THERE ARE STILL LIGHTS IN THE DARKNESS

Hello, friends. Welcome to my space.

This time, I take you to meet Jude. She will teach us how to see the light in the darkness. Learn how to feel sad and happy at the same time.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

I am learning how to be

sad

and happy

at the same time.

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.

Other Words for Home is a middle grade book about Jude, who has to separate from her father and brother because of the riot that happened in Syria, Jude's homeland. She goes to Cincinnati with her pregnant mother and they live with her uncle and his family. On the outside, everything looks good, but in truth Jude struggles to fit in. Because of her appearances, people see her differently and make a judgment of her. But then, just like people say, there is a rainbow after rain, Jude finds new friends and starts to have a grip on her life. Everything slowly turns better for her, and she thinks that maybe Cincinnati can be her other home.

Just like the blurb says, "I am learning how to be sad and happy at the same time", that is exactly how I felt when I read this book. I felt sad and happy at the same time. This book is beautiful. Why? First, because of Jude. I was thinking how could a kid be so positive? While she is in Syria, in the middle of chaos, she can still see the beauty in it. She can find something to grateful for. And when she moves to Cincinnati, when the world puts a lot of pressure on her, she doesn't want to give up, she still fights, and that is beautiful. She is beautiful.

Second, the writing style. It is written in a poetry style. Instead of paragraphs, this book has stanzas, and a chapter just has around 2-4 pages (for ebook version). With just this short sentences, a few words, the author success in describing the situations and the characters' feelings. I love it!

So, guys.... Please read it. And I really hope you enjoy it. HAPPY READING.