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nuhafariha
Before I read "Children of War" by Ahmet Yorulmaz, I was not aware of the plight of Cretes, particularly Muslim Cretes in the constant struggle between Turkey and Greece. Half autobiographical, the book narrates the violence and instability of existence for a young Crete male as he grows up in a small town. What struck me most is the duality of national versus personal identity and how state systems use the two against each other. Because the man is Muslim, he is banned from being a Greek. A sentimental read on a often not discussed topic!
I laughed a lot. And in this time, is there any better measure for a good book?
But for real, this book feels like you're sitting next to R Eric Thomas in all his beautiful black, gay, church going, nilla wafer, witty and savy political commentator self & it is beautiful.
But for real, this book feels like you're sitting next to R Eric Thomas in all his beautiful black, gay, church going, nilla wafer, witty and savy political commentator self & it is beautiful.
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
In "One Bright Moon", Kwong discusses his painful coming of age in Chairman Mao's China. As a member of the intellectual class, Kwong and his family were subject to unfair levels of scrutiny and police brutality. Eventually subjugated to the worst caste in Chinese society, Kwong becomes disillusioned with Mao's manifesto and works to escape China. After a harrowing few years of fighting the system, he makes the extraordinary journey to Australia and starts a new life. While I enjoyed this book, I would like to mention that for many generations, people in the lower socioeconomic status have had to live just as Kwong and his family live. In fact, in the United States today, many people live in the way Kwong's family had to live. However, because of their lack of access to education, they often can't escape in the same way. Therefore, one of the values that Kwong ironically embraces is the value of education which is something Mao professed too. Overall, a tender coming of age tale!
In "One Bright Moon", Kwong discusses his painful coming of age in Chairman Mao's China. As a member of the intellectual class, Kwong and his family were subject to unfair levels of scrutiny and police brutality. Eventually subjugated to the worst caste in Chinese society, Kwong becomes disillusioned with Mao's manifesto and works to escape China. After a harrowing few years of fighting the system, he makes the extraordinary journey to Australia and starts a new life. While I enjoyed this book, I would like to mention that for many generations, people in the lower socioeconomic status have had to live just as Kwong and his family live. In fact, in the United States today, many people live in the way Kwong's family had to live. However, because of their lack of access to education, they often can't escape in the same way. Therefore, one of the values that Kwong ironically embraces is the value of education which is something Mao professed too. Overall, a tender coming of age tale!
Thank you to Repeater Books for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Through an insightful, focused analysis of the Forest Gate community, Joy White's "Terraformed" shows the underlying interplay between white supremacy, policing and governmental policies. From housing to music to farmer's markets, Joy White leaves no corner of life unturned.
Why is it that the primarily white farmer's market is allowed to occupy the streets while Afro-Caribbean grocery stores are chastised for doing the same? Why is it that folk buy from the farmer's market but not the same goods that they can buy from the local Black owned and operated stores? Why is it that a group of Black men in white at a funeral are stopped and questioned?
The answer is perhaps uncomfortable for those who are benefitting from the everyday policing and deportation of Black bodies, but perhaps that's the point. This is a book that might make you rethink your daily routine, the people with whom you interact, the businesses you so brazenly support, the complicity with white supremacy in every level.
Through an insightful, focused analysis of the Forest Gate community, Joy White's "Terraformed" shows the underlying interplay between white supremacy, policing and governmental policies. From housing to music to farmer's markets, Joy White leaves no corner of life unturned.
Why is it that the primarily white farmer's market is allowed to occupy the streets while Afro-Caribbean grocery stores are chastised for doing the same? Why is it that folk buy from the farmer's market but not the same goods that they can buy from the local Black owned and operated stores? Why is it that a group of Black men in white at a funeral are stopped and questioned?
The answer is perhaps uncomfortable for those who are benefitting from the everyday policing and deportation of Black bodies, but perhaps that's the point. This is a book that might make you rethink your daily routine, the people with whom you interact, the businesses you so brazenly support, the complicity with white supremacy in every level.
Who Killed Berta Caceres?: Dams, Death Squads, and an Indigenous Defender's Battle for the Planet
Thank you to Verso Books & NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Often when I read about incredible activists, the journey almost seems surreal, their bravery and willingness to risk life and limb for what is right. Nina Lakhani's expose "Who Killed Berta Caceres?" is no different.
Through detailed interviews, police reports, transcriptions, and eyewitness reports, Lakhani meticulously details the rise and ultimate demise of the great environmentalist. Starting in 1993, when she founded the Consejo Cívico de Organizaciones Indígenas Populares (COPINH) to 2016 when she was ultimately murdered by the state, Berta Caceres has been a relentless voice for the Lenca and other indigenous groups in Honduras.
What is remarkable about Lakhani's book is the way Caceras is humanized. She is a woman who had difficulty communicating with her family, a woman who was determined to defend her people's land, a woman who was quick witted and humorous. She was another powerful woman silenced by the state.
Often when I read about incredible activists, the journey almost seems surreal, their bravery and willingness to risk life and limb for what is right. Nina Lakhani's expose "Who Killed Berta Caceres?" is no different.
Through detailed interviews, police reports, transcriptions, and eyewitness reports, Lakhani meticulously details the rise and ultimate demise of the great environmentalist. Starting in 1993, when she founded the Consejo Cívico de Organizaciones Indígenas Populares (COPINH) to 2016 when she was ultimately murdered by the state, Berta Caceres has been a relentless voice for the Lenca and other indigenous groups in Honduras.
What is remarkable about Lakhani's book is the way Caceras is humanized. She is a woman who had difficulty communicating with her family, a woman who was determined to defend her people's land, a woman who was quick witted and humorous. She was another powerful woman silenced by the state.
Thank you to Harper Collins for the Advanced Reader's Copy
Poignant and heart breaking, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's The Radiance of a Thousand Suns unearths the hidden violence of the Indian Partition War and the subsequent anti-Sikh movement. Mixing in centuries old Mahabharata, decades old women's history and modern day New York, Someshwar creates a spell binding tale. From the domestic to the global stage, women are always subject to the threat of violence and rarely is it told in such a clear voiced manner.
As a South Asian, I appreciated this book as it brought to light aspects of my history that I didn't know about. When we talk about Partition, we talk about all the male freedom fighters. And yet, it is women who bear the brunt of war crimes. Women who are raped and shamed and beaten and abandoned. Women who hide in the shadows, waiting to exhale and tell their stories. Women like the powerful and complicated Jyoti Kaur, the mysterious figurehead Niki seeks out in the streets of New York. A gorgeous and powerful read.
Poignant and heart breaking, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's The Radiance of a Thousand Suns unearths the hidden violence of the Indian Partition War and the subsequent anti-Sikh movement. Mixing in centuries old Mahabharata, decades old women's history and modern day New York, Someshwar creates a spell binding tale. From the domestic to the global stage, women are always subject to the threat of violence and rarely is it told in such a clear voiced manner.
As a South Asian, I appreciated this book as it brought to light aspects of my history that I didn't know about. When we talk about Partition, we talk about all the male freedom fighters. And yet, it is women who bear the brunt of war crimes. Women who are raped and shamed and beaten and abandoned. Women who hide in the shadows, waiting to exhale and tell their stories. Women like the powerful and complicated Jyoti Kaur, the mysterious figurehead Niki seeks out in the streets of New York. A gorgeous and powerful read.
Thank you to Icon Books & NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available June 18th 2020
This is the summer vacation book everyone should be reading. Told from a first hand perspective of an Afghani refugee family, "The Boy with Two Hearts" focuses on the trials of the Amiri family. After his mother speaks out against the Taliban and his brother Hussein's worsening heart condition, Hamed and his family knew it was only a matter of time before they had to leave Afghanistan. What they couldn't have anticipated is just how long and difficult the journey would be to the UK, one of the two countries in the world that can provide Hussein with the care that he needs. So begins this account of a harrowing yet endearing family adventure. At times, it does feel like two different novels as Amiri transitions between talking about his brother's life and his family's life. However, it is clear to see the love, hope and comfort the family find in each other. With so much divisiveness and animosity in our global stage right now, this book is a welcoming, hopeful tale. I was in tears at the end, feeling like I truly understood Amiri & his family's story &, for the first time in a while, hopeful for the future.
Available June 18th 2020
This is the summer vacation book everyone should be reading. Told from a first hand perspective of an Afghani refugee family, "The Boy with Two Hearts" focuses on the trials of the Amiri family. After his mother speaks out against the Taliban and his brother Hussein's worsening heart condition, Hamed and his family knew it was only a matter of time before they had to leave Afghanistan. What they couldn't have anticipated is just how long and difficult the journey would be to the UK, one of the two countries in the world that can provide Hussein with the care that he needs. So begins this account of a harrowing yet endearing family adventure. At times, it does feel like two different novels as Amiri transitions between talking about his brother's life and his family's life. However, it is clear to see the love, hope and comfort the family find in each other. With so much divisiveness and animosity in our global stage right now, this book is a welcoming, hopeful tale. I was in tears at the end, feeling like I truly understood Amiri & his family's story &, for the first time in a while, hopeful for the future.
Thank you to Europe Comics and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Now available.
In Manon Heugel's inspiration coming of age comic, "Forte"we see a young girl begin to grow comfortable in her own skin. Young Flavia has not had an easy childhood. After watching her father get shot in her favaela, she and her mother have to make ends meet. With a little help from Mr. Lima, a retired pianist, Flavia discovers her hidden passion for music. With an unpredictable journey, Flavia will discover and honor her true identity. With warm illustrations and an uplifting tale, "Forte" is sure to make you smile. I especially enjoyed the way the author effortlessly fused French and Brazilian cultures in a memorable, relatable protagonist. An excellent young adult comic.
Now available.
In Manon Heugel's inspiration coming of age comic, "Forte"we see a young girl begin to grow comfortable in her own skin. Young Flavia has not had an easy childhood. After watching her father get shot in her favaela, she and her mother have to make ends meet. With a little help from Mr. Lima, a retired pianist, Flavia discovers her hidden passion for music. With an unpredictable journey, Flavia will discover and honor her true identity. With warm illustrations and an uplifting tale, "Forte" is sure to make you smile. I especially enjoyed the way the author effortlessly fused French and Brazilian cultures in a memorable, relatable protagonist. An excellent young adult comic.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the Reader's Copy!
Imaginative and deeply emotional, Inua Ellams "Half God of Rainfall" is an epic, modern day retelling of Demi, the bastard child of Zeus, seeking his place in the world. While his mother, Modupe worries about how to best keep her son alive in the face of imminent danger, Demi grows more and more frustrated with his father's lack of acknowledgement. It is the terse relationship between Modupe and Demi that interested me the most.
How do you raise a child in a world that will be hostile to them, and still fill them hope? How do you continue to say "Go and fulfill your destiny" knowing that they could die at any moment? Each second spent with the child then becomes that much more precious, a stolen second of life from the world.
"Half God of Rainfall" is ebullient from the basketball Court to the Court of Zeus, a journey seeped in ancient mythology and urban legend. Check it out today!
Imaginative and deeply emotional, Inua Ellams "Half God of Rainfall" is an epic, modern day retelling of Demi, the bastard child of Zeus, seeking his place in the world. While his mother, Modupe worries about how to best keep her son alive in the face of imminent danger, Demi grows more and more frustrated with his father's lack of acknowledgement. It is the terse relationship between Modupe and Demi that interested me the most.
How do you raise a child in a world that will be hostile to them, and still fill them hope? How do you continue to say "Go and fulfill your destiny" knowing that they could die at any moment? Each second spent with the child then becomes that much more precious, a stolen second of life from the world.
"Half God of Rainfall" is ebullient from the basketball Court to the Court of Zeus, a journey seeped in ancient mythology and urban legend. Check it out today!
Thank you to Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for the Reader's Copy!
Restrained yet emotional, Keiichiro Hirano's elegant "A Man" unfolds like an intricate origami. Peeling back layers and layers of small dialogue, detailed backgrounds and subtle actions, it tells the story of fidelity and infidelity among Japan's middle class. As a struggling businesswoman meets a handsome stranger, their worlds are more colluded than originally thought. A perfect accompaniment to an afternoon at home.
Restrained yet emotional, Keiichiro Hirano's elegant "A Man" unfolds like an intricate origami. Peeling back layers and layers of small dialogue, detailed backgrounds and subtle actions, it tells the story of fidelity and infidelity among Japan's middle class. As a struggling businesswoman meets a handsome stranger, their worlds are more colluded than originally thought. A perfect accompaniment to an afternoon at home.