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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love that Obama listed this as one of his books of the year, especially considering the explicit criticism that one character had for his Presidency (why we love Obama). I can see why this writer has been misinterpreted in the past, apparently, and can imagine that this book may suffer the same by those who don't appreciate nuance and complexity. 4.5; amazing book.
Because I read that this book is a mix of fact and fiction about the author's life I spent the whole time I read it trying to guess which bits really happened and which were fictionalized.
My favorite part is when the Ayad character is talking to his father. At one point the father says that Ayad will put this whole conversation in his book. Ayad first denies it, but then says he if he includes it he will change the details of the conversation. So did that part really happen? I did enjoy the wink at the audience.
My favorite part is when the Ayad character is talking to his father. At one point the father says that Ayad will put this whole conversation in his book. Ayad first denies it, but then says he if he includes it he will change the details of the conversation. So did that part really happen? I did enjoy the wink at the audience.
For anyone looking for an American perspective on what it means to live a life out of the stifling Christian norm of America—this book is it!
Complex, brilliantly written and so engaging. The author tackles complicated issues around Muslim and South Asian identity with a lot of finesse and emotion. Will definitely be re-reading this one.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
He’s a good writer but his political analysis is awful. Not surprised he loves Roth and Updike.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced