Reviews

The Other Americans by Laila Lalami

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tatianamgriffin's review against another edition

4.0

I like the chapter structure, which allows for multiple points of view. I appreciate that each character has complex back stories, showing deep internal struggles. Grief is beautifully depicted in all its complexity. What we hold on to, what we allow ourselves to let go of in order to keep living with the memory of those we love and lose. This was a fast and enjoyable read for me.

dlberglund's review against another edition

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4.0

Told in many different voices, this is the story of what happens after a man is killed in a hit and run accident. His family, business rivals, police officers, and one witness all tell parts of the story that is about life and love and choices, in ripples from one accident. Medium paced, but engrossing. The voice actors lent a lot to the audiobook.

alisarae's review against another edition

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Set in a small town somewhere in the Mojave desert, a diverse cast of characters soon have their lives intertwined. At first I wasn't sure how the book could support so many plot lines, but I ended up liking nearly all of them. Tragedy, drama, love.... the narrative kept moving and the story was interesting.

haleyjordan410's review against another edition

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mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

stanro's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I’ve just devoured this book. Loved it!

Each chapter is narrated by a character within the story. Sometimes picking up where another left the telling of their interaction, sometimes just recalling other events.

The people are foreign to me - Islamic immigrant family to the USA, Iraq War veteran, small business proprietors, their partners and their offspring.

Highly recommended.

margretalley's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

florrr12's review against another edition

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3.0

I enjoyed the book as well as the plot but my god did I get mad at Nora's mom for constantly comparing her two daughters and then leaving some open ended question such as did Salma get help in the end? Did Nora actually end up with Jeremy? What happened to Efrian? Just wish these questions could've been answered