The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali

Parents should reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile their personal identity with deep-seated family traditions or religious expectations. This story follows Rukhsana, a Bengali-American teen who is caught by her conservative Muslim parents kissing her girlfriend. The resulting conflict leads to Rukhsana being taken to Bangladesh, where she must navigate a web of family secrets, forced marriage arrangements, and her own survival. It is a raw and honest exploration of the fear of rejection and the courage required to live authentically. This book is best suited for mature teens (14+) due to its intense emotional weight and depictions of physical and emotional control within a family setting. It serves as a vital tool for starting conversations about boundaries, cultural pride, and the complex reality that loving your family does not always mean agreeing with them.