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Book Reviews of Say You're One of Them

Say You're One of Them
Say You're One of Them
Author: Uwem Akpan
ISBN-13: 9780316086370
ISBN-10: 0316086371
Publication Date: 9/18/2009
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 120

3 stars, based on 120 ratings
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

9 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book is very well written and very hard to read because the content is so heartrending. In a series of stories, children of Africa recount events in their tragic lives. It is an important book for helping us to understand how conflict tears away the fabric of human existence.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I didn't realize this book was a work of fiction. I think in many ways, it isn't. The problem with Left to Tell or Long Way Gone, the people tell their true stories in a less emotional way. Although the stories are sad, they seem to separate themselves from it and focus on the present. I appreciate that. But in this book, Akpan doesn't take away the emotion from the events. He tells the stories through fictious characters, but I would guess many details are unfortunately true. The police corruption, the religious and ethnic cleansing, and most painful for me, the genocide in Rwanda. The last story in this book covers Rwanda's battle between the Hutus and Tutsis. It left me feeling...different..sad, enraged, ill. It touched me more than Left to Tell could, because in this case, we don't get to see the happier ending or the hope. Instead we see the pain that families went through during the beginning of this crisis. Not all the stories are as painful. Also, be aware that Pidgin English is used in this book.
PamelaH avatar reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 90 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Five stories (all written in the eyes of children) that are heartbreaking, not only because of the story lines but also because they are based on fact. These children are living in terrible circumstances, yet Akpan reminds us that they bounce back quickly to try to survive. Some of the dialog takes some getting used to, but once you figure it out, everything flows smoothly. As the author mentions, many Americans know little about life elsewhere and seemingly, don't want to know. Read these heartwrenching stories, and you will know a little more about life elsewhere, specifically in Africa. Although depressing, these stories are well-written and impressive... I am in awe.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book gave me an insight into the problems facing the people of Africa. The language made it hard to understand, though I understand that it was necessary to tell the stories as realistically as possible. A rather depressing book and some of the stories seemed incomplete.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was hard to read. The heartbreaking stories, and the knowing that this really does go on is almost too much to take. It is a great book, just not a happy book at all. I do recommend it for anyone that can handle the sadness.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well written and heartfelt. A moving collection of stories written from children's view of hearbreaking circimstanaces they find themselves in. I shall re-read this. If you liked, Little Bee, I think you'll need to read this too. It will move you and stay with you.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 175 more book reviews
This is a collection of stories by children. The stories are heartbreaking tales of their life experiences. Some of it is difficult to read.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on + 26 more book reviews
This book was so sad and shocking! It really put life in Africa into perspective for me. I felt so sad for the children in these stories.
reviewed Say You're One of Them on
This book is an ex-library book.
Thank You.