The Poetry of Arthur Vaso

GREAT READS   HOMES, Abu Bakr

4/9/2019

30 Comments

 
Abu Bakr Al Rabeeah with Winnie Yeung
 
I was given this book a few days ago, I have already read it. That speaks for itself. And when I put it down I felt a sadness, let into the life of this Child and his family, I did not want to leave them.
 
I must also say , as I was nearing the end of the book, I became frightful, I was panicked, and saying to myself, please, let them make it, let this not be a sad story.
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I will post some exerpts from other sites, but needless to say this book was one of the most heart warming books I have read in a long time. If only we looked through the eyes of a child, how different this world would be.
 
The book is a refugee story through the eyes of a child, and about the war torn region of Syria. First and foremost I am happy that he and his family have made it to Canada, and proud that in this instance Canada acted so well bringing in so many from Syria. It is something close to my heart having been to the region and also never being able to grasp such horrors that children are made to suffer.
 
The book was written in English by Winnie Yeung, and you can feel right away she has captured the essence and spirit of Abu Bakr and his family, and had a very good understanding of the background of the stories told. I smiled at the end of the book to note what great research she did. Need I say, the compassion and her kindness shines through out here too.

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Now, we all come from different places, different cultures, different religions, and we can chose to be divided or find a common human bond. When I read beautiful stories like this I will tell you, I find a common thread in all stories of war, divisions and terror. It crosses all the divides.
 
It is very simple.  When one can retain a smile or laughter,  one is reminded that its not for our own humanity that we do it, but to remain kind to all.Through this book, one will note the smiles and laughter have become part of the story. What a joy to read of Abu Bakr's father, who focused on love and smile's and laughter and less preaching, more the guidance of love. All of this through the horror of war.
 
To Abu Bakr's father and all the elder people who surrounded the children with love and protection, You are all Heroes! Every single one of you!
 
For anyone at all, this book is a gem, a must read!

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Abu Bakr al Rabeeah: "When people heard that I was moving from Syria to Canada, they said, 'Don't forget about us and how life is here.' When I met my ESL teacher Ms. Yeung, I got the lucky chance to share my life story with her. We had nice conversations at lunchtime and after school. We spent three months talking about my life. We used Google Translator a lot, looked at a lot of pictures and researched a lot of stuff. I felt happy sharing my life because I feel like I'm helping people back home and I'm helping newcomers here in Canada."

Abu Bakr al Rabeeah: "I hope readers [walk away] knowing how similar we are, how we have the same things, even though we are from countries far apart. When I first came to school [in Canada], some of my friends asked me, 'Do you guys have chairs back in Syria? Do you have schools?' These kinds of question led me to telling my story. The other thing [I hope people learn from the book] is that, yes we went through a lot of bad stuff, a lot of problems. But we still had a good life there. There are still people who are happy living in Syria.
"Once, after a speech, people came to talk to me. They said, 'We have some new Syrian refugees in the school and now I understand how to connect with them.' That's one of the things that I love."

                        - from CBC Canada
30 Comments
Bach
4/9/2019 11:15:56 pm

Truly touching and beautiful!

Reply
Beastrowan
4/9/2019 11:38:38 pm

I agree with Bach!!! For whom would argue with Bach

Reply
Carole Hill
4/10/2019 03:42:18 am

As a regular supported of a Syrian refugee charity in FRance which focuses
on mothers and children, this book is a must read for me. I've added it to my wish list.

Reply
Darren
4/10/2019 12:27:41 pm

You have managed to write a very engaging review, and I think I will read it. Thank you.

Reply
Sara
4/10/2019 09:58:53 pm

A very engaging review, Art. Thank you for sharing this wonderful book!

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James
4/10/2019 10:36:51 pm

Very touching and beautiful..!

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Lena O
4/11/2019 12:21:24 am

I have followed events there, thank you for bringing this to light. I will see if my library has this.

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Olivia
4/11/2019 02:05:36 am

Beautifully said

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Aysha
4/11/2019 03:29:01 am

You always showcase such diverse and interesting stories, love the blog, hugs

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Tommy Tuson
4/11/2019 04:13:03 am

Great blog, I will look up this book, thanks.

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Nassim
4/11/2019 04:36:18 am

This rocks bro, keep it up

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Eve Roper
4/11/2019 09:40:32 am

A heartbreaking tell, Art, so many left like this all over the world and some people don't care. I always wondered if this would happen to us in the United States. Power and greed is all they "B" look for. Hugs dear friend

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Marcel
4/12/2019 02:13:22 pm

Great blog, checked out book online, very interesting.

Reply
Lance
4/13/2019 02:03:01 am

Hooked me, I will get the book!

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Jasmy Maya
4/13/2019 02:21:13 am

Muy buen articulo

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Etienne Lariviere
4/13/2019 03:01:32 am

The essence of Canada, bravo

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Jan Allison
4/13/2019 09:06:06 am

Bravo, what an awesome review Art no wonder you couldn't put the book down! Thanks for sharing xx

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Richard Lamoureux link
4/13/2019 09:42:05 am

I was moved by the blog, I can imagine that I will be even more moved by reading the book. In today’s world where division has gained so much support it’s refreshing to seek out commonalities. People of different backgrounds strengthen and add to the fabric of Canada.

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Penelope Sosa
4/13/2019 10:03:01 pm

I am an immigrant, I can relate to this very well. thank you

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vienna bombardieri
4/13/2019 10:27:47 pm

After reading Arthurs comment it makes me want to read to book, Excellent. introduction to the book Arthur, Thank you for sharing.

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Claire L
4/14/2019 01:36:47 am

Merci bien, a great blog, I love your book choices, look forward to more.

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Paul
4/14/2019 03:49:00 am

I randomly stumbled upon this website and I must say you truly know how to reel someone in. I will definitely be checking the book out. Cheers

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Fred
4/14/2019 07:31:02 am

I will most certainly start to read this. The world needs more of such books.

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Rhoda Tripp
4/14/2019 05:52:01 pm

Great review, Arturo. This book sounds like a must have!

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Isabella Di Sclafani
4/14/2019 07:31:20 pm

Very beautiful story!
Can't wait to get the book.
Also makes me want to visit Canada.
Thank-you Canada!

Reply
Stephen
4/15/2019 03:42:25 am

We need more stories like this, the King. :)

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Demetrious Tri
4/15/2019 04:02:47 am

This is a blog about humanity, I am humbled great one.

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Tim S
4/15/2019 01:55:47 pm

I am so looking forward to reading this book. The personal journey and looking at life through another's eyes is one of the most amazing things one can do to gain perspective. Thanks for the introduction Arthur.

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Jeroen
4/17/2019 04:32:19 am

Darren recommended this book, and after reading your review, I am sure I will go on and read it.

Reply
Sami
4/24/2019 09:03:56 am

The book looks very good, I'll read it

Reply



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    Arthur Vaso

    Hi there, the blog has been running for almost a year, and as you can see I try to keep up a few posts a month. More about poetry and fellow poets, but also about current events, social issues as well as art and music. I look forward to any suggestions from readers and fellow poets!

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  • Introspection
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  • MIddle East
  • Dark
  • Gothic
  • History
    • Woman in History
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    • ChildrensPoems
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    • GuestBio's
    • Guests2016
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    • Collaborations
    • Dedicated To
    • Music of the Week
  • ARTGallery
  • Music
  • Support