How can I review a book that I just want to squeeze and hug? It’ll be tough to separate my feelings from a legitimate review– I’ll try– but you’re going to get the squealing schoolgirl with the professional librarian on this one.

Once Upon an Eid edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed with an additional thirteen contributors is a short story collection centered around the Eid celebration and going in to Ramadan, I can’t think of a better day to talk about it than today though the book doesn’t officially release until May 5th. I was able to get my hands on an early copy but look forward to purchasing my own copy (and dozens for my library) because there will be finalized artwork including G. Willow Wilson’s short story that is formatted as a comic.

I admit, I was also swept up in celebratory joy because I read it in between Christmas and New Year, so the excitement was doubled. From start to finish, the collection has an uplifting and fresh feel. It does grapple with socioeconomic disparities, illness, rigid traditions juxtaposed by newness while always providing positive vibes that ring forth on Eid. It embodies Rudine Sims Bishop’s much-quoted windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors access that books provide.

Short story collections usually emit a glow from the get-go. There are many that even when one story may be weak, the entire collection carries to the finish line and doesn’t muddy the overall goal. There are some that are weak from start to finish. And then there are the gems where ever single story brings it’s own beautiful flower that put together becomes a most elegant bouquet: Once Upon an Eid is this kind of collection– an elegant bouquet. (How’s that for a gushy metaphor of admiration?)

The Muslim authors blend Muslim culture and religion. They share Eid fashion. Food. Relationships. The stories are told in comics, prose, and story. And this is its strength fortified by great storytelling and a rich knowledge to impart to others.

I can’t think of many books that I’ve actually re-read, but when I get the published copies I will re-read this one and place one on my personal bookshelf at home. I regret that when Aisha Saeed visited our high school this past November, that this hadn’t already come out to get a signed copy. So now, the new goal would be to see these two editors together, Ali and Saeed, to get them to sign the copy.

To close, Ramadan Mubarak!

And pre-order your copy of Once Upon an Eid, it’s the most epic book to accompany the Eid celebration to close the spiritual period of Ramadan.