“Land of No Regrets" captures the struggles of young Nabil and his transition to the fictional Al Haque Islamic Academy while yearning for his previous life of normalcy and freedom. The book quickly introduces the reader to a cast of compelling characters - Maaz, Nawaaz, and Farid (to name a few) - who form an unly bond amidst the strict environment. One day, the boys discover an old diary from a girl named Cynthia who used to live on the grounds when Al Haque was an all-girls Catholic school. This discovery triggers a journey of self-discovery and rebellion, ultimately leading them to confront the limitations imposed upon them. Some of my favorite passages from the book were the diary entries, and the commentary from the boys, who were hooked from the first page! It turns out the struggles of a religious upbringing can be universal regardless of the faith.

I thought this novel blended a lot of humor, heart, and hope while delving into complex themes of religion, friendship, and identity. The dialogue felt visceral and real, drawing me into the boys' experience with boyhood while wrestling with their commitment to their faith. I felt that Sadi successfully infused the narrative with authentic experiences and perspectives, shedding light on a lesser-explored facet of Canadian literature. Personally, it really opened my eyes to new experiences, so I'm glad stories this are being published.2 s Stacy40pages1,610 209

Land of No Regrets by Sadi Muktadir. Thanks to @htpbooks @htp_hive for the gifted Arc ????????

Four students are growing up at the Al Haque Islamic Academy. When they find an old diary from a girl who lived there when it was an all-girls Catholic school, it changes their perspective and lives forever.

This was a great coming of age story that I was not expecting to as much as I did. The main character was hilarious at times and I loved watching him come into his own, his friendships, and his identity. The pacing was back and forth for me. At times I was super into it and other times I found it dragging a bit. It was unexpected but a great story.

“That’s what Al Haque’s victims did: rose and lived eternal. But we weren’t victims. We were interested in living a life of the dying, clinging to middle school passions as they were beat out of us one by one at the slowest pace known to humanity. Until we were villains.”

Land of No Regrets comes out 5/21.

2 s A107 1 follower

Thank you Netgalley & Hanover Square Press for an eARC ??

Ah, the joys and pains of growing up! 'The Land of No Regrets' transported me back to my own teenage years, navigating identity, friendship, and the quest for independence. I couldn't help but root for Nabil, Maaz, Nawaaz, and Farid as they formed an unbreakable bond amidst the strict rules of their madrasa. Their discovery of Cynthia Morgan's diary sparks a journey that resonated deep within me - the desire to break free from expectations and forge our own paths.

I love how this book tackles complex themes with humor, heart, and hope. It's a reminder that our experiences, though unique, share a common humanity. I found myself reflecting on my own regrets and triumphs, and the friendships that shaped me. 'The Land of No Regrets' is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of youth. It's a book that will stay with me, inspiring me to embrace life's ups and downs with courage and compassion.??2 s Carmen76

Land of No Regrets by Sadi Muktadir is a coming-of-age novel centring around Nabil, a teenaged boy transferring to a Madrasa from a public school. Set in Northumberland County Ontario, Nabil navigates his new life with his three new friends: Nawaaz, Maaz, and Farid. After a bit of time, the boys discover a diary from a girl, Cynthia, who went to their school when it was an all-girls Catholic school in the 1970s. Unbeknownst to them, the discovery of the diary would change their lives forever.

I was completely swept away by this novel. Muktadir does a fantastic job of weaving together the problems of teenaged boys with more complex themes such as religion, politics, and class. With the inclusion of the diary the boys found, the novel also becomes a conversation with time, and differing religions.

I would highly recommend Land of No Regrets to anyone who loves coming-of-age novels. I think that the themes of religion, politics, and friendship make this a novel everyone should pick up. I was captivated by the writing and following along the journey of Nabil and his friends. Although there are many serious and sad moments in the novel, there is also humour and kindness. The ending was unexpected for me, so I may need 3-5 days to process it.

Land of No Regrets comes out on May 21, 2024!

Thank you to @harpercollinsca and @sadi_muktadir for my advanced ecopy of the novel in exchange for an honest opinion. Kristi Kasper219 3

Land of No Regrets is a unique coming of age story. The plot centers around Nabil, a young Canadian teenager whose parents send him to an Islamic religious school (Madrasa) after he ventures too far from their strict rules. This move away from secular culture into religious training takes Nabil away from having freedom, fun and adventure. Nabil does make fast friends with -minded students at his new school, but their rebellious nature, as a group, spells trouble for their time at this harshly run Madrasa.

Sadi Muktadir is a talented writer and he made this story feel very authentic and heartfelt. I really appreciated that this book opened my eyes to a world I knew very little about (I am embarrassed to say that I didn’t even know what a Madrasa was prior to reading this book). More generally, I am glad books this are being published - stories that capture a broader range of Canadian experiences.

Thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book. Alyssa142 16

What an ENDING.

The book is gorgeous and the something-is-going-to-go-wrong vibes are there from the beginning but the specific way it happens... I did not expect it and I'm not over it.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.)won-giveaways Tamara Younce128 1 follower

It happens rarely, but after 35% of this book I had to put it down. I thoroughly was not enjoying myself, and I read for the joy of it. Perhaps it just wasn’t my time for this book. I just didn’t get it. HTP Books1,207 147 Want to read

Coming of Age Fiction, Cultural Heritage, Literary Fiction, Muslimhanover-square-press Jaz10 2

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