readwithmeemz's reviews
1329 reviews

I’ll admit, i first requested this book from netgalley because it sounded kind of ridiculous. The kind of over-the-top disaster that leads to a movie starring a former WWE wrestler. I started it this morning on my commute, and by the time i got to work, I was 43% through, and I was HOOKED. Now, i’m sobbing and blowing my nose, because although it was ridiculous in some ways - it was the best ways. Tense, action-packed, far-fetched, and oh so deeply human. Initially intended as a palate cleanser, I enjoyed this so much more than I expected. What a thrill, what a ride. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

EDIT: I’ve never done this before, but just a few days after listening to this brilliant audiobook (& the original speech) - I was given a copy of this book, and when I got home this evening, I read it again. This book is brilliant. Poignant, thought-provoking, and truly stunning. This book is a masterpiece.

“How many Palestinians need to die for one soldier to have his epiphany."

This was a brilliant work, using the lens of narrative device to frame the realities of Palestinian people, and their lives under occupation, erasure, and genocide. Initially written as a speech presented on the 20th anniversary of Edward Said's death, just a few days before October 7th, 2023. I don't want to say its eerily prescient, because the truth is, Palestinian people have been displaced, and lived under occupation and violence for over 75 years. However, it is surreal how much truer and more urgent this book feels now, almost a year to the date since the speech was given, and approaching one year of Israeli bombardment and genocide, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinian people, hundreds of Lebanese people, and the injuries, displacement, imprisonment, and traumatization of thousands. 

I listened to this as an audiobook, and that adds another dimension, as we hear excerpts from the actual speech delivered. This is short, but incredibly impactful. A truly powerful, necessary, brilliant, and beautiful work.

I received this audiobook from the publisher, through Netgalley.

Couldn’t find another way to log this book: Arrhythmia - Natalie Lim (ISBN: 9781989463130) from Rahila’s Ghost Press

I enjoyed the wide range of adjectives in this book, but I had been hoping for a bit more plot. It was well illustrated? and had a sweet message about the many things that make us us, and that make us special, but I wish there had been more story! 

I received an advanced digital copy from the publisher, through Netgalley.