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careinthelibrary's review against another edition
fast-paced
There are some really special essays in this collection. The diverse perspectives and backgrounds of these Gazan writers kept the book interesting and engaging all the way through. I love that some photos were included as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide and Colonisation
Moderate: Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Pandemic/Epidemic
shortforvalkyrie's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
These essays are a few years old now, but if you want to hear from Palestinians about life under Israel's illegal occupation, this is a great resource.
lingfish7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
📖🎧This is an anthology of 16 unique poems and essays about Gaza, written by various Palestinian authors. It was a heavy read, but very enlightening in terms of the multifaceted challenges Palestinians face in light of the Israeli oppression, genocide, and removal of land.
One of the most interesting essays was one on the relationship between Palestinians and farming the land as a way to revive their cultural heritage. Apparently the Gaza Strip that Palestinians were pushed into has the least farmable land in it, so by moving them to this area they were essentially forced to give up their farming practices and ability to grow their own food as well. I made so many parallels between what’s happening in Palestine and what the European colonizers did to the indigenous populations in the U.S.
“To return to the land is to revive that connection and challenge the exploitative practices that continue to harm our remaining biodiversity and threaten our cultural heritage.” (Pg 79, Asmara Abu Mezied)
My main critique is many of the essays were written in a highly academic manner, as if I was reading an essay for a class on Palestine. Some were so dry it took me a few tries to read it. The audiobook was narrated well and the hardcopy had various pictures that were helpful. I would recommend a combination of hardcopy and audio for best comprehension.
I appreciated the poems that were inserted in between the essays. The essays that were most powerful to read were those based on real life anecdotes from the author’s lives. The reality of the Gaza Strip is heartbreaking but unfortunately it’s become even worse since this book’s publication in 2022.
One of the most interesting essays was one on the relationship between Palestinians and farming the land as a way to revive their cultural heritage. Apparently the Gaza Strip that Palestinians were pushed into has the least farmable land in it, so by moving them to this area they were essentially forced to give up their farming practices and ability to grow their own food as well. I made so many parallels between what’s happening in Palestine and what the European colonizers did to the indigenous populations in the U.S.
“To return to the land is to revive that connection and challenge the exploitative practices that continue to harm our remaining biodiversity and threaten our cultural heritage.” (Pg 79, Asmara Abu Mezied)
My main critique is many of the essays were written in a highly academic manner, as if I was reading an essay for a class on Palestine. Some were so dry it took me a few tries to read it. The audiobook was narrated well and the hardcopy had various pictures that were helpful. I would recommend a combination of hardcopy and audio for best comprehension.
I appreciated the poems that were inserted in between the essays. The essays that were most powerful to read were those based on real life anecdotes from the author’s lives. The reality of the Gaza Strip is heartbreaking but unfortunately it’s become even worse since this book’s publication in 2022.
ensara's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this a while back, and I can tell you I sobbed almost every chapter.
Refaat Alareer's work continues to strike me tremendously every time I read it. What Mosab Abu Toha writes about in regards to libraries, books, knowledge, etc, is something I need framed and to read daily. Though not Palestinian at all, Gaza has a special place in my heart, and this book gives space to diverse voices from such a resilient, joyful, and talented land.
Refaat Alareer's work continues to strike me tremendously every time I read it. What Mosab Abu Toha writes about in regards to libraries, books, knowledge, etc, is something I need framed and to read daily. Though not Palestinian at all, Gaza has a special place in my heart, and this book gives space to diverse voices from such a resilient, joyful, and talented land.
faatimah_reads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
syirahreadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Essential reading for perspectives on the ground in Gaza.
tijana_b's review against another edition
5.0
So incredibly informative and gives way for the Palestinian voice which, as we know, has been suppressed for so long. Truly, they are one of the most resilient people. Everyone should read this book.
Never stop talking about Palestine
Never stop talking about Palestine
churameru's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0