Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions

“Funny, tender, and evocative, RAMIN ABBAS had me laughing out loud, kicking my feet, and clutching my heart in equal measure, with its unique yet all-too-relatable protagonist that keeps you rooting for him to figure out the answers to those Major Questions of faith that could cost him everything and to find the light amidst the darkness of doubt. A queer Muslim journey of the heart that boldly holds on to both a prayer mat and a pride flag.” – –Xiran Jay Zhao, bestselling author of the Iron Widow series and Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor.“Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions is the perfect blend of heart and humor, while earnestly exploring faith, love, and family. A powerful and unputdownable book.” – Adiba Jagirdar, award-winning author of The Henna Wars“Equal parts heart-wrenching and endlessly hopeful, Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions does not pull any punches. With a tender love story amid a world of pressure, and a sibling dynamic to cheer us up in the darkest of moments, this book felt like the gift my younger self desperately needed.” – Sonora Reyes, National Book Award Finalist and bestselling author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School. – Sonora Reyes, National Book Award Finalist and bestselling author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School. “A sparking debut: ambitious, thoughtful, and funny.” – Teen VogueA gay Muslim teen forced to join his school’s soccer team navigates parental pressure, internalized prejudice, and bullying in Saber’s touching debut. […] Punchy dialogue brightens sensitive portrayals of religious identity and its intersection with queerness, resulting in a fresh and compassionate read. – Publishers Weekly * 12/8/2025 *A closeted Muslim Pakistani Canadian teenager yearns for acceptance and belonging. Debut author Saber handles [the] conflicts sensitively, drawing readers into the complicated experience of being both Muslim and gay, offering visibility to teens who share these identities, and expanding conversations about how queer individuals often turn to religion for solace even when family and faith-based communities reject them. Through the supporting cast members, Saber highlights the healing power of love, friendship, sibling bonds, and trusted adults in a queer teenager’s life. He emphasizes how inclusive interpretations of scripture can create room for queer-affirming religious life and compellingly explores the guilt associated with emigration and the stigma around seeking professional mental health support in many South Asian and Muslim families. These heavier elements are beautifully contrasted with Ramin’s humorous voice and his ability to soothe himself through the joy he finds in origami and Broadway musicals. An ode to the courage it takes to live with authenticity. – Kirkus * January 15, 2026 *A wonderful story about school, sports, religion, and acceptance. ­[…] The prose flows like a friend calling on FaceTime. Ramin is funny, relatable, and filled with pop culture knowledge. This is a story that will show people they aren’t alone. […] An excellent addition to any library. This would be a great recommendation for readers looking for LGBTQIA+ books, stories about friendship, books about sports, and realistic ­fiction. – School Library Journal * 2/1/26 *Ramin takes his Muslim faith seriously, trying to live up to the ideals that his parents and imam espouse and avoiding anything that is forbidden—which makes his secret love of music and, far more concerning, his attraction to boys all the more distressing. […] Ramin is immediately sympathetic, a reliable narrator to his own misery as he navigates Muslim school, deeply religious parents, and his own complicated feelings about whether there is room for him within his religion, or if he will have to reject core things about himself in order to be saved. – BCCB * February 2026 *

Ahmad Saber is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatology and internal medicine. Born and raised in Pakistan, Ahmad and his family moved to Canada while he was in high school. Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions is his debut novel and based in part on his own life.