If You Could Be Mine: A Novel

Winner of the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Childrens/Young Adult
One of Rolling Stones 40 Best YA Novels
A 2014 ALA Rainbow List Top 10 Title
A Booklist Top 10 First Novels for Youth 2013
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2013

In this stunning debut, a young Iranian American writer pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture.

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. Theyve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in loveSahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light.

So they carry on in secretuntil Nasrins parents announce that theyve arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they had before, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusivelyand openly.

Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a womans body is seen as natures mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants in the body she wants to be loved in without risking her life. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self?