Simon & Schuster Canada is proud to announce the publication of a memoir by stand-up comic and CBC personality Ali Hassan, entitled Is There Bacon in Heaven?: And Other Pressing Questions from a Muslim, to be released October 5, 2021.

Hassan’s comedic memoir will share his lifelong journey to become a cultural Muslim—learning to walk the line of embracing his heritage while still following his passions. From failing to learn Arabic—or much of anything, really—in Muslim Sunday school to visiting his family in Pakistan (who mocked him incessantly for being so “white”), and discovering the forbidden wonders of pepperoni as a teenager to being a celebrity judge at Ribfest, Hassan has found himself in compromising situations that have challenged his beliefs and informed who he is today.

“This memoir grew out of my one-person comedy show, allowing me to further explore my ups and downs with my faith and culture. Now as a father of four, I want to explain my point of view to my kids, but I can’t just ‘hand over’ an identity as a cultural Muslim. Sharing this story is the next best thing,” says Hassan. 

His hope is that readers will not only laugh out loud but that many will see themselves (or their neighbours, colleagues, and friends) within these pages, creating better understanding and sparking conversation.

“In Is There Bacon in Heaven? Ali Hassan brings us a deeply funny memoir about how he found his place in the world,” says Kevin Hanson, President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster Canada. “Entertaining and heartfelt, this debut showcases why Hassan is one of Canada’s most popular comics. Hassan explores the deep need for belonging that exists in all of us.” 

Ali Hassan is a stand-up comic, actor, host, and professional chef who has performed on stages across Canada and the world. He is the host of CBC’s Canada Reads, as well as Laugh Out Loud on CBC Radio and SiriusXM. A Canadian Comedy Award nominee, his solo show Muslim Interrupted was performed at the world’s largest comedy festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In addition to a number of film and TV roles, he has appeared in the movies Tammy’s Always Dying, MySpy, and as the memorable Lebanese “Uncle Stevie” opposite Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, and Eugene Levy in the hockey hit Goon. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his family. Follow him on Twitter @StandUpAli and find him at StandUpAli.com.