A must read
17 October 2008
A true account of a Muslim women, evident that we are no different to any other, an interesting and emotional account. Definitely looking forward to further books by the author.

A page turner
17 October 2008
I commute everyday - the journey is long and rather dull - I read to make it more interesting. Occasionally you find a book that makes you hurry for the train, so you can sit down and be absorbed by the life events that unfold on the page, some filled with humour, others relfection of life, loves lost and loves yet to unfold. This was one of those rare books.

Catchy!
17 October 2008
A must read for all women looking for love on the internet! I loved this book as it highlights the dark side of falling for someone through email. It brilliantly highlighted the pitfalls of internet dating. The book was sad as well as funny in places. The author really gives a open account of her life in her search for Mr Right. I would recommend this book to all women..

Funny and Moving
17 October 2008
A good read, sometimes funny and sometimes sad, has it all.

Fun read
17 October 2008
This book is very interesting and a fun read

Catch a very special Fish...
17 October 2008
... from the endless sea of books! A commendable read of emotional turmoil in the search for marital bliss.

refreshing read
17 October 2008
This is truly a refreshing read, from an honest, sincere, personal and modest perspective.

A must read!
19 October 2008
This covers it all. from culture, love, family, sorrow..... everyone should read this book!

Ready for love?
21 October 2008
Catch a Fish from the Sea (Using the Internet) is the compelling memoir of the trials and tribulations faced by the remarkably ordinary Nasreen in a seemingly extraordinary world as she unwittingly charters a journey in search for her perfect love-on the internet. Prepare to be amazed, senselessly shocked and deeply agonised all at the same time.

Love, Life, Laughter.....and a few tears too
23 October 2008
‘Smile though your heart is aching, smile even though its breaking’; the melodious masterpiece by Charlie Chaplin, is once again captured in its essence by Akhtar. As with Chaplins universal appeal, Akhtar too engages us with her tickling sense of humour alongside heartbreak, throughout her relentless quest in search of Mr Right. A must read for those who love to laugh….and cry.

Deep Sea Fishing!
23 October 2008
A beautifully written semi autographical story of the things we do for love in the cyber age. Who will be next? When will it happen? The story explores the things we do for love and brings a glimpse of the life of an educated young muslim woman. This is a story that had to be told, but is this the end of the saga? There has to be more..and if there is, I can't wait to read it. Wonderful tale of a British woman.

Something we can all relate to
29 October 2008
A timely memoir with something for everyone. Funny, entertaining, heart-lifting and thought-provoking all at the same time. It's gets people talking about the issues that British Muslims face today, and heralds the arrival of a new and important voice for the British Muslim fenale. Well worth reading, well done Nasreen.

What we think but dare not say...
29 October 2008
To say that this book left an indelible mark would be an understatement.....the author has written from the heart with unerring accuracy, humility and humour about the pitfalls of trying to find that "special one". Some chapters left me laughing out heartily whilst others forced me to stop and think seriously about my place in the world. Very few books have done this, and the fact that I re-read certain chapters ought to speak volumes in itself. Well worth reading...

Good book
03 November 2008
VOTE....

GOOD BOOK
03 November 2008
VOTE. a good book

A lifetime journey
03 November 2008
This book took me on a journey - into another culture, another type of experience, another generation, another religion, another way of finding love (or at least trying to!). It opened my eyes, but made me realise how we all have to go through life's stages in similar ways. It makes you laugh, and makes you cry as you can't help but feel for the author as she gets hurt, takes rejection, faces breakdown, finds and loses love and so much more. This book touched my heart. How brave to be so open.

Phenomenal story: an addictive page turner
07 November 2008
Oh what an experience this book is! Superb read. Magnificent to the core. A friend introduced me to this book. She said if there was one book I had to read, it had to be this one (she knows that I do not get to read for pleasure that much). My friend and I have both been through the issues that this book touches on and we both, like so many out there have hoped for love. But the beauty of this book is that it doesn't matter if you are familar with the issues; this book have the incredible ability to make you understand, make you empathise, make your heart move... What can I say? I am in awe of this book - the contents. the grace, the dignity with which the author handles herself as you let her heart take you through page after page of raw emotion and honesty. This story had to be told it just had to be. And I am glad of the way that it has been. This book has the makings of a best-seller and it wouldn't surprise me if there is a film on the way soon.

Fascinating, funny, heart-breaking
09 November 2008
Catch a Fish... is a fascinating insight into Asian culture. Arranged marriages are such an unusual concept to Western audiences and this book provides a unique view into this world. It's also great to read about what happens at the intersection between arranged marriages and Internet dating. And most readers will be able to empathise with the author's feelings of loneliness and lovelessness.

Fabulous Read
10 November 2008
I don't read books much but I couldn't put this book down. It's a great insight into the Asian culture and the thoughts of the author. I'm sure there will be another book to follow and I can't wait.

Rollercoaster ride
12 November 2008
Emotional, funny, realistic memoir, of love, loss, heartache and the journey of reaching back to the top. Nasreen has inspired many through her honest account of searching for a Mr. Right.

Stunningly raw and brutally honest reading -
13 November 2008
Unpredictable, and disturbingly honest insight into an ordinary girl's life. Provocative and paradigm-altering on the catastrophic changes in love and the cobbled path of life. A must-read book which will effect the reader deeply. Aziza Shah

Praise for a new genre of asian writer
14 November 2008
Ms Akhtar writes with such flair and gusto. Once I started reading the first few lines, i was hooked ! And i had to read it all within a couple of days. (Normally, it would have been read within a day, but for the fact I am a busy mother!) I defy anyone who starts to read a small part of it, starts to take a tiny nibble, not to actually gobble the whole thing !! Well written, full of fun, tears and laughter - a real emotional rollercoaster....

What a FInd !!
16 November 2008
Romantic comedy or social commentary perhaps an examination of the outsourcing of our desire to find our soulmates and much more in life ?? The book explores all these themes and much more with such beautiful absorbing writing that i cannot understand how i have never heard much more of this new talented authoress Wonderfully entertaining and a soul searching and intimate read

deserves to be a global best-seller!
19 November 2008
This book tells the true story of one young woman’s determination to hold out for true love in the 21st century. She shuns both traditional Asian arrange marriages and hedonistic western culture preferring instead to turn to the internet to find Mr. Right. Like most teenagers Nasreen Akhtar rebelled against her parents. She refused to undergo an arrange marriage, but into her early twenties the picture dramatically changes. She is desperate to get wed but she has to wait her turn. As tradition goes her elder brother has to get wed first. Finally her time comes and boy what a disappointment it turns out to be. Her potential suitors are either too dull, ugly, mummy’s-boys or lacked that certain magic. So she asks her very considerate dad if she could find her own Mr. Right. We go on an adventure with her as she turns to Asian networking clubs, online marriage site, Asian gatherings like weddings and we even witness her agreeing to her family and friends match-making for her. Nothing seems to work so she turns to the internet. Catch a Fish From the Sea (Using the Internet) gives us an insight not only into her state of mind at the time but gives us an insight into the real difficulties that a modern sophisticated woman encounters when she is trying to find her soul-mate. For someone who is not a Muslim nor even interested in religion, her use of Islamic references (with handy footnotes) illuminates the book wonderfully. Akhtar puts a great deal of herself in the book. You come away thinking that she is one young writer who actually cares deeply about the meaning of words. She writes so powerfully that you end up wanting to adopt her or send her an instant marriage proposal. The book is funny and sad in equal measure. Overall the story in its own way makes us all human and asks the question – what is wrong with wanting to be loved in the 21st century. This book is a substantial piece of work for a new writer and it deserves to be a global best-seller.

Intriguing. Inspiring. Indelible.
21 November 2008
An honourable pleasure to let this author take you on a journey of love, heartache, fear, hope and all those other things that make us human. This book touches all citizens of the world and a marvellous experience it is too - I certainly walked away from it, somehow a better person. Makes you think, reflect & question life. A gem of a book and a joy to have been touched by it.

I WANT THIS BOOK
24 November 2008
I havnt read this book but really looking forward to reading it (once I can get hold of it)

From Laughter to Tears and back
26 November 2008
An exceptionally sensitive and real book, about a subject that has touched the majority of us at some stage. It is a refreshing book that has the ability to let us stand back and look at our own journeys through this apparent mine field that can bring tragedy or ecstasy. I look forward to the next part of the journey.

Gripping - grabs you powerfully
29 November 2008
Appeals to the senses & depths of emotion from deep within. Shows the strength of human spirit and its triumph during despair as well as that belief in hope itself. I heard the author say that the best stories are the ones that are true - she is so right. This is a remarkable read and I did not want it to end. It touched my heart and revived my own longing and experiences of love. This book will be treasured by many people for years to come. Certainly for me, it has found a very special place in my heart.

Beautifully captured
03 December 2008
This book took a hold of me and i couldn't let go of it until i read it from cover to cover. I've had so many similar experiences and i'm sure many Asian, Muslims go through very similar experiences. The author has captured her life in with such beauty sharing all.

A must read
05 December 2008
this book is so spot on, i think all british muslim females will be able to relate to this book, as something of this must have happend in thier lives at some stage.. well done Nasreen and thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

I want to marry this woman if she is still single!
09 December 2008
I wish I knew the author of this book A fascinating book by a fascinating woman. Prepare to be moved

A Must Read
13 December 2008
A true account of a Muslim women, evident that we are no different to any other, an interesting and emotional account. Definitely looking forward to further books by the author.

must b a good...
13 December 2008
plz! send me a copy

Funny, inspiring and addictive read
13 December 2008
The book provides a very funny, yet at times painful account of woman seeking life partner. Akhtar provides excellent depiction of the trials and tribulations that are faced by many Asian women in search for the one. Throughout the journey Akhtar learns about potential partners (and other women in the sea) ways of thinking and behaviour through time consuming courtships….all this within an ever watchful community. An exceptionally insightful and entertaining book, one which is long overdue and is highly recommended reading for all.

Book never read before
13 December 2008
Its books, i voted it, because it can change the trend of the reading. i just analyze. otherwise opening new world in the book. Love it.

women
13 December 2008
I believe that a woman musn't be judged on the way she met her spouse,cuz what it matters here is the way this woman will treat him,and raise their children.I loved the book very much it's funny,sad some where and really pointful.

Sucks you in emotionally
13 December 2008
You don't know whether to laugh or cry, but it's impossible to be indifferent. A very touching book.

wish you all the best
13 December 2008
i wish you all the best

Need more muslim writers
14 December 2008
We need more muslim woman writers.i like to read.a lot

An inspirational piece!
14 December 2008
Certainly worth a read!

Good writing
15 December 2008
Worth reading!

Deja vu!
15 December 2008
An exceptionally sensitive book, about a subject that every one of us have gone through at some stage of our lives. It is an interesting book that has the ability to let us go back in our past and reminds us of our own memories and experiences that can bring tears or laughter at times. I will strongly recommend this book to anyone with a sensitive side and specially look forward to the next part of author's journey.

An interesting book indeed
29 December 2008
This book is indeed an interesting one. Every woman should read it.

So totally wonderful!
30 December 2008
Hilarious read could not put it down and found myself laughing out loud on the tube. Heart warming and honest story that i'm sure many young singletons can relate to. Will keep you gripped to the very end does she or does she not find her Prince charming??

I disagree with a reader comment above: by rainbow2005
01 January 2009
It is not just every woman who should read this notable memoir - every man should read it too. Maybe we would treat the women who come into our lives, better? Enthralling, fascinating and spellbinding in equal measure. A book for all those who have ever experienced feelings of love and longing of love.

absolutely fantastic read
02 January 2009
A commendable and remarkable book.It is a must read for anyone and everyone. it opens our minds to the great difficulty that our young british asian females have to go through. It is a book that many can relate to. it is such an intense and a very sensitive subject for many who come from the asian culture, who may not appreciate such a topic to be publicised in such way,but nasreen has managed to diffuse the intensity through her humour , her wit which makes the book very light hearted but yet she manages to take us through the journey showing us the real path of anguish and heartache that many more british females must have gone through.a very sensitive topic which is well written. Definitely a book that will keep you turning the pages and i hope she does find her prince charming...

original
16 January 2009
a unique book :) lets hope it's not going to be one of a kind..

ISBN
17 January 2009
i reside in the USA , want to read/ purchase this book, i will be thankful if someone could write ISBN # or assist me in this regard. thank you

Message for Farzi Tara
26 January 2009
9780955521416 (I got my copy direct from the publisher www.greenbirds.co.uk. Better than going through third party seller online or bookshop)

Authentic
30 January 2009
I was very moved by the book, and immediately started to worry how my two daughters will find their beloveds. They are second-generation Muslims in their early twenties, European through and through. I had it easy. I had an arranged marriage by my shaykh who had guided both my husband and me to Islam. Arranged No2 on the scale in the book. We met, and 48 hours later were married Islamically. We both came with a lot of baggage from our gahiliyya days, but al-hamdu li-llaah, we are still in love 23 years on. But we weren't to begin with! All we had in common was that we loved Allah deeply and had a great yearning to make our lives pleasing to Him. In daily life we are opposites. Our children are always saying how grateful they are that we are not the same. Two of either of us would be a nightmare. I think the readers deserve to know whether Nasreen has found her beloved since publication. You can't make us suffer with you and not update us!

NOT FAIR! I want mine signed too!
30 January 2009
I really enjoyed this book so much it was one of those that i couldn't put down until i finished it, which rarely ever happens to me! My fav chapter has to be 10 which made me feel so spiritually enlightened it was unbelievable, it's so easy to get wrapped up in one's pain that it damages both you as a person and as a result you do become your own destruction. That chapter really hits home. All the best to Nasreen and please put us out our misery SOON! 'And then one day...' ONE DAY KIYA HUA!? lol Salam xXx.

Good luck
02 February 2009
Good luck Nasreen, keep it up ; )

THE WINNER of the Award !!
03 February 2009
Nasreen has a delightful wit and uses the English language with brilliance. Her vocabulary and delivery of emotions is superb. This then, is a well crafted book written by a woman at the top of her literary game at present. Once you start reading this fabulous book of memoirs of one modern Asian woman, you will be hard pushed to put it down for too long. This is one of those rare books that entices you into the world of British Asians (both Muslim and non-Muslim) and how they have to capture that cultural divide with equal measure, and not let their family values down, nor their individuality. Nasreen is indeed that special individual who has captured the very real emotions with honesty and wit, and thousands of us British Asian people (both men and women alike) can certainly relate to all the emotions described. If anyone should win the award, this book has to be it !

buying this book if you're in the U.S.
07 February 2009
Farzi, use ABE books: www.abebooks.com You'll have to buy it from Britain but you'll get it.

Amazing
11 February 2009
Transports you to a seemingly unreal reality that is far from. somehow the reader feels that they are the author, that they are the one who has lived the experiences described inthe book. Found this book to be powerful and moving. It is the one book that you will want to read repeatedly and everytime feel it is the first. This author, her story, her journey: I applaud.

Very well written- I loved it! x
13 February 2009
This book has given a true account of a Muslim woman's experience of searching for a spouse. I can really relate to Nasreen as a person. The book has made me re live all the horrifc experiences that I have had, and still having, searching for my future spouse via the internet. As stated by Zehn above, men should also read this book so they are aware of what they are putting us women through whilst using matrimonial sites. Some men need to read and learn from this book! Well done Nasreen for writing this book, no book has ever made me cry before! x

Yellow Tulips and cheescake forever!!
15 February 2009
I would describe the book to be a testimony of strength, resilence and beauty, or better still a standing ovation to all those sisters who have been there, done that and still awaiting to wear that perfect no bumps or lumps cellulite free T.shirt. Thank you for honesty and making us lot feel less guilty for using every means possible to find the perfect mortgage partner. The book is great therapy and a really good guide on (SOME ) of the fickle freaks that float or fish around in cyberspace!!

What a Read!
17 February 2009
I loved this book, it speaks "the truth the whole truth nothing but the truth! A lot of people might have read this book and thought to themselves " why bother" but Nasreen has shown that despite all her traumas she has come out a better person and to never give up!

What a Read!
17 February 2009
Brilliant! Absorbing!

Super Sspecial Awesome
17 February 2009
I could not put this book down, excellent read and looking forward to next book!!

Fab read
19 February 2009
An exciting well informed read.

VOTE
20 February 2009
VOTE $ DIS BOOK!!:D

Vote
21 February 2009
vote for it its a really good book!!=D

Brilliant book
22 February 2009
We need more Muslim women writers!!!

Phenomenal book
22 February 2009
Full of laughter! ...Brilliant

The book I hope'd become a classic one day!
22 February 2009
The memoir is a desire to be considered, observed, esteemed and beloved. Praising what is lost Makes the remembrance dear, Beautiful yet an emotional journey this book is.

Interesting Book!
23 February 2009
Love to read it again :)

Top book
23 February 2009
From a male perspective it's a great book, The concept was something unique and Well worth the read even for me.It Brings you into the world of the author, A combination of happiness, sadness and love in the mordern age that savour the reading pallette from start to finish. Just one thing for the women out there have lots of chocolate nearby.

A praising Book!
23 February 2009
Love to read the next one ..If there is :)

What an excellent read!!
23 February 2009
I could not put it down, which rarely happens to me!! A winning book by far!! xxx

A good one
25 February 2009
It was a joy to read

fantastic must read
26 February 2009
This book is a must read. I found the book very interesting and i have recommended it to my friends to read. Also i think the author has highlighted a issue that needs to addressed .

Best Book
26 February 2009
This is the best book I have read in a long time!!!!!!!!

A great spirit that shines through
26 February 2009
Makes you laugh, smile, cery, weep and hope. Hope is something that is never lost in this book and it gives readers that belief in hope too. Moving account of one woman's life and her thoughts that many will be able to relate to. Gets a standing ovation from me. Powerful book. :)

Captivating
26 February 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Shows the realities and Pain of anyone who has ever searched for a partner. I loved the honesty and raw style of the book, made the experience more authentic. A definite must for lonely hearts everywhere.

forget the book we want the film!
26 February 2009
I personally loved this book, a true read that comes from the realness of today's world, it is beautifully written, so exhilarating that i finished this in just two days, it reflects the issues that many women face, it was a book that shared feelings from the heart, i felt i was shadowing the author as i read each page, This book should win a bafta and i would love to see this in film. so not only are you now an author but we will fully support you for bringing out a film, best of luck and thankyou for sharing a peice of your heart in this amazing book.

capturing
27 February 2009
Couldn't put it down. About time someone embraced the aculturation of a new generation!

Refreshing and original
07 March 2009
Thought provoking, sincere and ultimately uplifiting account of the ordinary girl looking for the extraordinary.

loved it!!
09 March 2009
Absolutely amazing.Couldn't put it down.A must read!!