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kamckim's review against another edition
5.0
To hear the Gazan experience from a doctor who had been born destitute in the Jabalia refugee camp, to follow his opportunities and setbacks, is a rare gift. This book doesn't sugarcoat the Arab-Israeli tensions. In fact, the author teaches quite a bit of history, and sheds much-needed light on the internal political workings of Hamas and Fatah. His is not a politically charged mission. It's a humanitarian mission to show that we often have more in common with our enemy than we think. The road to peace begins with listening to what we do not understand, listening in spite of what we are afraid to hear. He lives and writes in the paradox of the horrible hope for Mid-East peace. Hope for a better world. Horror for the incalculable loss and suffering which will continue to spur the disenfranchised to either acceptance and change or revenge and retribution.
skylivohr's review against another edition
4.0
Dr Abuelaish's story forces us to examine our dualistic and generalized thinking. If this man who lost so much to the Israeli apartheid state can find love in his heart for what he calls his Israeli cousins, how can any of us hold hatred? Throughout the book, I was shocked time and time again at his dedication to choose light in moments of darkness. Moments that I know for certain I would not have had the strength of will to shine even marginally as bright as he did. I can’t yet understand it, but maybe someday I will.
upbeatmick's review against another edition
5.0
It repeats itself a little, but this is a book I want to share with everybody. The gutwrench of the latter half of the book should affect just about anybody.
missyglosenger's review against another edition
4.0
Not incredibly well written, but the story and message make up for it.
mrsbethryan's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok, some parts were interesting and others hard to get through. One thing is for sure I can't imagine being a Palestinian during these past two generations going through all the conflicts and wars. I am glad some people are looking beyond the borders.
hoesforprose's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
faliiza's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
What a heartbreaking yet inspiringly hopeful story. Dr. Abuelaish has been through so much and despite all the hardship and pain he remains an optimist. His hopes for the future are almost utopian, especially in the light of recent events. I cannot believe that the world has failed the Palestinian people so hard, it makes me angry and ashamed.
As a feminist, I really admire Dr. Abuelaish’ view on women and how they are the possible solution to the conflict. I hope others pick up on this and we can see some change in the culture and an end to the violence.
“It’s easy to find a thousand men in favour of war. It’s difficult to find five women who are inclined that way.”
“There is evidence beyond any doubt that investing in women and girls is the way out of poverty and conflict.”
This book made me cry multiple times. It’s utterly devastating. I listened to the audiobook while driving and almost had to stop on the side of the highway. I was crying so much I couldn’t see properly.
“I want to fly, daddy.”
Peace for all and free Palestine
As a feminist, I really admire Dr. Abuelaish’ view on women and how they are the possible solution to the conflict. I hope others pick up on this and we can see some change in the culture and an end to the violence.
“It’s easy to find a thousand men in favour of war. It’s difficult to find five women who are inclined that way.”
“There is evidence beyond any doubt that investing in women and girls is the way out of poverty and conflict.”
This book made me cry multiple times. It’s utterly devastating. I listened to the audiobook while driving and almost had to stop on the side of the highway. I was crying so much I couldn’t see properly.
“I want to fly, daddy.”
Peace for all and free Palestine
violet_primroses's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0