The Lucky Ones was the unlucky book this time and Everything  Sad But True is happily the winner. 

Some group members were captivated early by one book:

I knew early into Nayeri’s story that I would feel sorry for any other title pitted against it. Our narrator, Khosrou, takes us quietly by the hand to bear witness to his reflections on his journey as a refugee. We cannot help it. We fall in love with him through his storytelling. From afar we appreciate the loss of a child, separated from a life of comfort and security. Throughout his journey with his sister and unstoppable mother, he shares stories from the past that illustrate how far they all have come as they wait for word that a brighter future awaits. (Carrie)

 I really enjoyed Everything Sad is Untrue, especially since I've also read the author's sister's novel The Ungrateful Refugee, which touches on the same situation but from a different angle and with a very different style. I didn't mind the wandering quality of the storytelling, but I can see how that might turn off a reader who is expecting a more straightforward narrative. (Erin)

Some were balanced in their affections: I enjoyed reading both books and for me they spoke to the heartache that is experienced when a person's world is turned upside down. (Maureen)

And some were, well, not as subtle: The Lucky Ones was a bit hard to stomach, and yes, I hate to admit it but Brad was right about judging this book by its cover! (Kim)

Also, the audiobook experience of The Lucky Ones, for one member, was subpar because the swearing seemed forced and became tiring to listen to.

Carrie summed it up nicely: For me, however, Nayeri’s tale is a win for me for several reasons. The authenticity, artfulness and beauty in the storytelling supports the maturity with which Khosrou comes to understand others and the world. His observations are relevant to the experiences of May and Zach; his observations explore universal truths of the human condition. For example, “Suddenly evil isn’t punching people or even hating them. Suddenly it’s all that stuff you’ve left undone. All the kindness you could have given. All the excuses you gave instead. Imagine that for a minute. Imagine what it means” bear relevance to the guilt that unfolds for many characters in The Lucky Ones.

The barriers built around May through Lawson’s abrasive dialogue and oversimplified and (at times) melodramatic narrative style distance the majority of other characters from her and, I am sad to admit, this reader as well. There is a tenderness, grace and hope in his storytelling, even amidst horrible circumstances. Masterfully, Nayeri enables the reader to both empathize and be inspired by Khosrou and his family.

And those are some thoughts from Group 9. Bring on Round 2.