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nadialeonayunis's reviews
177 reviews
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.75
I read the book as part of a faith based book club. I’ve come across the author before and wanted to read something, and the book club chose this title. It’s a very fast paced story - switching timelines and POV’s. Each pov is amazing in and of itself. I thoroughly enjoyed it - minus the spice in some places - which is telling the story of that specific character of course - but we know by now that I don’t like the spice. I need to point out that the story is fictional and we’ve learnt from our book club lead that the story of Shams of Tabriz in this book is fictional and the 40 rules are fictional. In reality, there is no literature available on Shams of Tabriz - though he was real indeed. We analysed the book from a faith based perspective. I still recommend it as I did connect deeply with everyone’s pov’s. Read it with an open mind and don’t base the religion on it and you’ll still learn many lessons.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Well, what can I say? I’m not sure. Firstly, it took longer than anticipated to read and complete (due to external factors taking over my reading time) and secondly…I’m not sure. There were highs and lows. There were parts that dragged on and parts so beautifully described that it ‘upped’ my reading game. Thirdly - I liked it and hated it. I was proud of her for taking the stand for herself and then not so proud of her for going back on her decision. I was sad at her upbringing but proud of how she turned out after she competed her studies. I’m sure there’s major literally reviews on the book and on Jane herself - I’ll delve into them sometimes - but overall I’m just not sure lol. There was a lot of reference to God and religion which I appreciate and connected with - although I’m from a different faith. I mean, Jane was young, so we can appreciate her choices. You know, what would be wonderful in my head - if Jane took her inheritance and spent it on a life of reading and learning and teaching whilst still enjoying her drawing and sassy remarks. Why marry? Ah, yes, love! Alas, I ramble. If you’re curious and want to tick off the ‘I read this classic before I died’ then just go read it. Don’t go by my ramblings. I often kick myself for reading others reviews and basing my opinions on that and then regret it. I think you’ll love Jane Eyre! :)
Charlie and the Christmas Factory by Roald Dahl
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
What an amazing book full of wonderful stories. A must for all Roald Dahl fans - young and old. The contemporary authors have done a brilliant job recreating the stories for the new generation. A story a day will get you through the twelve days of Christmas. And the books cover and illustrations are just so heart warming.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Took a while to get through this. Pretty dense. Wanted to read it for years and finally done. Good message overall and good stories or parables. Does make one think and reflect act accordingly.
Stories from Islamic History by أبو الحسن علي الندوي
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Half seerah and half history - this is a quick read to brush up on ones seerah studies but moreover it is an excellent read for young Muslims learning about their deen and history. Definitely recommend it to young and adult alike. And it’s twenty years old! We definitely have a lot more Islamic literature for youth today - but old is good.