Both Muslim and other American communities tend to view Muslims in a fairly static, narrow manner, but the truth about the most diverse group in America today is far more interesting and surprising.
Nura is breaking stereotypes by sharing the stories of Muslim men and women, as the co-editor of two groundbreaking anthologies.
Nura Maznavi is a writer, attorney, and the editor of the groundbreaking anthologies “Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women” and “Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men on Love, Sex & Intimacy.” She is a recipient of a City of Chicago Individual Artists Program grant, a semi-finalist for the Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship, and a Chicago Artists Month Featured Artist. Nura is an alumnae of VONA/Voices of Our Nation writers’ workshop. A California native, she now lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters.
“Erases preconceptions of what it must be like to be a Muslim woman in this country” – The Washington Post, on Love InshAllah
“An insightful, thoroughly charming read.” Publishers Weekly, on Salaam Love
When you close your eyes and think of a Muslim woman, what are the first words and images that come to your mind? You will be entertained, surprised, and intrigued by this compelling visual presentation that deconstructs the “monolith” that exists in every person’s mind when it comes to Muslim women, and what it means to be Muslim in America today.
Smash the Monolith: An Extended Version of Nura’s TEDx Talk
When you close your eyes and think of a Muslim woman, what are the first words and images that come to your mind? You will be entertained, surprised, and intrigued by this compelling visual presentation that deconstructs the “monolith” that exists in every person’s mind when it comes to Muslim women, and what it means to be Muslim in America today.
The American Muslim Love Collectors
Why does your story matter? Why is your voice necessary right now? And why are love stories one of the most meaningful spaces for us to begin revealing ourselves and seeing others in our full, glorious human complexity? Editors, writes, rom com and Jane Austen fans Nura and Ayesha share how the seemingly simple but brave act of sharing a love story can help ignite both greater personal insight and greater community inclusivity, compassion, and diversity.
The “Full Court Aunty Press” – and Other Obstacles to Love
What will people say? Most of us can hear that childhood whisper in the back of our minds well into adulthood. Now that you’re an adult, what do you need to know to show up fully as a romantic and marital partner? As a family and community member? How do you even begin to broach issues of love, relationships, or sexuality with family members who may still see you as a child or who may not have a shared language or tradition of exploring these issues together? Nura and Ayesha lead a humorous, powerful, and inspirational conversation on embracing the complexities and beauty of yourself, your family, and community in the search for love.
A Window on Love, American Muslim Style
Starting with our roller coaster ride to publication and learnings from both of our books, we examine the evolving and complex nature of Muslim dating/courtship, gender roles, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Both Muslim and other American communities tend to view Muslims in a fairly static, narrow manner, but the truth about the most diverse group in America today is far more interesting and surprising.
