Review by Czarmaine AM -- My trip to Adele

[Czarmaine AM]

[Following is a volunteer review of "My trip to Adele" by R.I.Alyaseer and A. I Alyaseer.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Reading My Trip to Adele gave my feelings a wonderful ride. Published in September of 2016, it was written by siblings A.I. Alyaseer and R.I. Alyaseer. In all fairness, the two authors gave justice to the adage that says “two heads are better than one.”

The first thing I noticed after opening my copy was its table of contents. It thrilled me that the 24 chapters of the book were titled using an Adele song. I felt like browsing an Adele play list and not a fictional novel. How cool is that, right? Moving on, since I did not read any review or summary beforehand, it took me some time to grasp the flow of the story. To begin with, the plot revolved around the lives of three people leading three totally different lives: Elias and his search for his long-lost love, Nadia and her struggles in surviving single parenthood, Yaser and his futile efforts of saving his marriage. It was like a compiled three short stories that were written in alternating first person point of view. Although their lives were nothing similar from each other, there were two things common to them. One, the characters were all Arabs who were huge fans of Adele; and second, they were all in a middle of a life crisis.

Reading this book is such a beautiful experience not just because I am also a fan of Adele. The approach of how the stories were told was unique and creative. Firstly, the stories were set in three different countries. The places were described close to perfection detailing not only their landmarks and tangible attributes but its people and their practices as well. This is one of the books that made me feel like I am teleporting in one place to another. Moreover, bits and pieces of Arabic culture and Islamic teachings were cleverly entailed in the story. Take my words; the authors did that without sounding like preachers delivering sermons. Also, the authors left me in awe as they brilliantly incorporated the lyrics of Adele songs in each chapter. I will never hear those songs the same way ever again.

Still, like any other books, My Trip to Adele also has its fair share of flaws. As I have mentioned, this book has three main characters and the authors wrote their stories in a first person point of view. Despite that, I had difficulty noticing the difference in their voice and felt like there was only one person talking. It was fortunate that this weakness was compensated with a well-described setting. Additionally, there were some chapters wherein the main characters were recounting events from the past and then, it gets jumbled up with the present. It can be confusing at times.

To conclude, I am rating this book with 3 out of 4 stars. Although the concept is unique and the story is skilfully told, I failed to relate to the characters. I can’t figure out exactly why but maybe I would enjoy reading this more if this was written in third person point of view. I think that this is just some personal preference and nothing technical. If you love Adele, this book is a must read. If you do not love Adele, grab a copy and I am sure that I would be welcoming you to the fandom in no time!

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My trip to Adele
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Like Czarmaine AM's review? Post a comment saying so!

[juliusotinyo]

Hi, I've also read and reviewed the book. Though it did not turn me​ into a fan. I related more with the plot. It was a good story.

[Abfaniki]

@ by Czarmaine Am
You have immensely enjoyed this book I can see that from your review or like u stated it was a beautiful experience reading the book. I have not read the book but I love your review on the book it made the book sound interesting.
lovely review!

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

This is the first review of this book the mentions the similarities between the characters. It's a very well thought out review and it reads like a book!

[Ayosinmi]

Nice review. Very nice. I read and reviewed the book and I must say that our views are similar. Keep it up. Meanwhile, I have a review of searching for paradise out, check it out please and drop a comment. Thanks

[Czarmaine AM]

Hi, I've also read and reviewed the book. Though it did not turn me​ into a fan. I related more with the plot. It was a good story.

I'm glad that you enjoyed the book! Nevermind that recommendation, it just came from my fan girl heart

-- 12 Aug 2017, 23:50 --

@ by Czarmaine Am
You have immensely enjoyed this book I can see that from your review or like u stated it was a beautiful experience reading the book. I have not read the book but I love your review on the book it made the book sound interesting.
lovely review!

Yes, it was such a good ride! Thanks for your kind words!

-- 12 Aug 2017, 23:51 --

This is the first review of this book the mentions the similarities between the characters. It's a very well thought out review and it reads like a book!

Thank you so much for your kind comment, Kelebogile <3

-- 12 Aug 2017, 23:52 --

Nice review. Very nice. I read and reviewed the book and I must say that our views are similar. Keep it up. Meanwhile, I have a review of searching for paradise out, check it out please and drop a comment. Thanks

Thank you! Would be glad to check out yours too <3

[Ayosinmi]

You are welcome dear. I would expect to hear from you soon. Hugs Hugs. Meanwhile I got bored with all the Adele lyrics and all, but I'm glad you found it interesting. I liked how they were able to synchronize the lyrics with the themes of each chapter, that took a lot of hard work. Well done

[Kalin Adi]

I'm very fond of Adele's song. This book is in my 'to read' list already. I like that you explained in your review that the Arabic culture and Islamic teachings were entailed in the story. I think this is a selling point for this book. It is a shame the transition from one voice to another is confusing. This probably make the reading tiresome. Thank you for this tender review, Czarmaine.

[ReviewerDiksha]

You are right. It is not a perfect book. They could have done it better. You are welcome to read my take on this book and let me know if you agree/disagree with what I have said about it.

[Czarmaine AM]

I'm very fond of Adele's song. This book is in my 'to read' list already. I like that you explained in your review that the Arabic culture and Islamic teachings were entailed in the story. I think this is a selling point for this book. It is a shame the transition from one voice to another is confusing. This probably make the reading tiresome. Thank you for this tender review, Czarmaine.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know your thoughts after reading it, Kalin <3

-- 18 Aug 2017, 03:01 --

You are right. It is not a perfect book. They could have done it better. You are welcome to read my take on this book and let me know if you agree/disagree with what I have said about it.

Thank you for commenting and reading my review! You did a great job writing yours as well <3

[Naval Aulakh]

Nice review. I enjoyed reading it.

[Donatelloo]

I have heard so much about this novel .. This book is literally everywhere❤❤
Admirable review

[readandsmile]

This book sounds exciting and appealing to read. I will gonna try it. You made a nice review. I really love songs. Thank you for your review.

[Czarmaine AM]

This book sounds exciting and appealing to read. I will gonna try it. You made a nice review. I really love songs. Thank you for your review.

Thank you for your kind words! Continue reading and smiling <3 let me know your thoughts after you read it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. <3

[gali]

I have read the book and liked it overall. I agree with you about its flaws.
Thank you for the nice review!