Best-selling YA author to make a special stop at Elburn library
New York Times best-selling author Samira Ahmed just released the groundbreaking young adult book "Love, Hate & Other Filters." Ahmed's highly anticipated debut novel has quickly garnered acclaim from literary critics and teen readers alike. From Los Angeles, California to Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ahmed has stopped at book stores across the country to discuss her novel and sign copies for eager fans.
Ahmed is finally returning home to Chicago after her cross-country book tour and her very last stop is the Town and Country Public Library in Elburn at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25.
Even though "Love, Hate & Other Filters" is the first book Ahmed has written, the book was enthusiastically awaited prior to publication. The book hit the radars of many different young adult blogs and publications, generating anticipation uncharacteristic for the work of a first-time author. That anticipation quickly turned into praise upon the book's release in January.
The book poignantly chronicles the journey of 17-year-old Maya Aziz as she grapples with young adult life, Islamophobia, and cultural divides between parents and peers. Ahmed, who grew up as a member of the first South Asian, Muslim family in her town, has always had a deep understanding of being seen as different.
"I wanted to give a voice to that life," Ahmed said in an interview with Book Riot. "One where you have a foot in each of your different worlds, where you struggle to put all those pieces together to make a whole."
Ahmed's portrayal of main character Maya as a resilient, second-generation Muslim-American teen has been widely praised. Jill Ratzan, a reviewer at BookPage, applauded Ahmed's portrayal of Maya, noting that Ahmed brings "an authentic new voice to Muslim-American literature for young adults." Fellow New York Times Best-selling author Sandhya Menon echoes Ratzan, commending Ahmed for tackling "weighty issues with thoughtfulness and flair," adding that he was "completely swept away."
Interested readers can reserve a copy of "Love, Hate & Other Filters" through the library or purchase the book online and find out why the School Library Journal has declared the book a highly recommended read for young adults.
Fans are encouraged to register and reserve a seat at this exclusive, one-time-only author visit. Registration can be completed at the Programs & Events calendar page at elburn.lib.il.us or over the phone at (630) 365-2244.