This felt like reading All the Light…
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·PagesandPieces
This felt like reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. That was one of the most beautiful books I've read in a while, and I enjoyed this one equally as much. The details about the city of Madrid and surrounding towns were beautiful and I felt fully immersed in the time period and was invested in the story of the characters.\n\nThings I liked:\n\nI really enjoyed the intro to each chapter with transcripts of interviews from real life political figures who were in Spain during the time period that the novel takes place in. They helped to make the novel feel realistic and relevant.\nI really enjoyed the stories told through Daniel's photographs and the references to prominent photographers of the time period. It helped me to understand the important narrative that journalistic photography tells and understand the risks that those professionals take on a daily basis.\nI loved the theme of family that runs throughout the book. Some key ones are Daniel's relationship with his mom and his father and how those relationships change and grow and his relationship with his adopted sister. The family bonds in Ana's family and how they've been shaped by their past and the tragedy around them are well developed. Nick and Shep's relationship is interesting, and I really enjoyed how a change in perspective about Nick's behavior helps you to understand that dynamic a bit more.\nThe way the hardships of those living and suffering under Franco's rule are starkly juxtaposed with the extravagant and indulgent lifestyle of the American tourists in Spain.\n\nThings I didn't like:\n\nThe pacing was off. While I liked the story and the short chapters, it felt slow in a lot of parts, and rushed in others. I can't pinpoint why, it just felt off.\nThe romance at the end was a bit soap-opera like and melodramatic.\nI wish the "surprise" ending was more of a surprise and that we got to see more of the present day storyline.\nPuri's character change made me really upset. I had higher expectations.\nDaniel's noble sacrifice was annoying. I think young readers would find his decisions and the choices he makes in his future to be highly unlikely in reality. While this is supposed to be a cross-over book that can appeal to both adults and young adult readers, Daniel's decisions are definitely written from an adult viewpoint and I think teens might find fault with this and possibly be turned off of the book.\n\nOverall, I enjoyed this book. I have heard great things about other books by this author, and reading this one makes me more likely to choose her other books. I would also like to state that this is one of the books on the list that teachers who only recommend "highbrow and intellectual" books would not hesitate to recommend. It is a very well written book that deals with "important" topics. I think this would qualify as "literature" for teachers who judge books based on literary quality. Despite all of that, I do think it is a book that teens would simply enjoy. Daniel and Ana's story is compelling, the mystery of the orphans is intriguing, and the supporting characters are interesting.
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Wow! Now this is really...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·fromthecomfychair
Wow! Now this is really good historical fiction, a great story grounded in lots of research. Ruta Sepetys spent seven years doing research and visiting Spain, where this story set in the 1950s after the Spanish Civil War. All of her characters are fictional, except Franco, but they are set in real places. This is the basic description of the story: "At the Castellana Hilton in 1957 Madrid, eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson connects with Ana Moreno through photography and fate as Daniel discovers the incredibly dark side of the city under Generalissimo Franco's rule." Ana Moreno is a young woman trying to lift herself and her family out of poverty after the Spanish Civil War has taken both of her parents, who opposed Franco. She is working at the Hilton and assigned to provide for the needs of Daniel's wealthy Texan family. Ana and everyone she knows harbor secrets that they keep out of necessity, the necessity to remain safe under Franco's dictatorship. There is a phrase often repeated: "We really are prettier with our mouths shut," that keeps, especially women, from exposing their secrets to the world. Daniel wants to know Ana, wants to uncover her secrets, but there is a price. Incredibly engaging and enlightening. Made me want to visit Spain.
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Another hidden part of history...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Jennie_103
Another hidden part of history highlighted by Sepetys. I love how she brings the past to life and makes me genuinely interested in the lives of ordinary people in that era far beyond what might have been taught at school. It tends to be relatively recent "history" too which makes it easier to feel a connection than to say, 1700s.\nThis one is set in Franco's dictatorship in 1950s Madrid with the classic trope of American hotel guest falling in love with his maid... Yet it is so much more than that simple love story with multiple POVs showing life from her brother Rafa's perspective and from her cousin Puri's to give a much wider viewpoint for the reader.\nSome beautiful language and unusual ways with words: "Her parents' offense has left Ana rowing dark waters of dead secrets" “She rides dressage. You ride rodeo.” “Their discussion sways like a dance. He steps forward with a question. She pivots back, holds for a moment.” The only downside I would say is the slow start. It took me a couple of tries to get started on this novel but I think part of that was poor formatting in the netgalley copy I received with the historical quotes. I hope the finalised eBook is easier to read.
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4Q, 3P (my VOYA codes)...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·HollyHerndon
4Q, 3P (my VOYA codes) 19 Varieties of Gazelle is a collection of poems that elucidate the Arab-American experience. The poems use language carefully, painting pictures for the reader, especially about Muslim life in the U.S. and the Middle East. To me, reading this collection was a very satisfying experience, I ate these poems like delicious bites of food. Almost anyone could relate to the characters and feelings in these poems, and they have particular resonance for young adults with Arab backgrounds. I chose a 5Q for quality because the poetry is packed with emotion and evokes powerful, complete imagery. For popularity, I chose a 3P, because many young adults may not be excited to read a book of poetry. I don't exactly have my finger on the pulse of YA preferences, but I have a feeling that many (unfortunately) believe they do not like poetry.
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So much unhappiness and so much pain…
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Maydacat
So much unhappiness and so much pain in this story. It was hard to read, and yet, once begun, it was hard not to. It is set in Spain during the reign of dictator Francisco Franco. Many things were hidden then from tourists and foreign businessmen. Through the different points of view of various characters, some native Spaniards, some Americans, the reader learns of the hardships the people endured. Lack of food, inhumane treatment by the government, lack of good jobs, and more were only part of the problem. In hospitals and orphanages across the country, and reminiscent of Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children's Society in the US, many mothers were told their newborn babies had died, and then these children were stolen and sold to adopting parents. It's a heartbreaking tale at times, and yet it ends on a hopeful note. It is a well written and engrossing story, with characters readers will care about. Though fiction, the book contains snippets of facts that illuminate a dark time in Spain's history, and will enlighten readers' understanding of what life was like in Spain for many of its inhabitants.
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Maureen O'Hara's autobiography is a...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·sweetiegherkin
Maureen O'Hara's autobiography is a delightful treat. She gives insight into her years in Hollywood with a matter-of-fact way of setting the record straight rather than revealing scandalous gossip. She also talks some about her personal life but with respect for the privacy of her family. The writing style flows easily and conversationally. However, the book is long so it won't fly by in a breeze. Rather, this is one to spend some time with, as you would when meeting a new friend and having them reveal their life story to you.
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Ruta Sepetys is a must read author…
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·clp412
Ruta Sepetys is a must read author for me. I have not only been to Spain but I took a class in college where I learned about life in Spain under Franco and the censorship of the arts. This book was the first fiction I have read that reflects the feeling of some of the Spaniards at the time. I loved Ana and Daniel's story although tragic at times. I listened to part of this as an audiobook and it was very well done with the cast of narrators. Highly Recommended!
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5Q, 3P. This collecti...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·C.Davidson
5Q, 3P. This collection of poems of the Middle East was stunning. I do not usually sit and read through a book of poetry, but this one had me hooked starting from the introduction (I don't often read those either). Such compassionate and moving poems about family, cultural identity and assimilation, Israel and Palestine, war and peace, and love of humanity. An important book for fostering understanding of Middle Eastern culture and peoples.
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I am adding the following...
Reviewed on www.thriftbooks.com
I am adding the following in hopes it may be of help to someone: Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali FROM THE PUBLISHER Retold by generations of griots-the guardians of African culture-this oral tradition has been handed down from thirteenth century and captures all the mystery and majesty of medieval African kingship. It is an epic tale-part history, part legend-which should rank alongside the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey' as... Read Full Review
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Sundiata is an epic of...
Reviewed on www.thriftbooks.com
Sundiata is an epic of Old Mali. It talks about Sundiata who "was great among kings, he was peerless among men; he was beloved of God because he was the last of the great conquerors" (2). The events of this story seem to be exaggerated because they pictured Sundiata as a supernatural person, with supernatural powers. The writer mixed the true and exaggerated events in a very smart way that made the story seem not fictional... Read Full Review
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It is amazing how the...
Reviewed on www.thriftbooks.com
It is amazing how the author re-discovered such a far-away subject, revitalizing it and bringing it back to our days and our society, in a way that will be fascinating and enjoyable for the average reader. Had it not been for the book, who would ever hope to find such fascinating epic in the tradition of old Mali ? The author did a great job in finding this, and putting it down on paper for posterity.
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5Q, 3PThis collection...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·estradav
5Q, 3P This collection is exceptional and I found myself bookmarking more than one poem for future reference. Her descriptive interpretation of the many voices and characters you'll find in the Middle East are honest and sincere. I felt as if I were transported to this far away place and was being introduced to them all. I even imagined the taste of a juicy sweet fig.
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Reading in the Mirror
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Betsy
It's sad anyone needs to bear an intentional separation of family members, but to be separated from your grandchildren is unbearable. The little innocent ones that are cut off from the loving grandparents they know. Don't hesitate to purchase this book, it is a helpful support and relates to so many emotions and those dark, sad days.
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This is a great read,...
Reviewed on www.thriftbooks.com
This is a great read, and I would encourage anyone who is interested about African oral history, to read Sundiata. It reflects the rich oral tradion that so greatly defines African culture. This is an epic about a cripple who becomes an Emperor (to put very simply). A great Hero Story.
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One of the loveliest books...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Mermaidgirl
One of the loveliest books I have ever read. Like you are sitting at the feet of a Native American, back in the day, as she tells you stories of her life, primarily about gardening and agriculture, but I will look for more books like this, absolutely fascinating!
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5Q 3P This anthology ...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·NigeltheKid
5Q 3P This anthology of poetry by Naomi Shihab Nye is a look at religious traditions, war, peace, beauty, gender, and other topics through the eyes of an Arab-American poet. Despite the seriousness stance of these poems, not all are serious. Rather, every poem is a unique examination of the subject in question, wrapped in euphony. The only reason this anthology received 3 popularity points is because--tragically--many American teens will find it difficult to identify with the voice and the content of the Middle East. With some urging, this anthology will be enjoyed.
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Thank you Nancy Lee Klune
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Patricia
Haven't started reading it, just looked at a couple of pages and looks like it is the book that will help me get through the other side of my grief.
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A behind the scenes first...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Bobbell03
A behind the scenes first account of old hollywood and how it really worked. Her heritage and her talent are enough to make this a true page turner.
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19 Varieties of Gazell...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·readingthruthenight
19 Varieties of Gazella is a book of poetry written about the middle east: the struggles, the food, the beliefs, but mostly the people. I think that this is more "my kinda" poetry book. Each poem is vivid, but not embedded in so many poetic devices that my mind wanders trying to decipher its meaning. I only wish that I knew more about the Middle East. I think that it would have made an already enjoyable book moreso.
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Compared to other options your...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·WalmartCustomer
Compared to other options your pricing along with estimated time of delivery was the best.
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This is a beautiful co...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·kberryman44
This is a beautiful collection of poems from a perspective I do not often read. I do not know much about the Middle East, but Nye has provided me with new perspective on her homeland via beautiful and rich poetry. While the book is too old for my students (pre-k), I would suggest this book for high school students interested in poetry and/or women's perspectives of the Middle East.
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Fast delivery, earlier than predicted...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Wendy
Fast delivery, earlier than predicted even in bad weather. Thank you!
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Great for seniors
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·Maxine
Great for seniors
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VOYA 5Q, 5P Gorgeous p...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·HepzebahRoland
VOYA 5Q, 5P Gorgeous poetry that defies categorization. The poetry illuminates the beauty of middle east and lends a rare inside view of what it feels like to be Arab American. The poignant descriptions of the smallest and most insignificant things...like the taste of a fig...celebrate the every day life and culture of that world.
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Leerrijk
Reviewed on www.bol.com·Sonja61
Leerrijk
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But we get them all...
Reviewed on www.thriftbooks.com
But we get them all and they're all worth re-reading. If you haven't discovered Louise Penny - her books are keepers too.
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Very interesting. Give...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·drpeff
Very interesting. Gives a good picture of a pre-white man Hidatsa lifestyle. Not much culture included.
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This is a lovely colle...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·sbballard
This is a lovely collection of powerful poetry. My impression is that it is a fairly small group of teens that read a lot of poetry. I hope I'm wrong. Readers will find many gems that will speak to them directly, regardless of their culture or religion. Covering topics from memories of her grandmother to traveling to the West Bank and reflecting on the difference between the value placed on books in the US and the Middle East, the author has a strong authentic voice.
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Wonderfully heartfelt poems about the…
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·sarahtaylor3
Wonderfully heartfelt poems about the Middle-East, relating from her own experiences, family relations and events that have occurred in the Middle-East. Relating traditions of the culture, from hospitality, to religion to personal relationships and feelings, Namoi Shihab Nye gives us a wonderful and strong example of what Arabs and Arab-Americans are truly like- human just like everyone else- not the minority that are shown on the news.
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This I felt was more...
Reviewed on www.walmart.com·KateReads13
This I felt was more of political piece than a YA romance. The romance aspect was light and helped the reader understand what went on in Spain during the given period. Overall, it was a good book and I found the premise interesting enough that I finished the book. I like that the reader shed light on the given topics and its written well and easy to read.
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