Emily Alwubayran

Interesting read overall. It was well researched and I felt like I was learning new things along with following the story which was enjoyable. Some of the plot points and characters fell a bit short to me, but it was a really interesting mix of drama, biology, and thriller. I think there’s aspects that appeal to fiction and non fiction readers. 7/10.

Another book that should be required reading. Eye opening in the worst but most important way. This book examines our country’s fragile concept of justice, and forces us to reflect on this issues head on. Incredibly infuriating but cautiously hopeful.

I enjoyed it for what it was, an artistic dramatic retelling of a controversial woman in power. I thought the lead actors were strong and the emotions came through. Good for any history, thriller fans.

Harrowing and raw account of injustice and the fight for change. Handles difficult subject matter in a fluid and realistic way, well paced and sticks with you for a long time. Everyone should read this book at least once.

This is a beautiful, haunting, endearing and thought provoking story that encompasses all of the nuance and complications of the ever changing yet “always the same” Istanbul. This is a story of found family and how our bonds keep us alive well after death, as well as a raw account of the everyday lives of society’s “outcasts”. Beautiful prose and very touching. Absolutely worth a read.

Beautiful and lyrical. This was a story of redemption, processing trauma and grief, and finding purpose and love after genocide and war from several different perspectives. Heartwarming ending and rich cast of characters. An amazing and quick read.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a slow burn, but there was a rich cast of characters and it was expertly written and brought to light an important aspect of WW2 that is rarely discussed. It’s raw and emotional and a great read for the historical genre.

Absolutely amazing- we see through the eyes of a child the nuances of war, immigration, grief, and faith. The style is rich and engaging, with descriptions and characters that make the story feel as if you’re a part of it. Heartbreaking and hopeful, an incredibly relevant coming of age story.

Overall, it was okay. It was humorous at times, and an interesting take on the idea of “wellness” the twist was fairly surprising. Although I found myself favoring certain characters far more than others. 6/10.