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Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of War
An epic middle-grade memoir about sisterhood and coming-of-age in the three years leading up to the Bosnian Genocide.
Three Summers is the story of five young cousins who grow closer than sisters as ethnic tensions escalate over three summers in 1980s Bosnia. They navigate the joys and pitfalls of adolescence on their family’s little island in the middle of the Una River. When finally confronted with the harsh truths of the adult world around them, their bond gives them the resilience to discover and hold fast to their true selves.
Written with incredible warmth and tenderness, Amra Sabic-El-Rayess takes readers on a journey that will break their hearts and put them back together again.
Three Summers is the story of five young cousins who grow closer than sisters as ethnic tensions escalate over three summers in 1980s Bosnia. They navigate the joys and pitfalls of adolescence on their family’s little island in the middle of the Una River. When finally confronted with the harsh truths of the adult world around them, their bond gives them the resilience to discover and hold fast to their true selves.
Written with incredible warmth and tenderness, Amra Sabic-El-Rayess takes readers on a journey that will break their hearts and put them back together again.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published April 9, 2024
About the author
Amra Sabic-El-Rayess
2 books78 followersAmra Sabic-El-Rayess is from Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is an ethnic cleansing survivor. She emigrated to the United States in 1996. She earned a BA in Economics from Brown University and two Masters degrees and a Doctorate from Columbia University. Currently she is a professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College with research focus on how and why societies fall apart and what role education can play in rebuilding decimated countries. She has published numerous articles and research papers on education-related issues and has lectured around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 3, 2024
Tweens gone wild! Dancing until midnight, staying out late without chaperones, flirting with boys and a little bit of kissing, this is the story of cousins Amra and Žana and their close-knit group of friends and family who from the ages of 11 to 13 spend three carefree summers of their life together. Oh to be young in the mid to late 1980s during those last years of a time of peace in Bihac, Yugoslavia (a country that no longer exists and is now made up of six separate countries; Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro).
Intended for tweens and young teens, adults may enjoy this story/memoir from a different era even more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
Intended for tweens and young teens, adults may enjoy this story/memoir from a different era even more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
October 21, 2023
A Heartrending Ode to Sisterhood and Resilience
Having read "The Cat I Never Named," I was already primed for the emotional depth and cultural insights Amra Sabic-El-Rayess offers in her writing. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer brilliance of this novel, a poignant prequel that manages to be both heartbreaking and beautiful in equal measure.
From the very beginning, as Sabic-El-Rayess shares the bittersweet tale of her relationship with her older brother, Amar, and the sorrow of his passing, I was hooked. Her words paint a vibrant tableau of Bosnian culture, steeped in traditions of hospitality, family, and deep-seated bonds of friendship. Woven through the narrative is a delicate thread of young love, a testament to the throes of adolescence and the challenges the five young cousins face.
As they navigate the treacherous waters of an escalating political crisis, what truly stands out is their resilience. The bond these young girls share, tighter than that of sisters, becomes their anchor amidst the storm. And it's this bond that shines a light on the true spirit of humanity, showing us that even in the darkest of times, love and unity prevail.
These kinds of books made me the empathetic person I am today. Authors like Sabic-El-Rayess craft such evocative narratives that shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. Every generation needs stories like these, stories that resonate, uplift, and, ultimately, heal.
"Three Summers" isn't just a book; it's an experience, a journey of the heart that will leave an indelible mark long after the last page is turned. Simply put, it was absolutely breathtaking.
Having read "The Cat I Never Named," I was already primed for the emotional depth and cultural insights Amra Sabic-El-Rayess offers in her writing. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer brilliance of this novel, a poignant prequel that manages to be both heartbreaking and beautiful in equal measure.
From the very beginning, as Sabic-El-Rayess shares the bittersweet tale of her relationship with her older brother, Amar, and the sorrow of his passing, I was hooked. Her words paint a vibrant tableau of Bosnian culture, steeped in traditions of hospitality, family, and deep-seated bonds of friendship. Woven through the narrative is a delicate thread of young love, a testament to the throes of adolescence and the challenges the five young cousins face.
As they navigate the treacherous waters of an escalating political crisis, what truly stands out is their resilience. The bond these young girls share, tighter than that of sisters, becomes their anchor amidst the storm. And it's this bond that shines a light on the true spirit of humanity, showing us that even in the darkest of times, love and unity prevail.
These kinds of books made me the empathetic person I am today. Authors like Sabic-El-Rayess craft such evocative narratives that shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. Every generation needs stories like these, stories that resonate, uplift, and, ultimately, heal.
"Three Summers" isn't just a book; it's an experience, a journey of the heart that will leave an indelible mark long after the last page is turned. Simply put, it was absolutely breathtaking.
July 29, 2024
I appreciated the historical (fairly recent history) territory this book covered. It can be hard to discover atrocities that were news stories in my own lifetime. The breakup of Yugoslavia was a distant story that I had very little context or understanding of. My issue with this book is the same reason I really don’t enjoy memoirs. The narrator’s voice was so intrusive and world-wise, it distracted from the genuine feel of the young people in the book. I know they were all real people, but they felt like caricatures.
Summer-mini24: 14) WATER POLO: A book that made a splash
RATL24: Biography/Memoir
Summer-mini24: 14) WATER POLO: A book that made a splash
RATL24: Biography/Memoir
April 26, 2024
It is difficult and probably rather inappropriate for me to offer a "review" of a memoir, after all who am I to have opinions on someone's lived experience. And this non fiction book in particular is so desperately needed and important, as OWN voice middle grade literature about Bosnia is fairly non existent. So continue reading my thoughts with a grain of salt, suffice it to say, that I enjoyed the book, and loved the author's YA book The Cat I Never Named, but ultimately I struggle to suggest this for the intended audience of 8-12 year olds. As a child my family was involved with Bosnian refugees in the 90s, as an adult I understand that Islam, and being Muslim, is not a monolith, as someone who can empathize with loss and heartache, I couldn't put the book down. Yet, I truly doubt that many fourth graders will feel the emotional climaxes that are not shown, but told. That they will understand the timeline and what is about to happen if the book were to continue. That they will feel a connection to the characters who read so much older than them. If the book was fiction, I would say the characters read YA, with the bikinis and details of body growth, kissing, making out, having boyfriends, and dancing at the discotheque, cigarette smoking, backless dresses, noting which neighbors are having affairs, and trying to become their "truest self," but the book is a memoir, this is the author's life when she was 11, 12, and 13. In an environment where her maturity is noted as being heightened because of the loss of her brother and her personality, the book shows cultural norms, that will still strike contemporary reader as being much more adult in nature. Islamically, the label of Muslim and Bosniaks, is ever present. Bosniaks were massacred for being Muslim, period. The book never shows them praying, or mentions Allah swt or the Quran, covering is something only the older generations did, they do drink alcohol on occasion, but they have a cow slaughtered Islamically and burials are done in accordance with Islamic principles. There is kissing, having boyfriends is not problematic unless they are Serb, the only imam mentioned does weird black magic type things. So while the label of "Muslim" may feel to Muslims readers more like a cultural marker at times, it is none-the-less incredibly empowering to see that Amra takes pride in her Bosniak identity and doesn't shy away from it. Other flags/triggers are domestic abuse, bullying, physical violence, attempted drowning, accidental drowning, death of a sibling, kidnapping, imprisonment, threat of war, racism, Islamophobia, music, fortune tellers, lying, threatening. The backmatter offers a timeline and thus gives some information about the rape, torture, genocide, abuse, and destruction.
SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with a visiting fortune teller giving Amra and her family hope that her older brother Amar will be pain free soon. Amar suffers from Marfan syndrome, and is frequently weak, teased, and in pain. But he is also wise and patient, brilliant and gentle, and beloved by so many, and Amra is broken when he passes away. To help break her from her debilitating grief, her parents reach out to a cousin in Belgrade, who has long been estranged for marrying a Serb, to come visit for the summer. Zana and her younger sister Vedrana, engulf Amra in warmth and adventure and the summer on the River Una is just what Amra needs. The next summer Zana and Amra resume their idyllic adventures of swimming, make-up, crushes, and coming of age, with only a hint of fracture based on religious lines creeping in the final days. The following summer Amra is starting to mature on her own and understand the world around her. Her father has lost his job, been kidnapped essentially and tortured, and while nights dancing at the discotheque give laughter and light, the girls final summer, is the end of peace, and innocence for all Bosniaks.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the end, that there are real life updates of the people in the book. It made me cry. It is also so timely to what is occurring in Gaza and how no matter how clear it is that it is genocide, and it is oppression, and it is racism, some just cannot see it. The book is joyful, but the reality of the backmatter is heavy, and real, and important.
I like that the book shows Bosnia and the culture and the traditions, the few books I've read focus on the war, and the rich culture and deep history doesn't get to shine like it does here.
I do wish the book was more showing than telling. I know it is a memoir, but at times it was just too advanced commentary and insight. I fully believe the author is brilliant, and at 11 years old was pondering her life, but most readers just aren't at that age, and the tangents keep the readers at arms length. The book says it is about crushes, so I don't want to keep harping on it, but it really is Amra and Zana and a gaggle of other female cousins quite often worrying about boys, and crushes, and kissing. It doesn't get obnoxious, but it isn't a line here or there, it is the bulk of the book.
FLAGS:
Domestic abuse, bullying, physical violence, attempted drowning, accidental drowning, death of a sibling, kidnapping, imprisonment, threat of war, racism, Islamophobia, music, fortune tellers, lying, threatening, death, loss, grief, affairs, cheating, racism, bare bodies, crude jokes, crushes, kissing, making out, sneaking out, smoking, drinking, developing bodies, bullying, internalized Islamophobia, kidnapping, imprisonment, dancing, black magic imams. The backmatter offers a timeline and thus gives some information about the rape, torture, genocide, abuse, starvation, and destruction during the Bosnian genocide.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think with some context about war, about communism, the Ottoman empire even, this book could be used in a teaching setting to allow the time frame to be seen from those living it, but, for more mature middle school to early high school readers. It is a lot for MG and that it is non fiction makes me want it to be understood and appreciated and I don't know that for the intended demographic, even with context and guidance it would be achieved. There really isn't a plot, it is a memoir, and the pacing and assumed context knowledge I feel like, just wouldn't be there for the typical western middle grade reader.
SYNOPSIS:
The book starts with a visiting fortune teller giving Amra and her family hope that her older brother Amar will be pain free soon. Amar suffers from Marfan syndrome, and is frequently weak, teased, and in pain. But he is also wise and patient, brilliant and gentle, and beloved by so many, and Amra is broken when he passes away. To help break her from her debilitating grief, her parents reach out to a cousin in Belgrade, who has long been estranged for marrying a Serb, to come visit for the summer. Zana and her younger sister Vedrana, engulf Amra in warmth and adventure and the summer on the River Una is just what Amra needs. The next summer Zana and Amra resume their idyllic adventures of swimming, make-up, crushes, and coming of age, with only a hint of fracture based on religious lines creeping in the final days. The following summer Amra is starting to mature on her own and understand the world around her. Her father has lost his job, been kidnapped essentially and tortured, and while nights dancing at the discotheque give laughter and light, the girls final summer, is the end of peace, and innocence for all Bosniaks.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the end, that there are real life updates of the people in the book. It made me cry. It is also so timely to what is occurring in Gaza and how no matter how clear it is that it is genocide, and it is oppression, and it is racism, some just cannot see it. The book is joyful, but the reality of the backmatter is heavy, and real, and important.
I like that the book shows Bosnia and the culture and the traditions, the few books I've read focus on the war, and the rich culture and deep history doesn't get to shine like it does here.
I do wish the book was more showing than telling. I know it is a memoir, but at times it was just too advanced commentary and insight. I fully believe the author is brilliant, and at 11 years old was pondering her life, but most readers just aren't at that age, and the tangents keep the readers at arms length. The book says it is about crushes, so I don't want to keep harping on it, but it really is Amra and Zana and a gaggle of other female cousins quite often worrying about boys, and crushes, and kissing. It doesn't get obnoxious, but it isn't a line here or there, it is the bulk of the book.
FLAGS:
Domestic abuse, bullying, physical violence, attempted drowning, accidental drowning, death of a sibling, kidnapping, imprisonment, threat of war, racism, Islamophobia, music, fortune tellers, lying, threatening, death, loss, grief, affairs, cheating, racism, bare bodies, crude jokes, crushes, kissing, making out, sneaking out, smoking, drinking, developing bodies, bullying, internalized Islamophobia, kidnapping, imprisonment, dancing, black magic imams. The backmatter offers a timeline and thus gives some information about the rape, torture, genocide, abuse, starvation, and destruction during the Bosnian genocide.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think with some context about war, about communism, the Ottoman empire even, this book could be used in a teaching setting to allow the time frame to be seen from those living it, but, for more mature middle school to early high school readers. It is a lot for MG and that it is non fiction makes me want it to be understood and appreciated and I don't know that for the intended demographic, even with context and guidance it would be achieved. There really isn't a plot, it is a memoir, and the pacing and assumed context knowledge I feel like, just wouldn't be there for the typical western middle grade reader.
September 5, 2023
After reading Amra Sabic-El-Rayess' Three Summers, I felt an enduring sense of gratitude that such a story has been written. The story testifies to the three summers, as the title eludes, prior to the beginning of the Bosnian Genocide. The Cat I Never Named (penned in 2020) describes Amra's story of survival during the Genocide when she is older, but Three Summers introduces us to the coming-of-age story of a pre-teen Bosniak (Bosnian-Muslim) girl who is navigating the complexities of her own identity alongside sisters, brothers, friends, and family.
I am excited by the prospect of young readers being introduced to a range of thoughtfully portrayed characters, all of whom have imperfections that they explore through the everyday activities of a summer in Bihać, Bosnia - swimming in the frigid, swirling Una river, enjoying Bosnian delicacies alongside family (some of whom have intermarried across ethnic communities), and exploring the discotheque and nascent crushes. Sabic-El-Rayess has a special ability to bring the atmosphere and spirit of Bihać and Bosnian culture to the foreground of a story steeped in the search for belonging within family and among a broader community of peers. The swirling Una symbolizes the various cultures, customs, and communities that constitute Bosnia and Sabic-El-Rayess' stories across the three summers raise meaningful questions about what it means to explore one's own identity and the resilience of human beings to choose love over hate.
Without divulging more about the fascinating trajectory of every character in this polyvalent narrative, I found myself deeply touched by the fact that a first-person narrator (Amra, in this case) does not take away from the diversity of perspectives and voices whose stories, like threads in a fabric of many colours, are interwoven in a beautiful tapestry that emerges through reading.
I would like to close by saying that what I find most extraordinary about this story is the respect for childhood expressed through the book. Children and all their dreams, questions, wonders, and ways of seeing (and interpreting) the world of Bihać, Bosnia, and beyond are offered without explanation or qualification. It is said that to respect childhood is to let childhood mature in the child, and Amra Sabic-El-Rayess' story highlights the wisdom of children to see beyond categories of identity and perceive the wholeness of human beings. This story of resilience and sisterhood is, in many ways, a celebration of the power of children and childhood as a reminder that nobody is born to hate; they are taught to hate.
I am excited by the prospect of young readers being introduced to a range of thoughtfully portrayed characters, all of whom have imperfections that they explore through the everyday activities of a summer in Bihać, Bosnia - swimming in the frigid, swirling Una river, enjoying Bosnian delicacies alongside family (some of whom have intermarried across ethnic communities), and exploring the discotheque and nascent crushes. Sabic-El-Rayess has a special ability to bring the atmosphere and spirit of Bihać and Bosnian culture to the foreground of a story steeped in the search for belonging within family and among a broader community of peers. The swirling Una symbolizes the various cultures, customs, and communities that constitute Bosnia and Sabic-El-Rayess' stories across the three summers raise meaningful questions about what it means to explore one's own identity and the resilience of human beings to choose love over hate.
Without divulging more about the fascinating trajectory of every character in this polyvalent narrative, I found myself deeply touched by the fact that a first-person narrator (Amra, in this case) does not take away from the diversity of perspectives and voices whose stories, like threads in a fabric of many colours, are interwoven in a beautiful tapestry that emerges through reading.
I would like to close by saying that what I find most extraordinary about this story is the respect for childhood expressed through the book. Children and all their dreams, questions, wonders, and ways of seeing (and interpreting) the world of Bihać, Bosnia, and beyond are offered without explanation or qualification. It is said that to respect childhood is to let childhood mature in the child, and Amra Sabic-El-Rayess' story highlights the wisdom of children to see beyond categories of identity and perceive the wholeness of human beings. This story of resilience and sisterhood is, in many ways, a celebration of the power of children and childhood as a reminder that nobody is born to hate; they are taught to hate.
June 3, 2024
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣.”
What I truly enjoyed in the writing was how the first part of the novel we are focused on Amra; her grief and her troubles. We see how she moves about in the world after her brother, Amar dies. However after a magical week in the summer with her cousin Žana, she begins to see the world in a new light. She isn’t hyper focused on herself which was justified given what she experienced, however, she extends a hand to others and steps in to help them. She realizes that she’s not the only one that goes through horrible things, others have it worse. As the second summer and third summer roll around, Amra is even more aware of the world around her. The things that are unsaid but so loud in her environment, the stirrings that would eventually turn into the genocide in Bosnia.
“But part of me feels like I need to know more about the real world, beyond my happy family, beyond Bihać. I’ve started to see that everyone walks on their own unique path, shaped by their family and environment. People are pushed to be one way, pulled to be another, and I can’t judge everyone by the same standards. How can you judge a person’s decisions until you know the options they had to choose from?”
So many quotable quotes in this book I swear! But also many life lessons and ways of viewing certain aspects of life that I will hold with me for the rest of my life. The progression of each summer, you could tell things were changing and drifting. One summer it’s splashing in the Una all day everyday and the next, the teenage hormones are in full gear looking for cute boys and young love.
“𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙪𝙨? 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
There’s also politics and the tension that comes with it brewing in Bosnia during this time period that Amra slowly opens her eyes to. The social dynamics of Muslim women being married to Serb men to shun that part of themselves away in a marriage, the way they parent their children by banishing them from dating Muslim teenagers. How Amra’s father is concerned with toning down the fact that they’re Muslim because it can bring trouble their way. There is so much depth when it comes to that and outlines some of the history really well. If you haven’t read The Cat I Never Named, I would also highly recommend reading that book as well since it focuses on life during the Bosnian genocide.
”And yet people keep talking about war. War against who? I want to ask. And how do you go to war without a military? Bosnia doesn’t have an army.”
At this story’s core is the theme of sisterhood, of evolving and growing up, and ultimately, falling apart. The “Where are they now?” section of this book ripped my heart apart because throughout the memoir we see everyone in their youthful, free-spirited selves. But that section highlights how the genocide changed everyone in a multitude of ways. Žana echoing the same ideologies that her father would bark out was so disheartening, it is scary how people can change for the worse. That the environment and their family/upbringing is enough to set them on a path of bigotry.
It goes without saying, this memoir was phenomenally written. Its themes of sisterhood, love, and heartbreak are what drive this story forward. The characters are the life of this story, they’re what makes Bihać come alive on the page. Individually, they have their own set of worries and struggles but when they come together, they are the embodiment of a summer full of joy.
What I truly enjoyed in the writing was how the first part of the novel we are focused on Amra; her grief and her troubles. We see how she moves about in the world after her brother, Amar dies. However after a magical week in the summer with her cousin Žana, she begins to see the world in a new light. She isn’t hyper focused on herself which was justified given what she experienced, however, she extends a hand to others and steps in to help them. She realizes that she’s not the only one that goes through horrible things, others have it worse. As the second summer and third summer roll around, Amra is even more aware of the world around her. The things that are unsaid but so loud in her environment, the stirrings that would eventually turn into the genocide in Bosnia.
“But part of me feels like I need to know more about the real world, beyond my happy family, beyond Bihać. I’ve started to see that everyone walks on their own unique path, shaped by their family and environment. People are pushed to be one way, pulled to be another, and I can’t judge everyone by the same standards. How can you judge a person’s decisions until you know the options they had to choose from?”
So many quotable quotes in this book I swear! But also many life lessons and ways of viewing certain aspects of life that I will hold with me for the rest of my life. The progression of each summer, you could tell things were changing and drifting. One summer it’s splashing in the Una all day everyday and the next, the teenage hormones are in full gear looking for cute boys and young love.
“𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙪𝙨? 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚.”
There’s also politics and the tension that comes with it brewing in Bosnia during this time period that Amra slowly opens her eyes to. The social dynamics of Muslim women being married to Serb men to shun that part of themselves away in a marriage, the way they parent their children by banishing them from dating Muslim teenagers. How Amra’s father is concerned with toning down the fact that they’re Muslim because it can bring trouble their way. There is so much depth when it comes to that and outlines some of the history really well. If you haven’t read The Cat I Never Named, I would also highly recommend reading that book as well since it focuses on life during the Bosnian genocide.
”And yet people keep talking about war. War against who? I want to ask. And how do you go to war without a military? Bosnia doesn’t have an army.”
At this story’s core is the theme of sisterhood, of evolving and growing up, and ultimately, falling apart. The “Where are they now?” section of this book ripped my heart apart because throughout the memoir we see everyone in their youthful, free-spirited selves. But that section highlights how the genocide changed everyone in a multitude of ways. Žana echoing the same ideologies that her father would bark out was so disheartening, it is scary how people can change for the worse. That the environment and their family/upbringing is enough to set them on a path of bigotry.
It goes without saying, this memoir was phenomenally written. Its themes of sisterhood, love, and heartbreak are what drive this story forward. The characters are the life of this story, they’re what makes Bihać come alive on the page. Individually, they have their own set of worries and struggles but when they come together, they are the embodiment of a summer full of joy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
I adore middle-grade memoirs - I love reading stories about growing up in different times and places. This is a story about resilience, surviving trauma, and sisterhood.
Set over the course of three epic summers, Amra tells us about her cousin and best friend, Zana, and how she was able to help her heal after the grief of losing her brother. It's about teen crushes and coming of age in the 1980s, but what I loved most about this book is Amra's window, giving us a glimpse of what life was like at this time. We get to see the last vestiges of Yugoslavia, Bosnian culture, and the stirrings of the war to come through the innocent eyes of a young girl who is just trying to figure out who she is and navigate the transition from young girl to teenager.
While I loved the book, I struggled with the middle-grade designation. I feel like most 8 - 12-year-olds will not get the nuance or the depth of the story. There are some really dark moments, from losing her brother, the racism Serbs had toward Bosniaks, and grappling with poverty, but also, there is a lot about boys and crushes and makeup that most younger middle-grade readers won't relate to yet. This is one of those books that straddles the line between middle grade and YA. I think the target audience will be 12 - 14 year olds.
Set over the course of three epic summers, Amra tells us about her cousin and best friend, Zana, and how she was able to help her heal after the grief of losing her brother. It's about teen crushes and coming of age in the 1980s, but what I loved most about this book is Amra's window, giving us a glimpse of what life was like at this time. We get to see the last vestiges of Yugoslavia, Bosnian culture, and the stirrings of the war to come through the innocent eyes of a young girl who is just trying to figure out who she is and navigate the transition from young girl to teenager.
While I loved the book, I struggled with the middle-grade designation. I feel like most 8 - 12-year-olds will not get the nuance or the depth of the story. There are some really dark moments, from losing her brother, the racism Serbs had toward Bosniaks, and grappling with poverty, but also, there is a lot about boys and crushes and makeup that most younger middle-grade readers won't relate to yet. This is one of those books that straddles the line between middle grade and YA. I think the target audience will be 12 - 14 year olds.
April 19, 2024
After reading "The Cat I Never Named", this book was on my to-read list for a while before it was even published, and now after finishing it I can say it didn't disappoint!
Amra is telling an important story - a story about a kid growing up in the years leading up to the Bosnian war and the genocide. A story in which that kid becomes a teenager that discovers makeup, boys, sisterhood... and the fact that some people hate her because of her religion, despite living side by side with her and speaking the same language as her.
The knowledge of what happens to Amra and her family afterwards - having read the first book set during the war - is always creeping in the background. War is coming and I suppose the inevitability of that is what makes this book so touching and heartbreaking.
There are still too many people denying the Bosnian genocide so Amra has my admiration and gratitude for telling her story. Hvala!
Amra is telling an important story - a story about a kid growing up in the years leading up to the Bosnian war and the genocide. A story in which that kid becomes a teenager that discovers makeup, boys, sisterhood... and the fact that some people hate her because of her religion, despite living side by side with her and speaking the same language as her.
The knowledge of what happens to Amra and her family afterwards - having read the first book set during the war - is always creeping in the background. War is coming and I suppose the inevitability of that is what makes this book so touching and heartbreaking.
There are still too many people denying the Bosnian genocide so Amra has my admiration and gratitude for telling her story. Hvala!
December 9, 2023
I am devastated after reading Three Summers.
Amra is a homely young girl, sheltered from much of what her preteen/teen counterparts have been exposed to-makeup, crushes, fashion. She’s living in late 80s Bosnia at a time when Serbs are increasingly isolating and discriminating against Bosniaks, serving as a backdrop to an already tumultuous time. Amra has survived a personal tragedy and is left feeling like she has no one.
Three Summers changes everything. She’s introduced to cousins that become light, motivation, excitement, and adventure in her life when they gather each summer, growing older and developing their interests.
Sabic-El-Rayess does THE MOST incredible writing and transports the reader directly to those awkward teen years as she perfectly describes butterflies due to a crush, first try makeup fails, figuring out how to love our bodies. Being immersed in those familiar feelings makes the horrors of impending genocide even more shocking.
Friendships, lives, families are all at stake when opposing sides butt heads and not one character can prepare for what politics and religion can do to a homeland, to the people you identify as your own.
I’m thankful this memoir gives us so many happy moments but, man, I was crushed when reading the follow ups.
This memoir is dazzling with memories and hope for each summer. All the same, it’s a tragic open wound. Raw and absolutely going to leave a scar.
Amra is a homely young girl, sheltered from much of what her preteen/teen counterparts have been exposed to-makeup, crushes, fashion. She’s living in late 80s Bosnia at a time when Serbs are increasingly isolating and discriminating against Bosniaks, serving as a backdrop to an already tumultuous time. Amra has survived a personal tragedy and is left feeling like she has no one.
Three Summers changes everything. She’s introduced to cousins that become light, motivation, excitement, and adventure in her life when they gather each summer, growing older and developing their interests.
Sabic-El-Rayess does THE MOST incredible writing and transports the reader directly to those awkward teen years as she perfectly describes butterflies due to a crush, first try makeup fails, figuring out how to love our bodies. Being immersed in those familiar feelings makes the horrors of impending genocide even more shocking.
Friendships, lives, families are all at stake when opposing sides butt heads and not one character can prepare for what politics and religion can do to a homeland, to the people you identify as your own.
I’m thankful this memoir gives us so many happy moments but, man, I was crushed when reading the follow ups.
This memoir is dazzling with memories and hope for each summer. All the same, it’s a tragic open wound. Raw and absolutely going to leave a scar.
July 26, 2024
When I first found this book I thought it was a historical fiction novel. What I discovered as I began reading it though is that this book is actually a memoir (which, had I paid a little more attention to the subtitle of the novel, I really should have seen). Normally averse to nonfiction, I was a tad bit wary but found this book genuinely fascinating. The story telling was superbly done, the characters were very relatable (any teenager girl can connect with Amra and Žana) and the subject matter of the book was so important. This novel deals not only with the mounting tensions of the Bosnian Genocide but also with grief, as well as growing up and navigating being a sister, a daughter, and a friend. It was simultaneously exciting, heart warm, terrifying, and heart wrenching. The structure of the book-split up into three summers with a before and after section-worked very well in pacing the story. The structure lent itself to the build up of the mounting tensions, as well as describing how we, as well as the world around us, change as we grow up. I found the additional information of the Author’s note, timeline of the Bosnian Genocide, sources page, and a breakdown of what happened to many of the characters in the book to be incredibly helpful and fascinating. I was pretty much unaware of the Bosnia genocide until I read another book (a historical fiction novel) titled “The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of”. That book is set in Austria but references the Bosnia Genocide as one of the characters in it is a young woman who had escaped the genocide and is working as a nanny in Austria (it’s a great read as well, I highly recommend it). I was curious and wanted to learn more since the Bosnia Genocide is not generally taught in high school history classes. I found this book to not only be a wonderful resource for historical knowledge but also a compelling story full of hope and heart. It was a tremendously enjoyable read that challenged, inspired, and educated me while invoking the full range of emotions within me along the way!
May 15, 2024
Maybe because I read her memoir of her teenage years during the Bosnian War, The Cat I Never Named, first, but I found the after pieces more impactful than the rest of the narrative. Hearing how semi-carefree Amra's life was in the few years immediately before the war makes me believe looking back on the early signs of discontent & unrest in her country and among her people must be heartbreaking. Missing what happens right in front of you when it transpires slowly is easier than sudden onslaughts of events.
I appreciate how this memoir of her three summers spent with cousins shows how normal life was. Young Amra was just like any other tween or teen, seeking freedom from parents and solace with friends her own age. The world knows about the Holocaust, but the rape of Nanking, the genocide of Bosniaks, and so many more atrocities against humanity are skipped over. The fall of the Berlin Wall wasn't all sunshine rainbows, as Americans are raised to believe. In the following years, innocence was robbed from a generation that was taught hatred, Amra's generation, and she explains here how that didn't happen overnight. She saw glimpses into the hatred but never expected the end of life as she knew it and sisterhood as she came to love until it was too late. Readers could learn from this book and her earlier work. No one should be hated based on their ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, etc. Blanket statements do not work, and hate like this tore families and friends apart across Eastern Europe. Amazing what she has accomplished since the war, especially using her voice to share her experiences, even when remembering is painful.
I appreciate how this memoir of her three summers spent with cousins shows how normal life was. Young Amra was just like any other tween or teen, seeking freedom from parents and solace with friends her own age. The world knows about the Holocaust, but the rape of Nanking, the genocide of Bosniaks, and so many more atrocities against humanity are skipped over. The fall of the Berlin Wall wasn't all sunshine rainbows, as Americans are raised to believe. In the following years, innocence was robbed from a generation that was taught hatred, Amra's generation, and she explains here how that didn't happen overnight. She saw glimpses into the hatred but never expected the end of life as she knew it and sisterhood as she came to love until it was too late. Readers could learn from this book and her earlier work. No one should be hated based on their ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, etc. Blanket statements do not work, and hate like this tore families and friends apart across Eastern Europe. Amazing what she has accomplished since the war, especially using her voice to share her experiences, even when remembering is painful.
May 2, 2024
Amra's book is an extraordinary work of art. On one hand, it is easy to read, humorous and with lots of beautifully painted descriptions of nature, life in a small town and the local traditions. On the other hand, it is painfully honest about the big questions of life circling in every teenager's head: is true love possible, what makes me to be the real me, how to deal with difficult people around me, how to stay true to my values in the midst of peer pressure. Adding to that, this is a true story of a teenage girl whose life got shattered to pieces many times. Her older brother dies of incurable diagnosis- and her home country is getting ready for a war. Is it still possible to love and trust each other and enjoy fun with friends, when the whole world is changing around them? Amra's story - her own story in this book - shows that yes, it is possible, even if it is sometimes very difficult. I would recommend this book whole-heartedly to all of my friends, young and old alike.
December 5, 2023
In this autobiographical, coming-of-age book, we meet Amra and get a glimpse into her life in Bosnia over the course of three summers leading up to the Bosnian conflict, but the story ends there. There is considerable information regarding the events surrounding the war in the Afterword sections.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this title.
Publication Date: 9 April 2024
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this title.
Publication Date: 9 April 2024
April 26, 2024
A very interesting look into the life of the average preteen/teen before the Bosnian War. I learned so much about the history of Yugoslavia and the region, and that subtle, insidious rise of the Serbs and dehumanization of the Bosniaks. This was a great primer for me on the topic, as I was too young and far removed when the war happened to understand the history.
May 10, 2024
This was so good. I learned so much.
June 1, 2024
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Sister Amra, thank you so much for bringing us with you to the Una, thank you for sharing your memories, your love, your lost, your pain. I hope that if there are any open wounds that are not fully healed, that Allah continues to pour His mercy into them and unto you and your family. You have persevered through something really intense. Thank you for growing through what you went through and giving us important life lessons.
Sister Amra, thank you so much for bringing us with you to the Una, thank you for sharing your memories, your love, your lost, your pain. I hope that if there are any open wounds that are not fully healed, that Allah continues to pour His mercy into them and unto you and your family. You have persevered through something really intense. Thank you for growing through what you went through and giving us important life lessons.
August 25, 2024
Such a great, moving, and emotional memoir. Newbery material for sure.
March 7, 2024
Historical fiction/memoir set just before the Bosnian genocide and inside a heart-warming and fun-filled story of family.
THREE SUMMERS focuses on Amra, a Muslim tween/early teen born and raised in Bosnia, who loves her family deeply and that family extends to cousins, uncles, and aunts both near and distant in both blood and geography. Over the course of three summers, Amra develops a bond with her cousin Zana that, on the surface, seems unlikely as they live in different cities and Zana’s mom, who is Muslim, married a Serbian/non-Muslim and has become estranged from the family. Zana helps Amra recover from the devastating death of her older brother and to become more comfortable in her own skin and both girls join with friends and families in celebrating life and each other on the banks of the Una River. While Amra’s story does not turn dark, the spector of hate against one group of people begins to rise and mixes with the youthful zest for life that Amra, Zana and others find during their summers together. Back matter elaborates on the genocide and violence perpetrated by Serbian radicals determined to exterminate what one politician called ”genetically deformed material” when referring to Muslim Bosniaks. Also included is a timeline of this dark period in history as well as a “Where Are They Now” section for those in book based on real people in Amra Sabic-El-Rayess’ life during these pivotal years.
In addition to being an engaging story, sure to capture the attention of readers in grades 5 and up, THREE SUMMERS will shed light on a period in history not often discussed despite its importance and with that light, hopefully give those readers not only a knowledge of the events but the understanding that hate directed towards any group or individual can lead people down a scary road. History has proven that and we, as citizens of the world, have got to get this lesson figured out.
Thanks for the print arc, MacMillan Kids.
THREE SUMMERS focuses on Amra, a Muslim tween/early teen born and raised in Bosnia, who loves her family deeply and that family extends to cousins, uncles, and aunts both near and distant in both blood and geography. Over the course of three summers, Amra develops a bond with her cousin Zana that, on the surface, seems unlikely as they live in different cities and Zana’s mom, who is Muslim, married a Serbian/non-Muslim and has become estranged from the family. Zana helps Amra recover from the devastating death of her older brother and to become more comfortable in her own skin and both girls join with friends and families in celebrating life and each other on the banks of the Una River. While Amra’s story does not turn dark, the spector of hate against one group of people begins to rise and mixes with the youthful zest for life that Amra, Zana and others find during their summers together. Back matter elaborates on the genocide and violence perpetrated by Serbian radicals determined to exterminate what one politician called ”genetically deformed material” when referring to Muslim Bosniaks. Also included is a timeline of this dark period in history as well as a “Where Are They Now” section for those in book based on real people in Amra Sabic-El-Rayess’ life during these pivotal years.
In addition to being an engaging story, sure to capture the attention of readers in grades 5 and up, THREE SUMMERS will shed light on a period in history not often discussed despite its importance and with that light, hopefully give those readers not only a knowledge of the events but the understanding that hate directed towards any group or individual can lead people down a scary road. History has proven that and we, as citizens of the world, have got to get this lesson figured out.
Thanks for the print arc, MacMillan Kids.
October 3, 2023
Growing up, I remember watching bits and pieces of the war in Bosnia on the news with my parents. However, that was the only information that I got about the war until I read this book. I do not understand why, but for some reason, this war is hardly talked about in History Classes or in History Books. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I realized that I had never actually read a book about the war in Bosnia before. So, I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me access to a pre-released copy of this book to review. Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of the Bosnian Genocide by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess is such an amazing memoir that does a great job depicting what life was like as a pre-teen growing up in Bosnia just as the war was starting. It was very interesting to read about how the troubles progressed throughout the three summers and how it did not just happen all at once. I would also like to add that the pre-teen coming of age storyline was so well written! I loved both storylines and the author did a terrific job intertwining them together. I was also very grateful to the author for adding a timeline and a where are they now section at the end of the book. I was very curious to see how everybody ended up. All in all, I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend this book to patron’s ages 13 and up who are interested in learning about what life is like growing up during war time.
December 15, 2023
It is impossible not to fall in love with Amra and Žana in this heartbreaking coming-of-age memoir. Amra is a proud Bosnian with a honest, loving father and warm, generous mother. After losing her brother, Amar, to a disease similar to Marfan’s Syndrome, Amra doesn’t know where to turn.
That’s when Žana steps in. Her mother, Aida, was ostracized after marrying a Serbian. Now going be Dida, Žana’s mother seems stuck between two worlds and happy in neither. Her father, Ðorðe, is in the military and is not a fan of Muslims.
But for two beautiful summers, it doesn’t matter is Žana and Amra are different. They view each other as sisters, confiding in each other about absolutely everything.
But the last summer is a little bit different. There are certain things Amra feels she can’t tell Žana. There are things she doesn’t know about Žana’s own beliefs. Still with a fierce love for each other, both girls try to find their way during an incredible tense time in Yugoslavia, finding out who they are and where they belong.
I do wish the author had spent more time on the details of what happened during 1992-1995. It is only when we have to look at the horrors of war that it truly affects us. I feel that including this would have made this book stronger and the real people in this book are so lovable that people would have cared about what happened to them.
I did appreciate the “Where Are They Now” section.
A huge thanks to NCTE for this ARC. Look for it in April 2024.
That’s when Žana steps in. Her mother, Aida, was ostracized after marrying a Serbian. Now going be Dida, Žana’s mother seems stuck between two worlds and happy in neither. Her father, Ðorðe, is in the military and is not a fan of Muslims.
But for two beautiful summers, it doesn’t matter is Žana and Amra are different. They view each other as sisters, confiding in each other about absolutely everything.
But the last summer is a little bit different. There are certain things Amra feels she can’t tell Žana. There are things she doesn’t know about Žana’s own beliefs. Still with a fierce love for each other, both girls try to find their way during an incredible tense time in Yugoslavia, finding out who they are and where they belong.
I do wish the author had spent more time on the details of what happened during 1992-1995. It is only when we have to look at the horrors of war that it truly affects us. I feel that including this would have made this book stronger and the real people in this book are so lovable that people would have cared about what happened to them.
I did appreciate the “Where Are They Now” section.
A huge thanks to NCTE for this ARC. Look for it in April 2024.
July 8, 2023
The war in Bosnia is an event that mostly went under the radar in the 1990s (in America) so it's no surprise that today's youth have practically no knowledge. The fall of the Berlin Wall, while huge at the time, is also an event that most American youth know little about. Thanks to authors like Jennifer Nielsen and Jenni Walsh, post World War II history is taking middle grade readers by storm. But a literary gap still exists over Bosnia. That's why I'm excited about this book.
Three Summers is an autobiographical, coming-of-age story about a teen girl named Amra (the author). When the story begins, Amra is coming to terms with the death of her older brother. Since he was her best friend, she spends the following year in a low grade depression. She is rescued from her sadness by Zana, her happy, fun, sophisticated cousin. In their short first summer, they spend their days swimming at the river, talking fashion, trying out makeup, and dreaming about boys. Amra loves that Zana is honest, rather than putting on airs. They have so much fun, they vow to write often and spend the entire summer together the following year.
Summer 2 happens just as planned. A little older, they continue to obsess over boys (especially Zana) and discover the fun of being out at night with other teens. They both agree it's the best summer ever and plan for summer 3. Unfortunately, things are heating up politically. Muslims are being targeted by the Serbians as racially inferior people. Summer 3 is not shaping up as the girls hope. While Zana's mother is a Bosnian Muslim like Amra, her father is a Serbian. Zana is allowed to visit with some conditions in place. Still, the girls manage to have fun going to the discotheques with their many cousins and friends. Because of the racial divide, this is Zana's last visit.
This was a likable story, but flat from a descriptive and emotional standpoint. As much as I wanted to relive this experience through the author, I just couldn't get there. I've often heard reviewers criticize authors for telling rather than showing, I would say that applies here. I was fascinated by all the family connections. Aunts, uncles and cousins kept coming out of the woodwork. I was also fascinated by the concept of image surrounding hospitality. They'll go to the poorhouse to provide a good meal, but turn on their own family members just as quickly. From my experience living in a Communist country, it's a Communist thing.
My last comment relates to the Bosnian conflict, which was only on the periphery of the story. Amra goes to great links to give a timeline and facts about the war in the Afterword sections. Since the story ends before any of this happens, it's confusing and honestly doesn't serve it's purpose. I am interested to know what that war was all about and what it was like to live through, but I need that in a story, not a rushed followup.
A good read, but not gripping, and therefore not likely to be the big winner it could have been.
Three Summers is an autobiographical, coming-of-age story about a teen girl named Amra (the author). When the story begins, Amra is coming to terms with the death of her older brother. Since he was her best friend, she spends the following year in a low grade depression. She is rescued from her sadness by Zana, her happy, fun, sophisticated cousin. In their short first summer, they spend their days swimming at the river, talking fashion, trying out makeup, and dreaming about boys. Amra loves that Zana is honest, rather than putting on airs. They have so much fun, they vow to write often and spend the entire summer together the following year.
Summer 2 happens just as planned. A little older, they continue to obsess over boys (especially Zana) and discover the fun of being out at night with other teens. They both agree it's the best summer ever and plan for summer 3. Unfortunately, things are heating up politically. Muslims are being targeted by the Serbians as racially inferior people. Summer 3 is not shaping up as the girls hope. While Zana's mother is a Bosnian Muslim like Amra, her father is a Serbian. Zana is allowed to visit with some conditions in place. Still, the girls manage to have fun going to the discotheques with their many cousins and friends. Because of the racial divide, this is Zana's last visit.
This was a likable story, but flat from a descriptive and emotional standpoint. As much as I wanted to relive this experience through the author, I just couldn't get there. I've often heard reviewers criticize authors for telling rather than showing, I would say that applies here. I was fascinated by all the family connections. Aunts, uncles and cousins kept coming out of the woodwork. I was also fascinated by the concept of image surrounding hospitality. They'll go to the poorhouse to provide a good meal, but turn on their own family members just as quickly. From my experience living in a Communist country, it's a Communist thing.
My last comment relates to the Bosnian conflict, which was only on the periphery of the story. Amra goes to great links to give a timeline and facts about the war in the Afterword sections. Since the story ends before any of this happens, it's confusing and honestly doesn't serve it's purpose. I am interested to know what that war was all about and what it was like to live through, but I need that in a story, not a rushed followup.
A good read, but not gripping, and therefore not likely to be the big winner it could have been.
September 22, 2024
3 ☆
"Things can get better."
honestly, this book-. it was enjoyable if you ignored all of the messed up things that were said, and all the way Muslims were misrepresented in this book. Islam is NOT an ethnicity!!!!! Like, you can't be 'half-Muslim' I'm sorry what?
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
THE THINGS THAT I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The HUGE misrepresentation of Islam - I said this about her last book and above. She treats Islam like it's an ethnicity and not a religion. She makes it seem like practicing is a bad thing, for backward people. people who aren't practicing are better than those who are, therefore, if I'm not practicing, that's fine. I shouldn't try to practice.
There were some specific moments that made me super mad:
a. in Ch. 10, she said she thought her religious grandmother would like her green bikini because green was the Prophet's fav color. That's indirectly associating the Prophet with bikinis, as in saying, it's fine to wear this bikini because it's green. GIRL, that is not okay. Your grandmother would not like you wearing ANY bikini, for your own benefit.
b. In Ch. 20, and many times before that, she mentioned people being 'half-Muslim.' As I've said before, you can't be half-Muslim because Islam is a religion. How does that make sense? 'Oh, I'm half a follower of Islam, half a person from Serbian descent.' No, you're a Muslim Serb. Islam being the religion and being Serb the ethnicity.
2. In multiple instances she made it seem like makeup made her beautiful, which is just a bad message to put forth, especially in front of insecure teens. Makeup doesn't make you beautiful, it covers up the true beauty of yourself. It's okay to wear makeup for fun, but it shouldn't become apart of who you are.
3. this whole book she was acting like a 16 yr old, when she's ACC not even 12. that was kinda weird???
THE THINGS THAT I DID LIKE
1. the flow of this book. you could flip page after page, i thought the writing wasn't harsh or anything.
2. learning more about the bosnian war, something that isn't discussed much.
What is the author trying to say?
She's trying to inform the world about the prejudices against Bosniaks and share her story.
How did the author communicate the message?
By sharing her experiences, putting forth situations that she didn't understand at the time but we do now because we know what was happening.
How did the book make me feel?
Angry, a lot of the times.
"Things can get better."
honestly, this book-. it was enjoyable if you ignored all of the messed up things that were said, and all the way Muslims were misrepresented in this book. Islam is NOT an ethnicity!!!!! Like, you can't be 'half-Muslim' I'm sorry what?
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
THE THINGS THAT I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The HUGE misrepresentation of Islam - I said this about her last book and above. She treats Islam like it's an ethnicity and not a religion. She makes it seem like practicing is a bad thing, for backward people. people who aren't practicing are better than those who are, therefore, if I'm not practicing, that's fine. I shouldn't try to practice.
There were some specific moments that made me super mad:
a. in Ch. 10, she said she thought her religious grandmother would like her green bikini because green was the Prophet's fav color. That's indirectly associating the Prophet with bikinis, as in saying, it's fine to wear this bikini because it's green. GIRL, that is not okay. Your grandmother would not like you wearing ANY bikini, for your own benefit.
b. In Ch. 20, and many times before that, she mentioned people being 'half-Muslim.' As I've said before, you can't be half-Muslim because Islam is a religion. How does that make sense? 'Oh, I'm half a follower of Islam, half a person from Serbian descent.' No, you're a Muslim Serb. Islam being the religion and being Serb the ethnicity.
2. In multiple instances she made it seem like makeup made her beautiful, which is just a bad message to put forth, especially in front of insecure teens. Makeup doesn't make you beautiful, it covers up the true beauty of yourself. It's okay to wear makeup for fun, but it shouldn't become apart of who you are.
3. this whole book she was acting like a 16 yr old, when she's ACC not even 12. that was kinda weird???
THE THINGS THAT I DID LIKE
1. the flow of this book. you could flip page after page, i thought the writing wasn't harsh or anything.
2. learning more about the bosnian war, something that isn't discussed much.
What is the author trying to say?
She's trying to inform the world about the prejudices against Bosniaks and share her story.
How did the author communicate the message?
By sharing her experiences, putting forth situations that she didn't understand at the time but we do now because we know what was happening.
How did the book make me feel?
Angry, a lot of the times.
April 27, 2024
Having read her first novel about living through the throes of war and religious persecution, I was absolutely ready to read a book about her life before war took hold especially the three summers she spent living it up.
It's sweet and a touch sorrowful knowing what was going to be happening but Sabic-El-Rayess's story is about so many facets of her life including the legacy of her brother who died when she was young of Marfan Syndrome-- she thinks about him often even after all of this time. And she shares "where they're at now" with others that the reader meets throughout her time. It's a window into a life of a girl living in Bosnia without cares in the world as she swims, has crushes, and shares her secrets with her friends.
"My brother Amar has Marfan syndrome. He told me that the American president Abraham Lincoln had it, too. 'So see,' he tells me when I fret, 'not only will I turn out just fine- I may even be president someday!' But if Lincoln had it, he had a mild version."
"Coffee is the drink that binds all Bosnians together. I don't like coffee, but I must be the only person in Bosnia who doesn't. It isn't about getting a coffee fix, I'm sure Mujesira already had a quick cup in her home. Coffee is socializing. Bonding. Therapy. Here is Bosnia, people don't go to doctors or therapists when they have problems. They sit with their friends and neighbors and drink coffee. Tetka Fatma always has her girlfriends over for teferidz, an old Bosnian word that means enjoying time together while drinking coffee with gusto, and usually feasting..."
"'Look out the window, Amra. See those horses training in the field?... Those are Lipizzaner horses, the smartest, most perfect horses in the world. They were bred in this area centuries ago. Do you know why they are such brilliant horses? Because they have a little bit of everything in them- Spanish and Arab, and the horses of Slovenia... They are like us, the Bosnians. A little bit of everything."
It's sweet and a touch sorrowful knowing what was going to be happening but Sabic-El-Rayess's story is about so many facets of her life including the legacy of her brother who died when she was young of Marfan Syndrome-- she thinks about him often even after all of this time. And she shares "where they're at now" with others that the reader meets throughout her time. It's a window into a life of a girl living in Bosnia without cares in the world as she swims, has crushes, and shares her secrets with her friends.
"My brother Amar has Marfan syndrome. He told me that the American president Abraham Lincoln had it, too. 'So see,' he tells me when I fret, 'not only will I turn out just fine- I may even be president someday!' But if Lincoln had it, he had a mild version."
"Coffee is the drink that binds all Bosnians together. I don't like coffee, but I must be the only person in Bosnia who doesn't. It isn't about getting a coffee fix, I'm sure Mujesira already had a quick cup in her home. Coffee is socializing. Bonding. Therapy. Here is Bosnia, people don't go to doctors or therapists when they have problems. They sit with their friends and neighbors and drink coffee. Tetka Fatma always has her girlfriends over for teferidz, an old Bosnian word that means enjoying time together while drinking coffee with gusto, and usually feasting..."
"'Look out the window, Amra. See those horses training in the field?... Those are Lipizzaner horses, the smartest, most perfect horses in the world. They were bred in this area centuries ago. Do you know why they are such brilliant horses? Because they have a little bit of everything in them- Spanish and Arab, and the horses of Slovenia... They are like us, the Bosnians. A little bit of everything."
June 28, 2024
The backmatter of the book is excellent- 5+ stars. I listened to the audio book- I could not find that edition on Goodreads. The last hour of the book was what I wanted to learn more about in the previous part of the book. It starts off with the death of her brother, so that already set a somber tone. Then for the majority of the book, it is lighthearted coming of age. That is fine, but too much of the memoir focused on boy crushes, frivolous outings, pimples, etc. While you expect these topics to be in a preteen memories, this went on way too long with too much not needed details. I wanted to learn more about her culture, why there were rifts developing, etc. Many non Muslim readers will read this book. I wanted to learn more about why as a Muslim girl she was allowed to party and wear bikinis. Why was prayer and food restrictions not in place? Was this more of a view from a secular Muslim? My personal experience has only been around Muslims that wear head to toe garments- even in swimming pools. I really wanted to learn more about these questions. This would have been a perfect avenue to expand on the wide array of practices in the Muslim world-wide culture. I also had many political questions that were not touched on. I would have liked to see this memoir be non-linear and gone back and forth from these summers of idyllic childhood memories with a strong sense of sisterhood to her experiences in and after the war. I am not sure the young readers will take away the lessons that the author did an amazing job describing in the author's note. Most kids don't read that part especially after a LONG section (9 hours of audio). I came away with more questions than resolutions as an adult reader. I was really so excited to read about this time in history, but did not get the historical perspective that I anticipated. It does have a very strong theme of sisterhood that transcends all cultures.
April 15, 2024
If you're searching for a profoundly moving and enlightening read, look no further than this book. This remarkable memoir offers an intimate and deeply personal account of one woman's journey through the harrowing landscape of war-torn Bosnia during the 1990s.
Sabic-El-Rayess's narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring as she navigates the complexities of ethnic and religious tensions that tear apart her once-unified community. Through her eloquent prose, she invites readers into her world, where resilience and hope become guiding lights amidst unimaginable loss and fear.
What makes "Three Summers" truly exceptional is its portrayal of the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Sabic-El-Rayess's unwavering courage and determination to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst chaos serve as a testament to the resilience of the human soul.
Moreover, the memoir offers valuable insights into the complexities of identity and belonging, shedding light on the profound impact of conflict on individual lives. Author’s candid reflections on her experiences as a Muslim woman navigating prejudice and violence are both eye-opening and deeply moving.
In essence, "Three Summers" is a poignant tribute to the human cost of war and the enduring power of love, compassion, and hope. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring to embrace empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of peace.
Whether you're drawn to memoirs, interested in learning more about the Bosnia, the Bosnian War, or simply seeking a captivating and thought-provoking read, "Three Summers" is a book that I wholeheartedly recommend. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling.
Sabic-El-Rayess's narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring as she navigates the complexities of ethnic and religious tensions that tear apart her once-unified community. Through her eloquent prose, she invites readers into her world, where resilience and hope become guiding lights amidst unimaginable loss and fear.
What makes "Three Summers" truly exceptional is its portrayal of the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Sabic-El-Rayess's unwavering courage and determination to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst chaos serve as a testament to the resilience of the human soul.
Moreover, the memoir offers valuable insights into the complexities of identity and belonging, shedding light on the profound impact of conflict on individual lives. Author’s candid reflections on her experiences as a Muslim woman navigating prejudice and violence are both eye-opening and deeply moving.
In essence, "Three Summers" is a poignant tribute to the human cost of war and the enduring power of love, compassion, and hope. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring to embrace empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of peace.
Whether you're drawn to memoirs, interested in learning more about the Bosnia, the Bosnian War, or simply seeking a captivating and thought-provoking read, "Three Summers" is a book that I wholeheartedly recommend. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling.
May 5, 2024
Three Summers is the teenage years memoir of Amra Sabic-El0Rayess, a Muslim Bosniak prior to the Bosnian War. After the loss of her older brother to Marfan syndrome Amra is, understandably, depressed. As a last ditch effort her mother calls on her estranged cousin, who happens to have a daughter the same age. When Zara comes to visit she is confident, strong willed, and out-going and she not only pulls Amra out of her funk, but begins to build her up into the woman she eventually becomes. This is the events of those three magical summers that they were able to spend together.
This was a huge dip into the culture of the young in Bosnia in the 80's. You get a taste of the rising tensions and upcoming conflict, but much of the book centers on how it was growing up for them. How there was no difference between the Bosnians and the Serbs other than their religious beliefs, despite the rhetoric that was spread before and during the war. It is a story of family, and traditions, and sisters of the heart.
The nice thing about this book is that it did not read like a typical memoir to me. It seemed like it could have been just a story of kids in Bihac over the course of three summers. The adventures they got into and the emotions that they felt strongly, like only the young can. While there were some facts about religion, it was not the predominant theme of the story, other than the fact that her family was Muslim and were treated differently at different stages in the book because of it. The hardest part of this book, for me, was trying to remember how young Amra was for these three summers. That she was only 11/12 when they are talking about flirting with boys out at the river and 12/13 when they are heading to the discotheque to dance until 11pm.
Overall I liked the book. It was a great look at culture and history in the form of a great story.
This was a huge dip into the culture of the young in Bosnia in the 80's. You get a taste of the rising tensions and upcoming conflict, but much of the book centers on how it was growing up for them. How there was no difference between the Bosnians and the Serbs other than their religious beliefs, despite the rhetoric that was spread before and during the war. It is a story of family, and traditions, and sisters of the heart.
The nice thing about this book is that it did not read like a typical memoir to me. It seemed like it could have been just a story of kids in Bihac over the course of three summers. The adventures they got into and the emotions that they felt strongly, like only the young can. While there were some facts about religion, it was not the predominant theme of the story, other than the fact that her family was Muslim and were treated differently at different stages in the book because of it. The hardest part of this book, for me, was trying to remember how young Amra was for these three summers. That she was only 11/12 when they are talking about flirting with boys out at the river and 12/13 when they are heading to the discotheque to dance until 11pm.
Overall I liked the book. It was a great look at culture and history in the form of a great story.
August 10, 2024
My daughter and I had the privilege to meet Sabic-El-Rayess at a book fest where she autographed her own copy of Three Summers and gifted it to my daughter.
My daughter loved it, and I patiently waited my turn to read it. Honestly, I struggled through the first 2 summers (2/3rds of the book). As a mother I'm incredibly careful about the messages my daughter receives and made frequent notes to talk with my daughter about different aspects of the story - mostly related to the boy-crazy cousin. What I recognized though, throughout, is that Amra was the perfect counterpart to this individual and little probably actually needed to be said. Where Zana objectified boys and used relationships as a game to fulfill her needs vs displaying true love (themes that were so prevalent through the first 2/3rds that I was hard pressed to finish it) Amra had much more level-headed approach to life. She saw her role in her family, was honest to the frequent deceptions of her cousins, understood the challenges of her country, her family, economics, the need for education in ways that no doubt made her the lovely woman we had the privilege to meet earlier this year.
I think it's so vital to understand other cultures, and to "humanize the dehumanized" as Sabic-El-Rayess says in this book. It was good for me (and my daughter) to hear her story and to understand a bit better what happened in this period of history so we can be better citizens of the world. This is not a perspective/time period I've seen many other books about, and it was a valuable read overall despite my challenges with the beginning part.
My daughter loved it, and I patiently waited my turn to read it. Honestly, I struggled through the first 2 summers (2/3rds of the book). As a mother I'm incredibly careful about the messages my daughter receives and made frequent notes to talk with my daughter about different aspects of the story - mostly related to the boy-crazy cousin. What I recognized though, throughout, is that Amra was the perfect counterpart to this individual and little probably actually needed to be said. Where Zana objectified boys and used relationships as a game to fulfill her needs vs displaying true love (themes that were so prevalent through the first 2/3rds that I was hard pressed to finish it) Amra had much more level-headed approach to life. She saw her role in her family, was honest to the frequent deceptions of her cousins, understood the challenges of her country, her family, economics, the need for education in ways that no doubt made her the lovely woman we had the privilege to meet earlier this year.
I think it's so vital to understand other cultures, and to "humanize the dehumanized" as Sabic-El-Rayess says in this book. It was good for me (and my daughter) to hear her story and to understand a bit better what happened in this period of history so we can be better citizens of the world. This is not a perspective/time period I've seen many other books about, and it was a valuable read overall despite my challenges with the beginning part.
August 2, 2024
In 1980s Bosnia, eleven-year-old Amra loses her beloved older brother to complications from Marfan syndrome. Devastated by the death of her brother, Amra retreats into her own grief until her mother decides to invite Amra's older cousin Zana and her sister to stay. Zana is just what Amra needed -- a cousin like a sister who will show Amra the ins and outs of becoming a teenager. Over the summer, and the two summers that follow, the girls navigate first crushes, boy troubles, heartbreak, and fashion disasters together. But all along, tension is building in the background as political unrest foments in the country. Amra and her family, who are Bosnian Muslims, called Bosniaks, begin to feel the building prejudices against them as anti-Muslim sentiments become widely known.
This insightful memoir will transport readers to summers in Bosnia on the banks of the River Una. Rich sensory details go a long way to fill in the spaces of Amra's memories, and the result is a vibrant story of a carefree summer -- with a looming threat of violence that lurks in the background. Almost like a prequel to Amra Sabic-El-Rayess's YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist memoir, The Cat I Never Named, this book is appropriate for tween readers and just begins to explore the violence and tragedy that Amra experienced during the Bosnian Genocide. This book is just right for tweens with an interest in history, or who feel on the cusp of something big.
This insightful memoir will transport readers to summers in Bosnia on the banks of the River Una. Rich sensory details go a long way to fill in the spaces of Amra's memories, and the result is a vibrant story of a carefree summer -- with a looming threat of violence that lurks in the background. Almost like a prequel to Amra Sabic-El-Rayess's YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist memoir, The Cat I Never Named, this book is appropriate for tween readers and just begins to explore the violence and tragedy that Amra experienced during the Bosnian Genocide. This book is just right for tweens with an interest in history, or who feel on the cusp of something big.
May 23, 2024
📕 "Three Summers" by Amra Sabic El-Rayess is a profoundly moving and evocative memoir that transcends the boundaries of a personal narrative to capture the heart and soul of a nation in turmoil. Through her vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, El-Rayess transports readers to the summers of her youth, set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War (Genocide). Her journey from innocence to resilience is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and love in the face of unimaginable adversity.
El-Rayess masterfully weaves together the intimate and the historical, offering a deeply personal perspective on the horrors of war (genocide) while illuminating the broader socio-political landscape that shaped her experiences. Her writing is both lyrical and raw, filled with moments of beauty amidst the brutality, making "Three Summers" not only a memoir but a powerful commentary on the indomitable will to survive and thrive. 🕯
📖 This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of conflict on individuals and communities and the extraordinary courage it takes to rebuild and reclaim one's life. Three Summers is a compelling reminder of our shared humanity and the enduring light of hope that can guide us through the darkest of times. 💡
El-Rayess masterfully weaves together the intimate and the historical, offering a deeply personal perspective on the horrors of war (genocide) while illuminating the broader socio-political landscape that shaped her experiences. Her writing is both lyrical and raw, filled with moments of beauty amidst the brutality, making "Three Summers" not only a memoir but a powerful commentary on the indomitable will to survive and thrive. 🕯
📖 This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of conflict on individuals and communities and the extraordinary courage it takes to rebuild and reclaim one's life. Three Summers is a compelling reminder of our shared humanity and the enduring light of hope that can guide us through the darkest of times. 💡
June 4, 2024
Three Summers is a fabulous coming of age memoir written about the summers leading up to the war between Yugoslavia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amra and her family are close and cannot imagine the heartache to come. When her older brother dies from complications of Marfan Syndrome, Amra feels lost. Her mom decides it is time to call on her cousins to help Amra get out and find herself again. Amra has 3 summers with her cousins playing in the Una River, hanging out with family, and being a teenager before the war starts and Muslims like Amra and her family are targeted.
As a high schooler in the early & mid-eighties, I remember the countries splitting, but never realized the genicide that was taking place or the horrors of communism and dictatorships. Amra and her family truly lived through the unthinkable, but they did it together and were forever bonded because of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As a high schooler in the early & mid-eighties, I remember the countries splitting, but never realized the genicide that was taking place or the horrors of communism and dictatorships. Amra and her family truly lived through the unthinkable, but they did it together and were forever bonded because of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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