Markham Reads is an annual celebration of books, ideas and community. Every year, we invite readers to pick up a book that will inspire conversations across the city, and that promotes reading and dialogue through shared experience. We also host events that help people connect more deeply with the book’s themes and ideas. 

This year Markham is reading Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jaluluddin—a page-turner of a book that is equal parts thought-provoking and zany. Taking part in the fun is easy: find a copy at your nearest branch or check out one of our unlimited digital copies

Make the most of your experience and take advantage of our interactive Markham Reads 2018 Reading Guide  where you’ll find all you need to know about the book, it's author and the events planned to connect with and celebrate the book's themes and ideas. Sign up for Markham Reads programs thru Eventbrite.

Get a copy of the Markham Reads 2018 Reading Guide

About Ayesha at Last:

Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on in her life.  Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job, and she lives with her large, boisterous Muslim family. Her flighty younger cousin Hafsa has just rejected her hundredth marriage proposal.  Although Ayesha is lonely, she does not want an arranged marriage. Then she meets Khalid, who is as smart and handsome as he is irritating and judgmental. And Khalid, too, can't get the beautiful, outspoken Ayesha out of his mind.  Ayesha at Last is a smart, busy, and charming comedy of manners in the tradition of Jane Austen and Shakespeare.

About Uzma Jalaluddin:

Uzma Jalaluddin lives in Markham, Ontario where she is a high school English teacher. She is also the author of the Toronto Star column Samosas and Maple Syrup.

Ayesha at Last is her first novel.