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kamalie4's review against another edition
It’s a very good book, but I just couldn’t keep reading it.
jvmilks's review against another edition
3.0
I would give this book s 3.5 stars. Though I struggled to keep the story straight in my mind, it is a book rich with aphorisms and insights. I listened to this in an audiobook, but when I reread it, it will be with a physical book, highlighter, and journal.
sassychassis's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Daniel Nayeri is a fantastic storyteller. There is a sense that the reader is right there with him, watching his childhood unfold as he remembers it. He addresses the reader throughout the story and that felt really good. The themes were heavy but the levity of the writing reminded me that when you're a kid and you see the world both as it is and as it isn't it there is space for humor and joy among the scary and painful experiences of life. Sima is almost unbelievable, but is a true testament of strength and perseverance. Amazing story. Amazing writing.
mandypandyrox's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
szirbel's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting listen which woven a young boy’s memories of Iran with his immigration journey to the US by way of Italy in the early 90’s during Operation Desert Storm with Persian myths woven throughout.
flicker_black's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
A story that I when I finished reading it went “Yep, that is something that should be said and heard”, the author sounded like an interesting and funny person but most importantly also genuine (although I did question the credibility of some events like that student bleeding from his head after being struck by sling shots in the school van but I don’t put it past the mean bullies either). Most people’s complaint about this book was either about the structure (there are no chapters, it’s just one big chapter without much of coherence) or that it didn’t lead to anywhere, I did not mind the structure although it did make the book a bit harder to follow with the tangents the author keeps getting off to, it was creative and so yeah I did not mind it, and with the story leading to no where - isn’t that life usually? You almost never have the tidy endings, you make a friend in the middle school and one day see his seat empty and that’s about it, you never see or hear from him again, but the memories however fuzzy they are remains with you, and so it made sense why it is the way it is although I too would have liked some kind of closure and to hear what happened after, but I do also get why the author wanted to keep it to himself, the characters especially the two kids were likeable and big kudos to the mother who is a warrior, it was a nice read and I give it 2.75 stars.
kvanderbeek21's review against another edition
5.0
This was just such a lovely read. Artful and captivating.
julialou's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
jnesbitt1989's review against another edition
5.0
This book is Daniek Nayeri's true story where he writes as himself as a 12 year old refugee from Iran. He tells stories of when he was in Iran, when he is in Oklahoma, his family's past, and stories from Iran's mythology and weaves it all together beautifully. There are funny parts and heartbreaking parts and everything in between. I think this would be a great book for middle and high schoolers to learn empathy for refugees and people from other countries and cultures.