BOTM for March is When Stars are Scattered

[Jemima]

Your book for March is When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson.

I hope you can get hold of the book within a reasonable timescale - mine's on order from the library.

When you've read it, let us know what you thought of it, and join in discussing other people's comments, too.

Remember: Respect, tolerance, good vibes, support, and great reads!

If you want to talk about a plot point (a spoiler for people yet to read it), you can put the word 'spoiler' enclosed in arrow brackets at the start of your comment, and then put '/spoiler' in arrow brackets at the end.
That will show the link 'spoiler' in your comment, but anyone wanting to read it can click and get the bit you've posted.

(view spoiler)[See what I mean? (hide spoiler)]

Enjoy!

[Susan]

I just finished the book. It is the first graphic novel I have read and I wasn't sure I would like the style, but I found myself very involved in the story and the characters. Very realistic in the problems faced by refugees and the difficulties of their life, but also with hope. It made it all the more meaningful knowing it is a true story. It made me think about how I would react if I had to face such challenges. Excellent read and a story that needed to be told.

[Maranda]

Great read. I like how they spent some time talking about the inequalities girls and women face, even among already disadvantaged refugees. Refugees already have it bad, but female refugees have it even worse.

[Jemima]

Mine is at the library. Now to get it into my living room!

[SaraKat]

This book was wonderful! I enjoy graphic novels already and this one had such a great illustrator and a compelling, true story. I learned a lot about a situation and a culture that I didn't know much about. I am glad we chose this one to read and I am humbled by the perseverance and effort that these people must have to survive. The unfairness of the refugee women's situations was hard to read about even amidst the general unfairness of life for everyone.

[Jennifer]

I finally got my copy from the library in the form of an audiobook and listened to it today. Even having heard other stories about Somalian refugees, especially the stories of children, it never ceases to pull on the heartstrings.

This story is no different. I definitely liked how the story touched on so many of the issues that refugees face, from food insecurity, limited access to education (especially for girls), and the length of time it can take to process the resettlement for refugees.

While I listened to the audiobook this time, I hope to be able to read a copy of the graphic novel for the illustrations.

[Janice]

I agree with everyone's comments. It is a difficult topic to read about and I learned so much more than I thought I knew. Looking forward to reading more books like this.

[Jemima]

I'm going to echo SaraKat - this book is wonderful! I didn't know how I'd react to the graphic novel format, but I enjoyed it, and felt it added to the atmosphere, and the sense of time passing with nothing happening.

The part where Omar is interviewed and has to tell his story is particularly well done, with a sort of sand-screen fading it into the past. Heart-rending, but very suitable for all ages.

[J.S.]

Another great book to open my eyes to struggles around the world. After listening to When Stars are Scattered, I have a new appreciation for the hardships refugees face in refugee camps. Tears wet my eyes numerous times during the story.