. I honestly loved how the first half of the book showed us all the different universes that could be - my favourite was the one with the AI companion (no spoilers, but it is soo funny). The explanations are explained so well and are very easy to understand, especially if you're a noob like me when it comes to physics.
The heart of the story is Aria though. Like I mentioned, she's the one constant in all these universes she's falling into. The physics of it all aside, the story does a phenomenal job of making us love Aria. Her life is not as great as it seems; she's lost a parent, broken up with her boyfriend and now she's falling into universes where she doesn't belong (no matter how she wants to). Once she arrives in a world similar to her own, Aria thinks this is where she could belong. But of course, that's not her home. In all interactions with the people of said world, you can see Aria missing her real one, even if she starts to love them all (including this world's Rohan) and even if she denies it.
I love the way all the science concepts were used as an explanation to things that Aria did/was going to do and how these explanations made it all the more easier to feel. Which is something I always love to see in science fiction. Her character growth and arc are so masterfully done, and I don't know about anyone else, but that ending was beautiful. I kind of didn't think it would happen that way, but the unexpected made it the best.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel has found its place as one of my favourite reads of the year and it also gives me the push to finally finish reading all of Samira Ahmed's books this year!
Thank you Atom Books UK for sending me an e-ARC!
The base of the story lies in the way the multiverse is written about. It starts off with a poem written by an unknown author which leads to our main character, Aria, falling into different worlds and universes, where there is one constant - her. I honestly loved how the first half of the book showed us all the different universes that could be - my favourite was the one with the AI companion (no spoilers, but it is soo funny). The explanations are explained so well and are very easy to understand, especially if you're a noob like me when it comes to physics.
The heart of the story is Aria though. Like I mentioned, she's the one constant in all these universes she's falling into. The physics of it all aside, the story does a phenomenal job of making us love Aria. Her life is not as great as it seems; she's lost a parent, broken up with her boyfriend and now she's falling into universes where she doesn't belong (no matter how she wants to). Once she arrives in a world similar to her own, Aria thinks this is where she could belong. But of course, that's not her home. In all interactions with the people of said world, you can see Aria missing her real one, even if she starts to love them all (including this world's Rohan) and even if she denies it.
I love the way all the science concepts were used as an explanation to things that Aria did/was going to do and how these explanations made it all the more easier to feel. Which is something I always love to see in science fiction. Her character growth and arc are so masterfully done, and I don't know about anyone else, but that ending was beautiful. I kind of didn't think it would happen that way, but the unexpected made it the best.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel has found its place as one of my favourite reads of the year and it also gives me the push to finally finish reading all of Samira Ahmed's books this year!
Thank you Atom Books UK for sending me an e-ARC!
May 20, 2025
The Singular Life of Aria Patel marks Samira Ahmed's foray into the increasingly popular multiverse subgenre of YA literature, blending science fiction with heartfelt coming-of-age themes. Ahmed, known for powerful contemporary novels like Internment and Love, Hate & Other Filters, ventures into more speculative territory with this story of a scientifically-minded teen who suddenly finds herself falling through parallel universes.
What begins as a seemingly ordinary story about a high school senior navigating relationship anxieties transforms into a profound meditation on identity, choice, and what it means to belong—not just in one world, but potentially in many. While the concept isn't entirely novel in today's pop culture landscape, Ahmed brings a fresh perspective through her protagonist's unique voice and scientific approach to an impossible situation.
Plot: Falling Through Reality's Cracks
Aria Patel is a physics-loving high school senior who values predictability and control. She's recently broken up with her boyfriend Rohan because they're headed to different colleges, and she'd rather end things neatly than face the messy uncertainty of a long-distance relationship. This practicality defines Aria—until her world literally fractures around her.
After witnessing what appears to be her mother's car accident, Aria begins an involuntary journey through parallel universes, moving from one reality to another with each intense headache she experiences. In each world, she encounters variations of the people she knows—her family, her best friend Dilnaz, and sometimes even Rohan—but never exactly as they were in her home universe.
The narrative becomes increasingly urgent as Aria gets "stuck" in one particular universe where she has a little sister named Zayna and both her parents are alive (unlike her prime universe, where her father died years ago). As she adapts to this new reality, she forms a connection with this world's version of Rohan, even as she struggles to find a way back to save her mother from the accident she witnessed.
The culmination brings a mind-bending twist involving a mysterious poem that appears in every universe and an encounter that forces Aria to make an impossible choice between worlds—and between different versions of herself.
Characters: Variations on a Theme
The novel's primary strength lies in its characterization, particularly of Aria herself. Across universes, she remains recognizably herself—scientifically-minded, slightly anxious, and determined—while subtly changing based on each world's circumstances. Through Aria's eyes, Ahmed explores how environment shapes identity without completely determining it.
Some of the most poignant moments come from Aria's interactions with characters who don't exist in her home universe:
- Her relationship with little sister Zayna in the world where she gets "stuck" is particularly touching, evolving from awkward confusion to genuine sisterly affection
- Her encounters with her father in worlds where he's still alive evoke complex emotions about loss and what-might-have-been
- Her growing connection with the "stuck" universe's Rohan creates genuine emotional stakes for her eventual decision
However, some secondary characters remain somewhat underdeveloped. Dilnaz, while likable, sometimes reads more as a support system than a fully realized character with her own motivations. Similarly, Aria's mother, despite being central to Aria's desire to return home, lacks dimensionality beyond being the person Aria needs to save.
Themes: Science Meets Philosophy
Despite being rooted in physics and multiverse theory, The Singular Life of Aria Patel ultimately concerns itself more with philosophical questions than scientific ones:
- Identity and authenticity: If multiple versions of yourself exist, which one is "real"? Are you defined by your circumstances or something more fundamental?
- Choice and consequence: Every decision closes doors while opening others—literally, in Aria's case. The novel poignantly illustrates how choosing one path necessarily means abandoning others.
- Connection across differences: Through her relationship with multiple versions of Rohan, Aria discovers that meaningful connections can transcend circumstantial differences.
- Control versus acceptance: Aria's journey forces her to reconcile her desire for certainty with the fundamental unpredictability of life.
Ahmed weaves these themes together elegantly, creating a narrative that's intellectually stimulating while remaining emotionally grounded.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Profound
Ahmed's prose strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. The first-person narration captures Aria's voice—analytical yet vulnerable, with flashes of dry humor—while still conveying complex concepts about quantum physics and identity.
The poem that appears throughout the novel serves as both plot device and thematic touchstone, with its imagery of roots, wings, and doorways reinforcing the novel's central concerns. Phrases from the poem recur throughout the narrative in different contexts, creating a sense of coherence despite the constantly shifting settings.
The author's handling of the multiverse concept is competent, though some readers may question certain elements of the "physics" behind Aria's experiences. The novel occasionally falls into convenient narrative shortcuts, particularly in its resolution, which relies on a somewhat convenient time-loop paradox.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Well
- Emotional core: Despite its high-concept premise, the novel remains grounded in relatable emotional stakes
- Voice: Aria's narration is distinctive and consistent, balancing scientific terminology with teenage vernacular
- Representation: Ahmed naturally incorporates South Asian American identity into the narrative without making it Aria's defining characteristic
- Pacing: The novel maintains momentum throughout, with each universe shift adding new dimensions to Aria's character and dilemma
Areas for Improvement
- Scientific explanation: The mechanism behind Aria's universe-hopping sometimes feels underdeveloped, relying more on poetic imagery than coherent sci-fi logic
- Secondary character development: Some supporting characters, particularly in the brief universe visits, feel more like sketches than fully realized people
- Resolution: The ending, while emotionally satisfying, relies on a somewhat convenient time paradox that may leave scientifically-minded readers questioning its logic
- Universe variety: Despite visiting numerous parallel worlds, the differences sometimes feel incremental rather than truly exploring the multiverse's potential for radical alternatives
Final Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking
Despite occasional scientific handwaving and a somewhat convenient resolution, The Singular Life of Aria Patel succeeds as both a thought-provoking exploration of identity across possibilities and a poignant coming-of-age story. Ahmed skillfully balances the novel's high-concept premise with genuine emotional stakes, creating a protagonist whose journey across universes ultimately helps her understand herself in this one.
The novel asks big questions: What makes us who we are? How do our choices define us? What would we sacrifice for those we love? While it doesn't provide definitive answers, it invites readers to consider these questions in relation to their own lives, which is perhaps the most one can ask of speculative fiction.
For readers seeking a blend of quantum concepts, philosophical questions, and heartfelt relationships, The Singular Life of Aria Patel offers a singular reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page—much like the ripple effects of choices that echo across Ahmed's multiverse.
What begins as a seemingly ordinary story about a high school senior navigating relationship anxieties transforms into a profound meditation on identity, choice, and what it means to belong—not just in one world, but potentially in many. While the concept isn't entirely novel in today's pop culture landscape, Ahmed brings a fresh perspective through her protagonist's unique voice and scientific approach to an impossible situation.
Plot: Falling Through Reality's Cracks
Aria Patel is a physics-loving high school senior who values predictability and control. She's recently broken up with her boyfriend Rohan because they're headed to different colleges, and she'd rather end things neatly than face the messy uncertainty of a long-distance relationship. This practicality defines Aria—until her world literally fractures around her.
After witnessing what appears to be her mother's car accident, Aria begins an involuntary journey through parallel universes, moving from one reality to another with each intense headache she experiences. In each world, she encounters variations of the people she knows—her family, her best friend Dilnaz, and sometimes even Rohan—but never exactly as they were in her home universe.
The narrative becomes increasingly urgent as Aria gets "stuck" in one particular universe where she has a little sister named Zayna and both her parents are alive (unlike her prime universe, where her father died years ago). As she adapts to this new reality, she forms a connection with this world's version of Rohan, even as she struggles to find a way back to save her mother from the accident she witnessed.
The culmination brings a mind-bending twist involving a mysterious poem that appears in every universe and an encounter that forces Aria to make an impossible choice between worlds—and between different versions of herself.
Characters: Variations on a Theme
The novel's primary strength lies in its characterization, particularly of Aria herself. Across universes, she remains recognizably herself—scientifically-minded, slightly anxious, and determined—while subtly changing based on each world's circumstances. Through Aria's eyes, Ahmed explores how environment shapes identity without completely determining it.
Some of the most poignant moments come from Aria's interactions with characters who don't exist in her home universe:
- Her relationship with little sister Zayna in the world where she gets "stuck" is particularly touching, evolving from awkward confusion to genuine sisterly affection
- Her encounters with her father in worlds where he's still alive evoke complex emotions about loss and what-might-have-been
- Her growing connection with the "stuck" universe's Rohan creates genuine emotional stakes for her eventual decision
However, some secondary characters remain somewhat underdeveloped. Dilnaz, while likable, sometimes reads more as a support system than a fully realized character with her own motivations. Similarly, Aria's mother, despite being central to Aria's desire to return home, lacks dimensionality beyond being the person Aria needs to save.
Themes: Science Meets Philosophy
Despite being rooted in physics and multiverse theory, The Singular Life of Aria Patel ultimately concerns itself more with philosophical questions than scientific ones:
- Identity and authenticity: If multiple versions of yourself exist, which one is "real"? Are you defined by your circumstances or something more fundamental?
- Choice and consequence: Every decision closes doors while opening others—literally, in Aria's case. The novel poignantly illustrates how choosing one path necessarily means abandoning others.
- Connection across differences: Through her relationship with multiple versions of Rohan, Aria discovers that meaningful connections can transcend circumstantial differences.
- Control versus acceptance: Aria's journey forces her to reconcile her desire for certainty with the fundamental unpredictability of life.
Ahmed weaves these themes together elegantly, creating a narrative that's intellectually stimulating while remaining emotionally grounded.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Profound
Ahmed's prose strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. The first-person narration captures Aria's voice—analytical yet vulnerable, with flashes of dry humor—while still conveying complex concepts about quantum physics and identity.
The poem that appears throughout the novel serves as both plot device and thematic touchstone, with its imagery of roots, wings, and doorways reinforcing the novel's central concerns. Phrases from the poem recur throughout the narrative in different contexts, creating a sense of coherence despite the constantly shifting settings.
The author's handling of the multiverse concept is competent, though some readers may question certain elements of the "physics" behind Aria's experiences. The novel occasionally falls into convenient narrative shortcuts, particularly in its resolution, which relies on a somewhat convenient time-loop paradox.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works Well
- Emotional core: Despite its high-concept premise, the novel remains grounded in relatable emotional stakes
- Voice: Aria's narration is distinctive and consistent, balancing scientific terminology with teenage vernacular
- Representation: Ahmed naturally incorporates South Asian American identity into the narrative without making it Aria's defining characteristic
- Pacing: The novel maintains momentum throughout, with each universe shift adding new dimensions to Aria's character and dilemma
Areas for Improvement
- Scientific explanation: The mechanism behind Aria's universe-hopping sometimes feels underdeveloped, relying more on poetic imagery than coherent sci-fi logic
- Secondary character development: Some supporting characters, particularly in the brief universe visits, feel more like sketches than fully realized people
- Resolution: The ending, while emotionally satisfying, relies on a somewhat convenient time paradox that may leave scientifically-minded readers questioning its logic
- Universe variety: Despite visiting numerous parallel worlds, the differences sometimes feel incremental rather than truly exploring the multiverse's potential for radical alternatives
Final Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking
Despite occasional scientific handwaving and a somewhat convenient resolution, The Singular Life of Aria Patel succeeds as both a thought-provoking exploration of identity across possibilities and a poignant coming-of-age story. Ahmed skillfully balances the novel's high-concept premise with genuine emotional stakes, creating a protagonist whose journey across universes ultimately helps her understand herself in this one.
The novel asks big questions: What makes us who we are? How do our choices define us? What would we sacrifice for those we love? While it doesn't provide definitive answers, it invites readers to consider these questions in relation to their own lives, which is perhaps the most one can ask of speculative fiction.
For readers seeking a blend of quantum concepts, philosophical questions, and heartfelt relationships, The Singular Life of Aria Patel offers a singular reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page—much like the ripple effects of choices that echo across Ahmed's multiverse.
May 5, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmed is a first person-POV YA sci-fi exploring the multiverse. Aria is a science-focused teen who is getting ready for college and breaks up with her boyfriend, Rohan, in preparation. Her intense determination to follow logic creates a wall between her and her ex, who she is still interested in, and her and her mother in the wake of her father’s death. When Aria and her mother end up in a car accident and Aria slips through the multiverse, she lives multiple lives belonging to different Arias, including the chance to try again with Rohan.
There is a second chance romance arc but I wouldn’t call this a sci-fi romance or a romantic sci-fi. A major focus on the plot is Aria realizing that she needs to accept that she can’t control everything or predict what will happen and the inciting incident that starts the plot doesn’t really have much to do with Rohan. Beyond that, Aria’s slipping through the multiverse is partly induced by her having headaches which are a chronic condition she has that many women face. There’s a lot of things that the plot is doing and the romance isn’t the main thrust for either the plot or character arcs but instead compliments them.
Aria is an only child in her original world but in the world she spends the most time in (and the world that gives her a second chance with Rohan) not only includes her father still being alive, but also a younger sister named Zayna. Zayna appears in several other dimensions and Aria grows attached to her fairly quickly despite herself. You can feel that Aria doesn’t want to get attached and does struggle to connect with Zayna as her sister instead of the sister of someone else, but she holds great affection for the seven-year-old and likes being an older sister for the most part. Zayna plays a big part in Aria’s character arc though not a super direct one and I appreciated how this familial relationship that Aria wasn’t looking for became one of her most meaningful relationships.
One of the most realistic things I saw in the book was how much Aria wanted to keep herself and the Aria who’s life she’s living separate and yet she would use the phrase ‘My mom’ for the other Aria’s mother. It’s exactly what I would expect from someone who is eighteen, separated from their family and world for an extended period of time, and here’s someone who is very similar to what they’re missing but they know they aren’t the same person. The lines are gonna start to blur no matter how hard you try to keep them separate and how much you don’t want to steal the life of someone else.
I would recommend this to fans of books centering the multiverse and readers of YA who love portal fantasies who want to try out a sci-fi
The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmed is a first person-POV YA sci-fi exploring the multiverse. Aria is a science-focused teen who is getting ready for college and breaks up with her boyfriend, Rohan, in preparation. Her intense determination to follow logic creates a wall between her and her ex, who she is still interested in, and her and her mother in the wake of her father’s death. When Aria and her mother end up in a car accident and Aria slips through the multiverse, she lives multiple lives belonging to different Arias, including the chance to try again with Rohan.
There is a second chance romance arc but I wouldn’t call this a sci-fi romance or a romantic sci-fi. A major focus on the plot is Aria realizing that she needs to accept that she can’t control everything or predict what will happen and the inciting incident that starts the plot doesn’t really have much to do with Rohan. Beyond that, Aria’s slipping through the multiverse is partly induced by her having headaches which are a chronic condition she has that many women face. There’s a lot of things that the plot is doing and the romance isn’t the main thrust for either the plot or character arcs but instead compliments them.
Aria is an only child in her original world but in the world she spends the most time in (and the world that gives her a second chance with Rohan) not only includes her father still being alive, but also a younger sister named Zayna. Zayna appears in several other dimensions and Aria grows attached to her fairly quickly despite herself. You can feel that Aria doesn’t want to get attached and does struggle to connect with Zayna as her sister instead of the sister of someone else, but she holds great affection for the seven-year-old and likes being an older sister for the most part. Zayna plays a big part in Aria’s character arc though not a super direct one and I appreciated how this familial relationship that Aria wasn’t looking for became one of her most meaningful relationships.
One of the most realistic things I saw in the book was how much Aria wanted to keep herself and the Aria who’s life she’s living separate and yet she would use the phrase ‘My mom’ for the other Aria’s mother. It’s exactly what I would expect from someone who is eighteen, separated from their family and world for an extended period of time, and here’s someone who is very similar to what they’re missing but they know they aren’t the same person. The lines are gonna start to blur no matter how hard you try to keep them separate and how much you don’t want to steal the life of someone else.
I would recommend this to fans of books centering the multiverse and readers of YA who love portal fantasies who want to try out a sci-fi
May 5, 2025
The morning Aria Patel fell through the multiverse, she thought the hardest part of her day would be ignoring Rohan, the ex she broke up with for logical reasons even though her heart hasn't yet caught up. But that's before she sees her mom almost get killed by a truck and falls through the multiverse before she can stop it or even know the outcome.
As to be expected when dealing with the multiverse and Quantium Mechanics, the science, well, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But if you roll with it, it is a pretty cool concept. What happens to the other Arias? And what does it mean if their lives are bleeding together?
Aria jumping through the multiverses was also super fun. The first one was a Bollywood style musical universe that was bonkers but why not? If you saw Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or Sliders (1995 show) then you'll know the multiverse is a bonkers place.
However, at about the 20% mark after Aria goes through a few multiverse, the bonkers fun screeches to a halt as we're told via exposition how she went through a bunch of multiverses and then made up some rules to survive and boom, the next chapter we see her in the multiverse she'll spend most of her time in. I didn't like that I didn't get to see the character growth and change she went through; one moment I'm seeing her experiencing the multiverses for the first time and three pages later she's slightly jaded and over the whole thing.
The other smaller issue I had was it did feel a little like it was written by a fellow millennial. Aria's prime universe is my own, and Doctor Who isn't as big of a cultural phenomena today with the teen crowd as it was when I was a teen. Also, what teen thinks they don't want to live in a universe without Keanu Reeves? He was a little too old for me to crush on when I was a teen, and that was *whispers* over ten years ago.
Still, those little nitpicks aside, I did enjoy this book overall. I also enjoyed how casual and positively it showed a faith community (in this case, the Muslim community) and how they do fun things like a fall festival for the community children. It reminded me of my own teenaged experiences volunteering at a similar type of festival in my own faith community. I have never seen religion shown in a positive light in mainstream YA; usually it is either shown as being oppressive and awful or the character suffers bigotry from others because of it. It was nice to see it as a normal part of a character's life and a source of joy.
It was also fun to see Aria act like a normal teenager. In the world of YA when the leads tend to be the best at everything despite being 17-18 years old, it was refreshing to see Aria struggle, make poor choices, and nerd out over science without being some sort of teenage science genius.
I recommend this to teens and others who enjoy science fiction and the idea of the multiverse, while still preferring character relationships over the science details.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
As to be expected when dealing with the multiverse and Quantium Mechanics, the science, well, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. But if you roll with it, it is a pretty cool concept. What happens to the other Arias? And what does it mean if their lives are bleeding together?
Aria jumping through the multiverses was also super fun. The first one was a Bollywood style musical universe that was bonkers but why not? If you saw Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness or Sliders (1995 show) then you'll know the multiverse is a bonkers place.
However, at about the 20% mark after Aria goes through a few multiverse, the bonkers fun screeches to a halt as we're told via exposition how she went through a bunch of multiverses and then made up some rules to survive and boom, the next chapter we see her in the multiverse she'll spend most of her time in. I didn't like that I didn't get to see the character growth and change she went through; one moment I'm seeing her experiencing the multiverses for the first time and three pages later she's slightly jaded and over the whole thing.
The other smaller issue I had was it did feel a little like it was written by a fellow millennial. Aria's prime universe is my own, and Doctor Who isn't as big of a cultural phenomena today with the teen crowd as it was when I was a teen. Also, what teen thinks they don't want to live in a universe without Keanu Reeves? He was a little too old for me to crush on when I was a teen, and that was *whispers* over ten years ago.
Still, those little nitpicks aside, I did enjoy this book overall. I also enjoyed how casual and positively it showed a faith community (in this case, the Muslim community) and how they do fun things like a fall festival for the community children. It reminded me of my own teenaged experiences volunteering at a similar type of festival in my own faith community. I have never seen religion shown in a positive light in mainstream YA; usually it is either shown as being oppressive and awful or the character suffers bigotry from others because of it. It was nice to see it as a normal part of a character's life and a source of joy.
It was also fun to see Aria act like a normal teenager. In the world of YA when the leads tend to be the best at everything despite being 17-18 years old, it was refreshing to see Aria struggle, make poor choices, and nerd out over science without being some sort of teenage science genius.
I recommend this to teens and others who enjoy science fiction and the idea of the multiverse, while still preferring character relationships over the science details.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
September 22, 2025
this book was so, SO cute. i love a nice feel-good teen romance novel, and this book hit it out of the park when it came to that category. there’s universe jumping, heartfelt romance, a sprinkling of philosophy and art and science that makes you appreciate the endlessness and the smallness of the universe and its constituents.
the characters are all lovely and written with plenty of care, and i always adore seeing ya romance novels that feature a beautifully crafted poc cast. i joked to my irl best friend that i started reading this book because we “needed more brown girl crashout novels,” but still, the representation is heartwarming and i love how human everyone is rather than being reduced down to token diversity points.
while a little bit on the simpler side as far as writing sophistication is concerned, to its credit, the book doesn’t ever pretend to be anything other than the coming of age teen book it is. definitely the kind of happy ending book to snuggle up with under the sheets on a cold night and the kind of book to remind you to hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
the characters are all lovely and written with plenty of care, and i always adore seeing ya romance novels that feature a beautifully crafted poc cast. i joked to my irl best friend that i started reading this book because we “needed more brown girl crashout novels,” but still, the representation is heartwarming and i love how human everyone is rather than being reduced down to token diversity points.
while a little bit on the simpler side as far as writing sophistication is concerned, to its credit, the book doesn’t ever pretend to be anything other than the coming of age teen book it is. definitely the kind of happy ending book to snuggle up with under the sheets on a cold night and the kind of book to remind you to hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
March 13, 2025
The singular life of Aria Patel
This book is a science fiction book which would be very suitable for a young teen or young adult. The story begins with a typical high school day for our protagonist, Aria Patel. Aria is a senior in high school. She lost her father at a very young age and lives with her mother. She has two best friends and recently broke up with her boyfriend. She is given a peculiar poem to analyze for physics class and upon reading this poem, Aria is transported to another life in the multiverse. In each universe, she encounters many of her real life friends but they are all slightly different than the people from her main life. Each universe is different and unique. Some are silly, some are more advanced than her current universe but one in particular is a very comfortable life with a loving family, friends and a love interest. She continues to struggle to get back to her original universe but finds she is getting more and more absorbed in this current universe.
At this point the story gets repetitive. Sometimes I struggled to understand the quantum physics that was thrown at us as Aria tried to figure out how to return to her original life but since we really can’t travel through multiple universes, it wasn’t worth understanding so I started skimming those paragraphs.
Then the end, the last 10 pages add a twist to the whole story. A twist that I think should have come much sooner. There were much more interesting storylines to mine from this twist which would have relieved the monotony of the poem and constant headache descriptions.
So overall a nice story if you can get through some of the boring chapters.
This book is a science fiction book which would be very suitable for a young teen or young adult. The story begins with a typical high school day for our protagonist, Aria Patel. Aria is a senior in high school. She lost her father at a very young age and lives with her mother. She has two best friends and recently broke up with her boyfriend. She is given a peculiar poem to analyze for physics class and upon reading this poem, Aria is transported to another life in the multiverse. In each universe, she encounters many of her real life friends but they are all slightly different than the people from her main life. Each universe is different and unique. Some are silly, some are more advanced than her current universe but one in particular is a very comfortable life with a loving family, friends and a love interest. She continues to struggle to get back to her original universe but finds she is getting more and more absorbed in this current universe.
At this point the story gets repetitive. Sometimes I struggled to understand the quantum physics that was thrown at us as Aria tried to figure out how to return to her original life but since we really can’t travel through multiple universes, it wasn’t worth understanding so I started skimming those paragraphs.
Then the end, the last 10 pages add a twist to the whole story. A twist that I think should have come much sooner. There were much more interesting storylines to mine from this twist which would have relieved the monotony of the poem and constant headache descriptions.
So overall a nice story if you can get through some of the boring chapters.
September 17, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the flow of the story, I thought the voice was good, even with a bit of a repetitive dip in the middle. But I felt like the ending left things not quite as resolved as I wanted.
August 17, 2025
I gave it 4 stars because I finished it in one day, and enjoyed it. It’s a pretty easy read. If you’re looking for something realistic then this isn’t your book. Although this book deals with a the main character going into different multiverses, so you’d expect more science fiction like, With rules for how it works, etc.. this book is more along the lines of fantasy with science fiction elements.
dnf
June 14, 2025Logging for myself to know not to pick this one up again. It’s not for me but I do hope it works for others!!
I don’t like when smart characters need to have “science speak” thoughts. It’s just not realistic to me personally. Also, I really don’t like skeptics who don’t want to contemplate a situation of time paradox.
I don’t like when smart characters need to have “science speak” thoughts. It’s just not realistic to me personally. Also, I really don’t like skeptics who don’t want to contemplate a situation of time paradox.
dnf
May 19, 2025DNF 30%
June 18, 2025
3.5 Stars
May 12, 2025
Thank you so much for the e-ARC!
If I had a nickel for every time I read a book where the main character is passionate about physics, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice.
Although I initially found it a bit hard to get into, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book. The story follows Aria Patel, a recent high school graduate preparing to leave for college. In an effort to avoid the pain of a long-distance relationship, Aria decides to break up with her boyfriend, Rohan. Or at least, that’s what she tells herself. Beneath that decision lies a deeper fear, one rooted in grief, change, and the unpredictable nature of life.
The multiverse element of the story is introduced through a poem Aria reads in her physics class. After encountering this poem, she begins experiencing intense headaches that transport her to alternate versions of reality. Each universe she visits is wildly different, from a highly advanced AI-dominated society to a reality where she unexpectedly finds herself kissing her enemy. These transitions aren’t just jarring for Aria, they force her to confront the many paths her life could take and the emotional baggage she carries in each one.
One of the most compelling alternate worlds Aria visits is a simple, tech-free community where people live in harmony with one another. It’s in this world that she reunites with her late father and meets a younger sister she never had. This version of her life is slower, grounded, and filled with emotional healing. It’s here, with the help of this universe’s Rohan and the presence of her whole family, that Aria begins to open herself up to love, vulnerability, and the beauty of human connection.
At its core, this novel is about accepting life’s randomness and embracing the present moment. Aria has spent so much of her life trying to prevent heartache by preemptively ending good things, like her relationship with Rohan, because she believes that loss is inevitable. But through her journey across universes, she learns that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose to live fully and love deeply, despite the risks.
What I really appreciated was how the author wove together poetry and physics, two seemingly unrelated disciplines, into a thoughtful exploration of grief, identity, and possibility. The story uses scientific concepts not just as a plot device, but as a metaphor for the complexity and unpredictability of life. Aria’s voice also felt incredibly authentic. She’s not perfect, she makes mistakes, doubts herself, pushes people away, but that just makes her more relatable as a teenage protagonist navigating change and emotional growth.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and creative YA novel that balances emotional depth with imaginative storytelling. I think I would have connected even more with it if I had read it when I was younger, but I still appreciated its message and unique approach to themes of loss, love, and self-discovery.
Rating: 3.5/5
If I had a nickel for every time I read a book where the main character is passionate about physics, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice.
Although I initially found it a bit hard to get into, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book. The story follows Aria Patel, a recent high school graduate preparing to leave for college. In an effort to avoid the pain of a long-distance relationship, Aria decides to break up with her boyfriend, Rohan. Or at least, that’s what she tells herself. Beneath that decision lies a deeper fear, one rooted in grief, change, and the unpredictable nature of life.
The multiverse element of the story is introduced through a poem Aria reads in her physics class. After encountering this poem, she begins experiencing intense headaches that transport her to alternate versions of reality. Each universe she visits is wildly different, from a highly advanced AI-dominated society to a reality where she unexpectedly finds herself kissing her enemy. These transitions aren’t just jarring for Aria, they force her to confront the many paths her life could take and the emotional baggage she carries in each one.
One of the most compelling alternate worlds Aria visits is a simple, tech-free community where people live in harmony with one another. It’s in this world that she reunites with her late father and meets a younger sister she never had. This version of her life is slower, grounded, and filled with emotional healing. It’s here, with the help of this universe’s Rohan and the presence of her whole family, that Aria begins to open herself up to love, vulnerability, and the beauty of human connection.
At its core, this novel is about accepting life’s randomness and embracing the present moment. Aria has spent so much of her life trying to prevent heartache by preemptively ending good things, like her relationship with Rohan, because she believes that loss is inevitable. But through her journey across universes, she learns that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose to live fully and love deeply, despite the risks.
What I really appreciated was how the author wove together poetry and physics, two seemingly unrelated disciplines, into a thoughtful exploration of grief, identity, and possibility. The story uses scientific concepts not just as a plot device, but as a metaphor for the complexity and unpredictability of life. Aria’s voice also felt incredibly authentic. She’s not perfect, she makes mistakes, doubts herself, pushes people away, but that just makes her more relatable as a teenage protagonist navigating change and emotional growth.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and creative YA novel that balances emotional depth with imaginative storytelling. I think I would have connected even more with it if I had read it when I was younger, but I still appreciated its message and unique approach to themes of loss, love, and self-discovery.
Rating: 3.5/5
May 1, 2025
The Singular Life of Aria Patel
The Singular Life of Aria Patel follows Aria as she falls through the multiverse at the cusp of huge life change (going off to college/university). On her quest to get back to her own world, Aria navigates her new role in her alter-egos’ lives, all whilst trying not to break her four rules – survive, do no harm, observe and no emotional entanglements. But as Aria grows closer to the different versions of her friends and family, including those who she never got the chance to know, the rules she made for herself become even harder to follow.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel is a story full of heart and charm. It explores the uncertainty towards the future, the importance of the relationships around you, and accepting your constantly changing identity.
I love stories about multiverses and multiple lifetimes! This is a premise and trope that I’ve adored ever since I was a child and I’ve been so excited to see the different takes on it in books released this year.
I was particularly excited about The Singular Life of Aria Patel because of the Muslim rep within this trope. I loved the scenes showing the nuances of a South Asian Muslim living in the U.S. As a South Asian Muslim living in a Western country myself, it was really heartwarming seeing the pockets of communities coming together. One of my favourite scenes was the meeting in the mosque with Dilnaz taking charge to delegate tasks for the Harvest Festival.
I loved the mention of David Tennant’s Doctor from Doctor Who transcending worlds and that there had been a desi Doctor. Seeing these moments of representation on the page, full of humour, kindness and generosity that I’ve also found in Muslim spaces, meant the world to me.
I thought this book was really lovely and heartwarming overall. I do, however, think that the novel didn’t quite match the description it was marketed with which makes it seem as if the story is underpinned by the romance. Instead, the story (rightly!) focuses on Aria’s perception of her own identity and her platonic relationships. It’s filled with both humour and a palpable sense of yearning for both the people in the alternate world she spends the most time with and for the world and people she calls home. Rohan isn’t the core focus. I feel that it’s a disservice to the story and Aria as the main character to make Rohan seem like such a key structural focus and romantic interest in the description (of no fault to the author).
Once I'd reframed my expectations, I was much happier reading the novel and enjoying it for what it is!
I was really excited to receive a copy of The Singular Life of Aria Patel from Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel follows Aria as she falls through the multiverse at the cusp of huge life change (going off to college/university). On her quest to get back to her own world, Aria navigates her new role in her alter-egos’ lives, all whilst trying not to break her four rules – survive, do no harm, observe and no emotional entanglements. But as Aria grows closer to the different versions of her friends and family, including those who she never got the chance to know, the rules she made for herself become even harder to follow.
The Singular Life of Aria Patel is a story full of heart and charm. It explores the uncertainty towards the future, the importance of the relationships around you, and accepting your constantly changing identity.
I love stories about multiverses and multiple lifetimes! This is a premise and trope that I’ve adored ever since I was a child and I’ve been so excited to see the different takes on it in books released this year.
I was particularly excited about The Singular Life of Aria Patel because of the Muslim rep within this trope. I loved the scenes showing the nuances of a South Asian Muslim living in the U.S. As a South Asian Muslim living in a Western country myself, it was really heartwarming seeing the pockets of communities coming together. One of my favourite scenes was the meeting in the mosque with Dilnaz taking charge to delegate tasks for the Harvest Festival.
I loved the mention of David Tennant’s Doctor from Doctor Who transcending worlds and that there had been a desi Doctor. Seeing these moments of representation on the page, full of humour, kindness and generosity that I’ve also found in Muslim spaces, meant the world to me.
I thought this book was really lovely and heartwarming overall. I do, however, think that the novel didn’t quite match the description it was marketed with which makes it seem as if the story is underpinned by the romance. Instead, the story (rightly!) focuses on Aria’s perception of her own identity and her platonic relationships. It’s filled with both humour and a palpable sense of yearning for both the people in the alternate world she spends the most time with and for the world and people she calls home. Rohan isn’t the core focus. I feel that it’s a disservice to the story and Aria as the main character to make Rohan seem like such a key structural focus and romantic interest in the description (of no fault to the author).
Once I'd reframed my expectations, I was much happier reading the novel and enjoying it for what it is!
I was really excited to receive a copy of The Singular Life of Aria Patel from Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2025
Fascinating premise but underwhelming overall, leaving me with more questions than anything.
I really like Aria as a character and appreciated her approach to problem solving (and the mistakes she makes along the way!) but the pacing was off and her inner monologue got fairly repetitive in the second half. The rest of the characters were enjoyable, though the other Rohan felt very dream boy-ish.
Spoiler-y thoughts:
Intriguing themes and fascinating character exploration but ya, lacking a gratifying conclusion.
I really like Aria as a character and appreciated her approach to problem solving (and the mistakes she makes along the way!) but the pacing was off and her inner monologue got fairly repetitive in the second half. The rest of the characters were enjoyable, though the other Rohan felt very dream boy-ish.
Spoiler-y thoughts:
Intriguing themes and fascinating character exploration but ya, lacking a gratifying conclusion.
June 15, 2025
Aria Patel craves order—predictability, logic, clean lines. It’s why she loves science. It’s why she broke up with her boyfriend before they left for college—better to cut things off than risk the inevitable mess. But chaos doesn’t care about logic. One moment Aria’s in chemistry class, and the next she’s waking up in a parallel universe—again. There’s no pattern, no control, and no scientific explanation for why Rohan keeps appearing in every version of her life… or why the same mysterious poem follows her across realities.
When Aria lands in a world eerily close to her own, she’s tempted to stay. Her family is whole. Rohan is closer than ever. But this life belongs to another Aria—and if she can’t find her way back, she might steal a happiness that was never meant to be hers… and lose the chance to find her own.
This was a great story. Can you imagine what it would be like to find yourself, as a different version of yourself, in another multiverse? To discover different variations of yourself that do NOT fit what you know? To land in a multiverse that makes you want to think about staying, however, guilt creeps in everytime you get a glimpse of your world, knowing it's not fair to stay when there's the you that SHOULD be in this world? Are you confused? I know I am. The physics completely threw me off but the story was fascinating. Aria gets to see so many multiverse worlds of "Arias", experiencing some for an hour, a day or even a few days. I loved how she just bounced all over the place. There were some worlds that had me laughing out loud!
Only criticism I have, and this may be a spoiler, is that there's no wrap up, in the multiverse between Aria and her BFF Dilnaz. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed, wanting to get Aria back to her world but questioning if this multiverse Aria will return to this world. If you like multiverse/time travelling stories, this one is for you!
When Aria lands in a world eerily close to her own, she’s tempted to stay. Her family is whole. Rohan is closer than ever. But this life belongs to another Aria—and if she can’t find her way back, she might steal a happiness that was never meant to be hers… and lose the chance to find her own.
This was a great story. Can you imagine what it would be like to find yourself, as a different version of yourself, in another multiverse? To discover different variations of yourself that do NOT fit what you know? To land in a multiverse that makes you want to think about staying, however, guilt creeps in everytime you get a glimpse of your world, knowing it's not fair to stay when there's the you that SHOULD be in this world? Are you confused? I know I am. The physics completely threw me off but the story was fascinating. Aria gets to see so many multiverse worlds of "Arias", experiencing some for an hour, a day or even a few days. I loved how she just bounced all over the place. There were some worlds that had me laughing out loud!
Only criticism I have, and this may be a spoiler, is that there's no wrap up, in the multiverse between Aria and her BFF Dilnaz. I also felt the ending was a bit rushed, wanting to get Aria back to her world but questioning if this multiverse Aria will return to this world. If you like multiverse/time travelling stories, this one is for you!
June 22, 2025
The Singular Life of Aria Patel is a deeply emotional, mind-bending YA romance that explores identity, grief, and the ache of parallel lives. Samira Ahmed blends her signature warmth and cultural grounding with a multiverse premise that feels fresh and earned. Aria is a protagonist who thrives on logic and routine—so when she begins waking up in different versions of her life, all stability disappears. What could’ve been a chaotic sci-fi premise instead becomes something tender: a slow, aching unraveling of a girl who learns she can’t control everything, especially not her heart.
The romance with Rohan is gentle, threaded through each version of Aria’s life with just enough longing to make it sting. But it’s the emotional tension—between versions of self, between chosen futures and lost ones—that carries the weight. There’s a real philosophical heart here, especially as Aria begins to question whether a life that isn't hers can still be worth holding onto. Ahmed does a beautiful job navigating the tension between love and letting go, and between fate and agency.
Some readers might wish for more clarity in the mechanics of the multiverse or a slightly tighter middle act, where repetition flirts with drag. But the emotional beats hit exactly where they should. This isn’t about flashy world-hopping—it’s about longing, loss, and how to live with the lives we didn’t choose. For fans of You’ve Reached Sam or A Thousand Beginnings and Endings, this one will linger. It’s a story about science and the soul, and the quiet courage it takes to find your way home—even when home keeps changing.
The romance with Rohan is gentle, threaded through each version of Aria’s life with just enough longing to make it sting. But it’s the emotional tension—between versions of self, between chosen futures and lost ones—that carries the weight. There’s a real philosophical heart here, especially as Aria begins to question whether a life that isn't hers can still be worth holding onto. Ahmed does a beautiful job navigating the tension between love and letting go, and between fate and agency.
Some readers might wish for more clarity in the mechanics of the multiverse or a slightly tighter middle act, where repetition flirts with drag. But the emotional beats hit exactly where they should. This isn’t about flashy world-hopping—it’s about longing, loss, and how to live with the lives we didn’t choose. For fans of You’ve Reached Sam or A Thousand Beginnings and Endings, this one will linger. It’s a story about science and the soul, and the quiet courage it takes to find your way home—even when home keeps changing.
May 21, 2025
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers & NetGalley for the ARC!
This book follows our FMC, Aria Patel, who gets stuck going through the multiverse. She ends up in a place much like her own, and although she’s starting to love this new life, she knows this place doesn’t belong to her. We follow her through the journey of finding her way back to her own universe/home and we find out going back home is harder than it seems.
If you’ve never watched movies that explain the multiverse, this book may confuse you even more. It’s labeled as a second chance romance but does it count when the FMC falls in love with her ex boyfriend in an alternate universe ?? Meaning, it’s him but it’s an alternate version of him so it’s not really him.
I liked going through the different universes with Aria but I wish she stuck around the one with the AI because it provided a sarcastic sense of humor in this mind-bend of a book. The world where Aria gets stuck in the longest was kind of sad to be honest. It was a world where her family was whole and where she had a better relationship with her ex boyfriend.
I wasn’t really satisfied with the ending but I didn’t know how it could be better. I wish we could’ve seen how the two Arias interacted to see if there would be any conflict about who stays and who goes. It was still a good read for the most part and I loved how fast paced it was in the beginning to get to the main issue of the book.
This book follows our FMC, Aria Patel, who gets stuck going through the multiverse. She ends up in a place much like her own, and although she’s starting to love this new life, she knows this place doesn’t belong to her. We follow her through the journey of finding her way back to her own universe/home and we find out going back home is harder than it seems.
If you’ve never watched movies that explain the multiverse, this book may confuse you even more. It’s labeled as a second chance romance but does it count when the FMC falls in love with her ex boyfriend in an alternate universe ?? Meaning, it’s him but it’s an alternate version of him so it’s not really him.
I liked going through the different universes with Aria but I wish she stuck around the one with the AI because it provided a sarcastic sense of humor in this mind-bend of a book. The world where Aria gets stuck in the longest was kind of sad to be honest. It was a world where her family was whole and where she had a better relationship with her ex boyfriend.
I wasn’t really satisfied with the ending but I didn’t know how it could be better. I wish we could’ve seen how the two Arias interacted to see if there would be any conflict about who stays and who goes. It was still a good read for the most part and I loved how fast paced it was in the beginning to get to the main issue of the book.
May 24, 2025
The Singular Life of Aria Patel is a coming of age, multi-verse, sci-fi YA novel starring a Teen girl named Aria Patel. Aria like facts, science, and predictable outcomes. Which is why she broke up with her boyfriend before they go to different colleges. It will be easier this way.
After witnessing what appears to be her mother in a car accident Aria beings falling through parallel universes. The places she travels are like her own world and also NOT. Aria is desperately trying to get home while also feeling the need to study and understand what is happening. Once she finds a universe very similar to her own, but with both parents living, and some special differences she could grow to love. Does she even want to go home?
The Singular Life of Aria Patel was a really interesting coming of age novel. I'm not the fastest at understanding Physics but this novel described it in the simplest ways possible. This book gave me "Wrinkle in Time" vibes but for a slightly older audience. Aria is a character who is easy to love because her emotions are so very relatable. Even as a grown adult, I felt for her and understood what was driving her decisions. I will say, I felt very tense for certain parts of the novel, but that was more because I was so invested. Well done! I look forward to more from Samira Ahmed.
After witnessing what appears to be her mother in a car accident Aria beings falling through parallel universes. The places she travels are like her own world and also NOT. Aria is desperately trying to get home while also feeling the need to study and understand what is happening. Once she finds a universe very similar to her own, but with both parents living, and some special differences she could grow to love. Does she even want to go home?
The Singular Life of Aria Patel was a really interesting coming of age novel. I'm not the fastest at understanding Physics but this novel described it in the simplest ways possible. This book gave me "Wrinkle in Time" vibes but for a slightly older audience. Aria is a character who is easy to love because her emotions are so very relatable. Even as a grown adult, I felt for her and understood what was driving her decisions. I will say, I felt very tense for certain parts of the novel, but that was more because I was so invested. Well done! I look forward to more from Samira Ahmed.
May 27, 2025
Thank you so much for the e-ARC Atom Books and NetGalley.
This is a coming of age sci-fi YA novel that deals with lots of different themes but focusses mainly on enjoying the now and not taking what you have for granted. What if tomorrow you were in another world and living a different life? How would you cope? What would you miss back home, in your real world? How do you say goodbye to the connections you make along the way? What if this other world was just a variation on your life - the same but... different? What is one of these worlds provides you with the one thing you have felt was missing in your life - your dad who died when you were younger?
These are all the questions Aria faces as she tries to work her way back home after she becomes entangled in the multiverse guiding only by a poem from an anonymous author and her knowledge of physics.
This was a slow burn for me but ultimately I enjoyed it. Samira Ahmed has this knack of writing really realistic characters who draw you in to their world whilst putting you firmly in their heads. If you have never read one of her books then read this or Internment. Whilst this one won't stick with me like Internment has it is well worth the read.
This is a coming of age sci-fi YA novel that deals with lots of different themes but focusses mainly on enjoying the now and not taking what you have for granted. What if tomorrow you were in another world and living a different life? How would you cope? What would you miss back home, in your real world? How do you say goodbye to the connections you make along the way? What if this other world was just a variation on your life - the same but... different? What is one of these worlds provides you with the one thing you have felt was missing in your life - your dad who died when you were younger?
These are all the questions Aria faces as she tries to work her way back home after she becomes entangled in the multiverse guiding only by a poem from an anonymous author and her knowledge of physics.
This was a slow burn for me but ultimately I enjoyed it. Samira Ahmed has this knack of writing really realistic characters who draw you in to their world whilst putting you firmly in their heads. If you have never read one of her books then read this or Internment. Whilst this one won't stick with me like Internment has it is well worth the read.
June 27, 2025
This was a strange book for me, but in a good way. I never read before about one girl who falls into other lives, other versions of herself. Aria is very serious girl, she believes in logic and plans—but life, or maybe universe, does not follow plan. When she starts moving into other worlds, I feel her confusion. It reminded me that we cannot always control what happens, even with big knowledge.
Some parts were difficult for me to understand with English words, especially the emotional ones. But I liked how the story made me think. If I had chance to live another version of my life, would I want to? Would I take someone else’s joy, even if it feels like mine? That question is strong. Also, I liked the romance with Rohan—it is soft and painful at same time.
There is no big action or fast movement in this story. It is slow and thoughtful. That may not be for everyone, but for me, it was okay. I needed to read slow anyway, and that helped me feel each moment. I liked how the book did not tell me everything. It trusted me to feel the meaning behind Aria’s choices.
I think this book is good for someone who likes to ask “what if?” Not only about love, but about life, about who we are. It gave me quiet feelings and made me look at my own life in small new way.
Some parts were difficult for me to understand with English words, especially the emotional ones. But I liked how the story made me think. If I had chance to live another version of my life, would I want to? Would I take someone else’s joy, even if it feels like mine? That question is strong. Also, I liked the romance with Rohan—it is soft and painful at same time.
There is no big action or fast movement in this story. It is slow and thoughtful. That may not be for everyone, but for me, it was okay. I needed to read slow anyway, and that helped me feel each moment. I liked how the book did not tell me everything. It trusted me to feel the meaning behind Aria’s choices.
I think this book is good for someone who likes to ask “what if?” Not only about love, but about life, about who we are. It gave me quiet feelings and made me look at my own life in small new way.
May 25, 2025
After finding a mysterious poem that haunts her throughout the story, Aria, finds herself being flung to alternate universes. Ones where her father is still alive, a futuristic world, a world with two suns, etc - all belonging to other versions of Aria. As she finds herself in one parallel world that is much like her own with a few differences like a version of her boyfriend she had originally broken up with but now in this new world can't resist and a complete family that she loves she finds herself struggling with wanting to go back to her normal life and also wanting to stay but having to live with the guilt that she is taking this life away from the Aria that actually belongs in this parallel world.
This was a fun read, that really respects it's audience. I read it all in one go and really enjoyed it. The pacing was well done and I was never bored. And I liked that Aria, to me, had pretty realistic reactions to being flung across the multiverse haha
Thank you to Netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review!
This was a fun read, that really respects it's audience. I read it all in one go and really enjoyed it. The pacing was well done and I was never bored. And I liked that Aria, to me, had pretty realistic reactions to being flung across the multiverse haha
Thank you to Netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review!
June 1, 2025
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
I enjoy a good multiverse science fiction- the idea of many different worlds with slightly different versions of yourself is fascinating. So I was looking forward to The Singular life of Aria Patel
This book is an interesting combination of science fiction ,coming of age and a touch of teenage angst. Aria falls through different worlds where different versions of her families exist but she Aria needs to get to back to her mother and her life however imperfect.
I loved the different versions of Aria lives from super posh to the super tech ( especially the one in the sarky AI) but the main story is Aria’s last world where she has family including a sibling. Aria’s dilemma of being comfortable in this safe world verus the fact she knows she is stealing the other Aria’s perfect life comes across through the writing. The desi aspects of Aria’s life threads through the story adding an extra depth.
I didn’t quite understand the science behind the Aria’s jump between worlds and why she ended up jumping.
I enjoy a good multiverse science fiction- the idea of many different worlds with slightly different versions of yourself is fascinating. So I was looking forward to The Singular life of Aria Patel
This book is an interesting combination of science fiction ,coming of age and a touch of teenage angst. Aria falls through different worlds where different versions of her families exist but she Aria needs to get to back to her mother and her life however imperfect.
I loved the different versions of Aria lives from super posh to the super tech ( especially the one in the sarky AI) but the main story is Aria’s last world where she has family including a sibling. Aria’s dilemma of being comfortable in this safe world verus the fact she knows she is stealing the other Aria’s perfect life comes across through the writing. The desi aspects of Aria’s life threads through the story adding an extra depth.
I didn’t quite understand the science behind the Aria’s jump between worlds and why she ended up jumping.
July 3, 2025
“Where are your roots planted / Where did your wings take you?”
Aria Patel is a teenage girl caught between her traditional Indian upbringing and her longing for independence. When she discovers a way to travel through the multiverse, everything changes. Each new world shows her a different version of herself—some obedient, some rebellious, some completely unrecognizable. As she moves between realities, Aria begins to question not just who she is, but who she could be. Blending coming-of-age with sci-fi, the novel explores identity, choice, and the power of rewriting your own story.
Although I didn’t fully grasp all the science behind the multiverse, it didn’t take away from the story. What really stood out was Aria’s personal journey—honest, imaginative, and relatable for anyone figuring out their place in the world. I genuinely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
**Don't forget to read the epilogue.
Aria Patel is a teenage girl caught between her traditional Indian upbringing and her longing for independence. When she discovers a way to travel through the multiverse, everything changes. Each new world shows her a different version of herself—some obedient, some rebellious, some completely unrecognizable. As she moves between realities, Aria begins to question not just who she is, but who she could be. Blending coming-of-age with sci-fi, the novel explores identity, choice, and the power of rewriting your own story.
Although I didn’t fully grasp all the science behind the multiverse, it didn’t take away from the story. What really stood out was Aria’s personal journey—honest, imaginative, and relatable for anyone figuring out their place in the world. I genuinely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
**Don't forget to read the epilogue.
January 16, 2025
Aria's life is hardly perfect, but it's hers. She misses her father who has died. She struggles in English class. And when she gets an alarming call from her mother, Aria leaves school, racing to her mother's side, only to suddenly get pulled out of her life and into a parallel universe. After bouncing from universe to universe, being different versions of herself, Aria lands in one and stays there for a long time, trying not to get close to anyone and trying to find her way home, trying to get there in time to save her mother. I love Ahmed's writing style and have read most of her books. I like this one, but I have a hard time with multiverses and time travel and all of the science-y things that are important in this book. Hand it to sci-fi loving teens and maybe they'll also read Internment afterwards. Review from e-galley.
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