A.B.C.D.s (American Born Confused Desis) [Paperback]

Sabrina Saleem (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 1999

This novel is about the "melting pot" phenomenon of America. It tells the stories of American children born to Pakistani parents: the children are a part of the flashy, materialistic and fun new life in America , while the parents hear the persistent calling of the old country. The main characters--all teenagers--get embroiled in an adventure in the grasslands of East Africa, and each character learns an important lesson about self discovery. The characters include Omar, who is obsessed with sports, Baywatch, Puff Daddy and junk food; Sherazad from New York, the quintessential Valley Girl and label-spewing shopaholic; Yasmeen, every God-fearing Pakistani parent's worst nightmare--a Muslim girl modeling Victoria's Secrets underwear; and Narmeen, a girl who has begun to embrace an Afghani Taliban style of militant Islam.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sabrina Saleem, age 17, born and raised in Larchmont, New York, is a senior at Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York. Sabrina plans to attend Amherst College beginning fall 1999. She likes to read, write,and ski. She lives in Larchmont with her parents, siblings, and four goldfish.

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: Ferozsons (February 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9690015443
• ISBN-13: 978-9690015440
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,438,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precocious, insightful, witty and highly readable, June 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A.B.C.D.s (American Born Confused Desis) (Paperback)

This is a highly worthwhile read for all those who follow literature from or about South Asia as well as those who are intrigued by literature created by the clash and confluence of very different cultures. That it has been written by a seventeen year old high school senior makes it all the more remarkable. The characters are drawn with craft and aplomb and ring very true, most of the times. The writing style has poise and flair and the promise of greater things to come. One of the most enjoyable features of the novel are the highly apt and poignant quotations from a broad range of books and movies which appear at the inception of every chapter. They almost always set the mood for what is to follow. The flaws in the plot are few and far between and pardonable for one so young. The positive attributes on the other hand are many and worth praising. This is not just a book for teenagers but has a broad appeal and great capacity to both mentally provoke and entertain. A very welcome and pleasant addition to the books in this genre.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hillarious! Lots of Laughs!, May 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A.B.C.D.s (American Born Confused Desis) (Paperback)

A.B.C.D.s is an aboslutely hillarious description of a couple of mixed-up teens trying to find their own sense of cultural identity. Their absurd antics and escapades make the novel hysterically funny!

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Get it in Pakistan for 150 rupees, July 9, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A.B.C.D.s (American Born Confused Desis) (Paperback)

Somewhat enjoyable romp, albeit childish writing style, that passes for light fare. Very quick read. It IS impressive that a teenager wrote this and made it to the market. Don't expect too much commentary about the juxtaposition of two cultures.

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