Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson


*Received via NetGalley and Random House Children's Publishing*

From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.

When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations? 
 
J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.

"Every American should read this book. It's an eye-opener." —Suzanne Fisher Staples, Newbery Honor-winning author of Shabanu

*Bonus Backmatter includes a note about the author's CIA past, and a commentary by RAND researcher and president of ARCH International, Dr. Cheryl Benard. Recommendations for further reading are also included. - Goodreads


I know the year has just started, but this is going to the top of my list as the best book I've read this year so far!

This book was a wonderful combination of funny teenage moments and horrible global realizations. I'm a pro at not watching the news and keeping up on current events. I think the only reason I've watched the news lately is to see the weather forecast. I try to keep up by catching highlights of headlines, but I'll admit that I'm global oblivious to a lot of the things going on in other parts of the world. 

I think this book did a great job of showing some of the horrible things that are happening in other places, but in a way that wasn't too overwhelming. There were plenty of funny moments to offset and kind of shelter the blow of the more solemn moments. 

I also loved the juxtaposition of two very different worlds, and Laila trying to find her place in both. 

I'm still not really sure whether or not I liked the way this ended, but I don't want to go too in detail cause I don't want to spoil the story for other readers. 

I definitely recommend this book! 

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