Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Enduring Freedom
Author: Trent Reedy and Jawad Arash
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Genre: YA War/Political Novel
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 352
Synopsis: On September 11, 2001, the lives of two boys on opposite sides of the world are changed in an instant.
Baheer, a studious Afghan teen, sees his family’s life turned upside down when they lose their livelihood as war rocks the country.
A world away, Joe, a young American army private, has to put aside his dreams of becoming a journalist when he’s shipped out to Afghanistan.
When Joe’s unit arrives in Baheer’s town, Baheer is wary of the Americans, but sees an opportunity: Not only can he practice his English with the soldiers, his family can make money delivering their supplies. At first, Joe doesn’t trust Baheer, or any of the locals, but Baheer keeps showing up. As Joe and Baheer get to know each other, to see each other as individuals, they realize they have a lot more in common than they ever could have realized. But can they get past the deep differences in their lives and beliefs to become true friends and allies?
Review: Had to DNF this book at 113 pages in. The book is good, but it’s not for me and it wasn’t really striking anything in me to keep reading.
Verdict: It sounds good, but it wasn’t for me.
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