Scan barcode
kjanie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
This is honestly a phenomenal read. It has been over a week since I finished listening to the audiobook, and I still think about it daily. Dina Nayeri has an exceptionally engaging writing style, part memoir of her life and part sociology/psychology and reflection. This book addresses a lot of different scenarios, like refugee interviews, medical situations, organised religion and cultural performance. Although discussing a wide range of topics, the focus throughout the book is why the truth is not always enough, the power of words and assumptions, and believability in all aspects of life.
This book was incredibly reflective, though-provoking and at times completely heart-crushingly tragic. I was completely engaged with the author throughout the book, which is often hard for me with nonfiction books. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author, I think her perspective is incredibly introspective and important.
While the author does jump around between topics sometimes which may be disorienting to some, I loved the flow of stories between each other, it really did feel like a conversation with the author. I definitely recommend the audiobook for this very reason.
This book was incredibly reflective, though-provoking and at times completely heart-crushingly tragic. I was completely engaged with the author throughout the book, which is often hard for me with nonfiction books. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author, I think her perspective is incredibly introspective and important.
While the author does jump around between topics sometimes which may be disorienting to some, I loved the flow of stories between each other, it really did feel like a conversation with the author. I definitely recommend the audiobook for this very reason.
oswindler's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.25
giovannigf's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Suicide, Medical trauma, Violence, Deportation, and Police brutality
drraytay's review against another edition
challenging
informative
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Body horror
Moderate: War, Sexual violence, and Rape
internationalreads's review
I was more interested in the political/historical aspects of this book than the personal parts about the author’s life, which seemed to dominate the book
meowpie's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Everyone should read this book. What a powerful read. Captivating from the first chapter.
This was my first experience reading Dina Nayeri’s work & it makes me want to read all her books.
She touches on various important topics, including genocide, trauma, religion, faith, migration, & more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness and Suicide
cpalmisanod's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
2.75
This is a lot of food for thought.
The author explores a variety of situations in which a person does or doesn’t believe what’s true, or at least true for someone.
Asylum seekers and the hoops they have to leap through are central to the theme, but there’s also mental illness, physical illness, religion, and more.
I’m not sure there’s an actual point beyond considering why you do or don’t believe someone and the value being believed can have for those doubted.
The author explores a variety of situations in which a person does or doesn’t believe what’s true, or at least true for someone.
Asylum seekers and the hoops they have to leap through are central to the theme, but there’s also mental illness, physical illness, religion, and more.
I’m not sure there’s an actual point beyond considering why you do or don’t believe someone and the value being believed can have for those doubted.
More...