What Strange Paradise

By Omar El Akkad,

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Why read it?

1 author picked What Strange Paradise as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love a good adventure, especially stories that take place in far-off countries. What Strange Paradise fits the bill on both counts, but there’s so much more. It’s the story of a young boy named Amir who is washed ashore on a Greek island. He’s the sole survivor of a disastrous migrant crossing.

What’s remarkable about this story is that the other main character, Vanna, a slightly older Greek girl, helps him evade the authorities (running from problems of her own), and together, they tell you everything that’s good about humanity.

It’s a beautifully written tale that will both break…

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