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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
A fantastic work of fiction!
I'm so glad I was gifted this book that took me on a adventure to the streets of Afghanistan. The entire story is based around a very real cultural practice actually. It deals with very serious issues in ways that is palatable for YA (because it is YA), but the author has a related book for adults that I'd like to read sometime as well. I recommend the read!
I'm so glad I was gifted this book that took me on a adventure to the streets of Afghanistan. The entire story is based around a very real cultural practice actually. It deals with very serious issues in ways that is palatable for YA (because it is YA), but the author has a related book for adults that I'd like to read sometime as well. I recommend the read!
4.5 stars
I was expecting a heavy and "read between the lines" kind of a book, when I read Kabul in the blurb. But, in few pages I understood that it's a very light and relaxful read. How complex can be a child protagonist ??
When Obayda's father loses his leg in a disaster in Kabul market, the whole family moves back to her father's childhood village. There is a lot to adjust with for Obayda and her family. There are no other men in the family to earn money, as her father loses his job after the accident. New school, new lifestyle and on that one of their aunt suggests Obayda's mother about "bachcha posh" for good luck. Bachcha posh is a tradition where a girl in the family ( youngest one) is changed into a boy and is persuaded to act like one in the society. And here Obayda is the chosen one and she becomes Obayd. From here Obayd enters into the world of boys and adventures begin!
The plot was light and the family pictured here is not one of the orthodox ones but who believe in humanity and religion/ beliefs gong together. The more painful details were omitted or may be through Obayda's eyes, such details were invisible.
Good read, go for it if you want to be a 10 year old again!
I have loved this author's adult novels. While I understand this is for middle grade, complex issues feel like they have been oversimplified and sugar coated. Idealized... The messages are important but seem out of touch with reality.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Super interesting read about a culture and customs that I know little to nothing about. Characters are compelling, but I didn't love the writing. (too many uses of "really" and "very" for emphasis.) Still, I'd be interested to read [b:The Pearl That Broke Its Shell|18505784|The Pearl That Broke Its Shell|Nadia Hashimi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1384543130s/18505784.jpg|26612089], which deals with the same topic and some of the same characters, and see if I like her writing any better in a novel for adults.
Read as part of a YA book club. This book does great job exploring gender roles and issues for young readers. It is set in Afghanistan and delves into the tradition of the bacha posh (girls dressed as / treated as boys before puberty). A fascinating read.
I enjoyed this book about one girl's experience as a bascha posh in Afghanistan. Obayda's father loses a leg while on a trip to a pharmacy with her to get her medicine. It results in them moving from Kabul to a more rural part of the country, one where a warlord watches everything. To increase their luck, Obayda's aunt suggests that they turn her into a bascha posh or a boy. During that time, Obayda discovers new freedoms and makes a new friend. What will happen when they want to change her back?
I thought the book got a little explain-y at times. Characters would talk about facts in a way that I'm not sure a real conversation would flow. Otherwise, for an initial look at gender differences and this specific aspect of Afghan culture, it is an excellent start.
Thank you, Rockland Public Library, for loaning me this book.
I thought the book got a little explain-y at times. Characters would talk about facts in a way that I'm not sure a real conversation would flow. Otherwise, for an initial look at gender differences and this specific aspect of Afghan culture, it is an excellent start.
Thank you, Rockland Public Library, for loaning me this book.
4.5/5 star read. All I will say at the moment is that as a teacher I believe that this book should be introduced in classrooms and a discussion started. Full review to come.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel and have passed it on to my tween daughters and look forward to discussing it with them. One Half from the East was a beautiful view into Afghanistan's basha posh tradition, and it asked many questions about what gender means, what makes a girl a girl and a boy a boy, and whether or not boys are more important or better than girls.
I have not read Ms. Hashimi's previous book, The Pearl that Broke it's Shell, but I will definitely be adding it to my TBR.
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel and have passed it on to my tween daughters and look forward to discussing it with them. One Half from the East was a beautiful view into Afghanistan's basha posh tradition, and it asked many questions about what gender means, what makes a girl a girl and a boy a boy, and whether or not boys are more important or better than girls.
I have not read Ms. Hashimi's previous book, The Pearl that Broke it's Shell, but I will definitely be adding it to my TBR.