Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
Categories
Children’s, Teenage & Educational
Weblink
https://www.syed-masood.com

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE

Syed Masood

A fabulous, heartfelt romantic comedy debut that will entrance readers who enjoy a snarky sense of humor coupled with romantic hijinks.

19-year-old high school senior Danyal Jilani has no lack of confidence. He knows he's cute and funny and is going to make a great chef one day - if his father doesn't kill those dreams first. So who cares that he's "not very bright" (as Danyal himself puts it)? Well, apparently his arranged marriage prospects care. He's not exactly the cream of the crop at the moment. Which means he needs to get it together if he's going to get matched with Kaval, his best friend's stunning and ambitious twin.

When Danyal gets picked to be his class's surprise representative for Renaissance Man, a school wide academic championship, he knows it may finally be his time to shine. Helping him succeed is Bisma, an unusual Berkeley freshman, with secrets in her past that could rock the Northern California desi community to their core. In researching Churchill for the competition, Danyal realizes that the future he thought he wanted might be the wrong one after all.

This is a story about growing into your potential, parental expectations, and falling head-over-heels in love.

Syed Mushahid Masood grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, and currently lives in Sacramento, California, where he is a practicing attorney. He received his J.D. from the William and Mary School of Law, after attending the University of Toronto, where he studied English Literature. He wrote a few couplets in Urdu when he was a teenager, and his family still tells everyone he is an Urdu poet. He is not. His passions include good food, dress shoes, sitcoms, and books of all kinds.

Available products
Book Published 2020-08-04 by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Book Published 2020-08-04 by Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Comments

This book is exactly what we need more of on our shelves right now and always: fresh, funny, and reflective of the complicated, beautiful, diverse world we live in. With More Than Just a Pretty Face, Syed M. Masood has crafted a story that is just as deeply hilarious as it is unendingly tender. Danyal Jilani is an absolute delight of a character and the kind of boy that you not only can't help but root for but ultimately, fall completely in love with. More Than Just a Pretty Face is a delectable novel about family, faith, and finding your way to the person you want to be. I fell head-over-heels for Danyal's story, and readers will too.

This delightful debut will make a fine addition to any YA collection, and includes a much-needed historical and contemporary perspective of Western culture through a South Asian lens.

I couldn't have been more charmed by Danyal, the hapless pretty-boy and aspiring chef. One of the most unique and likable characters I've come across. This book has such a kind, expansive heart, and I'm immensely thankful that it exists.

A deliciously entertaining rom-com that delivers genuine cultural insight while questioning societal norms. Danyal is hilarious, authentic, and disarmingly humble, though I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all the vivid and multifaceted characters in the book.

Hilarious and teeming with heart, More Than Just a Pretty Face challenged me, wounded me, made me laugh, and made me love. Danyal has secured his place as a heroic protagonist for the ages who only wants the very best for those he loves. His friends and family are so lucky to have him, and readers will be lucky to have Syed M. Masood's debut. I am a forever fan.

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE is a Junior Library Guild Selection.

More Than Just A Pretty Face is the kind of book I've been searching for my entire life! Not only is it hilarious and heartwarming, with characters you can't help but be charmed by, but it honestly portrays the pressures of living up to family expectations and how history shapes our present and future. This is a must-read for everyone.

More Than Just a Pretty Face is an utterly charming debut novel about food, family expectations, and unexpected love.

A laugh-out-loud yet heartwarming story about familial obligations, friendship, and love. Syed M. Masood has created an unforgettable cast of characters with the utterly charming, hilarious, and most endearing Danyal Jilani at the center of it. A thoroughly enjoyable read and a great addition to any bookshelf.

...his vivid narration remains charmingly relatable.

MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE is on Buzzfeed's List of Ramadan Reads! : "This young adult novel is lighthearted and so deliciously Muslim. I enjoyed every aspect of it, from the realistically lovable characters to the food descriptions, and the fact that a Muslim story can just be a love story." Read more...

Fresh, funny, and timely, More Than Just a Pretty Face is a wildly entertaining, stereotype-shattering rom-com debut. Total Netflix movie material.

Funny, open-hearted, and utterly charming, MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE perfectly captures the joys of friendship and first love, as well as all the complexities of identity, faith, and family. This is a spectacular debut.

UK + ANZ: Hachette UK (Hodder) ; French: Pocket Jeunesse

Danyal's seismic character arc, Bisma and his and evolving love, and fascinating historical insights make for an entertaining read.

Masood deftly explores religion, culture, class, and awkward teenage love in this refreshingly candid 'tell it like it is' desi romantic comedy. You'll root hard for Danyal and will be two-fists-high-in-the-air overjoyed when you get to the end.

Entertaining... [A] broadly relatable story that offers plenty of food for thought. Readers will root for Danyal as he evolves and proves he is more than meets the eye. A charming teen romance with real substance.

...And most importantly a hero who is every girl's dream but also very Muslim and very cool and very much on board with faith and culture being compatible. As it can be. Read more...