pickI read this book in 2 days. It was captivating and incredibly moving. The human spirit is so strong and even under conditions that are impossible to imagine, the mind can find peace. Amanda and Nigel went through a horrific kidnapping and this story describes Amanda‘s experiences which brought me to tears on several occasions. The forgiveness and compassion she showed was truly inspiring and I will reflect back on this story in my day to day life.
pickA well-written, informative, & interesting coming-of-age memoir about a Somali girl, spanning from her childhood with her nomadic grandmother, life in the city with her family, escaping during the civil war to Kenya & then Canada, & finally growing into a young adult who honored her culture & ancestry while also choosing to embrace parts of her new home. It‘s part heartbreaking, part educational, & all inspiring.
#ReadtheWorld2025 #Somalia
(2022) Sharp poems on hard subjects, by a Somali-British poet. These poems touch on the refugee experience, domestic violence, and complicated family relationships. They will break your heart.
pickMy dad passed on his love of coffee table books to me, especially the ones about food, homes, and travel. This one beautifully sums up all three.
This is on my to-buy list now! 🥙
pickA strange story of a boy growing up in late 1970s Somalia, and after being passed from his adopted mother to his wealthier aunt and uncle, must choose between the university and fighting in the insurgency against Ethiopia. His mother is originally from Ethiopia, making for some interesting dynamics where the person he is closest to is identified as 'the enemy'. Weirder still is how the close quarters of their housing affects their relationship 👇
picknonfiction - published in 2020. This National Book Award Finalist shares the real-life experience of Omar Mohamed, a Somali refugee who lives with his younger brother in a camp in Kenya. When Omar gets the opportunity to attend school, he knows it‘s his chance to create a better life for them. This graphic novel gives readers a peek into a refugee‘s life, challenges, and hope.
This time a Somali chicken stew that was fabuloso! Husband asked for it to be put in regular rotation. #Mtcookbook
pickWhen looking for books for #FoodAndLit for Botswana this month, I came across this graphic novel. Once I started reading, I realized it has nothing to do with Botswana at all, but is a graphic novel about 2 Somalian boys who live in a refugee camp in Kenya. A happy mistake I guess because it‘s a true story about the struggles of growing up in a refugee camp & the longing to escape to a better life in another country. Heartbreaking & well done.5⭐️
Time spent reading yesterday: 7 hours = 70 points x‘s 7 for 6 readathons = 490 points.
#HauntedShelf
#FrightClub
#31by31
#Witchathon
#Spookoween
#BirthdayBashReadathon
#GNreadathon
#ReadAway2024
As with many of the books we‘ve read so far, I have really enjoyed the authors‘ portrayal of characters‘ lives and circumstances. For example, in this book, the illustrations and dialogue helped the reader infer that Jeri‘s father was abusive. This, along with many other books we‘ve read, can be really helpful when teaching and discussing inferences.
