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You’re Not a Girl in a Movie

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You’re Not a Girl in a Movie

By: Hala Alyan
Narrated by: Hala Alyan
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About this listen

"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. Poetry Emotionally Gripping

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All stars
Most relevant  
I can't put in to words how much her poetry has affected me. So moving.

So moving

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I am struggling to put words together after listening to this.

Truly some of the most powerful, vital, and remarkable words I have ever read. There is so much in this relatively small collection, but each poem is a world and a flensed aspect of the author's soul.

There's nothing I can say to describe this that could even attempt to do these poems justice. Just listen to them.

It seems a crime that this is free on Audible. Find a way to pay this writer for their phenemonal talent and bearing their all, if you are able. I certainly will.

Heartrending, Haunting, Raw, and so very Beautiful

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this was beautiful and heartbreaking, I loved how the poetry was performed. and Even though this wasn't my story, it spoke to me

loved this

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I enjoyed listening to this. Listened to it in two parts - listened to half then totally forgot about it before starting the rest. Enjoyed the realness, and drew some parallels to living in a war torn country

Raw and real

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because there is so much in this collection that one listening can never be enough. It's heartfelt, raw and vivid and personal. Highly recommend!

I want to listen again and again

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Thank you for the poems, may valentine turn from dust to starlight. thank you Hala.

Heart breaking, struggling to live a life, juded by a million eyes.

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These poems were potent and strong. Full of feelings. My heart aches for what she has endured.

Potent

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