Book

BOOK REVIEW | OTHER WORDS FOR HOME BY JASMINE WARGA (SPOILER FREE)

August 25, 2020

Title: Other Words For Home

Author: Jasmine Warga

Page: 352

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published date: 28 May 2019

Genre: Fiction

Kinokuniya | Book Depository

Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.

At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. (Source: Goodreads)

This story is about Jude who lives in Syria. When the riot in Syria gets worse, Jude and her mom move into Jude’s uncle house, Uncle Mazin in America. There, she lives with Uncle Mazin’s family, Aunt Michelle and Sarah. I love Jude and her aunt’s relationship. I think Aunt Michelle is really nice and lovely. At first I thought she was the typical racist and evil aunt, but she proves me wrong.

It was disheartening to see Jude getting separated from her dad and brother at a young age in order to protect herself. I think every child deserves to be raised by both parents, but the reality is, we don’t always get what’s best for us. And for anyone who got to grow up with our parents, we should realize just how privileged we are. Acknowledging our privilege is a step closer towards having empathy.

In America, Jude doesn’t really have much friends. She has a hard time fitting in which is not surprising considering how American’s perspective towards Muslims. Yet Jude never complained or thought badly about her schoolmates. She has always been too optimistic, almost naïve. In a way, maybe being naïve is better because it made Jude chase her dream to get a role in her school’s play without a second thought. Even when her Muslim friend tries to stop her from auditioning, Jude just turns a blind eye to her.

Sometimes, I feel like you have to say things out loud just to remind the universe that you're still thinking about them.

Reading this book is like riding on a rollercoaster, sometimes it’s inspiring, sometimes it gets sad about Jude’s family and there are times when I feel warm inside seeing the pure relationship and interaction between Jude’s English classmates. I love how Jude is proud to be a Muslim in America. She doesn’t fear wearing hijab in public. There are many quotes I highlighted because of how motivating they are.

I read this when I was writing a book for a contest and Jude was there to push me to keep going, to prove that a dream can come true no matter what people said to you. Overall, this book managed to touch my heart with just a few pages. It shows courage, hope and growth.

This is a middle-grade book, hence the English is simple and it’s a fast read. I highly recommend this to everyone. I wasn’t expecting to like it at first, but it ends up to be my top favourite book this year.

Rate: ★★★★★