I absolutely loved this book! I found it hard to put down. I highly recommend reading it! You won’t be disappointed.

Misfit in Love was a book I read in a matter of days. Ali balances a story full of heart and falling in love, with conversations about intercultural dating, racism, and heartbreak. Even though it's been a while since I read Saints and Misfits, I sunk right into the book. All in all, Misfit in Love describes all the things, the expereinces, and thoughts, that happen when life doesn't turn out as we planned. When we think we want small, cozy, familiar, and then all of a sudden things begin to change. The conflicts in our heart between attraction and sense, between love and jealously, support and calling out.

I didn't know what I expected going into this book. The first book, Saints and Misfits still remains one of my favorites and I still recommend that book to everyone. I didn't realize Sajidah (S.K.) was planning to do a sequel and wasn't sure if we needed one for Janna because didn't she already get her happily ever after in the last book?
Apparently not.
This book explores the 'After' bit of the seemingly happy ending in Saints and Misfits and follows the story of Janna Yusuf once again. As the story gradually started to progress, I felt very specific set of emotions while reading Misfit in Love and it's interesting how varied they were.
Happiness.
Anticipation.
Doubts.
Worry.
Frustration.
Sadness.
Pain.
More sadness.
Bittersweet emotions.
All of these as I saw the world through Janna's eyes. We see her brother Muhammad's wedding with Sarah soon approaching and that remains the central incident around which things start to happen. This book deals with issues like anti-Blackness, culture clashes, wedding disasters, heartbreak, loss, learning to reconcile and adapting to changes, letting go of things of the past, present and future, and learning to love life the way it unfolds. If you read the first book and liked it I strongly recommend reading this one. Misfit in Love will take you by surprise because of the depth it contains within its casual, everyday observation of most things. Janna's come a long way since she started in Saints and Misfits, and Sajidah's writing makes it possible for you to witness that journey firsthand as she blooms. The cultural and religious representation aside (which was a treat as always), Misfit in Love does a great job portraying what growing up feels like, especially for a multicultural, visibly Muslim girl like Janna, and especially at a time when we are participating in and encouraging more conversations around prejudices of race, religion or culture.
This book left me with bittersweet feelings because of certain things (no spoilers!!), and while it makes me sad, it also makes me hopeful. I'm thankful to have been a part of Janna Yusuf's story. I love how well constructed the plot is, how each character is able to create its own space on the page and not to mention my all-time, absolute, the ultimate, forever-favorite characters, Zayneb and Adam, making a cameo. I really look forward to seeing Janna, the Niqabi Ninjas and the others making guest appearances in future. If you love books with authentic BIPOC representation, this is a book I will definitely recommend.

This just really wasn't for me. I read S&M when it first came out and absolutely adored it, and so when this was announced I was so happy to continue these characters journeys. I just don't think that I'm the right audience member for this. I've grown past the love-squares, and the teen drama and am looking for something else.

I enjoyed the discussions about racism, I think that will be really important for younger readers to see, but as someone who picks up books that deal with this subject matter often, I didn't really see anything new here, and just found myself slugging through this book.

SK Ali has done some great work before, so even though I wasn't a fan, I'm still looking forward to seeing what she has next!

Janna Yusuf is busy preparing for her brother, Muhammad’s wedding to Sarah. She’s been staying at her father’s lake house, where they are holding the wedding, so she’s excited to be reunited with her mother for the wedding. Janna is also excited to be reunited with her childhood friend, and crush, Nuah, who she is finally willing to tell that she likes him. However, Nuah treats her differently when she arrives. To add to the wedding drama, Muhammad has made choices for the wedding that his fiancée doesn’t like, Janna’s dad is acting strangely, and her mom has a new male friend who she has brought to the wedding. Add in charming Haytham, Sarah’s cousin, and mysterious Layth, the nephew of her mom’s friend, and Janna has a drama filled wedding weekend!

I was so glad to return to the world of Saints and Misfits! I loved that book when I read it years ago. This story was more light hearted but still dealt with some important issues. Janna discovered that someone close to her was racist and prejudiced. It was disturbing to her to realize this, which others had noticed before. There were a couple of instances of prejudice against someone’s culture. Most of the characters were Muslim, but from different countries and cultures that some others found hard to accept. This wedding was the joining of two people, from different cultures, but that was all that mattered in the end.

Love was a major theme in this wedding story. Love is universal, and doesn’t discriminate against race, nationality, or culture. It was nice to read a story where love was the centre, after a senseless hate-motivated attack on a Muslim family in an Ontario city. I don’t understand how things like that can happen in this world. This story proves that despite our differences, deep down we are all the same. We can all join together in celebrating love, like the wedding of Muhammad and Sarah in this book.

Misfit in Love is the perfect sequel! I hope there will be another book in this series!

Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.25/5 stars
First of all, this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint. actually sk ali has literally never disappointed me, i love her. when i got approved for an arc of this i told myself that i would read one chapter and give it a rest but i ended up reading the whole book in one?? sitting?? like i havent done that in forever. with three very compelling love interests and an adorable mc this was a cute, summery read that made me so happy. plus layth gives so much jess mariano and i was right in the middle of my gilmore girls moment so how could i not love him?
the whole premise of the story, the way sk ali deals with racism in family situations and coming from people who we had never thought it would was perfect. i didnt expect it but it was refreshing to see it dealt with in such a healthy way. all in all this is the perfect summer read, go add it to your tbr right now. honorable mentions to the Adam cameo- i genuinely was ascending just from seeing him and zayneb like that. a 10/10 experience.

On this episode of Everything is Canon, Steve talks to S.K. Ali all about her new book Misfit in Love which is described as, “A fun and fresh sequel to Saints and Misfits, Janna hopes her brother’s wedding will be the perfect start to her own summer of love, but attractive new arrivals have her more confused than ever.”

Misfit in Love is a wonderful follow up and finds our main character Janna looking to not only move on from the events in Saints and Misfits but maybe, just maybe, find some happiness of her own. The setting of course is her bother’s Nikah which quickly turns into a full blown wedding ceremony thanks to her large and zany family, all who have their own ideas on how things should go.

Misfit in Love is a mostly lighthearted affair, certainly compared to the first book, but S.K. doesn’t shy away from some tough and important issues including racism, trauma, and heartbreak.

Steve and S.K. talk about the rich and beautiful diversity within the Muslim community, the wonderful relationship she has with her mother, Misfit in Love of course, and much, much more.

For the full interview with the author, click the link below.

https://www.cinelinx.com/off-beat/shows/everything-is-canon-misfit-in-love/

This book was everything I wanted and more! If you know me at all you would know that S.K. Ali's novel 'Love From A to Z' is one of my favourite books of all time! I seriously have so much love for that book!! Everything from the exceptional Muslim rep, to the super cute romance and the discussion on Islamophobia was all done so perfectly! And even though I’ve read quite a few books with Muslim rep since then, nothing has come close to comparing to it…until now.

BUT if I’m being completely honest, I really wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did because of the mixed feelings I had after the first one. That’s why I was SHOCKED when I found myself sobbing after I turned the last page because of how much I loved this book and the overall message.

The story takes place during the summer before Janna starts college and it centers around the events leading up to Janna’s brother’s wedding. It’s a super heartwarming rom-com filled with lots of drama and with major To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before vibes! But besides the overall cutsie feel to the whole thing, it also has some deeper threads of discussion woven throughout the story such as a look into how to address racism within our own families.

Something I also really appreciated about this book was how refreshing it was to read a story with a Muslim MC where the plot didn’t center around them experiencing some form of Islamophobia. That’s not to say that reading stories that talk about Islamophobia are not important, because they are and so many of them have helped me deal with similar experiences in my own life. But the truth is that ONLY reading those kinds of stories can make you feel like our stories are only worth sharing if they center on our pain. This book reminded me that it’s just as important to have authentic and representative Muslim stories that center on our happiness too. And that is exactly what I needed!

Misfit in Love - S. K. Ali

This is the sequel to Saints and Misfits, which I also read this month. Both books follow Janna, who is Hijabi. Saints and Misfits deals heavily with sexual assault, so be aware of that!

Misfit in Love is a lighter book. We follow Janna and her family over a few days as they prepare for her brother’s wedding. I really loved all the new characters in this book. This book deals with family, religion, and prejudice. Anti-Blackness is addressed in this book. Janna has to address her own feelings and prejudice in this book and question things about her family. I really enjoyed this and would recommend both of these books!

Misfit in Love is out on May 25th. Thanks to netgalley for the advanced copy!

This could be considered a standalone, and I really enjoy that fact. I appreciated reading Saints & Misfits before, but I know I wouldn't have been lost if I hadn't, and this shows great writing.

The relationships between Janna and her friends and family are the real treasures of the story and the ones I was the most interested in, instead of the love interests.
There was a great build of platonic chemistry and family dynamic (Both good and bad); they talk about prejudices and racism between other cultures and ethnicities, and that was something I found very interesting as a sore spot is a conflict between Janna's Father and her sister in laws parents over the wedding.

My only criticism is the love interests, they just appeared, and there is no time or enough interactions to form a real connection with any of them, so they didn't connect with me. I genuinely hope for another book because I would like to be a love story or a more good relationship for Janna.

An utterly charming book. I was happy to meet up again with Janna and family. I enjoyed this one as much as the first. Ali has a very accessible writing style and correspondingly, the book is a quick and fun read. I most enjoyed the interactions between Janna and her family - I wish there had been a greater focus on that, seeing as this is the end of her 'childhood' as she heads into University. Overall, I recommend this to all young readers - utterly wholesome and charming.

Misfit in Love finds Janna Yusuf at her older brother's wedding. Slightly older and wiser, Janna contemplates environmentalism, social justice, the racism of family members, and learning to love herself, all through the lens of her faith. As weighty as that sounds, Ali balances all of these concerns with the excitement and joy that accompany a wedding. Misfit in Love reunites readers with characters from Saints & Misfits, as well as a couple of surprise guests from Ali's second novel, Love From A to Z, though it is not necessary to have read either to enjoy this new offering. A must have for school and public libraries.

Misfit in Love by S.K. Ali is the sequel to Saints and Misfits. This novel takes place two years after the the first. Janna is looking forward to her brother Muhammad’s wedding to Sarah. She’s also excited to get back in touch with her mom, and Nuah, who she is finally ready to reciprocate feelings for. Janna is ready for the summer to be perfect. But Muhammad’s choices for the wedding don’t line up with Sarah’s taste, Janna’s mother is spending time with an old friend more than with her, and her dad and Nuah are acting differently. On top of this, Janna is faced with meeting Haytham and Layth, who further confuse and crowd her heart.

It was great to follow up with Janna. I enjoyed seeing how her relationships with her family and friends developed and blossomed. There were some very important issues and topics discussed in this book. I’d totally be up for another book in this universe!

<i>First of all, it is with great satisfaction that I can review today S.K. Ali's highly-anticipated third novel "Misfit in Love", the sequel companion to her 2017 debut "Saints and Misfits", coming out May 25th in 2021. To express my gratefulness, I first have to sincerely thank Netgalley and Salaam Reads for providing me with the ARC of one of my most anticipated releases of this year. This does not influence my opinion on the text in any shape or form. Again, many thanks to them. Also, as a Canadian Muslim of Arab heritage, my review is written in an own voices perspective. All comments on the representation is based on my own experience as a member from this minority demographic. </i>

S.K. Ali' s writing still strikes me emotionally with the entwinement of family life, conflicts, hobbies, pain, faith while celebrating the different kinds of love a person experiences. "Saints and Misfits" follows Janna's adventures two years after the ending of the first book. Now a 17-year-old young woman, our hijab heroine is about to attend college and enjoys her last few summer weeks to celebrate her older brother's "big fat Muslim wedding", as she likes to describe. However, this wedding organization also means her reunion with her long-time rush Nuah, a guy who has a precious place in her heart after being for her in the hardest moments...

Although the summary may seem too romance-driven, there is a lot about stepfamily and learning how to let people leave your heart and moving on the let other enter in, which I immensely appreciate. Not all people are meant forever, but it does not necessarily make them villains. Especially, at that age, when many leave for college, work and other opportunities, not everyone will stay around you or in touch. The most important is to stay open to meet new people and keeping good memories, even those who you cut ties with. It think that would help many young adults who will be reading this book.

In my opinion, S.K. Ali is hands-down the best author portraying Muslims in her books. She carefully incorporates the most important parts of being Muslim such as prayers, duas, Qu'ran verses. It feels like home to read such relevant parts in my life in fiction. Also, she normalizes parent-teen communication on topics such as remarriage, anti-racism, romantic love and crushes. I used to only see on TV and books the harmful stereotypes villanized Muslim parents that are too strict and closed-minded, showing medias' intention to smear a marginalized community and poor knowledge/research. I am glad the wheel has turned with this book.

Concerning the writing style, it is fluid and quick to read. Perfect to cure a slump. S.K. Ali words may be simple, but the messages she expresses through them are not any less meaningful. However, I find Janna's character way too angsty at times, especially when it comes to boys. As the cover suggests, they are 3 love-interests. I know it may be strange to say, but the whole situation does not read like a love square. As a hater of love geometry, I have to admit that it was relieving! It rather reads like Janna casually converse with them at separate moments in the books, which is normal. To not give away any spoiler, it would be better to read this book expecting a contemporary suggesting romance rather than only Romance. Also, at the middle of the book, I found Janna too desperate about guys and romantic love. However, I am glad she realizes that at some point and gets over the Love Fever to enjoy time with relatives and growing as a young person first. I think "Love From A to Z" stays my ultimate favourite because I prefer Zayned's loudness and directness, which I relate to more.

To wrap up, I know this is technically book #2 in this series, but I still think you can read "Misfit in Love" as a standalone (if you are more sold in the "Muslim wedding" premise). However, I think the experience may be more enriching if you have read " Saints and Misfits" first because many characters from this book make an appearance in this one. Also, you will understand more some relationships Janna has with certain characters and witnessing their development. Plus, if you are a fan of S.K. Ali's somophore novel "Love from A to Z", you may find yourself wanting to pick this one up; Adam and Zayned make a cute cameo. S.K. Ali wins my love for her books a third time with this book and I cannot wait for what she has in store in the future. Before finishing off my review, "Misfit in Love" comes out in May 25th, 2021, a week and a half after Aid El-Adha, the perfect time to gift this duology to many Muslims. ;-)

Misfit in Love was a fun read! Janna’s brother’s wedding was the forefront of the novel. With the novel being surrounded by friends and family, it was well timed, as it was a perfect escape during the pandemic.
However, it is not all lighthearted. The book explores unresolved family issues, some drama during weddings, divorce, racism, and teenage troubles, which was all relatable and real throughout. I liked that it was Janna’s summer to have fun and, perhaps, fall in love prior to college. I could empathize with Janna, as it is a pivotal moment in a teenager’s life getting ready to go to college and for your life to change immensely.
It was a joy to see Janna’s growth throughout the book, and was supplied a happy ending that I needed. I also loved the realization that Janna had that she had been able to build and appreciate her strong support system amongst close family relationships, family friends, and friends. Teens can feel so alone, and the fact that she came to the conclusion that she had this support was heartwarming. I enjoyed Janna’s close ties to her brother and mother. With that said, it did not ignore the past trauma Janna faced in the first book, which I felt was real. The homage to Canadian snacks, such as, Ketchup chips and the Coffee Crisp was a fun shout out to the beloved Canadian junk food. The cameo from Zayneb and Adam gave me all the feels as to where they are in their lives now- I really loved their story. I did prefer the first book over Misfit in Love, but overall enjoyed this, and it’s perfect summer reading!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of Misfit in Love!

This is the second book in SK Ali's Misfit series (following Saints and Misfits). This one is two years after the first book and I think it really shows how the main character has grown and matured in the intervening time.

Janna is about to enter college but first will be enjoying her last summer preparing for her brother's wedding and hopefully enjoying some love of her own. We encounter many loved characters from the first book while meeting some great new characters too.

Themes of racism, family struggles, love, faith and acceptance all feature prominently in the book. You will be challenged to see where you stand on anti-black racism and what you would need to do if you saw it in your own family. In that way, the book is very important and timely and one all students could benefit from reading.

As with Saints and Misfits I (as a white woman) loved learning more about Muslim culture. The students in my school library love hearing from an author who represents them instead of more who represent me.

I look forward to reading more from this author. Thanks for the chance to preview this one.

Started reading and fell in love again with the character, her world and the people in it. I am looking forward to sharing BOTH books with students now.

This light confection of a book will appeal to young teens who enjoy romance, wedding prep, and family drama from the refreshing perspective of a Muslim teen. Great escape reading for the beach or pandemic isolation.

"Let there be all kinds of love. And taking first steps. And changing my world."

It's a big weekend for Janna; not only because it's her brother's nikah but because it's the start of her perfect summer! She is going to get to spend time with her mom, her friends, and Nuah; her longtime crush that she never got to pursue but NOW is the time! It's Janna's summer! Until it's not...
Her mom is spending more time with a longtime friend, Nuah, who has always been there for her, is acting weird, and two new guys are thrown into the mix. Haytham, a gorgeous, caring, singer who is cousin to Janna's new sister-in-law, and Layth, brooding, mysterious, and nephew to the same friend that her mother is spending time with. Throw all that on top of the usual wedding drama and revelations about her father and Janna's perfectly planned summer is flipped upside down.

*Full warning! I have NOT read Saints and Misfits! My opinion will be solely based on this book and this story!*

So my rating for this is actually 4.5 stars (I always feel bad there is no half star ratings on this platform)

This story was so heartwarming and really made me smile by the end. Throughout there are a lot of emotions to be felt as Janna navigates the above mentioned issues, in addition to continuing to cope with things that happened in the first book. It really hit home when she was dealing with her mother possibly finding new love and then her coming to terms with the fact that once we are older our parents do begin to have lives that aren't 100% intertwined with our own and make choices that do not include us. It can be a hard pill to swallow but it comes with growing up.
It touches beautifully on the presence of racial microagressions and other aspects of racism that occur within communities. I have a friend who has been through very similar things when it comes to the race issues and the battle of cultural identity within minority communities. To read of them from a firsthand perspective makes it that much more impactful.
Janna really grows throughout the book. We watch her in the beginning be somewhat bitter and passive aggressive with her anger at some people, but by the end of the book she is calm, collected, and clear about her feelings and how peoples action affect those feelings; even if she is scared she stands her ground and handles situations beautifully!
There was growth by all characters in this story and I can't say enough good about this book! I can't wait to go back and read Saints and Misfits and then reread this again when it comes out! It will be such a great summer read for people and, for those who want to expand their reading into diverse authors, this is definitely a book to put on your TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. These are my own opinions.

S.K. Ali's sequel to the Saints and Misfits, Misfit in Love is about Janna Yusuf and the different situations that come up during her brother's wedding. It is also about her summer love before going to university on a scholarship to learn English. This is a must read, so I will not spoil it by giving all the scoop. I like the fun creative approach the author takes in storytelling. This book has lots of relatable family drama that happens during weddings. Within the storyline, the author takes the opportunity to address several issues we all need to think about and check for our own biases. Having read Saints and Misfits, I felt like I knew some of the characters and really enjoyed the read and how the characters have grown and how their lives have changed. It would be exciting to read another young adult book with the same characters! I have also enjoyed Love from A to Z from S.K. Ali, which is another awesome book.