I loved this.

Azaan grew up with a very, very strict, very religiously observant father. His father is an imam. If Azaan acted out as a teenager, he got beaten (sometimes lashed). His father seemed to believe that was the right thing to do. I’m mentioning this because I definitely consider that a content warning. But I will say that it did not happen often through the book because most of the book was about Azaan as an adult.

When Azaan is caught kissing his girlfriend at 17, his father actually hits him in public.
Azaan’s “uncle” (basically his dad’s best friend) helps him plan a way out. He’s going to just pretend to be what his dad wants in order to avoid his wrath and then he’s going to run as far as he can.

So at 18, Azaan winds up in another country. He’s told his dad he’s in school studying to be an imam himself, but he is actually an actor.

Ten years have passed before Azaan has to go home again. His grandfather makes a request on his death bed for Azaan to come home.

So Azaan has to go home and run with the lie he’s been telling for a decade and pretends to be a religious man.

He also quickly runs into his first love again. It’s been a decade since they’ve seen each other but there’s definitely still something there.

But could they ever have a chance when Azaan’s whole life is a lie?

Lots of stuff to think about while reading this book. It touches on generation trauma (Azaan’s mom thinks his dad beat him because he was beat himself), and the different ways people practice their religious beliefs.

I really enjoyed it.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thank you!

I loved "The Bad Muslim Discount" by this author - it was phenomenal, and I wish it got even more accolades & more people would read it. So, I was keen to read Masood's next book, but this one just didn't quite reach the heights of "The Bad Muslim Discount" for me-- with that, it started out slowly but the longer I read, the more I gut sucked in and utterlly absorbed by the plot, the writing, the wry humor, until I could NOT put it down.

With "The Last Man in Paradise", I kept waiting for that feeling... and waiting and waiting. It just never grabbed me - the plot felt kind of scattershot and lots of random characters and bits and pieces introduced, but it never really felt captivating, it felt like we were skimming along the surface. The subplot about Azaan getting a role as a terrorist in a movie was funny (as I believe it was intended to be), but the other 'funny' bits weren't, and the self-referential bit about 'the author of The Bad Muslim Discount' was just a little cringey.

Also - I suspect maybe this follows a somewhat Shakespearean plot -- what with the many hints of Azaan constantly quoting him and referring to him. But I haven't read enough Shakespear to know which one.

To be fair, I'm holding this up to a higher standard than most, because of my love for "Bad Muslim Discount," -- this was still incredibly well written with clever writing and interesting characters and so many interesting ideas explored and insights into many different facets of American Muslim experiences. I liked Azaan. I just never got IN to this book like I did the last one. It's not you, it's me, I guess.

Such a great book! I have loved all of Syed M. Masood’s books but this is my favorite! I loved the story and character depth as well as the elements of romance! A well-written book that explores complex things like love, life, and family. A great read!

I really appreciate a book that gives me insight into a different lifestyle or culture than my own. I enjoyed The Bad Muslim Discount so I was excited to read more from this author. Masood portrays characters that show that people who are practicing Muslims are not monolithic, but multifaceted and human. There were rom com elements, serious themes, and complicated families in this one.

↬ review: 5 stars ☾ ❦
i picked this book up on a whim, knowing nothing about it, and i have to admit, i almost put it down before finishing it. initially, i worried it might portray islam in a negative light, but i'm so incredibly glad i kept reading. this book turned out to be a stunning tribute to the beauty and universality of islam and the complexity of human nature. before i continue, i must mention that this book is about so much more than islam. i'ts also about love, family, friendships, growth and the importance of a community.

❀ islam:
masood does an incredible job of showing islam not just as a religion, but as a source of wisdom and unique understanding. he paints a picture of its essence and importance for muslim while acknowledging that people are imperfect and sometimes don't live up to its ideals. this balance made the story feel authentic and so relatable. it's so important that the author shows that while the religion itself is pure, its followers, being human, are not infallible. every critique was respectful, clever, and understandable. the diversity of the characters really stood out. the book introduces you to different types of muslims and believers in general, each with their own perspective. this diversity was refreshing and showed the richness of the muslim community.

❀ love:
one delightful surprise was the romance. although love isn't the main focus, the backstory, chemistry, and adoration between the characters are beautifully done. it added such a sweet touch without overshadowing the main themes.

❀ conclusion:
i went through a rollercoaster of emotions: happy, sad, frustrated, furious, and everything in between. by the end, all the pieces came together perfectly, and i was so glad i didn't give up on this book. it's such an intelligent book filled with wisdom, emotion, and beauty, and i wouldn't change a thing about it. if you're looking for a story that's both thought-provoking and heartwarming, try this one, please.

thank you, netgalley and syed m. masood, for the arc, in exchange for my honest review. it means a lot to me, and i appreciate it.

The Last Man in Paradise was an interesting look at family relationships, pride, and religious/cultural identity.
Asaan learns to lie to his family from afar to escape the abuse of his hardline imam father, who himself was raised by a father (Baba) who was un-religious. When Asaan is called home to say goodbye to his dying grandfather, he decides to continue the lies so that he can get through the visit and then return to his life in London with minimal familial drama. But his father has more secrets that Asaan dreamed and they are about to come crashing down.

The look into various "levels" of piousness in Islam was interesting to me, as well as Asaan's assertion that while he didn't practice, he is Muslim and Jabreel's assertion that without practice, he cannot be Muslim as the religion IS the practice.

Thank you Netgalley & 8th Note Press Publishing for an eARC ♥️♥️


As a Muslim myself, I found it particularly fascinating to read a story that explores the complexities of Islamic culture and identity in modern America.

The story follows a second-generation Muslim-American man who's been living in London, pretending to train as an imam to please his fundamentalist father. But in reality, he's been chasing his passion for acting.

When his grandfather falls ill, he returns to his hometown of Redding, California, and gets pulled into a vortex of mosque politics, mysterious attacks, and a renewed romance with his teenage crush. As he navigates this chaotic landscape, he must confront his lifelong habit of fibbing to his family and figure out how to reconcile his desire for personal freedom with his love for his faith and family.

I loved how Syed Masood tackled sensitive topics like the tensions between traditionalism and modernity, the challenges of cultural identity, and the power of redemption and forgiveness. Azaan’s journey resonated deeply with me, and I appreciated the author's thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of Muslim experiences.

The writing is engaging, witty, and heartwarming, making this book a true page-turner. I devoured it in just one day , and I'm still thinking about it weeks later. Whether you're Muslim or not, this novel offers a compelling story that explores universal themes of identity, community, and the human condition. Highly recommended!♥️

I loved his last book, The Bad Muslim Discount, so when I heard that Syed Masood had a new one, I couldn't wait to read it. Azaan Saifi is the only child of a popular imam, whose project to build a new place to worship is all-consuming. His mother only wants to work at her hospital. As a result, his childhood is difficult until he figures out that lying makes things smoother, and from there the ride is wild, with some romance thrown in.

This novel has the same complicated family relationships and is fun and funny even though there are serious topics involving religion and child abuse. The author even pokes fun at his previous book. Definitely kept me interested to see what would happen next, with an ending that was satisfying.

This is a hilarious, touching, and feel-good story of a second-generation Muslim-American who comes from Redding, California and lives in London. He is the disgraced son of the local imam who is a fundamentalist, who pretends to go to Cairo to become an imam but ends up being an actor in the UK. He returns home because his grandfather is on his deathbed. Once back in Redding, he is embroiled in mosque scandals, mysterious attacks on the mosque that appear to be hate crimes, and plenty of memories of his teen crush. Can he come clean after a lifetime of fibs/lies, done to gain some personal freedom without infuriating his father?

Maybe this doesn’t sound like a laugh-out-loud set up. But it is, mostly because of the author’s wonderfully self-deprecating voice, the crazy conversations he has about Islam in the modern world, and the endearing character of the narrator himself. We come to adore this hapless character and his misadventures in small-city America. We also come to understand his conflicting emotions about his faith, family and personal choices.

I loved this book, and hope to read more books by the author. Even if a reader wasn’t previously all that interested in Islam in America (which I happen to be), this is still a rollicking good read about love and redemption (believe it or not). What a great surprise this novel turned out to be! Highly recommended. I finished it in just two days — it was that entertaining.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy. Here are a few memorable quotes:

“Humanity appeared to have reached a consensus — regardless of religion, race, culture, or creed — that we are obligated to ruin at least some portion of our holidays by spending them with our families. Given that all of us agree on so little, it felt churlish not to honor this collective commitment our species had made to be miserable.”

“No one does guilt like family.”

“Everyone knows that murder is okay if you’re wearing the right outfit. That’s Western Civilization 101.”

“I broke into my father’s office. Well, that’s not exactly true. It overstates things quite a bit since none of the doors in the mosque had any hardware on them yet and were, therefore, incapable of being locked. However, it sounds badass and I do like sounding that way, so I’ll go with it.”

Spice 🌶️

This story is more plot than romance. (Not that that is good or bad, just heads up). The story was incredibly written and structured and was not at all what I expected (in a good way).

- mystery
- complicated familial relationships
- incredible rep
- philosophical blurring of right and wrong

The characters and the relationships feel so real and raw - a real credit to the author! Definitely a good read this year!

Overall the story and the way it all unfolded isn’t my cup of tea. It’s too “real” and not enough hallmark (I prefer reading to be an escape into fantasy and whimsy). However that’s my preference, I can still acknowledge that this was a fantastic real and raw story that was woven together really beautifully.

Thank you for this ARC from #NetGalley.

This book is a very different read and has had a lot of potential. I do think that calling this book a romance isn't accurate and could be confusing to readers who come in expecting one thing and getting something else entirely while reading it. This more reads as a coming of age story about a young man figuring out who he is and figuring out how he feels about religion and his relationships.

This was a super enjoyable read! As a white person, it was so interesting to read from the perspective of a Muslim character. (It made me realize I need to read more books by Muslim authors.)

I enjoyed The Bad Muslim Discount and was eager to read Syed M. Masood’s new novel The Last Man in Paradise, which did not disappoint.

The story is engaging, the prose is elegantly spare and witty, the pacing is spot-on, and the emotional pull is strong. Equally compelling for this reader and consistent with themes in the author’s prior work, Masood’s storytelling provides insight into the struggles and joys of a Muslim-American family as together and individually they consider (and reconsider) traditional religious dictates in the context of Western culture.

Specifically, our main character, Azaan, wrestles with the question of how to untangle his relationship with Islam from the childhood trauma inflicted by his father, a revered religious leader in his community. Azaan’s father believed raising his only son to be devout required beating him into submission. Azaan’s back is covered in scars. So is his heart. As an adult, Azaan has turned away from family, love and religion.

Here’s the setup: Azaan is called back to California after a decade away from home. His grandfather Baba’s deathbed wish is to see his grandson again. But there’s a problem. Azaan lives in London and is trying to make it as an actor. To simplify his life and to avoid what he believes will be complicated drama and histrionics, he has told a whopper of a lie to his family—they believe he has followed in his father’s footsteps and is serving as an imam in London when, in fact, he dropped out from the religious school years ago to take up acting. Azaan chose to take on (with secret help from a slippery uncle) the role of his life—a fake imam. What harm would it do to make his family happy? He didn’t intend to see them ever again.

Reluctantly, he returns to California and sees no choice but to maintain the pretense, complete with a glued-on beard and appropriate vestments. Now, his acting chops will be put to a real-life test. “Other people would probably have thrown their arms around each other and embraced. But we were not, as was perhaps the great tragedy of our lives, other people.”

It’s a wild ride from this point on as Azaan struggles to keep up the guise, is forced to “perform” religious services several times, then uncovers a dark secret from his father’s past now poised to break into a scandal that will engulf the entire family, and along the way, rekindles a relationship with Madison, a woman his father forbid him to date in high school, who is now a single mom.

Baba, it turns out, isn’t as close to death as Azaan was led to believe and seems, in his way, eager to help his grandson find a way back to the family by acknowledging the sadistic behavior of Azaan’s father. “‘You don’t know anything about us, do you?’ Baba raised his bushy eyebrows, cast a longing glance at the video stream suspended on the screen before him, and then put it aside. ‘I know enough. He made up strict rules for you. He tried to control you, to make you what he wanted. You rebelled. He beat the shit out of you. It’s not so complicated.’ I looked away.”

Masood is an excellent writer, deftly navigating his somewhat intricate plot with the anchoring strength of Azaan’s character and his dark humor. The characters throughout are unique, entertaining and believable. The commentary about Islam through these characters, all of whom have differing relationships to (and for some, interpretations of) the religion is a strength of the book. At the core of this novel is Azaan’s intimate journey as he, with the help of friends and family, begins to rediscover the joy of religion, and love, finding ways to sculpt both into the life he wants, finally separating both from the singular abuse endured at the hands of his father.

A terrific book. Highly recommended.

The Last Man in Paradise by Syed M. Masood is the first book i got to read and review on this platform and can i just say how great of a read it was.
This book delves into the life of Azaan, a young man who struggles to connect with the religion his father, a very powerful man in the community, follows. Azaan prefers to lie and deceive his father, to live far away from him in order to follow his dreams, rather than to tell him the truth.
This is a way of showing the reader the rocky relationship they have with each other. But one phone call makes him go back to the town he never thought he'd come back to, and to help his father nonetheless.
Now Azaan has to put his acting skills to play and try to fool everyone into thinking he followed what they deem as the right path.
This book was great and i loved it, it opened my eyes on many things that we might not go through ourselves but many people do. For example, the struggle of following a certain religion while undergoing pressure from your parents, living under a roof with people who either abuse you or don't support you on your dreams, and many more.
The characters were well depicted showcasing the different types of people in the world and how they act, the writing style is smooth and understandable making it so much easier to get immersed in the book and not put it down.
I hope the next reader gives this book a chance to realise how amazing, well written, well expressed it is. And if you are someone that enjoys reading religious and cultural distinctions and family drama this is the book for you.

This book was so interesting to me. I guess I saw a lot of myself in the questioning of the religion your grow up with a morality. I thought all the points this book touched on are so important.

Azaan choices and life is so interesting to me. I honestly thought this book was so raw and powerful. I don't know what else to say but give this a try. I loved it.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an interesting and a quick read. Some parts felt formulaic but overall, I enjoyed the story.

I read and enjoyed "The Bad Muslim Discount," so I was interested in trying the author's newest book, particularly as it was tagged as romance. I think the writing is engaging, and Azaan is a very relatable main character. The romance, to me, is more of a subplot, with Azaan's relationship with his father, and his thoughts on his religion, taking the main stage. There are some tangents Azaan goes down that feel out of place, and the self-reference threw me off, but this is an easy book to get hooked on and a worthwhile one.

4 stars

This is my third book by this author, and if I was uncertain previously, I am fully confident now; this writer KNOWS how to bring readers right into the center of challenging relationships.

Azaan, like most teens, doesn't really want to listen to his father's demands or rules, and since his father is a religious leader and figurehead in their Northern California hometown, there's even more pressure and added scrutiny than a typical teen might encounter. When Azaan commits what most would consider a minor infraction, their relationship implodes. This results in a lengthy rift, a series of harmful secrets and lies, and an opportunity for redemption.

Readers journey between the past and present to learn more about the challenges that several characters either face or inflict upon themselves, and it's fascinating to evaluate the present-day fallout. Azaan has secretly become an actor and decides to use this skill to play the role of imam when he returns to his family, and this is just the backdrop for the real-life drama that ensues (and, in some cases, picks up from where they hit pause many years earlier).

Readers who enjoy stories about longstanding family drama, religious and cultural distinctions, and lost loves will find a lot to like in this newest effort from Masood. It's not an easy story, but it is a compelling read.