You’re Not a Girl in a Movie

De: Hala Alyan

Narrado por: Hala Alyan

"In poem after poem, there is raw emotion, straightforward storytelling, and unapologetic truth.” (NPR)

There exists, within [Alyan’s] poems, the cacophony that pervades our most intimate of relationships, a glistering sheen covering even the most banal interactions. Her poems feel as familiar as the prayers we make up in our own minds...they’re a quiet triumph, sacred and profane, and, most of all, grounded in humanity." (Nylon)

You’re Not a Girl in a Movie is a new collection of powerful poems by Hala Alyan, winner of the Arab American Book Award in Poetry and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. In these nine extraordinary poems, Alyan wrestles with the intimate themes that have driven her acclaimed body of work to date: the aching loss of homeland, the image and worth of women, and the violence of love. In Beirut, Brooklyn, and roads in the American West, she unravels the effects of decades of war and displacement on love and human worth and identity. She speaks to mothers and grandmothers, past lovers and friends, and through her shimmering, wrenching glimpses of internal and political chaos, pleads for home.

©2020 Hala Alyan (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Enticing and Beautiful

In such a strange way, supremely relatable. Spoken with beautiful cadence that it reaches to your heart and resurfaces memories just as they play out in your mind as in times past. I feel a the more creative and cultured.

Stunning, moving, emotional honest, and enduring!

This story told in deep poetry is quite powerful; and immensely personal, provocative... If you want to have a time of interspection - you will have one at the end of this audible experience. it's a story of remembrance, dignity, regret and hopes for a future. Yes, this story is her story. However, her experience and thoughts will undoubtedly lead the listener to reminisce about their own family history, upbringing faults and failures, hopes and dreams - doubts and expectations! Because of Ms. Alyan's willingness to be so transparent and "Fragile" all that hear this effort, will be all the better for it.

Moving

A beautiful and moving listen. A gorgeous way to start a quiet/peaceful morning. Bless your soul with this read and allow her to open up the parts of you that you have let grow cold.

Simply beautiful!

Beautiful and moving poetry superbly read by the poet. Kept me thinking all day. I love this and will listen many times!

wow!

these poems are soe incredibly moving. I say speechless for a few minutes after each. These moved me in a way poetry doesn't normally. I will probably listen to these many many times.

Poignant. Powerful. To the Point.

INCREDIBLE! Each poem is so powerful and breathtaking (shoutout to The Gods of Beirut and In an Argument, My Love Calls Me Fragile). Not to mention an invigorating and passionate reading from the author herself which always elevates the experience. A collection that captures an accurate portrayal of our modern world, yet will undoubtedly remain timeless.

Wow. Just Wow.

Wow, is all I can say. I felt like I was in a smoky hole in the wall bar in the East Village, listening to poetic justice.

Will recommend this to all my friends.

Insanely good

Loved it al. Passionate and full of emotion. I felt so much of what she said and I loved listening to her put it al out there. Highly recommend!!!

Powerful Voice

Vulnerable yet exceptionally strong as scar tissue is thicker than skin . She shared memories and reflections that most people would hesitate to write even in a private journal. I have never had any greater understanding of the Arabic refugee experience than the way her poems sink in.

Deep- If you lived this type of Life

I was moved to tears. My soul knew exactly how she felt. A very true experience.