This was a difficult book to read. At the same time, it's an incredibly powerful one. There were quite a few scenes I had to skim/skip over, and it didn't help that I was so entranced I wanted to read it all in one night. I think that I would recommend that this book to be read slowly and carefully. Besides the potential for it becoming overwhelming if you read it all at once, it can really desensitize you to some of the powerful imagery and some of the most moving scenes.
Definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings that Tahir provides at the beginning of the book to decide if you should read this! At the very least, I found comfort and hope in the way that Sabaa Tahir chose to end the book.
While reading, I found myself becoming really attached to the main characters, and there were moments I was just SO angry, and so frustrated and sad on their behalf. The things that they go through is unimaginable to me, but I know that it is an unfortunate reality for many others. What a testament to the courage of youth...and at the same time, what an indictment on the sad state of affairs that have been the last few decades in the United States. I think that this is a very necessary book to read, but it can also be an emotionally draining one to get through.
Definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings that Tahir provides at the beginning of the book to decide if you should read this! At the very least, I found comfort and hope in the way that Sabaa Tahir chose to end the book.
While reading, I found myself becoming really attached to the main characters, and there were moments I was just SO angry, and so frustrated and sad on their behalf. The things that they go through is unimaginable to me, but I know that it is an unfortunate reality for many others. What a testament to the courage of youth...and at the same time, what an indictment on the sad state of affairs that have been the last few decades in the United States. I think that this is a very necessary book to read, but it can also be an emotionally draining one to get through.