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dil's review against another edition
4.0
3.5*
A heartfelt and relatable coming-of-age story set in Turkey which explores themes of identity, family, and the pressures of society. More of a young adult read, I would say, but charming at any age.
A heartfelt and relatable coming-of-age story set in Turkey which explores themes of identity, family, and the pressures of society. More of a young adult read, I would say, but charming at any age.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Een redelijk goed autobiografisch boek over de jeugd van de schrijfster in Turkije. Het was af en toe best chaotisch, en ik vond het einde ook wel een beetje jammer, ze had eindelijk een plan, en toen was het voorbij?
amwright's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
analyticalchaos's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really interesting. I liked seeing all the effects of Turkey’s government on the public as well as Samanci’s experience with being a minority. The balance between pursuing your passion and pleasing others was well shown.
gabrizzle's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Police brutality
Moderate: Gaslighting and Violence
Minor: Rape and Classism
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
2.0
A memoir of a girl growing up in Turkey and working very hard to get to a university. I liked this because I learned quite a bit about another culture and it kept me turning the page. The ending is fine but when I read that the author now lives in Chicago I feel like we're missing out on a big part of this person's life. Perhaps she has/will write another book? ~Ashley
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
With a title like that, how could I resist? Ozge's tale about the politics surrounding Turkey, the blatant misogyny, the preferential treatment towards some over others was just astounding. I didn't know very much about Turkey before reading this, but I now know so much more--in addition to a memoir, we get a lesson on the state of the nation and some quick history briefs.
But even moreso, Ozge's story about finding herself and being true to herself amidst a family and society who prioritizes other traits was just absolutely inspiring. Certainly, there's something to be said about doing what society thinks is best, but there's so much more about facing that and saying that that's not what you want to do.
And to top it all off, Samanci's art is fun, colorful, relatable. Her style completely lends itself to her story, and her discovery that art is what she truly wants to focus on. Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable memoir and graphic novel, and one that teaches you more than just the history of a nation, but about what it means to stand up for yourself as well.
Review cross-listed here!
But even moreso, Ozge's story about finding herself and being true to herself amidst a family and society who prioritizes other traits was just absolutely inspiring. Certainly, there's something to be said about doing what society thinks is best, but there's so much more about facing that and saying that that's not what you want to do.
And to top it all off, Samanci's art is fun, colorful, relatable. Her style completely lends itself to her story, and her discovery that art is what she truly wants to focus on. Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable memoir and graphic novel, and one that teaches you more than just the history of a nation, but about what it means to stand up for yourself as well.
Review cross-listed here!
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
This is definitely YA/tween friendly and is an important graphic memoir. Samanci spends an extraordinary amount of time describing in the book and in her own growing up caving to and being controlled by the demands of her father, the expectations of her school/family, and the totalitarian brainwashing of her native Turkey. That's a lot to throw off, but as the title suggests, she does and she does it in order to stay true to herself. I liked it and will recommend it!