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book_dreamers's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
becca_osborn's review against another edition
4.0
Hayaat, who has been in a terrible accident which disfigures her face, loves her grandmother despite her being a little annoying (and farting a lot) at times. But when Sitti becomes ill, she says in passing, "If only I could touch the soil of my land again, this would make me well."
So when curfew is lifted, Hayaat and her friend Samy (who is being raised Christian) take a risk to enter Jerusalem illegally, trying to make it there and back before the doors will have to be closed again.
This journey is more about our commonalities in religion, race, etc. than about these children getting to their goal - and while they don't make it to their grandmother's land, cuz they have no idea where her house is, they still take some soil from Jerusalem because "it's still the soil where she grew up" (can't remember the exact wording).
There are some beautiful gems in this book. Abdel-Fattah uses humor (seriously, she's hilarious) and then drops these painfully accurate truths that are clear and to the point. She does not mess around. What a fresh perspective! I look forward to reading Abdel-Fattah's other works, and this book has encouraged me to read more about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
I wish I had had access to books like this as a middle reader! Recommended.
So when curfew is lifted, Hayaat and her friend Samy (who is being raised Christian) take a risk to enter Jerusalem illegally, trying to make it there and back before the doors will have to be closed again.
This journey is more about our commonalities in religion, race, etc. than about these children getting to their goal - and while they don't make it to their grandmother's land, cuz they have no idea where her house is, they still take some soil from Jerusalem because "it's still the soil where she grew up" (can't remember the exact wording).
There are some beautiful gems in this book. Abdel-Fattah uses humor (seriously, she's hilarious) and then drops these painfully accurate truths that are clear and to the point. She does not mess around. What a fresh perspective! I look forward to reading Abdel-Fattah's other works, and this book has encouraged me to read more about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
I wish I had had access to books like this as a middle reader! Recommended.
lauredhel's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book suffered a little from the tyranny of high expectations, for me. I loved Abdel-Fattah's other books, but I felt this one struggled just a little to find an engaging voice. It felt a bit too much like a deliberately-written schoolbook ("a Palestinian Muslim, a Christian, and two Jews walk into Jerusalem..."). It wasn't a bad book by any means, and the descriptions of the daily grind in occupied Palestine were worthwhile, but it just lacked the verve I was expecting from this author, and I felt that the ending had just a touch of fizzle.
Still recommended, though!
Still recommended, though!
arisbookcorner's review against another edition
3.0
This is going to sound so silly to people but I was quite bothered by all the mentions of 'farting' in the book. I know I'm persnickety but I just didn't think it continually needed to be mentioned. And I'm pretty sure someone farts and another character takes note of it in every single chapter. On a more serious note, this story moves at a snail's pace. Hayaat doesn't form the idea for heading for Jerusalem until we are more than a few chapters in which I thought was frustrating. What made it more irksome was that the 'grand finale' so to speak felt rushed and the book ended on a happy but anti-climatic note. The ending just seemed odd and after the climax, I didn't understand why the book just didn't end (with a simple epilogue in place of all the details in the ending). Also, Hayaat recalls certain memories at various points in the story but they appear out-of-the-blue and it's not quite clear when her memory fades and it's back to the present.
The descriptions of life in Bethlehem are what makes this book so impressive. It's impressive because the descriptions are so simple but suddenly seemingly-mundane tasks (such as going to the grocery store) become a big deal when there is a curfew to contend with. Friends may end up as overnight guests if a curfew is ordered (sometimes random, sometimes due to protests as a form of punishment) and big celebrations could end up becoming small celebrations if travel restrictions are imposed, thereby limiting the mobility of guests. It's a ridiculous and frustrating situation especially when it limits people's abilities to get to the hospital, or attend a family wedding, etc. It's even more unbearable to read about the destruction of Palestinian homes and/or the possession of Palestinian homes by Israeli families who believe they have a claim to the land. There's a lot of Arabic food for thought, imagine being forced to leave your home (much like a refugee I think) and then essentially imprisoned in your new home. The story never becomes depressing, there are moments of levity (and no for me they did not come from farting references) especially concerning Hayaat and her beloved grandmother, Sitti Zeynab (sitti means my grandmother). The author describes people in a plain manner but with a little spark/unique touch such as when describing Sitti Zeynab's eyes "bright and untouched, having never caught up with the wrinkling, shrinking curse of the clock" (pg. 233).
One thing I am absolutely positive about is that when you finish Where the Streets Had a Name you will question (if you hadn't already) the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians as well as America's policy towards Palestine. That's not to say there aren't sympathetic Israeli characters, as in real life, the characters are all human and Hayaat realizes that the Israeli soldiers have families, and that not all Israelis hate Palestinians. I think the author should have included an afterword explaining the situation because I was still curious/confused about quite a bit (for example: who orders curfews, the military or the government?). And obviously you can't make up your mind about such a complex issue after reading one or two or three books on the subject, after all this has been an issue since the '50s. Samy is an interesting best friend, I admired his spirit and obstinacy while at the same time it made me wince. I was glad that Hayaat had him at her side. A more concise ending, smoother transitions, and fewer mentions of bodily odors would have been nice. Hayaat's family is entertaining but mysterious since they aren't on the journey to Jerusalem with her, the reader learns little about them. Hayaat is a likable, genuine, brave main character but she wasn't particularly memorable in my mind. Furthermore, the glossary was strange to me because it didn't list definitions of every word mentioned (such as the 'curse' words or expressions). A good story with uncomplicated descriptions but complicated characters who needed to be more fleshed out, it moves slowly and while it took me some time to remember to go back to the story, I always remembered eventually. My favorite book by the author (and one I would recommend starting with if you want a hysterically funny read) is still Does My Head Look Big in This?
The descriptions of life in Bethlehem are what makes this book so impressive. It's impressive because the descriptions are so simple but suddenly seemingly-mundane tasks (such as going to the grocery store) become a big deal when there is a curfew to contend with. Friends may end up as overnight guests if a curfew is ordered (sometimes random, sometimes due to protests as a form of punishment) and big celebrations could end up becoming small celebrations if travel restrictions are imposed, thereby limiting the mobility of guests. It's a ridiculous and frustrating situation especially when it limits people's abilities to get to the hospital, or attend a family wedding, etc. It's even more unbearable to read about the destruction of Palestinian homes and/or the possession of Palestinian homes by Israeli families who believe they have a claim to the land. There's a lot of Arabic food for thought, imagine being forced to leave your home (much like a refugee I think) and then essentially imprisoned in your new home. The story never becomes depressing, there are moments of levity (and no for me they did not come from farting references) especially concerning Hayaat and her beloved grandmother, Sitti Zeynab (sitti means my grandmother). The author describes people in a plain manner but with a little spark/unique touch such as when describing Sitti Zeynab's eyes "bright and untouched, having never caught up with the wrinkling, shrinking curse of the clock" (pg. 233).
One thing I am absolutely positive about is that when you finish Where the Streets Had a Name you will question (if you hadn't already) the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians as well as America's policy towards Palestine. That's not to say there aren't sympathetic Israeli characters, as in real life, the characters are all human and Hayaat realizes that the Israeli soldiers have families, and that not all Israelis hate Palestinians. I think the author should have included an afterword explaining the situation because I was still curious/confused about quite a bit (for example: who orders curfews, the military or the government?). And obviously you can't make up your mind about such a complex issue after reading one or two or three books on the subject, after all this has been an issue since the '50s. Samy is an interesting best friend, I admired his spirit and obstinacy while at the same time it made me wince. I was glad that Hayaat had him at her side. A more concise ending, smoother transitions, and fewer mentions of bodily odors would have been nice. Hayaat's family is entertaining but mysterious since they aren't on the journey to Jerusalem with her, the reader learns little about them. Hayaat is a likable, genuine, brave main character but she wasn't particularly memorable in my mind. Furthermore, the glossary was strange to me because it didn't list definitions of every word mentioned (such as the 'curse' words or expressions). A good story with uncomplicated descriptions but complicated characters who needed to be more fleshed out, it moves slowly and while it took me some time to remember to go back to the story, I always remembered eventually. My favorite book by the author (and one I would recommend starting with if you want a hysterically funny read) is still Does My Head Look Big in This?
sanabanana's review against another edition
5.0
This book. THIS BOOK. It was an utter delight to read. I enjoyed every minute spent reading this beautiful, beautiful book. This story deals with topics that are oft considered to be controversial. But it was dealt so well and told THE WHOLE STORY. I just loved everything about this book and I would absolutely LOVE to chat with Randa Abdel-Fattah all about her writing journey for this book which is definitely an inspiration for me when writing. There's something so real and simple yet so poignant and wise in her writing that just makes it all so perfect.
glaiza_echo's review against another edition
4.0
'There is no war in music.' A beautifully told & nuanced story about family roots, hope, loss and life in the middle of a conflict.
Full review on the blog: https://paperwanderer.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/where-the-streets-had-a-name-by-randa-abdel-fattah/
Full review on the blog: https://paperwanderer.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/where-the-streets-had-a-name-by-randa-abdel-fattah/
pandemoniumpizza's review against another edition
There aren’t too many young adult novels set in the Middle East. Where the Streets had a Name is quite a refreshing and different read as it is set in the Middle East. Hayaat is on a mission to get soil from her grandmother’s home so that her grandmother will heal and get better health wise.
I really liked reading about Hayaat’s story as she told it. There was a lot of hinting about what had happened to Hayaat’s face but you don’t find out for quite a while. I thought that Hayaat was a really great main character. I also liked Samy as he provided a kind of comic relief at times in the book.
There are quite a few funny parts to the story. I honestly thought that the whole book would have a very serious tone but not all of it did. That’s not to say that there aren’t any serious parts because there are. There are some very sad parts about Hayaat and her family.
Where the streets had a name is a look into life in the Middle East and how there is conflict and a lot of diversity within the people who live there.
I thought that the ending of the book was quite a nice ending. It was quite a hopeful ending and I thought it was really fitting within the story.
I really enjoyed reading Where the Streets had a Name and will continue to read more by Randa Abdel-Fattah.
I really liked reading about Hayaat’s story as she told it. There was a lot of hinting about what had happened to Hayaat’s face but you don’t find out for quite a while. I thought that Hayaat was a really great main character. I also liked Samy as he provided a kind of comic relief at times in the book.
There are quite a few funny parts to the story. I honestly thought that the whole book would have a very serious tone but not all of it did. That’s not to say that there aren’t any serious parts because there are. There are some very sad parts about Hayaat and her family.
Where the streets had a name is a look into life in the Middle East and how there is conflict and a lot of diversity within the people who live there.
I thought that the ending of the book was quite a nice ending. It was quite a hopeful ending and I thought it was really fitting within the story.
I really enjoyed reading Where the Streets had a Name and will continue to read more by Randa Abdel-Fattah.
settare's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
An effortlessly captivating style of writing, with the innocence of a 13-year-old protagonist is what I like about this book: makes its dark and heavy setting less intense. Being exposed to our media, which shows only bombings, destruction and conspiracy when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, makes it very hard to imagine that in the West Banks, life goes on. Tourists walk around, kids go to school, people throw weddings, dance Dabka, buy groceries and, well, live their lives. For me, the concept of acceptance among people of different ethnicities in a multi religious environment IN THE MIDDLE EAST, is very very difficult. This book is one of the best children's book I've read. War is always better described from the point of view of a child, and the author has managed to add humor and life to the sad and dark themes of the book. however, I could clearly distinguish between when Hayaat was talking and when the author herself took over, putting adult words in the mouth of a child, but there weren't many moments like this. There was a lot of history in the book but it wasn't forced, it was natural and real. Overall I enjoyed it very much and I think more kids should have the opportunity to read it. (It made me want to visit Jerusalem so badly, but that's not possible, so, never mind. Ugh.)
An effortlessly captivating style of writing, with the innocence of a 13-year-old protagonist is what I like about this book: makes its dark and heavy setting less intense. Being exposed to our media, which shows only bombings, destruction and conspiracy when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, makes it very hard to imagine that in the West Banks, life goes on. Tourists walk around, kids go to school, people throw weddings, dance Dabka, buy groceries and, well, live their lives. For me, the concept of acceptance among people of different ethnicities in a multi religious environment IN THE MIDDLE EAST, is very very difficult. This book is one of the best children's book I've read. War is always better described from the point of view of a child, and the author has managed to add humor and life to the sad and dark themes of the book. however, I could clearly distinguish between when Hayaat was talking and when the author herself took over, putting adult words in the mouth of a child, but there weren't many moments like this. There was a lot of history in the book but it wasn't forced, it was natural and real. Overall I enjoyed it very much and I think more kids should have the opportunity to read it. (It made me want to visit Jerusalem so badly, but that's not possible, so, never mind. Ugh.)
singinglight's review against another edition
4.0
I really admire Abdel-Fattah for addressing a topic as sensitive as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a children’s book, and doing it in a remarkably non-preachy way. Her main character is Palestinian, as I’m assuming she also is, so she naturally shows a pro-Palestinian bias. But I almost never felt like it was politics in disguise. Towards the end I think it did slip a little into monologue, but overall I was very pleased with both the story and the author. [Mar. 2011]
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