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Nour's Secret Library
Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Based on the author's own life experience and inspired by a true story, Nour's Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times. Illustrations by Romanian artist Vali Mintzi superimpose the colorful world the children construct over black-and-white charcoal depictions of the battered city.
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
May 18, 2022
Quote from the author of the book in the “Author’s Note”: “Books are one of the ways people cope with disaster, war and despair. “Books are like rain,” said one of the Daraya librarians. “Whenever rain falls, things grow.” I believe that our souls need books just like our bodies need food. I hope that reading this book has fed your soul, for writing it has fed mine.”
- Wafa’ Tarnowska
- Wafa’ Tarnowska
December 17, 2024
This little book gives so much in the way of kindness, hope and friendship that it has been a pleasure to read. The idea of the community coming together and forming this secret library is nothing short of amazing. This story is based on a true story and this makes it even more powerful.
A beautiful story and lovely illustrations with hope around every page.
Many thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley or the ARC.
A beautiful story and lovely illustrations with hope around every page.
Many thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley or the ARC.
Want to read
June 13, 2024this is a picture book. idk what it's about. BUT MY NAME IS IN THE TITLE SO I'M READING IT (and not like noor, but noUr)
tysm dream 🥹🫶
tysm dream 🥹🫶
July 6, 2022
Nour and her cousin Amir must hide in the basement with their family while the Syrian civil war rages through their beloved city of Damascus. In the rubble of abandoned buildings, Amir finds books that he brings home. Amir and Nour collect so many books that they open their own secret library for the civilians of the city to enjoy. Their neighbors begin to rescue books from the war-torn streets as well, and soon they have a flourishing library. In the middle of destruction, they create something beautiful!
This was such touching and emotional story! I loved the way the story puts you right into Nour's shoes, showing her love for her family and her love for books. You really get a sense of the terror and uncertainty of living in the middle of a war. But there is also hope and light!
This book has many positive messages about the foolishness of war, and the strength of family love. Books are so important for binding people together, for finding hope in difficult times, and for bringing beauty into the world. I loved the hopeful and wise messages of this story!
The illustrations are really beautiful. The pages show vibrant colors for Nour and her family and their lovely books, but there are grays and dark shadows for the aftermath of the war. I loved the way the illustrations reflect the emotions of the story!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This was such touching and emotional story! I loved the way the story puts you right into Nour's shoes, showing her love for her family and her love for books. You really get a sense of the terror and uncertainty of living in the middle of a war. But there is also hope and light!
This book has many positive messages about the foolishness of war, and the strength of family love. Books are so important for binding people together, for finding hope in difficult times, and for bringing beauty into the world. I loved the hopeful and wise messages of this story!
The illustrations are really beautiful. The pages show vibrant colors for Nour and her family and their lovely books, but there are grays and dark shadows for the aftermath of the war. I loved the way the illustrations reflect the emotions of the story!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
December 3, 2025
Sweet Nour and her cousin Amir, both book lovers, live in Damascus. When the Syrian civil war threatens them, Amir and his friends collect abandoned books — books of every kind and even in foreign languages. Nour gets the idea to build a not-so-secret library in basement of a bombed-out apartment house, calling it Al-Fajr, or “dawn,” which would follow the current darkness. What a metaphor!
What an amazing read — and not only for children! The actual secret library that inspired this book was created in Daraya, Syria, eventually totaling 15,000 books.
Special thanks to Beverly for introducing me to this picture book.
The world of books is wonderful, Nour thought, looking at the piles of books around her. Like a galaxy full of stars. Some are shinier than others, but together they make the sky sparkle.
What an amazing read — and not only for children! The actual secret library that inspired this book was created in Daraya, Syria, eventually totaling 15,000 books.
Special thanks to Beverly for introducing me to this picture book.
March 30, 2022
I loved this book. Don't forget to read the information about libraries and the true story this book is based off of found at the back of the book.
August 12, 2023
Dreamy sketchy illustrations of a busy community in Damascus, rife with aqua and scarlet washes, create a soothing palette which provided a sheltering respite from the greys and blacks and destruction of the nearby war….just like books are, too!
Based on a true story, this children’s book tells of the young children who created a secret library by gathering over 15,000 books blown out of bombed buildings, and organizing them for knowledge and entertainment for people were forced inside during the Syrian civil war which began in 2011.
Speaks to the power of books and there can never be too many books about libraries, imo.
That said, I did find it slightly disjointed- I think in trying to capture the children’s spirit of play, the author veered too much in the ‘secret club’ aspect, where I think the risks the children took might have been a better story. Still a good story, though!
Based on a true story, this children’s book tells of the young children who created a secret library by gathering over 15,000 books blown out of bombed buildings, and organizing them for knowledge and entertainment for people were forced inside during the Syrian civil war which began in 2011.
Speaks to the power of books and there can never be too many books about libraries, imo.
That said, I did find it slightly disjointed- I think in trying to capture the children’s spirit of play, the author veered too much in the ‘secret club’ aspect, where I think the risks the children took might have been a better story. Still a good story, though!
November 11, 2024
Inspired by true events during the Syrian war, but it also based from writers experiences itself.
The library named Al-Fajr, which means “dawn” in Arabic, because they hoped for a new dawn after so many dark nights.
The writer found herself hiding in a basement for several months with her family to stay safe from bombs. (There are twelves families at the basement)
“Reading keeps everyone’s minds busy”
“Books dont fight with each other like people do”
The library named Al-Fajr, which means “dawn” in Arabic, because they hoped for a new dawn after so many dark nights.
The writer found herself hiding in a basement for several months with her family to stay safe from bombs. (There are twelves families at the basement)
“Reading keeps everyone’s minds busy”
“Books dont fight with each other like people do”
Read
January 16, 2024Cute, except I only realised when I got to the end that the illustrator is a Zionist who 'immigrated' to Jerusalem in the 1980s.
February 5, 2025
When civil war breaks out in Syria in 2011 two friends begin gathering books from the ruins of their city to create a library in a bombed out basement. It becomes the best kept secret in town. A wonderful look at a true story of the importance of books and the courage of young people.
December 20, 2021
Set in Daraya, and based on a real events in Syria, as well as the author's own life in Lebanon, this 32 page early elementary and up story does an amazing job of showing relatable childhood adventures and ingenuity shining through even in the most horrific of environments. The book is inspiring and warm, but the backdrop of war is very much present. Some young children may be bothered by the images and text, while others will benefit from understanding the humanity that is affected by such violence. I know the book says the pages are not final, but I wanted to put it out to help drum up interest. I feel this story would best work in intimate settings where discussion, compassion, and gratitude can all intuitively transpire.
Nour's best friend is her cousin Amir, they love to read and imagine adventure and secret societies. As their dream to create a secret club, complete with a secret password and handshake, for them and their friends starts to come to fruition, war arrives first.
Families are forced to seek shelter away from the bullets at night in their basements, and only are allowed to venture out when absolutely necessary. Every time Amir goes out, he collects any books he finds, and encourages his friends to do the same.
They begin sorting the books, and trying to decide what to do with them, when Nour has an idea to create a secret library. Everyone pitches in when an empty, half destroyed basement is located, and the books are moved and set up on discarded planks of wood. A boy next door is entrusted with the secret handshake and becomes the deputy librarian.
As word spreads, everyone from boys and girls to soldiers and rescuers, collect books to stock the shelves and checkout books to keep their minds busy. The library, named Fajr, is open every day from morning to evening and closed during Jummah. It becomes the city's best kept secret and a source of hope for the community.
There are references at the back that tell about the true story of the Secret Library in Syria, the author's memories of hiding in the basement in Lebanon, a glossary of terms, information about Syria, the illustrator's research, information about the war, and famous libraries in the Middle East.
Nour's best friend is her cousin Amir, they love to read and imagine adventure and secret societies. As their dream to create a secret club, complete with a secret password and handshake, for them and their friends starts to come to fruition, war arrives first.
Families are forced to seek shelter away from the bullets at night in their basements, and only are allowed to venture out when absolutely necessary. Every time Amir goes out, he collects any books he finds, and encourages his friends to do the same.
They begin sorting the books, and trying to decide what to do with them, when Nour has an idea to create a secret library. Everyone pitches in when an empty, half destroyed basement is located, and the books are moved and set up on discarded planks of wood. A boy next door is entrusted with the secret handshake and becomes the deputy librarian.
As word spreads, everyone from boys and girls to soldiers and rescuers, collect books to stock the shelves and checkout books to keep their minds busy. The library, named Fajr, is open every day from morning to evening and closed during Jummah. It becomes the city's best kept secret and a source of hope for the community.
There are references at the back that tell about the true story of the Secret Library in Syria, the author's memories of hiding in the basement in Lebanon, a glossary of terms, information about Syria, the illustrator's research, information about the war, and famous libraries in the Middle East.
April 21, 2022
Wow, this is a really powerful story about the impact of war on children and the resilience in community to live for something better than destruction and death. The book, which is inspired by a real story of a secret library created in Daraya southwest of Damascus, deals with the realities of war in an age-appropriate way. The fears and harsh realities are not shied away from, but nor are they use as a mere plot point to frighten children. The backdrop serves as the truth and the inspiration the young people in the story have to create a secret library in a basement, saving whatever books they can, is incredible and inspiring. I think children reading this will take home some important messages about the true value of things and how people can come together in dark times. You are never alone on Earth.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my own.
April 2, 2024
War does is horrible, and it is horrible when it comes to you. In this picture book, based on a true story, Nour and her cousin, Amir, who have to take refuge in a basement when the fighting comes to Damascus.
It is boring to be in a basement, and so Amir, while he is going getting bread, noticed discarded books, and so decides to collect them. He and his friends help, and then they find a basement no one is using, and set up a library there. They open it to people in the neighborhood, and people come to read and look up things.
There is no happy ending to this book. The war in Syria is still going on.
But this is a sweet story of what children do to survive during times of war.
Thanks to Netgalley and Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.
It is boring to be in a basement, and so Amir, while he is going getting bread, noticed discarded books, and so decides to collect them. He and his friends help, and then they find a basement no one is using, and set up a library there. They open it to people in the neighborhood, and people come to read and look up things.
There is no happy ending to this book. The war in Syria is still going on.
But this is a sweet story of what children do to survive during times of war.
Thanks to Netgalley and Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
This was such a beautiful story of finding solace in books during the war. The art was amazing and I love the themes this tackled.
June 1, 2024
Nour's Secret Library is based on true events of a group of children creating a secret, underground library in the basement of a building in the town of Daraya southwest of Damascus during the Syrian Civil War in 2011. Nour and her cousin Amir are starting their own secret society, but the war comes to their neighbourhood and they must stay inside, spending their nights in basements. When the fighting stops, Amir goes out to find food and along the way finds books in the rubble. He and his friends collect them and bring them to his house. Nour and him clean them up and open a "Secret Library" in the basement of an abandoned building. Everyone, including rescuers, parents and children use the library while waiting for the civil war to end.
This is a book that teaches the basics of what it was like for children during the Syrian Civil War. The power of books is often a huge part of life for civilians during wartime, and this one shows how children could start this type of past time. At the end of the book, there are basic facts about the Syrian Civil War, life in the area, famous libraries in Syria and the real "Secret Library" this book is based on. The illustrations are well done and add to the story itself. I did not read this one to my grandkids, but I think this is a great book for schools to teach about some of these areas, as well as acceptance of immigrants from Syria and an understanding about what they might have lived through.
This is a book that teaches the basics of what it was like for children during the Syrian Civil War. The power of books is often a huge part of life for civilians during wartime, and this one shows how children could start this type of past time. At the end of the book, there are basic facts about the Syrian Civil War, life in the area, famous libraries in Syria and the real "Secret Library" this book is based on. The illustrations are well done and add to the story itself. I did not read this one to my grandkids, but I think this is a great book for schools to teach about some of these areas, as well as acceptance of immigrants from Syria and an understanding about what they might have lived through.
March 23, 2025
The children talked to their books and their books listened to them. Their secret library had become a safe port in a sea of war. The hope it brought carried them from the darkness of destruction into a bright new dawn.
This is a beautiful picture book about two young cousins living in war-torn Damascus, who literally pull books out of rubble to create community, escapism, solace, and conviction that all kinds of stories are important, including their own.
The end has lots of great info: facts about Syria and famous Middle Eastern libraries, a glossary and map, and notes from the author and illustrator about true events that inspired the text. Tarnowska's last paragraph in her author's note is especially excellent.
For fans of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine, Love in the Library, and Sugar in Milk.
This is a beautiful picture book about two young cousins living in war-torn Damascus, who literally pull books out of rubble to create community, escapism, solace, and conviction that all kinds of stories are important, including their own.
The end has lots of great info: facts about Syria and famous Middle Eastern libraries, a glossary and map, and notes from the author and illustrator about true events that inspired the text. Tarnowska's last paragraph in her author's note is especially excellent.
For fans of Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine, Love in the Library, and Sugar in Milk.
April 15, 2024
A lot of people, including me, truly believe that books can help people during the tough times, including war. I have read a couple of stories (both fiction and non-fiction) of how books saved people during different wars. This was my first illustrated one and I think such a beautiful book that came to me thanks to NetGalley and Barefoot Books.
Nour’s Secret Library is a true story inspired by young people in Damascus who rescued books from being destroyed during the Syrian War. The story revolves aorund a girl named Nour and her cousin Amir, who start rescuing books from destroyed / abandoned homes during the war against their city and start alibrary in a basement. The library eventually becomes a space for people to come together, read and be a part of a community.
The story is so hopeful, especially when there are multiple wars going on around us even today. The illustrations by Vali Mintzi are gorgeous! They use vibrant and bright colours when talking about Nour, Amir and their activities which is in complete contrast with the grey illustrations that portray the war.
I think this is such a nice book to read for children (or if you are an adult who doesn’t scoff at children’s books) just to make them see the magic of books or any kind acts.
Nour’s Secret Library is a true story inspired by young people in Damascus who rescued books from being destroyed during the Syrian War. The story revolves aorund a girl named Nour and her cousin Amir, who start rescuing books from destroyed / abandoned homes during the war against their city and start alibrary in a basement. The library eventually becomes a space for people to come together, read and be a part of a community.
The story is so hopeful, especially when there are multiple wars going on around us even today. The illustrations by Vali Mintzi are gorgeous! They use vibrant and bright colours when talking about Nour, Amir and their activities which is in complete contrast with the grey illustrations that portray the war.
I think this is such a nice book to read for children (or if you are an adult who doesn’t scoff at children’s books) just to make them see the magic of books or any kind acts.
December 29, 2024
“Books don’t fight with each other like people do.” is one of the best quotes I've read in a while especially in such a serious and emotional book. This book is set during a war and the fact that two children start a secret library that brings the community together during such a tragic time is uplifting and shows that communities will come together when there is a need to come together.
I absolutely love that at the end of the book you get the historical facts that inspired the book and that you get to learn about Syria and the author and illustrator. It's always nice to see historical or nonfiction stuff in a fiction book that was inspired by true events.
I feel like this is a middle grade book and that every school should have a copy of this book for the children to learn about working together during tough situations or events.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I absolutely love that at the end of the book you get the historical facts that inspired the book and that you get to learn about Syria and the author and illustrator. It's always nice to see historical or nonfiction stuff in a fiction book that was inspired by true events.
I feel like this is a middle grade book and that every school should have a copy of this book for the children to learn about working together during tough situations or events.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
March 30, 2024
Short stories are often those with the biggest messages. Nour's Secret Library is a great reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always some light and something to look forward to. This is a beautiful story about the power of books and everything written between their covers. Illustrations that follow the story just amplified my emotions towards it. This book is a great choice for the youngest, but also for everyone older because it is always good to remind ourselves in what world we are living and what are still true values we should appraise.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher on the opportunity to be one of the 1st readers of this sweet book.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher on the opportunity to be one of the 1st readers of this sweet book.
September 17, 2023
"Books don't fight with each other like people do."
Just a few short pages but a beautiful and impactful read nonetheless. The illustrations lend so much to the story, blues and reds painting a vivid picture of fantasy and fear somehow intertwined. The historical notes at the back of the book might be my favorite part. Don't skip those pages or the author's/illustrator's notes.
Just a few short pages but a beautiful and impactful read nonetheless. The illustrations lend so much to the story, blues and reds painting a vivid picture of fantasy and fear somehow intertwined. The historical notes at the back of the book might be my favorite part. Don't skip those pages or the author's/illustrator's notes.
January 10, 2023
Will appeal to older kids who also enjoy secret handshakes and clubs with their friends, but who are perhaps less familiar with what is like to live in a city at war.
February 24, 2023
Excellent childrens book.
May 22, 2024
Book 101 of 300 ~ 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book made me choke up.
Based on some of the author's personal experiences as well as the story of the real secret library, the story is brought to life through the well thought out artwork of the illustrator as well.
Ensure that you read about the facts, etc, at the end of the book. I see why this won so many awards, and given what is happening in the world today, this will move even the hardest hearts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book101of300 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book made me choke up.
Based on some of the author's personal experiences as well as the story of the real secret library, the story is brought to life through the well thought out artwork of the illustrator as well.
Ensure that you read about the facts, etc, at the end of the book. I see why this won so many awards, and given what is happening in the world today, this will move even the hardest hearts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book101of300 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookchallenge2024 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
September 3, 2023
De schrijfster zegt
Boeken zijn als regen”, zei de bibliothecaris. Als er regen valt, beginnen dingen te groeien.”
En verder hoef je niets meer te zeggen.
Boeken zijn als regen”, zei de bibliothecaris. Als er regen valt, beginnen dingen te groeien.”
En verder hoef je niets meer te zeggen.
January 10, 2024
So glad I found this book; I wanted to hug it. The messages within are so important today with mis/disinformation and two wars filling much of the airwaves, and the illustrations are gorgeous. Another uplifting story about information literacy!
April 23, 2024
Nour’s Secret Library is a children’s book about a young girl and her cousin during the Syrian Civil War. They make a secret library in an abandoned building. This story is based on true events as well.
This was a great story that highlights the Syrian Civil War and the importance of books. I loved the story and the illustrations. I also liked the authors note and the real story in the back as well.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Barefoot Books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was a great story that highlights the Syrian Civil War and the importance of books. I loved the story and the illustrations. I also liked the authors note and the real story in the back as well.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Barefoot Books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 8, 2022
Nour lives in Damascus, a city she loves and which lives up to the meaning of its name, which is often described as "fragrant". She and her cousin Amir love rambling around the city, and wish to have a secret club that would meet in the storeroom of Nour's father's bakery. When the war comes to their neighborhood, they hide in a nearby basement. The fighting wears on, and they spend many nights hiding in the basement, although there is some time during the day when people can go out for more supplies. Buildings are destroyed, and things are very difficult. Nour notices that books help people pass the time, and starts to pick up books that she sees spilling out of abandoned buildings or lying on the street. Soon, her family's home is filled with them, and her parents want to know her plan. She and Amir put together a secret library in the basement of a damaged building that still has some people living in the upper floors. The word spreads about this precious resource, and soon they have a large number of people using their collection for all kinds of reasons; finding medical information, teaching children, or reading to forget the horrors of war. Books, after all, "don't fight with each other like people do".
Good Points
This timely tale also includes information about Syria and Aleppo at the end of the book, as well as information about famous libraries through history. There is an author's note that informs us that this book is based on the real life library that children put together in Syria.
The illustrations are rendered in beautiful shades of teals, browns, and reds, and the illustrator does an interesting job of playing with the saturation of these tones to indicate whether the moods and settings are dark or light. The prewar pictures have a lot of white space on the page, with light colors of teal, and the basement features very dark colors of it. This was very striking. There is an impressionist feel to the pictures, and the roughly done lines give a feeling of motion to the pictures.
It's good to see Nour and Amir's life before the war, and with what is currently going on in Syria and now Ukraine, this is an excellent book to introduce what children go through during times of war to young readers, but also shows the resiliciency and hope of the young.
There are a lot of picture books about libraries and reading, but not as many that show libraries set up during wartime situations. Stamaky's Alia's Mission gives a graphic novel treatment to a similar setting in Iraq. This is a great book to pair with Tokuda-Hall's Love in the Library, which covers a library that was created in a Japanese internment camp, and has a similar feeling of hope. Tate's William Still and His Freedom Stories also would be a good companion for this one, and talks about the power of words during the time of the Underground Railroad in the US.
Good Points
This timely tale also includes information about Syria and Aleppo at the end of the book, as well as information about famous libraries through history. There is an author's note that informs us that this book is based on the real life library that children put together in Syria.
The illustrations are rendered in beautiful shades of teals, browns, and reds, and the illustrator does an interesting job of playing with the saturation of these tones to indicate whether the moods and settings are dark or light. The prewar pictures have a lot of white space on the page, with light colors of teal, and the basement features very dark colors of it. This was very striking. There is an impressionist feel to the pictures, and the roughly done lines give a feeling of motion to the pictures.
It's good to see Nour and Amir's life before the war, and with what is currently going on in Syria and now Ukraine, this is an excellent book to introduce what children go through during times of war to young readers, but also shows the resiliciency and hope of the young.
There are a lot of picture books about libraries and reading, but not as many that show libraries set up during wartime situations. Stamaky's Alia's Mission gives a graphic novel treatment to a similar setting in Iraq. This is a great book to pair with Tokuda-Hall's Love in the Library, which covers a library that was created in a Japanese internment camp, and has a similar feeling of hope. Tate's William Still and His Freedom Stories also would be a good companion for this one, and talks about the power of words during the time of the Underground Railroad in the US.
January 25, 2024
A heartbreaking story of two cousins who, instead of creating their secret adventure group as they planned, create a secret library with books found in the debris of war-torn Damascus.
Not recommended for storytime due to the content.
Not recommended for storytime due to the content.
April 2, 2024
loved this!!! it felt like a ray of light in the darkness!! books do that to people 🥺 and i absolutely loved the art. colourfull 🌷✨❤️🌼🌿
Nour sighed. "I guess reading keeps everyone's minds busy," she said. "Books don't fight with each other like people do."
thanks to netgalley and publisher for copy!
Nour sighed. "I guess reading keeps everyone's minds busy," she said. "Books don't fight with each other like people do."
thanks to netgalley and publisher for copy!
November 2, 2022
This picture book has amazing ambitions and shines a brilliant light on the power of books & reading. In addition to the story itself, there are brief, helpful sections titled About Syria (with a map), Glossary, 8 Famous Libraries of the Middle East, The Real Secret Library, and Culture and War as well as an author’s note and an illustrator’s note.
The ambition was five-star worthy: stories about the importance of books & stories fostering empathy are always needed, now more than ever. I know I’m in the minority here but, I feel, the book’s execution lacked the same five-star quality. I felt like it was too verbose with an abrupt ending. Toward the end, a boy named Amjad was added to the narrative and it seemed superfluous.
The ambition was five-star worthy: stories about the importance of books & stories fostering empathy are always needed, now more than ever. I know I’m in the minority here but, I feel, the book’s execution lacked the same five-star quality. I felt like it was too verbose with an abrupt ending. Toward the end, a boy named Amjad was added to the narrative and it seemed superfluous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews