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Wow! This story collection is powerful and insightful. Kochai delivers a riveting look into the Afghan American experience. The first story is a look into the ghosts of war but the author uses a video game to show the effects of war on multi-generations. It was one of my favorites.

Each story is strong, but together this book is one of the best short story collections I've ever read.

Intergenerational Afghan stories, distinctive voice. 2nd gen Americans, competing cultures: gamer enters Metal Gear scenario of father‘s Afghan war experience, US college student starts hunger protest (for Palestine, or for a girl?). Female friendship. Family. Personal meets political. Storytelling. P 115 “But your father told it beautifully,” she said […] far away from Logar. “And why must we always ruin what is beautiful with what is true?” 2022

This book is a serious WOW. The stories follow Afghan characters, at home and abroad, detailing the realities of being a modern Afghani. Some magical realism is sprinkled in to illustrate these lives and it is used SO well. I can‘t recommend this enough. This is my third read of the NBA fiction short list and it‘s nice to find one I actually like! (No, love!)

There has been a tremendous amount of trauma inflicted on Afghanistan and its people in the last 45 years. Kochai brings this home thoughtfully and creatively in this fantastic short story collection. We meet Afghan-American teens playing video games that depict the murder of their people. My favorite story is written as a resume following a man from his childhood as a shepherd to his time as a mujahid to working many jobs in America. Strong pick!

So I like 2 this month - that‘s 200% increase on last month! 🤣🤣

https://lithub.com/the-10-best-book-covers-of-july-3/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_me...

Molly may be worn out from a walk in the midday heat, but I am stoked to have been sent this review copy from @VikingBooks ! Y‘all know how I feel about short stories 💜💜👍🏻 Just in time for my August #bookspin list, too!