The best books are rarely the most comfortable to read
If I’m going to make my 200 book reading goal this year, I’m going to need to the books I read to NOT stop my heart and leave me hugging myself trying to physically cage my emotions while I sort out the words they’ve etched INTO MY SOUL. Mind you, that's not a complaint.
The Map of Salt and Stars is far from a “happy” story, it deals with political unrest, bombings, the meaning of displacement and being a refugee. But it also overflows with love, hope, faith, perseverance, dignity, serenity, kindness, and wonder.
If you are the type who appreciates both poetry and excellent word layouts, the poetry that heralds each new section of the book will add that little extra to the story. If you enjoy travel, you’ll be drawn to the theme of the map woven through the story. If fairytales or mythos appel to you, you will appreciate the fable that is woven around the main story.
I highly recommend this book. I recommend you start early in the day, with a box of tissues handy, because if you’re anything like me as a reader, it will fill you up with emotions, stop you in your tracks with certain turns of phrase, and refuse to let you put it down until you know the whole story.
Read if: You want your heartstrings pulled. You love a good poetry/prose combination. You want a story that feels like reality only with a better payout. You’re not looking for a potato chip read.
Warnings: War. Depictions of the effects of war (mostly non-graphic). An attempted rape scene. Injury. Deaths. Loss.
(p.s. yes, I wrote his name differently than it shows on the book cover. Because that's what his bio on twitter, goodreads and website all use.)
This Weekend’s Read
The Map of Salt and Stars ~ Zeyn Joukhadar
Zeyn Joukhadar writes like the poets that are frequently referenced in this book. The story of a girl and her family traveling from Syria and trying to find home is unflinchingly emotional. His writing style is honest, not overly wordy, yet lyrical. It lends itself perfectly to the voice of the main character, who also happens to be a synaesthete.The Map of Salt and Stars is far from a “happy” story, it deals with political unrest, bombings, the meaning of displacement and being a refugee. But it also overflows with love, hope, faith, perseverance, dignity, serenity, kindness, and wonder.
If you are the type who appreciates both poetry and excellent word layouts, the poetry that heralds each new section of the book will add that little extra to the story. If you enjoy travel, you’ll be drawn to the theme of the map woven through the story. If fairytales or mythos appel to you, you will appreciate the fable that is woven around the main story.
I highly recommend this book. I recommend you start early in the day, with a box of tissues handy, because if you’re anything like me as a reader, it will fill you up with emotions, stop you in your tracks with certain turns of phrase, and refuse to let you put it down until you know the whole story.
Read if: You want your heartstrings pulled. You love a good poetry/prose combination. You want a story that feels like reality only with a better payout. You’re not looking for a potato chip read.
Warnings: War. Depictions of the effects of war (mostly non-graphic). An attempted rape scene. Injury. Deaths. Loss.
(p.s. yes, I wrote his name differently than it shows on the book cover. Because that's what his bio on twitter, goodreads and website all use.)
Comments
Post a Comment