I've started and stopped on this one a few times, struggling to try to love it more, hoping it was poor timing or stress on my part. But I think I finally have to bit the bullet and just accept - this one is just not for me.

I thought it was interesting how Gzar told the story - his own character telling others his tales. I liked the idea of it but somehow the stories never got through to me. I never felt a connection to these sad and often horrific stories. You could tell how much each story meant to Gzar but I was on the outside of his emotions.

I wish I'd loved this more.

<i>A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.</i>

Not my favorite. Mainly because of the non-linear storyline. Confusing and took me out of the story.
Always love something about Seattle, so this caught my eye, but didn't really hit the mark for me.

Mortada Gzar is a gay writer and filmmaker who grew up in Basra, Iraq, whom despite some truly terrifying experiences—I had to check the cover a few times to make sure this is a "memoir" because it is an unbelievable gauntlet of horrors—maintains a generous, even humorous view of the world as he puts one foot in front of the other, carving out space as a writer against all odds.

The book begins with Gzar arriving in Seattle to find an American soldier he met while going to university in Iraq, his adjustment to life in Seattle interspersed with stories of his life back in Iraq as told to friends he makes in the US, statues when no one is available, even cups and the tip of one's nose. This (literal) storytelling pieces together a life that would be too much to process at once otherwise, providing a gentler access to Gzar's experiences.

While billed as a "memoir," the book's story is so fascinating and innovatively written that it's better than most novels in terms of creativity and artistry (not to mention being extremely entertaining, with none of the necessary slog of most memoirs). I wanted to hug Mortada by the end of it, but hugged my e-reader instead. An excellent, excellent read.