Tracy C
This book was a very moving glimpse into so many aspects of life that touch everyone in some way or another. The book could be triggering to those with trauma backgrounds. But it touches on sexual assault, addiction, immigration. For those of us who have been born into privilege just based on where we were lucky enough to be born, it's a small peak into what some families have endured on their paths to find safety and security. I listened to the audiobook, and there was a discussion with the author at the end that I found very touching as well.
Very brave young lady to come forward with all of the information she had. Everyone should read this book. She was someone on the “inside”, who bought into the whole thing, until she realized that it went against everything that our democracy stands for.
It was something to listen to that was available at the time. It was an OK story, a couple of story lines... Not exactly the type of thing that I listen to, but still ok.
Very captivating story. Felt a bit like Harry Potter, but with a more modern twist. More current time, current characters, things of that nature.
Wow!! Just WOW!!! So much background information on where we were, who had influence (you'll be surprised), and what they managed to do! Unbelievable!! And, in typical Rachel fashion, put together with a lead-up that helps make it all make sense!!
This is one of those books that needs to be read several times.
Everyone should read it.
I didn't know what to make of this book. I was a little captivated and a little bit, “what the heck am I reading?” I kept waiting for the book to get to the point, for a plot twist, for something big to happen. Or for SOMETHING to happen. It just fell flat. I was intrigued by all of the letters back and forth. I didn't know that this is the format the book would take. At first I was put off by it, but then I kind of started getting into it, and feeling where the author was trying to take us. In the end, I just felt confused and as if there was more to come. It felt abruptly halted and unfinished. As if, oh no! My book is due to be done! And so it was done. I wish to find someone I know to talk to about this book. It popped up while searching for electronic books from my library to read on my Kindle. So it didn't come from a referral from anyone I know. Just a random one with a title that caught me, reeled me in, and then left me hanging there on the line.
I'm glad that I read the book before reading the synopsis below. If you don't want a spoiler, then don't read that!! I couldn't put this book down. It was set, I believe, in 1971, but there were only a few moments of the book where things were mentioned that makes you remember that it isn't contemporary. It was suspenseful, and you really get sucked and feel for the characters. The author, a few times, throws out these “thought” sections, where you are given insight into what that character is thinking at the time. They were a little disjointed. And by that, I mean, he didn't use them often enough, or consistently throughout the book. It was almost as if he hadn't fleshed out a scene enough, and needed to go back and somehow efficiently fill us in on what he (and subsequently we, as his readers) had missed, without adding too much to the content of the book. It didn't stick out while I was reading, the book. But upon reflection, it was something that stuck out to me. Overall though, I really enjoyed this book. If his other books are similar, I could see reading more.
What an amazing memoir. I was just a teen growing up in the Americas, not very worldly while all of this was originally happening. I can, however, remember news reports of the humanitarian efforts being made by various organizations. I remember supplies being dropped by air for the refugees but then seeing those supplies being stolen by the warlords so that they never reached the people it was intended for. The lengths that Dr. Abdi “Mama Hawa” went to to help her fellow Solami's is nothing short of astounding. The danger she faced for herself and her family was immense, and yet she persisted. She kept on and kept HOPE alive. Dr. Hawa Abdi is a truly inspiring woman that I hope to learn more about.
Took me a while. I enjoyed the story... but it was slow getting into it, and figuring out what was going on. Didn't realize it was a sci-fi book at first, or just from the title. Not sure I cared for the ending. Will need to talk this one out!
Brutal book! This was supposed to be read when I was in grade school. I'm not sure I could have handled the brutality and the violence against animals, even by other animals. How was this part of our reading when we were younger. I was drawn to read it because of the movie that came out recently (2019 or 2020) based on this book. I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. Not sure how that all plays out. I'll have to watch it on my own before having anyone else in the family see it (sensitive).
Captivating! And odd! I don't think I've ever read a book like this before. I would read it again in a heartbeat. It ended more abruptly that I would have liked, but perhaps the author is purposely leaving things a little open-ended for a sequel?
I don't live this life, so I can't say with certainty, but it seems pretty “real” to me. Would connect with young teens. I was invested. Characters are developed very well. Easy to connect to.
Basic project management book. Nothing too in-depth. Would have preferred something that sticks closer to PMI standards. But good basic book for a project management beginner.
LOTS of good info in this book. This is one I'll go back and listen to again. Just to much to process in one read or listen.
The language is all very “time driven”... appropriate (if can call it that) for the period in time that it was written. But not appropriate, even offensive, for today.
I knew this book only by title, and that it was considered a classic. I didn't realize until I started the book that it was a book about Chinese people, so that was a surprise to me. I also think that there might be more books in this series, so I will have to look for those.
The story itself was very good. It seems rather “distant”, disconnected, factual, non-emotional, but you end up feeling for the characters of the book. You become invested in them, in a way you that you won't think you will, the way the story is being told.
Very good book. Loved the story! Can't wait to read the others.
I don't usually read from the sci-fi or fantasy genre. But this might have me joining in more often.
I have to admit, that I started slowly. I have a very “logical” or practical mind. And I was letting my thinking trip me up and stay too focused on the names of the characters in the book. Every time I came across a new name, it was more about untangling the source of the name, versus the content of the character. (Maelich vs. Michael, etc.) Once I got myself to get past that hang-up, and just read, I found I enjoyed the book a lot. The storyline was good, and the characters were very well developed.
Mike, you might have turned me on to fantasy books! I can't wait to read the next. And I promise it won't take me nearly as long!!
Excellent book. I can't wait to see what Perrin will encounter and how Kallum will be presented again. I wish this book was in movie form! I would love to see this played out like The Lord of the Rings, or something along those lines. Starting on Book #3 now - Kill the Gods.
Excellent book. I was captivated and couldn't stop listening. From what I understand, most of the historical references and things of that nature (and there are a LOT of them), are accurate! The story that Dan Brown built around all of this is fascinating!