zeitfensterr's reviews
65 reviews

quick summary: 
Sami and his Baba (granddad) have survived a long journey from Afghanistan to America after his parents died in an attack by the Taliban. But one item has the power to remind them of the good times in their country of origin — their Rubab, an instrument they have carried along on their whole journey. However, while playing it on the streets with his Baba in order to gain some money, a stranger suddenly steals it and with the instrument a piece of home and happiness. Sami only has a few days to find the stolen Rubab, but luckily there are plenty of people that try their best to help. On his way new friendships surge and he slowly learns to feel more at home in this new country. 

Edit: I have reflected a little upon my review and I think the book is not very up to date. A book about the situation in Afghanistan should definitely mention the lack of women rights and certain regulations. 
But as a book about immigration, integration, friendship and hope this is still good I believe. 

review: 
I LOVE this book. 
It's SO, SO CUTE. 
My little sister has recommended it to me and even though she has told me the whole plot in detail while doing so, I decided to read it. And it was so, so good, even going in with all of that knowledge :( 

THE CHARACTERS. AND THEIR BONDS. This book featured such a wide cast of characters with diverse characteristic traits as well as cultures. I loved the portrayal of friendship, Dans and Samis dynamic and the way they all support each other :(. I also adore Hamidas dad (I think??) and Mr. Lincoln, the professor, so much. And Layla.

I don't even know what to say anymore, this book was just full of love, support and friendship and definitely dealt with super important topics, such as racism, migration (and the dangerous journey behind it), terrorism and trauma :( 

This book is obviously written for kids, but it's done so well and had such a heartwarming effect on me :(( I definitely do recommend it to every age group!! 

Oh, how I love this book. 
 From the way I adore the characters, to the incredible writing style, straight to Ann Liang as an author. From the vivid imagery, the lively and compelling descriptions, over to all of the heartwarming details, all of these depictions of love and care. The puns and jokes and witty remarks, as well as the critique and social study. A book full of easily comprehensible complexity, full of emotion, and especially full of that feeling of finally finding home. 

 I have felt so at home with Henry, with Chanel, with Alice's parents and Xiaoyi. 
 And with Alice, of course.

But oh my god, THE FOOD. It sounded so incredibly yummy, that I felt extremely hungry at some points and it had awakened a severe craving of chinese food— I think the book being set in China was super interesting tho, it was super interesting to read about that! Especially in combination with Alice's migrational background :). 

Thank you, Ann Liang. 
 I'm so proud of her for writing such a magnificent debut novel and I am looking forward toward reading more of her work!