Shaila Abdullah

This is a review of the advanced copy “Saffron Dreams” by Shaila Abdullah for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Saffron Dreams is a novel that depicts our ever-evolving identities and the events and places that form them.

It reminds us that within the inside of tragedy, our dreams become an enduring inheritance.

Arissa Illahi, a Muslim artist, and author, discovers in a very single moment that no matter how fastidiously you try to map your life, it is life itself that chooses your destiny.

Shaila Abdullah’s “Saffron Dreams” is comprised of both of that. It is simple but at the same time it exhibits pain and suffering. Her writing is mesmerizing. It beautifully depicts the struggles of a 9/11 widow and being a Muslim.

The words feel like they are flying off the pages and are floating into one’s consciousness.

This reviewer gave the book 4 out of 5 stars.… (meer)

A simple tale of love and friendship to warm your heart
Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana.

"My Friend Suhana is a delightful read for a children's book. Very well illustrated with respect, friendship, and advocacy all in mind at the same time."
--Dawn Cruzan, President, Camp Craig Allen for all abilities… (meer)

"An 8-year old girl decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco." www.amazon.com

"In a story inspired by a real-life family, Abdullah, who tackled cerebral palsy in My Friend Suhana, discusses life with an autistic sibling, as described by a girl named Sofia. Endnotes provide additional tips and information about interacting with those on the autism spectrum."
--Publishers Weekly… (meer)