It is a good book for those who know nothing about being queer and Palestinian.
The page I connected with most was the last one when she realizes her mIt is a good book for those who know nothing about being queer and Palestinian.
The page I connected with most was the last one when she realizes her mother’s trauma. The Palestinian identity revolves around very short pages. I was waiting for something more about her queerness and experience as a Palestinian. The only page about the Palestinian identity I found value in was her trip back to her grandma’s funeral. I also was struck by white-washness of this book. All other characters besides the narrator and her mother are white girls: Anna, Kate, an Italian experience, a French girl, etc. If I knew absolutely nothing about being queer and Palestinian I would’ve appreciated this book more. So I suggest it for all other audiences than those familiar with those identities. ...more
I couldn’t finish this book. At first, I was connecting with the immigrant experience, but once the storyline turned to be about Hollywood I lost inteI couldn’t finish this book. At first, I was connecting with the immigrant experience, but once the storyline turned to be about Hollywood I lost interest. I should have known, obviously, but I was hoping for more of the personal/life stories rather than the work stories. Would be great for someone interested in that topic. ...more
I have never read a book written so bluntly, and I loved it. This book is the sequel to My Bloody Life, Reymundo’s life post gang. I hope Marilyn readI have never read a book written so bluntly, and I loved it. This book is the sequel to My Bloody Life, Reymundo’s life post gang. I hope Marilyn read this book and has forgiven him. I also hope he has found the peace and healing he needs. I recently saw Reymundo on a YouTube show on this topic (his face was covered + voice muffled) and I had all the feels. I cannot imagine what his life and emotional state has been like, but I am glad he made the choices he finally did and has decided to generously share his story. ...more
Easy to read, vivid imaging of what the Puerto Rican gang life is in west Chicago. It was specially personal to me to read this book since I lived neaEasy to read, vivid imaging of what the Puerto Rican gang life is in west Chicago. It was specially personal to me to read this book since I lived near Humboldt Park for a few years. ...more
I don’t know where to start - wow! As an Arab and as a Palestinian, this hit home for me to much. I will admit we Arabs who grew up in the Arab world I don’t know where to start - wow! As an Arab and as a Palestinian, this hit home for me to much. I will admit we Arabs who grew up in the Arab world do not know much of Jewish Arabs, and that’s a reason for the importance of this book. I loved the questions Hayoun presented on what it means to be Arab, and was heartfelt and deep to watch him and his family reclaim their Arabness. A very important book, a documentation of lives not spoken of enough yet so very crucial for the Jewish and Arab existence. Highly recommended....more
I finished this book in less than 48 hours, I could have finished it in less if I wanted to. I opened this book after a few week period of drought. I I finished this book in less than 48 hours, I could have finished it in less if I wanted to. I opened this book after a few week period of drought. I did not journal, write or feel creative, then I ordered 3 books and borrowed 2, this was 1 of the borrowed books. I loved reading another part of Angelou’s life, I feel as though with her 2 other memoirs, slowly the picture of her full life is being painted in my brain. This was a simple, short book, easy page turner. What helped was the fact that I have been going through homesickness and specifically missing my mom and reflecting on how our relationship has developed and changed over the years, from living with her and through my immigration journey. Great book....more
This is one of the most beautifully melancholy books I’ve ever read. I cried at the last pages - something that has not happened to me in a long time.This is one of the most beautifully melancholy books I’ve ever read. I cried at the last pages - something that has not happened to me in a long time. I was able to clearly watch as Allende was living every emotion, I left this book having an exact feeling of what each moment felt, who Paula was, and how magical and superstitious Allende is. I look forward to meeting more of her spirits! ...more
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