Author Description

An “...engaging and readable tale about escaping the bonds of the past.” Kirkus Reviews “Stolen Moments of Joy... offers far more social and political depth than many LGBTQ stories that focus on romance and sexual maturity alone... Readers gain solid insights into this culture and realistic portrayals of relationships tested by it in a story that documents not just moments of joy, but transformation and revelation. Plenty of political insights evolve during the course of Abdul’s journey as the modern, familiar milieus of police shootings, evolving race relations, immigrant experience, and Abdul’s increasing involvement in racial struggles come to light.” D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review “[R]eaders will appreciate Baika’s depictions of his protagonist’s inner wounds and fractured relationships.” Publishers Weekly A testament to the human capacity for resilience. Abdul, a solitary soul uprooted from the familiar terrain of Afghanistan, finds a new home in the arms of his charismatic American boyfriend. But beneath the dazzling facade lies a sinister truth of physical bruises and emotional pain. Desperate for solace, he turns to a handsome activist for a secret tryst, going against everything he believes in. When a racially motivated shooting rocks his adopted city of Baltimore, Abdul’s internal struggle mirrors the external chaos. As the lines between passion and abuse blur, he must confront his own vulnerabilities and make a harrowing choice: to escape the torment or succumb to the intoxicating allure of his partner. Can Abdul conquer his demons and unlock his inner strength? A raw and intimate exploration of identity, love, and self-determination.