Trigger/Content warning: death, discrimination against Muslims, Muslim killings, bombings, war, fascism, genocide, terrorism, sexual assault, PTSD

We Are All That’s Left is a powerful, hopeful, truthful, inspiring, no holds barred book about war, love, family, forgiveness, recovery, trauma, acceptance, religion, terrorism, survival and emerging from the darkest depths of your life.

I picked this up in the hopes of being introduced to another culture, I had no idea I would be introduced not just to another culture but to a remarkable yet horrific event in history, different beliefs, inspiring and brave people, and more.

This book introduced me to the culture of Bosnia, its people, and its horrific past – which I was really not that familiar with before. It is both set in Bosnia and America with altering point of views of Zara, which is set in the present and Nadja, her mom, which is set in the past when she was still young. I loved the altering of point of views along with the setting, it made me feel like this is a historical fiction and realistic fiction at the same time.

I loved all the characters in this book – especially the main characters Zara and Nadja and how real and flawed they are as well as their relationship with each other. I also liked the romance between Zara and Joseph, it wasn’t the highlight of the story but I liked the contribution it made to Zara’s life and the whole story. They also complement each other. All of the characters are survivors. Everyone is brave and inspiring in their own ways and a survivor of their own battles.

I liked how questions were asked by the characters that were about religion, life, God and everything in between including:

Why would God want someone to die?
Is everything’s in God's hands?
Were the bad things that happened to us really God’s will?
Why do some people live a life of little tragedy and others great suffering?

For me, this is one of the books that should be studied in school. The story everyone must hear. A story based on real events. Where questions in the characters’ mind can also be answered our discussed by the students. Or where they raised questions about the book themselves.
Aside from war and terrorism, a huge part of this book is about the maternal relationship of Zara and Nadja. I loved their journey of knowing, accepting and forgiving each other. I loved how flawed they are as individuals and as a daughter and a mother. I loved how honest they are. I just loved their story so much.

Everything was so heartfelt. Literally every emotion the characters felt, I also felt. And this is the kind of book that will make you wish and wish and wish “I hope this world is a better place.” I hope this world would be a better place.

Overall, this book is a blessing for me. This is nothing like what I’ve read before. It’s an eye-opener. As my first read from Carrie Arcos, I am so impressed. Though I would highly recommend this book, I also want readers with PTSD and Muslims to be careful in picking this up. I'm not saying that you shouldn't pick this up if you have PTSD or if you are a Muslim, but if you are avoiding books with triggers, then avoid this one, but if you think you are ready for it, then I'd suggest for you to do so. It will be worth it.