YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. She still had her parents and her big brother; she still had her home. She had a normal teenager’s life.

Now Salama volunteers at a hospital in Homs, helping the wounded who flood through the doors daily. Secretly, though, she is desperate to find a way out of her beloved country before her sister-in-law, Layla, gives birth. So desperate, that she has manifested a physical embodiment of her fear in the form of her imagined companion, Khawf, who haunts her every move in an effort to keep her safe.

But even with Khawf pressing her to leave, Salama is torn between her loyalty to her country and her conviction to survive. Salama must contend with bullets and bombs, military assaults, and her shifting sense of morality before she might finally breathe free. And when she crosses paths with the boy she was supposed to meet one fateful day, she starts to doubt her resolve in leaving home at all.

Soon, Salama must learn to see the events around her for what they truly are—not a war, but a revolution—and decide how she, too, will cry for Syria’s freedom.

Opening chapter is understated but captures perfectly what she’s lost and the chaos wreaked on their lives.

First quarter. This life is so chaotic, and the suffering they endure is hard to fathom. While I understand the risk of leaving, it seems wrong that some are profiteering from this desperation.

Second quarter. The friendship between Salama and Kenna offers a glimpse of how life could have been. The daily horrors of living in war are hard to read, but I’m struck by their determination to find hope where they can.

Third quarter. Oh…that I did not see coming! Had to take a moment to have a deep swallow and reset.

Karen wrote: "Opening chapter is understated but captures perfectly what she’s lost and the chaos wreaked on their lives."

Yes I really liked the opening of the book. The narrative is impactful but also very easy to read

Maisha wrote: "Karen wrote: "Opening chapter is understated but captures perfectly what she’s lost and the chaos wreaked on their lives."

Yes I really liked the opening of the book. The narrative is impactful bu..."

I hadn't heard anything about this, but it is such a powerful read.

Finished. Review on home page. Wow!