spiffysarahruby's review against another edition
5.0
This book was incredible! A real storyteller's story, if that makes any sense. The audiobook is especially great, as it's narrated by the author.
morgancoyner's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
minty's review against another edition
4.0
Such an engaging, sweet, funny, and lively memoir--of a rather harrowing life. I loved the cover/title and forgot why I'd bookmarked this at the library, adding it to my holds based on those alone, assuming I would love any novel with that combination. That it was a memoir was not a disappointment at all.
kiperoo's review against another edition
5.0
My family and I listened to the audiobook version, and it was a fantastic choice because it really felt like the natural storytelling it was. So different from a lot of the contemporaries out there and definitely worth a listen/read with any tweens you know!
miriam_berg99's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
avvo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
chromeorange's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very average memoir, in my mind. It had interesting bits that I'll remember, and it had some minor issues that detracted from it.
PROs
Just compelling enough to keep me reading without protest
Teaches a lot about Persian culture.
Gives a good perspective of what is probably a very "typical" story of being a refugee.
Some poor writing (lots of "teeth sucking") but outweighing this were some very well-written, poetic, and insightful sections.
CONs
The dialogue was overly casual and "stream-of-consciousness" to the point of coming across as amateurish ("...so, do you know what XYZ is? Have I told you about it already?? Maybe, I can't remember. I'll tell you about now it anyway, hoping that I won't bore you too much.")
The mother's decision to put not only her life, but the lives of her husband, children, and the Christians around her at risk. It was a thoughtless thing to do and, even though she's supposed to be the hero of the book, I never again found myself respecting her.
The book jumps around a bit too much, which was sometimes confusing to the reader on what was happening when. Also, the first third of the book was simply introducing characters via a series of anecdotes. The story doesn't start until this is done.
The story is not quite good enough. As stated in the "PROs" section, it seems very typical to me, which some might consider worthwhile on its own, but I personally wanted it to be more hard-hitting and...just more compelling; especially after reading "Educated" very recently.
OVERALL
In the end, it's another "solid" but pretty average book. I expect a lot out of reading someone's memoirs, and this didn't quite cut it.
PROs
Just compelling enough to keep me reading without protest
Teaches a lot about Persian culture.
Gives a good perspective of what is probably a very "typical" story of being a refugee.
Some poor writing (lots of "teeth sucking") but outweighing this were some very well-written, poetic, and insightful sections.
CONs
The dialogue was overly casual and "stream-of-consciousness" to the point of coming across as amateurish ("...so, do you know what XYZ is? Have I told you about it already?? Maybe, I can't remember. I'll tell you about now it anyway, hoping that I won't bore you too much.")
The mother's decision to
Spoiler
unnecessarily flaunt her ChristianityThe book jumps around a bit too much, which was sometimes confusing to the reader on what was happening when. Also, the first third of the book was simply introducing characters via a series of anecdotes. The story doesn't start until this is done.
The story is not quite good enough. As stated in the "PROs" section, it seems very typical to me, which some might consider worthwhile on its own, but I personally wanted it to be more hard-hitting and...just more compelling; especially after reading "Educated" very recently.
OVERALL
In the end, it's another "solid" but pretty average book. I expect a lot out of reading someone's memoirs, and this didn't quite cut it.
tarocannotread's review against another edition
5.0
What a lovely book. The author has such a beautiful way with words. I had already read half of his sister's book last year, that I never ended up finishing, so I already had half the story, when I went into this one. I was surprised by how much I recognised from Dina's memory, and I'm finally motivated enough to finish her side of the story, too. Thank you also for including Kurds in the way that you did. Most people like to forget us, but you and your sister make sure to name us again. Thank you. 5 out of 5 stars.
nenafp's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0