Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13 3/4

The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13¾ is a hilarious and pubescent debut book from Tez Ilyas, a British Muslim comedian. It is a rollercoaster of a teenage memoir, taking us back to a working-class, insular British Asian Muslim community in his hometown of post-Thatcher Blackburn. It shows 90s Britain at its best and worst, with a GCSE pass rate of 30% and family tragedy around the corner.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13¾ is a captivating and complex blend of overexcited Adrian Mole-like anecdotes mixed with shocking moments of racism and insights into Muslim religious practices. Written by the beloved British Muslim comedian Tez Ilyas, this debut book promises to bring laughter and pubescent charm to readers everywhere.

Tez Ilyas is a well-known figure in the British comedy scene, known for his stand-up comedy, his role as Eight in the TV series "Man Like Mobeen," his Radio 4 series "TEZ Talks," and his appearances on panel shows such as "Mock the Week" and "The Last Leg." However, what many may not know is that Tez's journey began in 1997, when he was just 13 ¾ years old.

"The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13¾" is a suitably dramatic rollercoaster of a teenage memoir that takes readers back to Tez's hometown of post-Thatcher Blackburn, a working-class, insular British Asian Muslim community. Meet Tez's family and friends, including his mother, older sister, fashionable cousin, cool cousin, clever cousin, and a community with the most creative nicknames this side of "Top Gun."

Through his experiences, Tez reveals the realities of growing up as a British Muslim in the 90s, far from the fun, Jihad-pursuing affair the media often portrays. He navigates through running away from shotgun-wielding farmers, successfully dodging arranged marriages, getting mugged, witnessing race riots, and achieving formative sexual experiences while doing stomach crunches in a gym. Life may not have been the adventure Tez expected, but it was filled with challenges and tragedies that shaped him into the person he is today.

The book is a hilarious and poignant exploration of 90s Britain, showcasing both its best and worst aspects. Tez's writing is witty and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage angst and the struggles of young Muslims in a society that often misunderstands and stereotypes them.

"The Secret Diary of a British Muslim Aged 13¾" is not just a memoir; it's a reflection on the complexities of identity, religion, and culture. Tez's experiences shed light on the challenges faced by British Muslim youth and the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting understanding.

Whether you're a fan of Tez's comedy or simply looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read, this book is a must-have. It will make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the experiences of young people growing up in a diverse and complex world.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780751582185