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skynet666's review against another edition
3.0
About halfway through I started to feel this book drag. However, the very last few chapters were done well.
sunshine608's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
2.75
I really struggled with this book. It was very slow and we didn't get anywhere until almost halfway into the book. The book went back and forth between timelines and characters and I struggled to stay engaged. Then when we got to the story, all that backstory felt somewhat irrelevant- we could have gotten here much quicker.
mariahhanley's review against another edition
5.0
Although I sometimes struggled with the telling of A Place for Us, and I had very mixed feelings about Layla and Rafiq, I really enjoyed the book overall and definitely rate it a 5. I liked the story, I liked all three children (with a soft spot for Amar), and I liked how it alluded to the challenges of 9/11 and the 2016 election and their influence on the hopes and fears of the characters and their community. The last part of the book (told in first-person from the view of Rafiq was so real, so raw. It made me cry). I would definitely recommend this!
yeahitsp's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
avakom's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
allisonivan's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a wonderful, sad yet sweet, rich book.
It tells the journey of a family as they navigate through their own culture while trying to understand and embrace America. It tells the story of sisters and brothers, of friends and love and romance, and loyalty. It chronicles honest mistakes and regret but also growth and new understanding.
Overall a lovely read.
It tells the journey of a family as they navigate through their own culture while trying to understand and embrace America. It tells the story of sisters and brothers, of friends and love and romance, and loyalty. It chronicles honest mistakes and regret but also growth and new understanding.
Overall a lovely read.
kelly_inthe419's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This was both a beautiful and heartbreaking story of love, community, and family and the ties that bind - or at times restrict. I cannot say enough great things about it. In spite of centering around a Muslim Indian American family, this story could easily be about the experiences of any family, be they white, black, Hispanic, Catholic, Jewish or anything in between. It's a slow burn that some may find a little slow, but the character development is exquisite and fundamental to the story. The reflections and time hopping fit perfectly with the tone and development of the story line. I thought I had it all figured out, but of course I didn't. The last portion, spent primarily with Baba, the father, is so relatable for me as a parent - how we think we did some things right and fear we did many things wrong as we raised our families. I had a hard time finishing because I didn't want it to end! Brilliant job for a debut novel.
suzanne2712's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thebookishboymom's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"A Place for Us" is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the complexities of belonging. This novel delves into the struggles of navigating multiple cultures and identities, while also exploring the intricate relationships within a family.
In 2023 I read "Honor" and absolutely loved that novel, so I was eager to read this one and see how Mirza shares the immigrant experience. However, the book felt like it could have been 100 pages shorter and would have had a more impactful message. There was a point where I just wanted to know the why and how yet was caught up in the everyday moments of life. Each character had their demons, there's good and bad traits, and I loved and hated them all equally.
The end of the book is from a POV I wasn't expecting, and I think that's what made the entire book worthwhile.
In 2023 I read "Honor" and absolutely loved that novel, so I was eager to read this one and see how Mirza shares the immigrant experience. However, the book felt like it could have been 100 pages shorter and would have had a more impactful message. There was a point where I just wanted to know the why and how yet was caught up in the everyday moments of life. Each character had their demons, there's good and bad traits, and I loved and hated them all equally.
The end of the book is from a POV I wasn't expecting, and I think that's what made the entire book worthwhile.