Worth the Read discussion

Let us know what you think about this novel as you progress. Remember, please include SPOILER at the beginning of your post if you are including spoilers.

I just started reading this book yesterday and I'm looking forward to enjoying it with others in this group.

I couldn't put this book down. It was moving and inspirational.

I am about halfway through the book and am captivated by the all of the characters and their experiences during this terrible The author's excellent descriptions of the setting

Just finished... I read this book in 2 weeks which is excellent for me. I loved living this experience through the eyes of a young child... Talk about heart wrenching!
Looking forward to book #2

Another tragic era that goes relatively under history's radar. This deeply personal,although fictionalized, account opened my eyes to the terror these people lived in the killing fields. So often revolution is started by lofty even idealistic goals and steamrolled by the sadistic.How this child maintained her sanity (as well as her humanity) and survived - no THRIVED to tell the tale is a tribute to the strength of her ability to cling to the magic of her fathers legacy. The afterword was as powerful as the novel.(less)

Kathy, I too am amazed how this tragic story can be so obscure in our history! This book was moving to me and makes you realize how blessed we are to have our freedom. How these children and adults were able to survive these horrific circumstances is amazing.

This book opened my eyes to the horrors that occurred in our not so distant past. I was surprised about how much I did NOT know about what happened in Cambodia. This novel tells the story of the human spirit and how hard we fight to stay alive and overcome such atrocities. Also, I could definitely connect with the Rammi's mother. Moms will do whatever necessary for their children's livelihood.
Great read!

I thought this was an incredible book in many ways. It tells the story of an important historical even that most of us know way too little about (and something that continues to happen over and over around our world). It shows the power of stories to get us through both the difficult times and the wonderful times of life. It had lines that made me stop and ponder before I could go on reading (even without the book here in front of me I can still recall them… "I am not a poet, but the daughter of a poet and I see the world through my father's words."…. "We are all echoes of one another"… "Words give you wings."). And somehow in a book that was heavy, there was incredible hope in the story. I really loved this book and think it was a great first pick for Worth the Read.

I was thoroughly surprised at how little I knew about these events in Cambodia. It is always a reminder of what freedom is like and the opportunities that we have. What strength and determination the spirit does contain. Loved this book.

What a beautifully written, poignant tale of love and loss and resilience. The parallels to the author's own personal journey make it an even more compelling read. Definitely worth the read.

This beautifully written novel, based on the author's experiences during the devastating regime of the Khmer Rouge in the '70's, opened my eyes and heart up to the Cambodian people. Vaddey Ratner's excellent story telling ability brought this sad period of time, and the kindness and brutality of the human race, alive for me in a way that documentaries haven't.

I was expecting to like this book, because it has mostly received great reviews, but this book is definitely not my favorite.

Any dramatic story told from a child's perspective is always humbling, but I was so bored with the fluff in this book (although beautifully written fluff) that I couldn't finish it.

Hooked with first sentence of first chapter. Like candy.

Finally finished. I knew very little about this horrific part of history in Cambodia. Great book. Difficult to read emotionally and hard to completely understand how anyone survived during this awful time period. Glad I read it.

I felt the same way, Kristal - had a difficult time reading it but was glad I had read it afterwards. Has anyone read A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry about a similarly difficult period in India in the 1970s? I found that story more grim, if that's possible, and without the hope found in this book. Masterfully written, though, and again so glad that I read it.

Every time I read a book like this, I realize how fortunate I am. We do not determine where we will be born or the circumstances into which we are born. Vaddey Radner overcame tragedy time and time again, then went on to memorialize her family with her writing. What an uplifting story in the midst of tragedy.