All the People I've Been

by Rayan Mansour

What story are you? "All the People I’ve Been" is a collection of short stories that aims to explore all the people that live within a person and all the lives a person can live.

Our soul is hungry for epiphanies and we feed it with stories. These stories, take us to an inner fictional world in which we forget about our monotonous daily life. In this place, we are free to have the conversations we always wanted to have, be all the people we always wanted to be, go everywhere we’ve always wanted to go, and explore the deepest levels of metaphysical experience that humans secretly crave. And from the most beautiful to the most tragic story, they will shape who we are today and alter our reality.

"We are all stories in the end" - Steven Moffat.

Genres: Book Club

140 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2022

Reviews

[Nourhanesreadings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a beautiful collection of short stories that varies from life experiences, challenges and struggles to love, heartbreak and friendships.
Each story was 2 pages length, simple, light and on point! All of them were relatable and full of wisdom. After each chapter, there were an amazing illustrations and quotations, which I adored!!!
The author talks about the maladaptive daydreaming, which intrigued me even more cause, personally, I had to struggle with this whenever I felt stressed or too sad, daydreaming was my safe space to escape the reality but know I learned how to control it and use it to my advantage! And I think that all of us need a little dose of daydreaming to motivate us, increase our confidence and fill us with hope.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you through the author’s mind in a beautifully seamless way that makes you relate to her and her stories. It goes from coming of age to heartbreak to friendships, hardships and overall experiences. The stories are so simple yet so impactful and thought worthy. I have the privilege of knowing the author personally and that makes me appreciate this book even more.

[Maisun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is made up great short stories, kept me turning the page for more. Beautifully written, the passages go thorough various aspects of life making it very relatable. I loved the illustrations accompanied by quotes after each chapter. This is an *absolutely amazing* read that you won't regret.

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting and cute read. Good for a day spend snuggled under a blanket with a cup of tea when you just need to feel a bunch of emotions that aren't your own. The Cupid story in particular had me tearing up at the end. Would recommend!

[Meagan Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun quick read

[Suha · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful collection of short stories. it was a very light but meaningful read. the illustrations following each short story were very beautiful and unique. definitely recommend!

[Layal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this book for a long time ago, and the fact that I was involved in the process of it makes it more special to read. Now that I got to read it, I gotta say that it surpassed my expectations for sure. I have to say that "All The People I've Been" is one of the few books that kept me interested and excited to turn the page each time. The book is composed of a collection of mini-stories that leave you inspired in so many ways.

Additionally, I was fascinated by the illustrations found after each short story along with the quote to provide the reader with the lesson of each one. It was even interactive for me since every time I was done with one of the stories in the book, I would try to come up with my own moral of the story and see if it matched Rayan's quote.

I enjoyed it to the extent of re-reading it after I was done, and the ending part of the book had me blown away. When you read the last bits of the book, everything starts to make sense and it leaves you with a sense of satisfaction that makes the book so worth it!

[Katherine Hollister · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasure to read. I picked it out thinking it would be a collection of how the narrator grows in life as they age. It was not at all what I expected, but nonetheless I enjoyed it. The narrator, who we find is not a single person, goes through many fictional short stories (2 pages or less) and finds a worthwhile takeaway from each. I originally bought this book for my 20th birthday, to take account of how my life had been and where I wanted it to go. Instead, I found a different message. I found how to take notice of the things in your life, even imaginary, and take them with you through life. I read the entire 125-page book while sitting poolside yesterday on my spring break. The writing wasn't Shakespeare, but I could hear Mansour's unique voice, and that's what I value in an author's writing. I count myself lucky to add this book to my collection.

[Neejma Benkouider · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All the People I’ve Been" is a book that delves deeply into themes of identity and human relationships. The introspective writing style invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and life choices, and to relate to the stories that are being told. The characters are well-developed, each bringing a unique perspective that enriches the narrative. The storytelling is fluid, and the emotions are described with great sensitivity, making the story even more immersive. Overall, it is a work that resonates with the reader and leaves a lasting impression. It is the best book I have read in a while and it just feels so human and natural ! Thank you for this work ❤️

[Rayan Mansour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books explores the core lessons of a human throughout our lives. I enjoyed it a much and gave me so much to think me reflect on. Gave me new lenses to look at things differently and I like that it is a short quick read but that you can go back to it again later whenever. It has a lot of stories and they’re the kind you can re-read and share with people. Honestly, I shared them with a few friends and we were able to strike such deep and meaningful conversations. I totally recommend and it is such a cute book aesthetically speaking!

[John Paul Sark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impactful read,
that is so inspiring.

Uplifting, deep and moving..Rayan's words touch the soul and leave their mark on you. Delving into her book is a memorable experience of an original journey that takes you to new territories that feel familiar, exploring them in a unique way.

'All the People I've Been' is a captivating book that once you start, you wouldn't want to end..and by the time you reach the last page, it will leave you wanting more.

[Haifa Shehab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best heart-warming books of all time. Rayan Mansour is truly talented! Her book is a blend of beauty, tears, magic, and wonder. I can't help but tear up a bit. Every story intricately woven inside this book left an unforgettable mark in my heart. Rayan, you are amazing, and your writing is impeccable and well-executed in such a smooth and organized manner🩵
WELL DONE❤️❤️❤️

[Laila]

This book is full of emotions from the moment you start reading it, I have the privilege to know the author of this book and I know all the love and time she worked with to give us something beautiful to read and I recommend it, it’s amazing 😍

[L M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is phenomenally written - although being short stories, each one tells something / teaches us something and I loved that. I'd definitely recommend everyone to read this (if they love this kind of storytelling, I'd say). I'm looking forward to reading more stuff like this. :D

[Naila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that from the moment you open it you can’t stop reading it, my favorite book at the moment, it’s worth reading.

[رَفــــاه الخَطيب · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book, couldn’t sleep until I’m done ;p
It’s light, meaningful, and kept me excited to flip the page :) well written & illustrated🌱

[Samantha Rementer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An array of peoples stories that have a small but sometimes big lesson to learn.

[Shohaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't really know how to write book reviews but i must say i LOVE this book! it is so beautifully written. reading this book is really worth it. y'all must read this!!!!!!!

[Rosa Wooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

All The People I've been is a lighthearted collection of short stories, all from very different and unique perspectives. Simple, but filled with life, love, and lessons from start to finish.

[Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I advise anyone, hardcore reader or not, to read this book. There’s something about these short stories, no matter who you are, your experiences, what you identify as, you would manage to find bits and pieces of yourself hidden in these words.

Rayan did an amazing job, portraying how someone’s imagination can take them to the highest extremes, and how beautiful and unique it can be.

Five stars, indeed.

[Gihan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! It is one of those you finish very fast, almost in one sit and then you can go back to it casually. It is a cozy read!