I truly enjoyed this book. It takes place in Mosul during the two and a half years that ISIS occupied the city. While this non-fiction book is marketed as the story of how one man saved the Mosul Zoo, it is much more than that. It is a window into a war zone and how people can survive against insurmountable odds. Abu Laith is an intriguing character, full of life, quick to anger, and harbors an unconditional love of animals. With the help of other animal lovers, he is able to complete an almost impossible task. In my opinion, however, the zoo and it's animals aren't the focal point of this true story. Even more compelling are the lives of the people living in Mosul. Constantly fearful, with death all around them, they make sacrifices and decisions that no one should ever be faced with. In the midst of such violence and hate, they find humor, love, and beauty. At points heartbreaking and horrific, this book is also full of hope.