Ronit and Jamil

The premise of this book was amazing! A modern day re-telling of Romeo and Juliet with a Palestinian Boy and an Israeli girl falling for each other in Israel. It's written in verse and intended for teens, but honestly this whole book just fell short for me. The poetry was clunky rather than fluid, they were using cell phones to communicate, and honestly it was more about their differences than their love. I feel like this book was aimed to get teenagers to learn about the conflicts in Israel, but it didn't do anything for the heart of the story, the romance, the Romeo and Juliet vibe. Great concept, just sad it fell short of the mark. If you really want to check it out though it is a SUPER quick read and can be gotten through in an hour. 

Patterns of Evidence: Exodus

Fans of archaeology and biblical history will enjoy this intriguing and eye opening DVD, Patterns of Evidence: Exodus. Narrated by Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), this documentary follows the story of Exodus and debates if there is any historical evidence that supports it. For decades scholars, archaeologists, and even some Jewish leaders have doubted if the exodus of Israelite slaves from Egypt ever occurred, based on lack of historical proof. This documentary goes into great depth and tries to solve the religious dilemma. With interviews from leading Egyptian archaeologists, and Israel president and prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. Over the course of two hours, they uncover a pattern of evidence that challenges viewers to rethink what they know. For too long, historians have focused too long on a few key words that made it seem as if Ramses was the pharaoh that let the Israelites go. In Ramses time, there is no proof of the exodus. However, several hundred years earlier there is ample evidence of an exodus, by changing the timeline there is plenty of historical proof that the exodus could have occurred. For fans of history, archaeology, and biblical studies.

What's that, you want to watch this movie? Well how would you like to win a free copy? All you have to do is comment below with your name and I will randomly select a winner this Friday.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Almond Tree

I wasn't initially excited to read this book; the cover art was boring, it would probably be depressing, blah, blah, blah. Stupid excuses, all of them! This was a fantastic read. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it.

This book did more for my understanding of Israeli/ Palestinian problems than any thing else I've read. I'm not a political connoisseur by any means so this really opened my eyes.

The story is a bout young Palestinian boy who despite all odds keeps his chin up and eventually escapes from extreme poverty. His toddler sister is blown up by a land mine when he was a child, another one was gassed to death, his father is wrongly imprisoned for fourteen years, their house gets blown up, they live in a tent for years, it's tragic. Horribly tragic. However, for young Ichmad there is an out, his brain. Ichmad is amazingly talented at math and science and those will eventually become the keys to his success. He succeeds in leaving he country but his brother never forgive him for, "siding with the enemy."

A truly great novel that explores the problems in the Middle East, illustrates the need for peace, and the need for universal education. Education is key to uplifting people out of poverty and despair.

I received this book for free from Goodreads in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.