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The Gatekeeper's Notebook
Life looked promising for Kalila Rahim when she and her husband decided to move from New York City to the Pocono Mountains. Despite a fabulous home, a lucrative career, and the birth of a healthy baby boy, the couple’s marriage remained fraught with problems: the most notable, Bashir’s complicated love affair.
Angry and hurt, Kalila kicks him out, only to become distraught when she receives a call notifying her of Bashir’s untimely death.
Widowed, facing mounting debt, and left to raise their son alone, Kalila decides to move far away and start a new life. However, she soon discovers that burying a husband is a lot simpler than concealing his secrets, especially after her own dark dalliances resurface, threatening to destroy her life.
Angry and hurt, Kalila kicks him out, only to become distraught when she receives a call notifying her of Bashir’s untimely death.
Widowed, facing mounting debt, and left to raise their son alone, Kalila decides to move far away and start a new life. However, she soon discovers that burying a husband is a lot simpler than concealing his secrets, especially after her own dark dalliances resurface, threatening to destroy her life.
327 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Sahar Abdulaziz
21 books91 followers2025 Winner: Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award, Thriller category
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place Fiction-Humor-Relationships
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place, Fiction-Detective-Amateur Sleuths
2025 Finalist: The Book Excellence Award
2023 Finalist: Best Thriller Book Awards
2023 Semifinalist: Mystery, The Best of Indie 12th Annual Kindle Book Awards
2022 Winner, Firebird Book Award
2020 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019 Winner of the Daybreak Press Book Award for Muslim Fiction
2019: Essay Winner, Women in Scrutiny Anthology; Brooklyn Girls Books
2019 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019: Winner, Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award
2016 Winner of the Community Written Expression Award
2016 Winner, AAN Sistah Chat Radio Women of Distinction Award
2016 Winner, Monroe County Image Awards Sistah Chat Radio Media Communication
“Abdulaziz is a master at crafting a thriller paced by truth.”
Suspense writer Sahar Abdulaziz is the author of seventeen books—including, But You LOOK Just Fine, The Broken Half, Tight Rope, Secrets That Find Us, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook, Unlikely Friends, Devoted Friends, Unexpected Friends, Forever Friends, Who Killed Gary?, Ashes, Dust, Who Killed Gary?; and her most recent, 2025 release: Who Killed Karen? Most of her work is in realistic fiction: psychological thrillers, suspense, and satire. She writes about characters facing complicated life challenges and is determined to tell their stories, eager to put pen to paper to share their compelling accounts.
Rep’d by Shaggy Dog Publications
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place Fiction-Humor-Relationships
2025 The Bookfest Awards Fall 2025 Second Place, Fiction-Detective-Amateur Sleuths
2025 Finalist: The Book Excellence Award
2023 Finalist: Best Thriller Book Awards
2023 Semifinalist: Mystery, The Best of Indie 12th Annual Kindle Book Awards
2022 Winner, Firebird Book Award
2020 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019 Winner of the Daybreak Press Book Award for Muslim Fiction
2019: Essay Winner, Women in Scrutiny Anthology; Brooklyn Girls Books
2019 Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award
2019: Winner, Fofky’s Reader’s Choice Award
2016 Winner of the Community Written Expression Award
2016 Winner, AAN Sistah Chat Radio Women of Distinction Award
2016 Winner, Monroe County Image Awards Sistah Chat Radio Media Communication
“Abdulaziz is a master at crafting a thriller paced by truth.”
Suspense writer Sahar Abdulaziz is the author of seventeen books—including, But You LOOK Just Fine, The Broken Half, Tight Rope, Secrets That Find Us, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook, Unlikely Friends, Devoted Friends, Unexpected Friends, Forever Friends, Who Killed Gary?, Ashes, Dust, Who Killed Gary?; and her most recent, 2025 release: Who Killed Karen? Most of her work is in realistic fiction: psychological thrillers, suspense, and satire. She writes about characters facing complicated life challenges and is determined to tell their stories, eager to put pen to paper to share their compelling accounts.
Rep’d by Shaggy Dog Publications
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 16, 2019
Abulaziz is a writer who has honed her skills! I was deeply impressed by not only her tautness plotting but the well-rounded and engrossing caste of primary, secondary and tertiary characters. I read this book in two days (which says a lot considering how bored I can easily get of fiction for adults--being someone who mostly reads kidlit!). But nothing about this book is a bore. It is delightful and delightfully naughty and intellectually honest. As I tore through the pages I found myself hating on Amara, feeling sincere pity for Kalila, and ultimately identify and caring most about the kids in this book--those who are the most innocent victims of adults and their inability to face the truth and grow up. Melvin's literal but also metaphorical presence was deeply impactful. This is a great read for anyone, but I'd really love to read this in a circle of Muslim women and have some honest talks about the need for financial and spiritual independence from the men in our lives.
May 7, 2021
Sahar Abdulaziz's The Gatekeeper's Notebook is a fascinating and unique psychological thriller. Set in an Islamic community, the story starts with a bang and doesn't let up. In this story, Abdulaziz does a masterful job of exploring social issues, in this case plural marriages within the Islamic community, and of creating and developing strong, complex characters. What I love about this story is that each character could be the protagonist of their own story--that's a gift and not easy to pull off. Abdulaziz dissected the characters by exploring their motivations, inner world, and actions, which made for an intense and enjoyable read. If you love lots of twists and turns and the unexpected, this book is for you. I highly recommend The Gatekeeper's Notebook.
December 1, 2019
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook is a thoroughly riveting and enjoyable read. Sahar Abdulaziz will hook you in from page one as you follow the travails of Kalila Rahim and will keep you turning the pages to see what unfolds from one chapter to the next. Ms. Abdulaziz has created a cast of interesting and colorful characters, some of which you’ll root for and others you hope will get their comeuppance. The mix of Muslims and non-Muslims work well and demonstrates that at heart, we’re all subject to the same fears and motivations as human beings. You’ll laugh and you’ll be sad but you’ll certainly never be bored. Though The Gatekeeper’s Notebook may be light and amusing in some parts, there’s a dark thread of realism that shadows the story. Sadly, these things happen in our communities and cannot be hidden under the rug. Ms. Abdulaziz does not pull any punches in the portrayal of her characters’ flaws and weaknesses. Though the actions of those who are supposedly good Muslims will make you squirm a bit, The Gatekeeper’s Notebook is a realistic reminder that none of us are perfect. We all have our own baggage to deal with and Ms. Abdulazis is extremely gifted at writing about dirty laundry. Keep them coming, Sahar!
February 1, 2020
I know you've all been in the same position! You're driving down the road and there is a big traffic jam. You wonder what is causing the slowdown. You continue your slow slog until you find it...a horrible car wreck. You slowly crawl around it and think to yourself you don't want to look but you can't stop yourself. You can't help but look and peer into shadows to see more. This is the feeling I got while reading this book!
Sahar Adbelaziz did not disappoint in telling a story that shocked and amazed me at every turn of the page. The women she introduced me to were people I would know; the woman I prayed next to, the woman I smile at while waiting for my children at the bus stop, the woman I made a plate for at the community dinner last week. The men that I met in the story could easily have been the men that pray in the rows ahead of me, next to my son or my husband. Their days and night could have been any one of the days of my life; picking up the kids, cooking dinner for the family, fussing through bedtime and getting ready for the school day.
Life as normal unfolds on the page in front of me. The stories of these four families; wives, husbands, and children are described just as our lives continue from one day to the next. Breakfast, work, school, home for dinner, time for worship and time for fun. Each day almost identical and yet different in some small yet inconceivably grandiose ways, words that are said, clothes that are worn, food that is eaten but the prayers are the same. Looking from the outside in, what would a stranger say?
The topics Sahar Abdelaziz discusses with ease are ones that I have often felt are painful to mention. I often feel as if I need to tiptoe around the points of conversation because perhaps others will not understand. How do we even broach the topics of prostitution, adultery, polygamy and so many other things people do? She seamlessly interweaves the everyday lives of these most normal people with some of the most taboo behaviors.
We are introduced to one young man with a unique vantage point. His unobstructed view allows him to see things; moments in time, places and people that we may not even realize are visible to others. He marks moments in time as he sees them, in vivid detail in his many journals and yet no one is the wiser. He isn't a person of import, no one turns to him to make decisions for even refers to for an opinion.
Through his eyes, you can see events unfold in the mundane and not so ordinary lives of the people in the neighborhood. It is quite apparent that the lives of people he encounters are so much deeper than what is seen on the surface.
The Gate Keepers Notebook is one of the stories that I never knew I wanted to be told. Thank you Sahar Abdelaziz for putting into words the plot lines I will forever be afraid to write myself.
Sahar Adbelaziz did not disappoint in telling a story that shocked and amazed me at every turn of the page. The women she introduced me to were people I would know; the woman I prayed next to, the woman I smile at while waiting for my children at the bus stop, the woman I made a plate for at the community dinner last week. The men that I met in the story could easily have been the men that pray in the rows ahead of me, next to my son or my husband. Their days and night could have been any one of the days of my life; picking up the kids, cooking dinner for the family, fussing through bedtime and getting ready for the school day.
Life as normal unfolds on the page in front of me. The stories of these four families; wives, husbands, and children are described just as our lives continue from one day to the next. Breakfast, work, school, home for dinner, time for worship and time for fun. Each day almost identical and yet different in some small yet inconceivably grandiose ways, words that are said, clothes that are worn, food that is eaten but the prayers are the same. Looking from the outside in, what would a stranger say?
The topics Sahar Abdelaziz discusses with ease are ones that I have often felt are painful to mention. I often feel as if I need to tiptoe around the points of conversation because perhaps others will not understand. How do we even broach the topics of prostitution, adultery, polygamy and so many other things people do? She seamlessly interweaves the everyday lives of these most normal people with some of the most taboo behaviors.
We are introduced to one young man with a unique vantage point. His unobstructed view allows him to see things; moments in time, places and people that we may not even realize are visible to others. He marks moments in time as he sees them, in vivid detail in his many journals and yet no one is the wiser. He isn't a person of import, no one turns to him to make decisions for even refers to for an opinion.
Through his eyes, you can see events unfold in the mundane and not so ordinary lives of the people in the neighborhood. It is quite apparent that the lives of people he encounters are so much deeper than what is seen on the surface.
The Gate Keepers Notebook is one of the stories that I never knew I wanted to be told. Thank you Sahar Abdelaziz for putting into words the plot lines I will forever be afraid to write myself.
January 12, 2020
The Storms of Life
Sahar Abdulaziz begins her new book, THE GATEKEEPER’S NOTEBOOK, with a vivid description of an angry man attempting to negotiate a car through a driving rainstorm on a winding mountain road. It’s a masterful piece of writing that puts you right there with him, up until the jarring end.
The story that follows seems a continuation of the storm. Each of the main characters, as always with Abdulaziz, are presented to us as complex, and in this case, complicated women, each dealing with life circumstances that have affected them adversely. I think all of us can relate, because we all have crossed paths with such people. It’s a good reminder not to judge someone because you don’t know what has come before in their life.
It was interesting to read about the two women in this book, Kalila and Amara, whose storms were a result of the same event, the possibility of their husband taking a second wife. It surprised me that the author turned the full glare of a spotlight on plural marriage, a subject which I was curious about. She provides a thorough examination of how taking a second wife can affect all parties involved.
I’ve read most of Ms. Abdulaziz’ books and have met many wonderful characters in those pages, many of whom I love and would like to have lunch with. While some of the adults in THE GATEKEEPER’S NOTEBOOK aren’t people I’d care to have a sit-down with, I absolutely loved the autistic young man, Melvin. A genius savant at art, Melvin’s outlet is filling sketch pad after sketch pad with his observations of these very people we are reading about (they are neighbors) with drawings that are so detailed, they are second only to photographs. The character of Melvin shows a great deal of careful research on the author’s part.
The storms the characters have made of their lives continues right to the end of the book and we are left wondering what will happen next. Which is also true. Who among us knows what tomorrow will bring?
As always, Ms. Abdulaziz’ prose is admirable. Kudos to the author for an excellently written, thoroughly intriguing, work.
Sahar Abdulaziz begins her new book, THE GATEKEEPER’S NOTEBOOK, with a vivid description of an angry man attempting to negotiate a car through a driving rainstorm on a winding mountain road. It’s a masterful piece of writing that puts you right there with him, up until the jarring end.
The story that follows seems a continuation of the storm. Each of the main characters, as always with Abdulaziz, are presented to us as complex, and in this case, complicated women, each dealing with life circumstances that have affected them adversely. I think all of us can relate, because we all have crossed paths with such people. It’s a good reminder not to judge someone because you don’t know what has come before in their life.
It was interesting to read about the two women in this book, Kalila and Amara, whose storms were a result of the same event, the possibility of their husband taking a second wife. It surprised me that the author turned the full glare of a spotlight on plural marriage, a subject which I was curious about. She provides a thorough examination of how taking a second wife can affect all parties involved.
I’ve read most of Ms. Abdulaziz’ books and have met many wonderful characters in those pages, many of whom I love and would like to have lunch with. While some of the adults in THE GATEKEEPER’S NOTEBOOK aren’t people I’d care to have a sit-down with, I absolutely loved the autistic young man, Melvin. A genius savant at art, Melvin’s outlet is filling sketch pad after sketch pad with his observations of these very people we are reading about (they are neighbors) with drawings that are so detailed, they are second only to photographs. The character of Melvin shows a great deal of careful research on the author’s part.
The storms the characters have made of their lives continues right to the end of the book and we are left wondering what will happen next. Which is also true. Who among us knows what tomorrow will bring?
As always, Ms. Abdulaziz’ prose is admirable. Kudos to the author for an excellently written, thoroughly intriguing, work.
August 7, 2020
“It’s complicated.” Where have we heard that before? Relationships just are, and this author dives deep to reveal what makes her array of characters tick.
What human being hasn’t had to deal with love and loss? We’ve all had our trials and the author dives deep to reveal how people cope, or don’t cope, and how the characters develop over time. If you’ve ever been left in a relationship or suddenly switched out of your current circumstances to a new set of challenges, you’re going to enjoy this read and learn something in the process.
I follow everything this writer produces because she’s not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, particularly domestic violence or emotional abuse. It’s something no one seems to wants to talk about, but it’s an epidemic. There are lessons to be learned in Abdulaziz’s writing and The Gatekeeper’s Notebook is no exception. Everytime I read one of her books, I learn so much. The Gatekeeper's Notebook is no exception.
Through her compelling storytelling, and while weaving interesting characters in and out of difficult situations, I felt as though I know many of these people and had met at one time or another, or brushed shoulders with them. She brings their humanness to life, with all its gifts and foibles. That’s what makes a great storyteller and a great writer and that’s Abdulaziz’s greatest gift.
Using her ability to develop characters like Kalila and Amara, and even unlikeable angry character who seem hell bent on destruction, we get a fully developed person that we can relate to …or despise. And some of them are truly despicable!
Like a draftsperson who embraces precision, the author creates suspense and intrigue and real flesh and blood players who we feel we know intimately. That’s the gift of a true writer. I highly recommend this book.
Secrets. Punishment. Intrigue! If you love thrillers and suspense, you’re going to love The Gatekeeper’s Notebook.
What human being hasn’t had to deal with love and loss? We’ve all had our trials and the author dives deep to reveal how people cope, or don’t cope, and how the characters develop over time. If you’ve ever been left in a relationship or suddenly switched out of your current circumstances to a new set of challenges, you’re going to enjoy this read and learn something in the process.
I follow everything this writer produces because she’s not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, particularly domestic violence or emotional abuse. It’s something no one seems to wants to talk about, but it’s an epidemic. There are lessons to be learned in Abdulaziz’s writing and The Gatekeeper’s Notebook is no exception. Everytime I read one of her books, I learn so much. The Gatekeeper's Notebook is no exception.
Through her compelling storytelling, and while weaving interesting characters in and out of difficult situations, I felt as though I know many of these people and had met at one time or another, or brushed shoulders with them. She brings their humanness to life, with all its gifts and foibles. That’s what makes a great storyteller and a great writer and that’s Abdulaziz’s greatest gift.
Using her ability to develop characters like Kalila and Amara, and even unlikeable angry character who seem hell bent on destruction, we get a fully developed person that we can relate to …or despise. And some of them are truly despicable!
Like a draftsperson who embraces precision, the author creates suspense and intrigue and real flesh and blood players who we feel we know intimately. That’s the gift of a true writer. I highly recommend this book.
Secrets. Punishment. Intrigue! If you love thrillers and suspense, you’re going to love The Gatekeeper’s Notebook.
November 1, 2021
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Gatekeeper’s Notebook
Author: Sahar Abdulaziz
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
19 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is a very honest story, which looks at a number of difficult subjects including polygamy. The writing style is excellent, and the author’s ability to develop a character is top notch.” Male reader, aged 39
“A fascinating story delving into a culture I know little about. After reading it, I felt I understood Muslim women a little bit better.” Female reader, aged 60
“This is a mix of family saga and psychological thriller. Interesting mix! The hatred within the family is very much in the face of the reader but, in a way, this acts as a catalyst for later events. There is plenty of suspense in this story, and the glossary helps a lot. I thought the author did a fantastic job.” Male reader, aged 38
“Plenty of flawed characters and shocks; you’ll never be bored reading this. I would happily open another book by this author.” Female reader, aged 71
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly written thriller packed full of memorable (and flawed) characters, A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Gatekeeper’s Notebook
Author: Sahar Abdulaziz
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
19 thought the cover was good or excellent.
19 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is a very honest story, which looks at a number of difficult subjects including polygamy. The writing style is excellent, and the author’s ability to develop a character is top notch.” Male reader, aged 39
“A fascinating story delving into a culture I know little about. After reading it, I felt I understood Muslim women a little bit better.” Female reader, aged 60
“This is a mix of family saga and psychological thriller. Interesting mix! The hatred within the family is very much in the face of the reader but, in a way, this acts as a catalyst for later events. There is plenty of suspense in this story, and the glossary helps a lot. I thought the author did a fantastic job.” Male reader, aged 38
“Plenty of flawed characters and shocks; you’ll never be bored reading this. I would happily open another book by this author.” Female reader, aged 71
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly written thriller packed full of memorable (and flawed) characters, A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 4, 2020
With intricately fleshed out characters Ms. Abdulaziz has written a novel that dares you to stop reading. In an upscale gated community there are secrets that each of the characters wishes to have remain hidden....some are innocuous, some are life threatening. As the lives of several members of the community collide none are safe from the fallout and each pays a different price for the lies, deeds or their actions. There are characters you initially sympathize with and in the end grow to dislike or some that you immediately mentally sneer at and are glad to see receive their comeuppance.
This novel addresses many different topics and smoothly blends them together from infidelity to polygamy to friendships real or only precarious. The language is frank and honest and could be off-putting to some but is necessary to convey the depths of what the characters feel and think.
By the end of the novel you are left to wonder if there are truly any winners or losers despite the eventual outcomes. There are some open ended questions as to what the future might hold for some of these people but, it is not any type of disappointment where you feel let down. More so, it is the type of question that allows the reader to think about how they would handle the situation and gives you time to reflect on what you would do if left in the same situation.
I have read everything Ms. Abdulaziz has written and it is astounding to see how she is able to grasp each genre with certainty and extreme talent. If you have not read any of her prior works I highly recommend you do so to see how she manages to go from the gritty to the humorous and pull it off each time
This novel addresses many different topics and smoothly blends them together from infidelity to polygamy to friendships real or only precarious. The language is frank and honest and could be off-putting to some but is necessary to convey the depths of what the characters feel and think.
By the end of the novel you are left to wonder if there are truly any winners or losers despite the eventual outcomes. There are some open ended questions as to what the future might hold for some of these people but, it is not any type of disappointment where you feel let down. More so, it is the type of question that allows the reader to think about how they would handle the situation and gives you time to reflect on what you would do if left in the same situation.
I have read everything Ms. Abdulaziz has written and it is astounding to see how she is able to grasp each genre with certainty and extreme talent. If you have not read any of her prior works I highly recommend you do so to see how she manages to go from the gritty to the humorous and pull it off each time
December 31, 2019
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook is a psychological thriller about a widowed mother who’s on the brink of financial ruin and is trying desperately to claw her way out and make a new start. Every step Kalila Rahim takes towards freedom seems to pull a new secret up from the dirt that she’s left scrambling to bury again.
The plot of this book felt like it could have been a season on Desperate Housewives – a widowed mother who’s being forced to consider any number of distasteful things in order to preserve her lifestyle and the lifestyle of her preteen son, nosy neighbors who have their own secrets hiding in plain sight, and a whole lot of scheming.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the head jumping. I know that some people can find it disorienting, but I love it. I love being able to dip into the heads of so many different characters, especially in a novel like this where the top layer is constantly being peeled back to reveal something new. Getting to experience another character’s point of view also made sure to humanize some of the people that our protagonist Kalila didn’t have the distance to see as fully-fledged people and allowed the reader to pick up on clues about certain individuals that Kalila was inclined to trust.
While some thrillers keep the reader in the protagonist’s mind to ensure that we experience the same emotions that the protagonist does when the big reveal takes place, this one chose to do something very different and I appreciated it.
Something that I would have liked to have seen more of was acknowledgment from Kalila when she was being hypocritical. Though it is very realistic for a character to not see themselves clearly enough to have that kind of realization, Kalila had such strong feelings about fidelity and poaching and to see her make choices that directly went against those beliefs without much internal struggle at all was a little startling
By far, my favorite character here was Hamza. Not the perfect, angelic little boy and not a depraved little maniac, he was a fleshed out, grieving kid who was struggling to take a side and I loved the way he was written.
My favorite line has to be:
I went into this one without any prior knowledge – all I did before I started reading was look at the front cover. This is what I always do with thrillers and it’s always been an incredibly fun ride. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with The Gatekeeper’s Notebook and it gets four stars from me. I’ll probably end up rereading it in a few months.
P.S. That cover is absolutely stunning, and looking at it after you're done reading the book is just the best.
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook is a psychological thriller about a widowed mother who’s on the brink of financial ruin and is trying desperately to claw her way out and make a new start. Every step Kalila Rahim takes towards freedom seems to pull a new secret up from the dirt that she’s left scrambling to bury again.
The plot of this book felt like it could have been a season on Desperate Housewives – a widowed mother who’s being forced to consider any number of distasteful things in order to preserve her lifestyle and the lifestyle of her preteen son, nosy neighbors who have their own secrets hiding in plain sight, and a whole lot of scheming.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the head jumping. I know that some people can find it disorienting, but I love it. I love being able to dip into the heads of so many different characters, especially in a novel like this where the top layer is constantly being peeled back to reveal something new. Getting to experience another character’s point of view also made sure to humanize some of the people that our protagonist Kalila didn’t have the distance to see as fully-fledged people and allowed the reader to pick up on clues about certain individuals that Kalila was inclined to trust.
While some thrillers keep the reader in the protagonist’s mind to ensure that we experience the same emotions that the protagonist does when the big reveal takes place, this one chose to do something very different and I appreciated it.
Something that I would have liked to have seen more of was acknowledgment from Kalila when she was being hypocritical. Though it is very realistic for a character to not see themselves clearly enough to have that kind of realization, Kalila had such strong feelings about fidelity and poaching and to see her make choices that directly went against those beliefs without much internal struggle at all was a little startling
By far, my favorite character here was Hamza. Not the perfect, angelic little boy and not a depraved little maniac, he was a fleshed out, grieving kid who was struggling to take a side and I loved the way he was written.
My favorite line has to be:
“Sometimes the best course of action with the unhinged is to accept that they won’t likely change and then detach.”
It’s a great line and it’s sound life advice too!
I went into this one without any prior knowledge – all I did before I started reading was look at the front cover. This is what I always do with thrillers and it’s always been an incredibly fun ride. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with The Gatekeeper’s Notebook and it gets four stars from me. I’ll probably end up rereading it in a few months.
P.S. That cover is absolutely stunning, and looking at it after you're done reading the book is just the best.
January 14, 2020
"The Gatekeeper's Notebook" is a tense read from the first page. Author Sahar Abdulaziz sets up a series of betrayals and schemes that are certainly entertaining. The book is billed as a psychological thriller, but it seems to lack the misdirection and gentle horror that genre entails. Despite that, the plot remains a thrilling ride, with tension at every turn. The characters seem to live and breathe, some wanting nothing but their own self-promotion, others observing from afar, directing us to examine the morality behind the scenes.
I particularly appreciated that one of the central characters was autistic. There is something so pure and honest about this character's unbiased, detached interpretation of events, and it contrasts so well with the heightened emotions of the surrounding characters.
Each chapter begins from the perspective of a new character, so the story remains fresh, if a little disorienting at times. Because of the large variety of viewpoints in this novel, there is a fair amount of backstory to be told, especially in the beginning, which tends to slow the narrative. On the other hand, with the high stakes and emotionality in the story, these slower points may be necessary to even the pacing.
"The Gatekeeper's Notebook" is a sharp, suspenseful read with characters you will grow to love or love to hate.
I particularly appreciated that one of the central characters was autistic. There is something so pure and honest about this character's unbiased, detached interpretation of events, and it contrasts so well with the heightened emotions of the surrounding characters.
Each chapter begins from the perspective of a new character, so the story remains fresh, if a little disorienting at times. Because of the large variety of viewpoints in this novel, there is a fair amount of backstory to be told, especially in the beginning, which tends to slow the narrative. On the other hand, with the high stakes and emotionality in the story, these slower points may be necessary to even the pacing.
"The Gatekeeper's Notebook" is a sharp, suspenseful read with characters you will grow to love or love to hate.
January 1, 2020
Housekeeping: I received an ARC (advanced reader's copy) of this book courtesy of Djarabi Kitabs Publishing for an honest review.
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook by Sahar Abdulaziz is told from multiple viewpoints, including the four women in Kalila’s life: Amara, Walaa, and Nafiza. Even though this story is told from multiple points of view, Kalila’s story drives the plot and action. Telling this story through this point of view is helpful because it allows the reader to see the character’s motivation, which is helpful especially with Amara to understand how/why she behaves the way she does.
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook by Sahar Abdulaziz is an has an intriguing suspenseful novel, which was fun to read. The story is a page-turner with an unpredictable ending. Also, there was no happily ever after ending with everything tied up neatly with a bow.
If you are in the mood for a suspenseful, fun, fast-paced novel with feisty characters, put this book in your ‘To-Read’ stack but please read it.
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook by Sahar Abdulaziz is told from multiple viewpoints, including the four women in Kalila’s life: Amara, Walaa, and Nafiza. Even though this story is told from multiple points of view, Kalila’s story drives the plot and action. Telling this story through this point of view is helpful because it allows the reader to see the character’s motivation, which is helpful especially with Amara to understand how/why she behaves the way she does.
The Gatekeeper’s Notebook by Sahar Abdulaziz is an has an intriguing suspenseful novel, which was fun to read. The story is a page-turner with an unpredictable ending. Also, there was no happily ever after ending with everything tied up neatly with a bow.
If you are in the mood for a suspenseful, fun, fast-paced novel with feisty characters, put this book in your ‘To-Read’ stack but please read it.
January 2, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Like I usually like to do, I started reading this book without actually knowing what it was about. Sometimes the blurb gives too much away — I like to be surprised. The category was good (thriller), and the cover was beautiful, and I generally like the author’s other work.
My problem came when the characters fought. They argued, they bickered, they walked out on each other. It got to where I was picking up the book less and less, and supplemented the read with A Little Princess (you remember that one?) to readjust. For personal reasons, the animosity and family issues reminded me too much of my own screaming family, and I eventually had to put it down.
A+ for the writing style and making me feel something
If family issues don’t make you anxious, please read this one. If they do, maybe skip it.
Like I usually like to do, I started reading this book without actually knowing what it was about. Sometimes the blurb gives too much away — I like to be surprised. The category was good (thriller), and the cover was beautiful, and I generally like the author’s other work.
My problem came when the characters fought. They argued, they bickered, they walked out on each other. It got to where I was picking up the book less and less, and supplemented the read with A Little Princess (you remember that one?) to readjust. For personal reasons, the animosity and family issues reminded me too much of my own screaming family, and I eventually had to put it down.
A+ for the writing style and making me feel something
If family issues don’t make you anxious, please read this one. If they do, maybe skip it.
December 24, 2019
Bringing us into the world of second wives and hidden lives, Sahar Abdulaziz's newest release is like watching a train wreck waiting to happen but being unable to look away. The story centers around a few couples within an American Muslim community and delves into their relationships within their marriages and with each other. As is expected, what the characters show to the outside world masks the disturbing and/or violent reality of their private lives. The characters in this story are complex, and many are unlikeable, which leaves one with a sense of horror as to the inkling that these characters are in fact very real and mirror the experience of many in the world around us. This was a fantastic thriller that kept me glued to my kindle to the very end.
January 14, 2020
Sahar Abdulaziz is a gifted storyteller. The story immediately swept me up into a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I could not put The Gatekeeper's Notebook, a psychological suspense/thriller, down. Soon enough, the curtain lifted, and I found myself engrossed, gaining insight into another culture that I am entirely unversed. At times, I needed to flip to the glossary to look up various terms to gain further understanding; nevertheless, my unfamiliarity did nothing to sway me from finding the story to be both captivating and educational. Abdulaziz is also a skilled wordsmith who uses language as a powerful tool to draw you in deeper and deeper, mesmerizing her readers with a compelling story, while also sharing an underlying message.
November 27, 2019
An excellent read. After a long time of not having the time to read, this book made me want to read again. It drew me in from the get go and every time I got a free moment I was reading to find out what happens next. I would highly recommend this book. It truly is amazing.
June 23, 2020
Sahar has a way to skilfully draw you in with her complex characters and plot twists. From taboo topics and characters whose side you don't know whether you should choose, if you're looking for your next book to devour in one sitting, this is it.
May 12, 2022
Do not recommend.
Just paints a negative, one-sided impression of polygyny in Islam, or as practiced by Muslims in the USA. I'm not a fan of it myself but this book goes overboard in weaponizing it.
Just paints a negative, one-sided impression of polygyny in Islam, or as practiced by Muslims in the USA. I'm not a fan of it myself but this book goes overboard in weaponizing it.
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