Exit West - Moshin Hamid 5/5

[Nicole D.]

Our shadow panel reviews
https://thereadersroom.org/2017/08/23...

Talk about a book for our time. Like, literally right now, in the wake of Charlottesville. This is a book about many things; religion, race, tolerance, intolerance, love, hate, passivity, activity, survival, friendship, loss.

The writing is a bit staccato but fantastic, and my Kindle copy is filled with highlights. Complex ideas, clearly stated. There’s a part about African Americans and their “nativeness” to the US. The author says … “While this layer of nativeness was not vast in proportion to the rest, it had vast importance, for society had been shaped in reaction to it, and unspeakable violence had occurred in relation to it, and yet it endured, fertile….”

I am a very literal person, which is weird because I’m also super sarcastic, and those two things don’t seem to meld. That’s incidental, but I mention it because I know I missed some of the symbolism in this book. Regardless, I was enriched by the experience of reading it and found the love story perfect(ly flawed) and moving; tender and sweet.

Loved it. I feel pretty certain this will be a shortlist book.

“We are all migrants through time.”

[Amy]

So many rave reviews! I'm reading this one next week, for a book club on September 10. I really can't wait to join in this discussion.

[Booknblues]

It will definitely make my favorites list this year.

[Susie]

It will make my top ten for the year for sure. I'm glad you loved it too.

[Ladyslott]

I really liked it, but something about it fell a little short for me, so I rated it 4 stars.

[Joi]

I bet this will make PBT top 10 this year.

[Amy]

I already know a few books that will. I think my top 10 list is going to look a lot like everybody else's. I think we'll see the Nix, Exit West, and the Alice Network. Those who didn't read Small great things or Gentleman in Moscow last year might submit for this year. I think we might see Beartown, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things and Orphans Tale might get a nod or two. Definitely will from me. Americanah might too. My list is vast. Know what seems to be 5 starred all over the feeds in the last 24-48 hours? If the Creek Don't Rise. That just moved up my list. I also think people are reading We are the Lucky Ones. These are some of my predictions. Halfway through Big Magic and stuck in an airport with two kids between flights. But next book for me, and in my carry on, is Exit West. I'm ready to join the party and wave.