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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I definitely liked the style of this book, which shows the issue from multiple character's viewpoints, where they each have their own lives, but aspects of those lives intersect with each other's—like a giant Venn diagram. I'm starting to realize that this is an element in a few of my favorite books, and I think reading it so soon after The Art of Fielding (told in the same fashion) made me like this book more than I would have otherwise. The story definitely brought up some large issues that need to be discussed and because it's such a hot-button issue (Muslims after 9/11), I didn't agree with most of the characters, but I still found some redeeming qualities in most of them. My favorite character, by far, was Asma. At some points, I felt like the book was stretching far too long considering the main plot was actually quite simple, but, at the same time, it felt true to life because even something as simple as choosing a design for a memorial can stretch on for months. The time jump at the end, however, felt very abrupt and sudden. Listening to the audiobook, I was sure I had accidentally skipped tracks or even a whole disc, but I understand why the author chose to do this. That said, I don't agree with her choice to do so. I think the novel would have been better to resolve it in the moment, rather than to look back on it twenty years later. Overall, I think the writing was very good, and I enjoyed it, but it wasn't the best novel for me, personally. I won't hesitate to recommend it to others, though.
This book includes some beautifully written and insightful passages, some of the characters are well drawn, and there are snippets from life in post 9-11 America that ring very true. That said, there are a few places where I strained to believe the characters. Maybe that is because there is an element of allegory to this book and the characters are meant to answer questions like "what does it mean to live a pluralistic society?" Is it better to hold onto ideals or to be flexible and compromise? How do we balance demands of the majority with fairness to a minority? For this reason, it would be a great book to teach in a course on America after 9-11.
While reading, I sometimes had to remind myself that the story is fiction and not truth.
The actions and reactions, thoughts and justifications, felt so probable.
It's amazing that the author was able to put herself into the shoes of so many characters who would have been affected by such an event (the choosing of a memorial for victims of a terrorist attack) and make each character sympathetic and pathetic at the same time. I found myself getting lost in her descriptions, without stopping to put my own feelings into the scenario, because her choices just made sense to me.
I will be recommending this to all of my friends who enjoy a book that makes you think.
The actions and reactions, thoughts and justifications, felt so probable.
It's amazing that the author was able to put herself into the shoes of so many characters who would have been affected by such an event (the choosing of a memorial for victims of a terrorist attack) and make each character sympathetic and pathetic at the same time. I found myself getting lost in her descriptions, without stopping to put my own feelings into the scenario, because her choices just made sense to me.
I will be recommending this to all of my friends who enjoy a book that makes you think.
Mir hat das Buch sehr gut gefallen. Es las sich so weg und doch zeigt es auf, dass zu viele Menschen zum einen Nationalität und Religion immer noch nicht trennen können und zum anderen, wie tief verankert Vorurteile sitzen. Ich fühlte mit dem Protagonisten und würde ohne weiteres weitere Bücher der Autorin lesen.
The premise of this book is really great; the subject and the context are fascinating. However the execution could have been a lot better.
It's worth reading for sure, just don't expect to be blown away, it really is just an ok book
It's worth reading for sure, just don't expect to be blown away, it really is just an ok book
A literary "ripped from the headlines" finely crafted novel about the fictional events surrounding a memorial intended to honor those who died in 9/11. The story opens with a high-profile committee debating the merits of various designs that were submitted anonymously. The design which is ultimately selected, a walled garden with spare geometry, is championed by Claire Burwell, a beautiful and wealthy 9/11 widow. When the designer is revealed to be a young Virginia-born and Yale-educated architect, Mohammad "Mo" Khan, one of the committee members blurts out, "It's a godamn Muslim" and, within hours, an ambitious journalist leaks the news to the public. Special interest groups, such as the Memorial Support Committee, that is against a "Muslim memorial" or a "martyrs' paradise," spring up across the nation. Handscarf pullings and mosque descecrations follow. Even the governor uses the competition as an opportunity to pursue her quest for a national forum. Waldman does a masterful job of juggling a diverse cast of characters. She seems as comfortable in an apartment of Banglasdeshi immigrants as she is in an Upper Eastside private club. Waldman gives voice to both Islamic zealotry and misguided patriotism, resulting in a painful, but gripping, read.
A couple of clunky lines notwithstanding, loved this. Much of it would be almost identical to real life events if such an event was to occur and reasonably evenhanded throughout, taking into account several sides of the coin.
http://sessastories.tumblr.com/post/28876540886/book-story-currently-my-book-club-is-in-a
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes