I Can't Think Straight [Paperback]

Shamim Sarif (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 23, 2010

Tala, a London-based Palestinian, is preparing for her elaborate Middle Eastern wedding when she meets Leyla, a young British Indian woman who is dating her best friend.

Spirited Christian Tala and shy Muslim Leyla could not be more different from each other, but the attraction is immediate and goes deeper than friendship. As Tala’s wedding day approaches, simmering tensions come to boiling point and the pressure mounts for Tala to be true to herself.

Moving between the vast enclaves of Middle Eastern high society and the stunning backdrop of London’s West End, I Can’t Think Straight explores the clashes between East and West, love and marriage, conventions and individuality, creating a humorous and tender story of unexpected love and unusual freedoms.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'.a brilliantly executed,romantic, sexy and heart-warming page-turner.I Can't Think Straight is a novel that all readers and all critics,regardless of sexuality,would agree is the work of an amazingly talented writer
--Cherrygrrl.com

'Each character in the story is wonderfully complex and endearing...Sarif evokes an atmosphere so diverse and inviting, each page is something to be savored. Sarif's descriptions are beautifully crafted;
--Cherrygrrl.com

Delicate, seductive and enthralling, they make I Can't Think Straight a sheer joy to read from start to finish.'
--Cherrygrrl.com --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Shamim Sarif recently directed the motion picture adaptation of I Can’t Think Straight. She is also the writer/director of the award-winning feature film, The World Unseen, which is based on her novel of the same name. The book of The World Unseen won the Pendleton May First Novel Award and a Betty Trask
Award. She is the author of a further novel, Despite the Falling Snow. She lives in London with her partner Hanan and their two children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Enlightenment Productions (February 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0956031617
• ISBN-13: 978-0956031617
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Writer/director Shamim Sarif is one of the rare renaissance women of recent years. She is an equally successful author (the Pendleton May First Novel Award, Betty Trask Award), screenwriter and film director (World Cinema Best Director at Phoenix Film Festival, and Best Director at Clip (Tampa) Intl. Film Festival). She is an author of several published short stories and notable music lyrics, has script-edited a children's TV series and directed music videos. Shamim received an Afterellen.com 2008 VISIBLITY AWARD as "International Lesbian/Bi Woman of the Year".

An acclaimed novelist, Shamim has deep roots in South Africa, where her parents and grandparents were born and raised - a heritage that inspired her first, award-winning novel, The World Unseen.

The World Unseen won the Pendleton May First Novel Award, and then the prestigious Betty Trask Award. It was selected for inclusion at all the major UK book festivals, including Hay-on-Wye, Cheltenham and Edinburgh and sold out of its initial print runs.

Johannesburg's leading newspaper, The Star, voted the book one of their books of the year. The Times in London called it "an impressive debut. Sarif's story brings together the descriptive power of the novelist with the screenwriter's mastery of dialogue."

Her second novel, Despite the Falling Snow' was published in London by Hodder Headline in May 2004 and received overwhelmingly excellent reviews. In the autumn of 2005, the novel was released by American publisher St Martin's Press. Shamim has adapted this moving tale set in cold war Russia and present day United States into a screenplay.

Shamim began her studies in directing at Raindance in London. Her recently published novel I Can't Think Straight served as an inspiration for her directorial debut of the same name. An urban romantic comedy based on Shamim's script and starring Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth, the movie follows the improbable love affair between two women of very differing cultures. Reviewed by CherryGrrl recently as 'a brilliantly executed, romantic, sexy, and heart-warming page-turner.'

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful love stoey, December 9, 2008

By 

Estela A. Bruno "Annette" (Mia,FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Can't Think Straight (Paperback)

I got this book yesterday evening, and had it read it by eleven at night. I couldn't put it down the sense of emotions that were used to tell this story was just beautiful the love story between these to women were so real that you can see it all in your head. Yes short but perfect if you are like me and has to wait to see the movie on dvd get the book you won't be disappoint it because you will want to read it over and over until you see the movie love this book......

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, January 2, 2009

By 

Anna S (London UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Can't Think Straight (Paperback)

I have also read Sarif's other novels, The World Unseen and Despite the Falling Snow and I'm amazed at the versatility and talent of this author. I Can't Think Straight is a witty and well crafted page turner and love story. The book also explores themes such as tolerance of religion towards homosexuality and attitudes towards the Middle East conflict. It's a must read.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing!, December 4, 2008

By 

J. Will - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Can't Think Straight (Paperback)

In short, I loved this book! I don't think there is any other author who can capture emotions and feelings as well as Shamim Sarif can! I read it in 5 hours nonstop, I just couldn't put it down, you'll laugh at some parts and choke up at others, but ultimatly you'll want to keep this book around forever. And if you liked the World Unseen, this book is just as awesome! It even comes with a few pictures from the making of movie in the back!:)