tlgibson18's review against another edition
4.0
Going to see the authors speak next week. Very powerful and sometimes disturbing story of hate, redemption and forgiveness. "Forgiveness is as necessary to life as the food we eat and the air we breathe". ~ Sikh Scripture
ema_b's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I've been wanting to read this book for years now. I'm so glad I did. It's informative, inspiring, sadly relevant, and nothibg less than transformative. It should be required reading for everyone.
kristy_k's review against another edition
3.0
I believe this is an important read. Seeing how someone's hate can destroy lives was difficult, but it was uplifting and inspirational to see these two men come together in forgiveness and peace. Michaels, a former white supremacist, and Kaleka, a Sikh whose father was murdered by a white supremacist lived two very different lives but show that love, acceptance, and forgiveness make difference.
The Gift of Our Wounds covers Michaels' and Kaleka's lives from childhood through adulthood. It was an interesting juxtaposition between the two. There were times that I was extremely uncomfortable reading about Michaels' teenage and early adult years. I cannot fathom that type of hatred and disgust that he exhibited for others not like him. In contrast, Kaleka's story tells of immigrants who worked hard and gave back to their community.
After a tragic event (the Sikh Temple attack in 2012), these two unlikely allies meet and strive to change the world.
The Gift of Our Wounds covers Michaels' and Kaleka's lives from childhood through adulthood. It was an interesting juxtaposition between the two. There were times that I was extremely uncomfortable reading about Michaels' teenage and early adult years. I cannot fathom that type of hatred and disgust that he exhibited for others not like him. In contrast, Kaleka's story tells of immigrants who worked hard and gave back to their community.
After a tragic event (the Sikh Temple attack in 2012), these two unlikely allies meet and strive to change the world.
xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Pardeep Kaleka, one of the authors of this book, lost his father in a tragic hate crime. Wade Michael Page, a white supremacist who was apparently first exposed to these beliefs while serving in the Army, walked into a Sikh temple in Wisconsin and shot several people. One of those people was the father of this author. The other author of this book, Arno Michaelis, was a founding member of a white supremacist group. These two people met each other and began to discuss the issues and pain that these hateful attitudes and crimes cause for others. This was a very interesting and moving book, and I would suggest this to anyone who was curious about the ideals behind some of these actions.
jinnayah's review against another edition
4.0
I did not plan to be listening to the audiobook of this while the protests around George Floyd's murdered happened, but that's how it worked out. It was actually very helpful to understand some of the underlying issues both now and at Charlottesville in 2017. Not just Arno's experiences as a former skinhead, but also Pardeep's insights as a former police officer.
suvata's review against another edition
4.0
This is a truly touching memoir that revolves around the August 5, 2012, shooting at The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin by a white supremacist. The authors are Arno Michaelis (a reformed skinhead) and Pardeep Kaleka (who had family killed in this tragedy. Together this unlikely duo travel the country speaking about love and forgiveness via their organization, Serve 2 Unite.
Advance Reading Copy disclosure:
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Advance Reading Copy disclosure:
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
fireside_reads's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings, Racism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Violence, Homophobia, and Alcoholism
Minor: Police brutality
jessmsamuels's review against another edition
4.0
This was a hard audiobook to listen to. Not because of the way it was written, but listening to former white supremacist Arlo's story was stomach-turning. Every time the book switched from Arlo to Pardeep it allowed for a breath, a break from hearing about the hateful and disgusting past that Arlo shares. And yet, even hearing Pardeep's story, especially the telling of what happened at the Mosque was heartbreaking.
I appreciated the weaving of these two stories and hearing the similarities and differences in their paths. A difficult story to get through, but a rewarding message and one that gives hope.
I appreciated the weaving of these two stories and hearing the similarities and differences in their paths. A difficult story to get through, but a rewarding message and one that gives hope.
canary20's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book. I live about 2 hours from where this happened so to read about how a person directly involved in the shooting and someone who lived the skinhead life came to terms with all of this along with each other was beautiful. The book could have been written a little better and it was hard to really get into the book. It was a little jumpy at times. All in all good book and I am glad I was able to get this book as an ARC for my honest review.