I enjoyed this book. It had an interesting premise. I loved reading about Iraq and its clear the author has a love for Baghdad and the people. The also author has a unique and beautiful style that brings the setting to life. My one thought was to shorten the beginning of the book. It took a loooong time to build to action that made me want to read without putting it down. Then, by the time we hit that stride, the book ends. I'd like to have had more information about what happened to Juda, Raina, and Alley. Did the stay friends? It feels like the promise at the beginning of the book was friendship and I wish that was more clearly defined at the end, especially for Huda and Alley. Also I would have liked more details about how things played out between Alley and Tom. For me the end felt rushed and a bit unsatisfying. The author spent an immense amount of talent and effort building the story to have it rush to conclusion.