Ep. 100: A Centennial Celebration with Special Guest Author S.K. Ali

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EQ: How can we normalize the representation of Muslims in literature and support storytelling that tackles Islamophobia, increasing empathy across cultures and religions?

For IWL’s special 100th episode Hope and Megan are joined by the very special guest, S.K. Ali. Ali is the author of Saints and Misfits, a 2018 William C.Morris award finalist, and Love from A to Z, an NBC Today Show’s “Read with Jenna” Book Club selection. During this episode they discuss the importance of representation of POC in literature, specifically around Muslim characters. Ali shares about her journey to becoming an author and reflects on her intentionality of de-centering the white gaze in her writing.

Author and books recommended in the episode:

• Randa Abdel-Fattah - Does My Head Look Big in This?

• G. Willow Wilson - Alif the Unseen

Related Links:

• Barnes & Nobles Interview

• Headscarves & Hardbacks

• #muslimshelfspace

Do your fudging HW:

• Hope: Pre-order S.K. Ali’s new book, Misfit in Love out May 26th!

• Megan: Contribute and use Ali’s hashtag #muslimshelfspace to highlight the need for more Muslim authors writing Muslim characters.

• Sajidah: With Ramadan here, purchase and read Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy from 15 Muslim Voices