Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

88 reviews

mald626'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? It's complicated

5.0


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gaetkoguy's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

Beautiful and heart wrenching. The reading was easy, the characters were real, and the twists and turns took my breath away. What a marvel and a work of art. Highest recommendations. 

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luckykosmos's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is a hard read, but when you get to it, it's deeply rewarding. It's about war and how it tears apart lives and pushes people to their limits, but it's about love and hope and finding beauty in the darkest corners. It's about how fear is ever present and how it keeps you alive, but how you can never submit to it. 

There's a tension from this book of knowing half of what's ahead, and not knowing if that's what's happening there. When it does, it isn't predictable; when it doesn't, the tension remains, because you're not out of the trenches yet. The author walks you through the horrors of living through war, how it doesn't really end, and you can't set it aside, but the love of the moment can be stronger. Katouh has just announced her second book, and I know I'll pick it up right away.

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bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0


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yazzy_annalise's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

I think this review will be short because there are too many feelings to unpack. But, I am so happy I read this book. It is sad and heart wrenching and I cried several times, but it is one of the few books that are out about Syria that aren't about reducing its people to numbers and its history into disembodied facts. Whatever valid arguments that can be made about this book, it is still one of the very few stories we have that makes Syrians human anymore.

I do wish that the story moved a tad bit slower, but I think it was a writing choice to be able to make real life events fit the story timeline. There is a reveal in the book that I think came out kind of suddenly and it threw me off the story for a moment, but it also makes sense how sudden that reveal is because living alone and then introducing a new person into your life can bring many realities into sharp relief.

It was particularly impactful to be reading this during the 2023 Gazan genocide where the main character is asking and pleading time and again how the world could let this continue to happen and thinking something this terrible will never happen again, and every time I had to write an annotation in conversation with the main character that it's worse than it ever was because we are watching the atrocities on our phones live and nothing is being done.

Ultimately, I think everyone should read this book. It is in the similar vein as Mornings in Jenin. While I think this book is easier to read and digest, it is just as impactful.

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rosinawrites7's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Clear motivations of characters made the plot satisfying. Descriptive memories really filled out the main characters. For my writing I wanna remember:
link between Layla’s painting and the sea scene at the end was cool. And can I use Khawl’s character for My Friend Anxiety?
 



Twist with Layla was great and never saw it coming

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chelsea0694's review against another edition

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4.0


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fazington's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.0


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elizabethgreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad 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 is a heart breaking yet beautiful story.  You get to watch the characters make tough decisions as a result of living in Syria during a revolution.  The deception of greif was hard to read and masterfully done.  For a story that is so heartbreaking it was also filled with so much hope.

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

In the hushed whispers of hope amidst the symphony of the Syrian war, Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student, navigates the hallways of Homs’ hospitals as a volunteer, tending to countless wounds. However, beneath her heroic facade lurks a dark shadow named Khawf, her imaginary friend transformed into a physical manifestation of her fears. Khawf haunts her every move, whispering urges to abandon her beloved homeland before the birth of her sister-in-law’s baby. 
 
In a world torn between war and revolution, Salama finds herself torn between loyalty to her country and the determination to save herself. With bullets and bombs shattering her life, Salama must uncover the true meaning behind these tragic events. As fate intertwines her path with a mysterious young man, her doubts and resolve are tested once again. As she faces the crossroads of allegiance and survival, can Salama reconcile the conflicting forces within her, or will she succumb to the shadows of fear and uncertainty? 
 
 
“Auntie—don’t cry—when I go to Heaven—I’ll tell God—everything.” 
 
 
In the shadows of the Syrian war, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow becomes a riveting vortex of narrative, trapping us within the bitter tales of Homs since the explosive dawn of revolution in 2011. Zoulfa Katouh intricately weaves the tapestry of Salama’s life, a pharmacy student inadvertently thrust into the unexpected role of a wartime nurse. 
 
Every page bursts with meticulous descriptions, unraveling the suffering in every nook, the lingering brutality, and the palpable tension that enthralls readers in the chaotic ambiance. Carefully chosen words paint a vivid picture of the war’s bitter impact, immersing readers in the swirling uncertainty that enveloped Syria during those tumultuous times. 
 
The author masterfully conjures scenes that tug at emotions, leading us through corridors of ruins and streets veiled in dust, allowing us to palpably feel the weight of everyday life amid the chaos of war. Profound details enable us to sense the depth of Salama's involvement in her role as a war nurse. Realistic portrayals of challenges, tough decisions, and emotional tension craft a lifelike image of the character. With every word, we witness her evolution from an ordinary student to an unexpected hero amidst the mayhem. 
 
The exceptional power of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is gauged by its spellbinding wealth of details and the author's knack for immersing readers in pivotal moments of Syrian history. With razor-sharp precision, we’re invited to ponder historical moments that not only shaped but also violently shook the destiny of a nation. The author doesn’t merely narrate a gripping story; they offer profound insights into the intricate complexity of war and its profound impact on Salama’s character. 
 
Beyond delivering a poignant narrative, this book has a more profound mission: awakening reader awareness. Through Salama’s journey, the author adeptly opens our eyes to the harsh realities of war, urging us to observe and savor life amidst the tempest of conflict. The book transcends being a mere story; it serves as a compelling call to understand and empathize with the silent suffering that unfolds. 
 
While personally ensnared by the waves of anxiety permeating every page of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, a critical perspective emerges regarding the romantic interludes. Despite the author constructing a complex love world, at times, the nuances of romance seem slightly out of tune with the intensity of the surrounding war drama. This creates a fascinating dynamic amid the sharp emotional layers. 
 
In terms of the author’s writing style, some moments seem to demand extra finesse. A few sentences may feel less apt, momentarily disrupting the natural flow of the story. Nevertheless, this doesn’t diminish the profound impact created by the overall narrative. 
 
Like a lightning bolt that electrifies the silence, the plot twist in the heart of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is an unexpected jolt, steering the story in a thrilling new direction. Without revealing specifics to preserve the surprise, it’s worth acknowledging that this twist isn’t just a surprising creative element; it injects a poignant emotional dimension. 
 
Upon the revelation of this twist, an unexpected reader reaction occurs. It feels akin to being hurled into a whirlwind of emotions—from profound astonishment to being shaken by its emotional impact. The author skillfully crafts this plot twist with a precision that shakes the reader, creating waves of conflicting emotions. 
 
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is more than just a book; it is a penetrating voice in the cacophony of the Syrian conflict, echoing a resounding call to listen and bear witness. Amid the complexity of war, this book stands as a historical witness, compelling readers to look deeper, feel more intensely, and act decisively. 
 
With hopes extending beyond a mere conclusion, I wish for this book to not only celebrate words but also seep into the hearts and souls of readers. May it open the eyes of more individuals to the voiceless suffering and evoke sincere respect for those ensnared in the whirlwind of chaos. By providing touching insights, this book is not merely a story; it is a call for change. 
 
In its captivating emotional journey, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh plays a vital role as a beacon in the darkness. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound experience of the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Through its pages, the book constructs a bridge between us and the bitter reality, inviting us to reflect, understand, and take small steps toward change. 

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