Book freaks discussion

This is the monthly book read discussion for the July-August 2012 novel THE THING AROUND YOUR NECK by CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE! Feel free to pour out any questions, comments or feelings about the book that you may have! Also feel free to comment even if you've read the book before! :)

I love this book. I'm so glad it was picked for the group read! To learn about Nigerian culture is a huge reason to read it in itself, but there is so much more to this book. In the stories, the author is not only exploring what it is to be an immigrant in America, but she reveals our common humanity as people. The writing is crisp and absolutely delighted me. My favorite story is the one the book is named after, "The Thing Around Your Neck." I usually find the 'you' tense annoying, but the story is that good, I liked it.

April the Cheshire Meow wrote: "I love this book. I'm so glad it was picked for the group read! To learn about Nigerian culture is a huge reason to read it in itself, but there is so much more to this book. In the stories, the au..."

Just started the book and read the first story! Really eyeopening to corruption in government of third world countries. The gov in Jamaica is at times very similar to this!

Finally was able to get this book from the library and I'll be starting it soon!

Well guys, I just finished the book, so here is my review:
I would call this book an anthology of bittersweet stories. On the one hand these stories talk about extreme resolve, cultural differences, fanatic views, situations that seem so overbearing to some but to others happen to be occurrences in their every day life or to put it simply, the reality. On the other hand, one cannot overlook the sweetness in the courage and dignity when you fight with all your being not to lose your true identity although you might feel a little bit conflicted between what feels right and what others tell you of what is right.
I will not say which is my favorite story simply because I liked them all the same more or less, but I will quote my favorite line from this book: “But why do we say nothing?” Ujunwa asked. She raised her voice and looked at the others. “Why do we always say nothing?”

Anastasia wrote: "Well guys, I just finished the book, so here is my review:
I would call this book an anthology of bittersweet stories. On the one hand these stories talk about extreme resolve, cultural differences..."

That's a good line! Yeah I pretty much would agree with your review. However, I liked some stories more than others. I in particular liked one of the last stories about the woman who's son turned completely against his culture that was very interesting and very different from the other stories. I also like the story that touched on the religious conflict in Nigeria, which I'm ashamed to say I wasn't really aware of, but I suppose there is always conflict where religion is concerned, Ironic as it is.

Here's a link to my review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I really enjoyed this book. I love short stories when they're well written. These were. I liked the one about the Muslim and Christian women simply because it left more questions than answers.

Tracy wrote: "I really enjoyed this book. I love short stories when they're well written. These were. I liked the one about the Muslim and Christian women simply because it left more questions than answers."

Oh I really liked that story too! It really educated me about the religious tensions in Nigeria, and I also really liked the parallels in the story. While muslims and Christians are fighting outside, in a lowly basement two women who are Muslim and Christian find refuge in each other. It's really ironic and it shows that a riot like that helps no religion and all are at risk in a situation kike that. I also feel like its definitely a story that anybody can connect to because it was just bad luck that the protagonist of that story happened to be in that particular market on that particular day, and that's something that could happen to anybody, something you can't forsee