Helpful Score: 1
OMG! I assumed, since I'd seen or read all about these foreign dump communities where toddlers and pregnant woman were forced to scavenge for junk to sell to feed the family, or maybe to find a few t-shirts to cover the babies, a sheet for a roof, a pot to cook in etc., that this would be a book of agonies. I did not want to read of yet more of the agonies of poverty, to feel guilty because I could buy designer toilet paper. But I wanted the book off my shelf, and as long as I started it, I could quit it early on. It would have had its chance.
This book was nothing like that, though it was clearly shown the poverty and down-troddenness of the people, the dying babies. There was love, such deep love, and redemption in the tormented emotional life of one of the main characters, the fulfillment and rewards for the striving friends, spouses, families. And humor. Once again a male author writes females as if he has lived as such before, and he has such a knack with words that you are suddenly laughing at a mere phrase that he tacked on to something tragic.
I loved this book.
This book was nothing like that, though it was clearly shown the poverty and down-troddenness of the people, the dying babies. There was love, such deep love, and redemption in the tormented emotional life of one of the main characters, the fulfillment and rewards for the striving friends, spouses, families. And humor. Once again a male author writes females as if he has lived as such before, and he has such a knack with words that you are suddenly laughing at a mere phrase that he tacked on to something tragic.
I loved this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book the use if words was beautiful. It really made you think about what literature means to each of us. And how literacy can change lives.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book! The story of hope and grace and everyday life comes alive. It also shows the power of books and how literature is so magical.
I loved it!! One of my new favorites, for sure. There are real photographs of the characters which made the story much more touching and real, though the author explains, that this particular story, is still fiction. The story could be true though. It was easy to read and difficult to put down and I found myself losing track of time as I read :)
My 10 year old is starting to hate school and was whining about having to read for homework, so I seized the opportunity to tell her about this book and help her to see what a blessing, what a gift, the ability to read really is. It was awesome!
My 10 year old is starting to hate school and was whining about having to read for homework, so I seized the opportunity to tell her about this book and help her to see what a blessing, what a gift, the ability to read really is. It was awesome!
