Welcome to Litsy!

I read this for a book club, & while it was not something I would have picked up on my own, it was definitely a powerful & memorable read. Yusra Mardini was 17 & a competitive swimmer in Syria when the war started and she lost her home. She and her sister Sara made the long journey to Berlin via Istanbul, including a perilous trip by dinghy from Izmir to the Greek island of Lesbos. A poignant and sadly necessary reminder that refugees are people.

Objectively an inspiring story, but the simplistic writing style did not engage me at all. It read like an emotionless recounting of facts more reminiscent of a school essay than memoir. There is no distinct narrative voice, the word choice was limited, likely because English is not her first language, but there are resources to help with that if I saw the word "grin" one more time I was ready to screeeeaaaam!

The friendly font doesn't make the "$5 per day" any less foreboding. I think it's because it's held "on reserve" by the university library, i.e. for a class or other designated group (a committee in this case) so people requesting it typically have a specific purpose rather than general reading.

The story is interesting, but not allways as balanced as I‘d like. Sadly enough it started to get boring after some time as it was a lot about ‘me‘ (while saying at the same time it was not about her). My main objection: not very well written. I really wanted to like it more...

The story of an inspirational young woman overcoming hardship and danger to reach her dream. Her bravery, determination and strength are humbling. Her positive attitude in the face of life threatening circumstances was incredible. Her message to the world is important and empowering. Loved the moments of hope and humanity, despaired at the cruelty and indifference. A great read.

Starting this one today. I expect to be humbled.