Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Reviews tagging 'Gun violence'

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

145 reviews

arieslofi's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

i really wanted to love this but the writing was juvenile and abrupt, with many short chapters and short sentences that don't allow yourself to be fully immersed in the story; the characters felt one dimensional (notably the side characters, but also salama and kenan); the plot twist fell flat and made me laugh from how just downright dumb it was; khawf made no sense at the end (you have ptsd induced psychosis, your hallucinations don't magically disappear); the romance aspect did absolutely nothing for me and felt extremely rushed (mentioning that they were supposed to get married felt such a cheap trick to excuse this); the studio ghibli references, the repetition of "a might life" as well as green eyes, smelling like lemons, and the pace being horrid proves that the editor failed at their most basic job.
there were parts i enjoyed and overall it is a story that should be told, but it is just not the book for me, ya hater and all.
also, as a the book thief lover, this book is nothing like it in any way, shape or form apart from the fact it takes place in the middle of a genocide. you expect me to believe that this ya written juvenile shit is even comparable to one of the most beautiful pieces of written fiction? fuck off.

Content Warnings

stephalopuff's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-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? No

5.0

This book was beautiful and broke me open with its humanity. It may be one of my favorites I've read this year.

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emily_koopmann's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative sad tense medium-paced

5.0

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imperaitrice's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense slow-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? Yes

4.5

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haleyisamess's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was on my TBR for a long time and I was so excited to finally get around to it. It was even better than I thought it would be and the book just got better and better. Katouh did an amazing job educating and engaging her audience. The twist made my jaw drop and I found myself so incredibly attached to the characters.

Content Warnings

bgoodbookclub's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Read for Bad Bitch Book Club's November 2023 BOTM.

I loved this book so much more than I expected!

It was heartbreaking and beautiful. Devastating and inspiring. It was shocking, easy to read, and I couldn't put it down once I got halfway through.

A great book for a book club or as a gift! It does have some tough subjects so make sure to check content warnings.

Content Warnings