Khadeeja Ahmed

I read this over a few weeks, slowly and in bits, trying to fit it into a busy schedule at work and at home. But I became excited every chance i stole to read this. I love the way Gaiman writes - the prose is as if it is written for children/young teenager, but the way it is written, it's more approrpiate for an adult readership. I enjoy fantasy in general, so I find his books to be quite easy and engaging reads.

What a poignant read this was. There's a push and pull going on in the story - the reality of our protagonist is that he's an outsider, but he keeps falling for the idea that he may, one day, become an insider. For those of us who've migrated to the West, this story hits home. It's as relevant today, as powerful governments protect other nations carrying out genocide, as it was in the post 9/11 world. The subtext of racism present throughout the book, and the allure of the Western dream that had once enraptured so many of us, are all too familiar experiences these days now matter where you go.

While this book shows a glimpse of the bigger picture, it is still a very human story and remains a page turner to the end - where I wish there was a page or two more to provide some closure.

Absolutely timeless. So many times where I was just in awe of how well some of the musings were applicable to modern life (e.g., “Let us he elegant or die!”). An inspirational, emotional, and heartwarming story of family, friendship, self-discovery, self-assurance, and so much more. I loved it.

An English translation of an originally Japanese work, it reads a lot like a children's book, but is filled with a profundity that I couldn't help but admire. Perhaps it is the translation that gives it the child-like character, perhaps the work is meant to be like that, I do not know, but I was caught utterly by surprise with this book's ability to make me think about life, love, failure, loss, and acceptance of harsh truths, in the way that it did. The straightforward and unsubtle manner in which everything was put forth makes this book different, but what makes it remarkable is that this particular manner of writing could not rob the book of its efficacy.