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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
This story is insane, sad, & amazing. & it’s extra insane to have half of the book take place so close to home—so close, in fact, my Dad was in the same graduating class as Taj at Mountain View high school…which is now right down the road from where I live.
3 stars due to the writing. It’s a tricky job to write a novel like this that’s grounded in reality but still a “novel,” with made-up dialogue & details. I unfortunately didn’t enjoy the style that it landed on.
I’m glad there was an acknowledgement at the end of the nuance involved in a story like this. Whether or not it turned out okay, he had a horrific thing happen to him.
3 stars due to the writing. It’s a tricky job to write a novel like this that’s grounded in reality but still a “novel,” with made-up dialogue & details. I unfortunately didn’t enjoy the style that it landed on.
I’m glad there was an acknowledgement at the end of the nuance involved in a story like this. Whether or not it turned out okay, he had a horrific thing happen to him.
What an incredible story and so well written. I didn't want it to end. One to read and share and never forget.
medium-paced
Since this was based on a true story, I’m putting it under biography/memoir. I got into this book from the first page. I loved it, but I loved the writing in The Rent Collector better…
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This novel, based on a true story, is exceptional. It speaks to the love a mother has for a child, a child’s attempt to assimilate (in an orphanage, in American society, and in Indian society), and a quest to find out who you are. I loved it.
I loved this book. It reminded me a lot of the movie Lion. Eye opening to the lost & kidnapped children of India.
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I liked this ... 3* is like, it just didn't have a ton extra to make it one I'll remember, or that I'd go out of my way to recommend. I honestly think I avoided this a bit, because the cover reminded me of The Henna Artist, and I didn't love that one. The basic idea here also reminded me of the movie Lion.
I'd picked up a physical copy of this one, which bumps books up my TBR. I was able to get a Kindle copy from the library, and thought the audio was available, but that turned out to be the "adapted for young readers" version. I ended up spending an Audible credit to get the original, narrated by Simon Vance. It's been a while since I've heard Simon speak!
I really appreciated the author's notes, discussion questions and photos, included in the physical/Kindle copies (just one of the reasons I always try to get the text in addition to the audiobook). 42 chapters, just listed chronologically, there were headers (date/location) on some chapters, not included in the TOC. Per today's lacking standards, the physical copy doesn't even deign to have a TOC.
The story itself was good - based on Taz's actual story, but called fiction to allow to creative writing. We get the background of life in India, the taking of children to an orphanage, finding the children new homes ... or "selling" them.
No proFanity.
Swath.
I'd picked up a physical copy of this one, which bumps books up my TBR. I was able to get a Kindle copy from the library, and thought the audio was available, but that turned out to be the "adapted for young readers" version. I ended up spending an Audible credit to get the original, narrated by Simon Vance. It's been a while since I've heard Simon speak!
I really appreciated the author's notes, discussion questions and photos, included in the physical/Kindle copies (just one of the reasons I always try to get the text in addition to the audiobook). 42 chapters, just listed chronologically, there were headers (date/location) on some chapters, not included in the TOC. Per today's lacking standards, the physical copy doesn't even deign to have a TOC.
The story itself was good - based on Taz's actual story, but called fiction to allow to creative writing. We get the background of life in India, the taking of children to an orphanage, finding the children new homes ... or "selling" them.
No proFanity.
Swath.
I really liked this book. The story is engaging and the characters are very likable. I love how at the end it talks about Taj's ability go back and help his family. It brings to light several questions like: was the orphan keeper justified in taking Taj from his family to give him a better life, and did God have a hand in Taj's life to be able to go back and help his people? Overall a great book. I recommend this for 13 and up due to the topic.