Jake Halpern

3.5 stars

This book actually scared me a little bit. Good job, cause that doesn't happen often in books. I really liked the atmospheric setting and the creepiness, but I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I was expecting a more tragic ending, so I'm not sure if I'm happy that it wasn't or just disappointed, kind of a little of both. A lot of it was predictable but I don't think that detracted from the creepy vibes it gives. One thing that annoyed me was the characters actions and decisions. They made some of the most stupid and ridiculous decisions, and I really just wanted to smack them several times. But overall this was an entertaining read.… (altro)

This is a graphic novel based on the true story of a refugee family from Syria, who arrive in the US the very day Trump is elected. The book developed out of a series of reporting by a journalist. The story illustrates the family’s entry in the US, the challenges of immigrating as Muslims with very little English, and the agony of leaving some family back in the Middle East, as well as the systems in place to help such families get settled. It also flashes back to the situation in Syria, the terror imposed on its people by the Assad regime, and describes the reasons the family must leave Syria. It is an enlightening story, presented with accessible illustrations.… (altro)