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ccwingreads's reviews
335 reviews
Voices of the Nakba: A Living History Of Palestine by Diana Allan
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
4.5
A mix of essays covering themes that can be found in interviews with Palestinians that cover the Nakba and the experiences of Palestinians in that time period. Fascinating and very human. Palestinians don't have to be perfect victims to see how terrible the Nakba was and continues to be. Zionism destroyed so much of their communities, families, land, and sense of belonging. Palestinians deserve to return to their homelands.
I think the project to document Palestinian experience is so important especially because so many Palestinians in the diaspora cannot return. Their stories should not be lost. This is not an easy read but very good to have further insight into individuals living such traumatic events.
This is where the interview videos can be found - https://libraries.aub.edu.lb/poha/
There are some generalizations of peoples, including Jewish people being conflated with Zionists. The "g" word is used for Romani people at one point.
I think the project to document Palestinian experience is so important especially because so many Palestinians in the diaspora cannot return. Their stories should not be lost. This is not an easy read but very good to have further insight into individuals living such traumatic events.
This is where the interview videos can be found - https://libraries.aub.edu.lb/poha/
There are some generalizations of peoples, including Jewish people being conflated with Zionists. The "g" word is used for Romani people at one point.
Something More by Jackie Khalilieh
medium-paced
3.75
Two love interests, a lot of drama, autistic and Palestinian rep, and all the struggles of growing up while feeling different. Khalilieh's debut book shows a promising writer who understands the complexity and confusion of growing up and being a teen who doesn't quite fit in. The author is also autistic and Palestinian-Canadian.
The characters have flaws and make poor decisions, which make them quite relatable. The explanations of the autism spectrum and Jessie pushing back on stereotypes feel pretty well-handled, but I defer to autistic reviewers on the accuracy of the representation. I really appreciated following Jessie on her path to self-discovery and acceptance.
Admittedly, I've never felt more grey-ace in my life because I struggled with understanding the level of physical attraction and constant hormones flying. Felt a little like watching a reality dating show. However, I had fun reading about Jessie's romantic and friendship interactions.
Most of the people surrounding Jessie, besides her family, seem to be white, straight, and cis. This may be a reflection of private schools in the setting or to highlight the experiences of being a minority and feeling out of place. Understandable, but from personal experience, private schools do have some diversity, especially in major cities.
I think this book would be great for YA romance lovers and those looking for more Palestinian and autistic rep! I had a pretty good time with the characters and the story itself. I would read more from this author.
The characters have flaws and make poor decisions, which make them quite relatable. The explanations of the autism spectrum and Jessie pushing back on stereotypes feel pretty well-handled, but I defer to autistic reviewers on the accuracy of the representation. I really appreciated following Jessie on her path to self-discovery and acceptance.
Admittedly, I've never felt more grey-ace in my life because I struggled with understanding the level of physical attraction and constant hormones flying. Felt a little like watching a reality dating show. However, I had fun reading about Jessie's romantic and friendship interactions.
Most of the people surrounding Jessie, besides her family, seem to be white, straight, and cis. This may be a reflection of private schools in the setting or to highlight the experiences of being a minority and feeling out of place. Understandable, but from personal experience, private schools do have some diversity, especially in major cities.
I think this book would be great for YA romance lovers and those looking for more Palestinian and autistic rep! I had a pretty good time with the characters and the story itself. I would read more from this author.
Who We Are in Real Life by Victoria Koops
medium-paced
3.5
A YA, D&D romance sounded like a good break after reading about some very heavy topics recently. That's not to say that this didn't tackle some difficult topics, not with incredible depth, but decently. Homophobia and an abusive relationship were handled pretty realistically but not always with full closure, which didn't bother me too much. Life isn't often tied up nicely with a bow.
The chapters in the perspective of the D&D characters were interesting and reflected Darcy and Art's real lives. Because the perspectives switched often, I sometimes forgot what had happened when the real life chapters pick back up.
Their relationship was cute even through their struggles. I enjoyed their geeky connection! I did get frustrated with Art's reaction in the third act conflict.
Some people may find the use of RPG vernacular a bit cringey because that was the way the main characters, especially Darcy, think and talk. And I would have loved to know more about some of the side characters.
This had its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, it was a fun read that appealed to my D&D nerd side.
The chapters in the perspective of the D&D characters were interesting and reflected Darcy and Art's real lives. Because the perspectives switched often, I sometimes forgot what had happened when the real life chapters pick back up.
Their relationship was cute even through their struggles. I enjoyed their geeky connection! I did get frustrated with Art's reaction in the third act conflict.
Some people may find the use of RPG vernacular a bit cringey because that was the way the main characters, especially Darcy, think and talk. And I would have loved to know more about some of the side characters.
This had its strengths and weaknesses. Overall, it was a fun read that appealed to my D&D nerd side.
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins II #3 by MSASSYK, Jody Houser, Olivia Samson, Benjamin Dewey
adventurous
fast-paced
5.0
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins II #2 by MSASSYK, Jody Houser, Olivia Samson, William Kirkby
adventurous
fast-paced
5.0
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins II #1 by Ariana Maher, Matthew Mercer, Jody Houser
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0