Pascack Hills alumna Sara Sharaf Beg’s first book, Salaam, with Love, was published in January and dedicated to two Hills English teachers, David Bucco and Ed Sandt. Taking place during Ramadan, the young adult novel follows the story of Dua and her family, first love, and faith discoveries.

“When I began writing my novel, I knew right away that I had to include both Mr. Bucco and Mr. Sandt in my acknowledgements. I wanted them to know that they made a big difference for me as a student, and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor them,” she said.   

Once they found out that Beg dedicated her book to them, Bucco and Sandt felt extremely honored.

“I was very touched and was not expecting it at all…you didn’t really keep in touch with students back then as much as you could do today as social media has become more part of our lives, so it was great to reconnect with Sara,” Bucco said. 

Sandt added that he was “incredibly humbled and flattered at the same time…to have her mention her high school teachers just goes to show how much she appreciated her time at Hills.” 

Beg was in Bucco’s Creative Writing class and Sandt’s Honors English I class at Hills. While she was engaged in both of their classes, they did not expect her to become an author.

“I remember her saying she wanted to continue writing but I didn’t know she was planning on being an author,” Bucco explained. 

The author discussed why she wanted to become a writer. 

“I think a big part of [it] has to do with my mother. In addition to reading to me at night, she would take me to the library every week when I was young. We moved quite a few times throughout my life and each library was a haven for me. I loved reading so much, I knew early on that I wanted to write and tell my own stories,” she said. 

When she became a senior, Beg was the editor-in-chief of the literary magazine at Hills, Echoes. She mentioned that her experience within the club helped her acquire more layout experience and grow her passion for writing. 

After Salaam, with Love was written, Beg looked for an agent who would help her find a publisher. While publication isn’t guaranteed solely from agent representation, the novel gained interest and was later released. 

“My agent Jamie Vankirk refused to give up on me or the story, and eventually, our hard work paid off. One day after another round of submissions, we got an offer from Wendy Loggia at Penguin Random House,” she said. 

Beg recently finished a draft of another novel that was inspired by Mughal-era India. She hopes that it will join Salaam, with Love in local bookstores someday.

Also in the near future, Sandt mentioned that he is planning on hosting a seminar with the author sometime during the spring for students who aspire to have a writing career. It will include a short presentation over Zoom followed by an opportunity for students to ask questions. 

For those who are hoping to become future authors, Beg advises to “keep reading and keep writing.”

“I would also suggest taking a few creative writing courses and joining a workshop to learn how to give and receive feedback in a group of other writers,” she added. 

Sandt concluded his reflection about the author with a statement that echoes comments she made earlier.

“It was clear from a young age that she had a passion for stories,” he said.