Audacity Book Club: March Read

By Nic Daniels

Welcome back, audacious readers! Hope you’re ready for warmer weather and new beginnings. Last month, we reflected on growth and creativity with the poetry volume Excuse Me As I Kiss The Sky by Rudy Fransico. This month, we’re studying the art of courting in the novel, Courting Samira by Amal Awad.

Coming from a somewhat traditional Muslim family, Samira Abdel-Aziz, does not date. This seems very out of place among her non-Muslim friends, especially since she’s twenty-seven and, despite her Palestinian heritage, grew up in Sydney, Australia. However, this does not mean Samira is out of the dating game completely. Instead, she goes on arranged matches or “doorknock appeals,” as she calls it, to meet a potential husband.

However, after many arranged dates and just as many disappointments, Samira is disillusioned with the process. Between that, working at a bridal magazine, and running around for her cousin’s wedding, she’s ready for a break on “romance.” So, when she meets the charismatic Menem at a work retreat, she’s pleasantly surprised. Just as quickly, she noticed a shift in her relationship with her friend Hakeem. On top of this, there’s a looming promotion opportunity and drama with her obnoxious cousin, Zahra, that’s making her life more chaotic than she’s used to. As life pulls Samira in different directions, she’s going to be forced out of going with the flow to make some tough choices she never saw coming.

Realistic and romantic, Courting Samira is a tale of love, personal crossroads, and living for yourself. This book is available wherever books are sold and your local library. I hope you enjoy it, and I will see you at the end of the month for the full review.

Until then, don’t forget to read audaciously!