crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book filled with joy. Even when the stories made me tear up, there was also a measure of hope, joy, and love. It's heart-warming.
brim010's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ludivinev's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
khairun_atika's review against another edition
4.0
"Always look beyond what your eyes initially recognise and find out what is real, what is possible, and what is the truth." - Searching for Blue by N.H. Senzai, from Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed.
This book feels like Eid for Muslim writers and readers alike. Growing up, it was not easy to find books written by Muslim women, and for Muslim women. This book is like a godsend. Not only is it edited by two Muslim women authors, it is a compilation of stories about Eid, a festivity celebrated by Muslims, written by 15 different Muslim women authors.
This gem is written mainly for young readers, or middle-graders, but there is so much depth, wisdom and compassion in each story that would reach out to any and all Muslims. I loved the different voices of the different protagonists - the generous giver, the first-time hijabi, the baker, the refugee and the only Muslim in class - these are characters that would resonate with other Muslim readers. There is a certain vulnerability in each of these protagonists, all of whom are young children eager to bring hope and joy in their lives - and the lives of their loved ones in Eid.
This collection of stories is more than just an erudite, enjoyable and heartwarming representation of Muslims around the world. It showcases the innocence, faith and hope of these striving young Muslims who put their hearts and souls into Ramadan and Eid, and it is such a positive and beautiful portrayal of not just the beauty of Eid, but the beauty of Islam as well. What an enlightening, beautiful way to honour our religion.
This book feels like Eid for Muslim writers and readers alike. Growing up, it was not easy to find books written by Muslim women, and for Muslim women. This book is like a godsend. Not only is it edited by two Muslim women authors, it is a compilation of stories about Eid, a festivity celebrated by Muslims, written by 15 different Muslim women authors.
This gem is written mainly for young readers, or middle-graders, but there is so much depth, wisdom and compassion in each story that would reach out to any and all Muslims. I loved the different voices of the different protagonists - the generous giver, the first-time hijabi, the baker, the refugee and the only Muslim in class - these are characters that would resonate with other Muslim readers. There is a certain vulnerability in each of these protagonists, all of whom are young children eager to bring hope and joy in their lives - and the lives of their loved ones in Eid.
This collection of stories is more than just an erudite, enjoyable and heartwarming representation of Muslims around the world. It showcases the innocence, faith and hope of these striving young Muslims who put their hearts and souls into Ramadan and Eid, and it is such a positive and beautiful portrayal of not just the beauty of Eid, but the beauty of Islam as well. What an enlightening, beautiful way to honour our religion.
qomareads's review against another edition
3.0
For a short stories or an anthology I always find it hard to rate a book for this genre. Some were great and memorable but some just uh okay. This book might be really suitable for a middle grade since most of the characters were young children in middle school.
Many representations and cultures and how they celebrated their Eid. It's nice to read about different Muslims around the world. Honestly it felt way too different from our Malay Muslims culture or Malaysian Muslim culture for Eid but nonetheless we are still celebrating the month of Ramadan and Syawal with the same meaning.
Cardamom was mentioned quite a few times and I was so curious on how does it tastes? This book makes my stomach growling because all the glorious foods mentioned. A very fun read indeed.
Many representations and cultures and how they celebrated their Eid. It's nice to read about different Muslims around the world. Honestly it felt way too different from our Malay Muslims culture or Malaysian Muslim culture for Eid but nonetheless we are still celebrating the month of Ramadan and Syawal with the same meaning.
Cardamom was mentioned quite a few times and I was so curious on how does it tastes? This book makes my stomach growling because all the glorious foods mentioned. A very fun read indeed.
ashreadsandbowls's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
heathersbike's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. A fun way to learn about different Eid customs. Would love to know what someone more age appropriate thought.