Hasan

"Hasan" by introductory novelist Drew Sanders, is a success. It is well researched and well structured. As his first book, Sanders writing is noticeably green in some areas, but it does not deter from the quality of his story. Ultimately, Sanders' greatest strength comes from his ability to make readers empathesize. With what is happening right now in the Middle East, in particular with the Syrian refugee crisis, empathy is an emotion the world needs more of. "Hasan" is the right book at the right time.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, because the part of the world in which it takes place is so unpleasant. Hassan exceeded all expectations. Mr. Saunders delivered a terrific book, and I recommend it highly.

I truly didn't know what to expect when I purchased this book. The concept was very intriguing to me; a few close friends were living in Damascus around the same time this started and barely made it out. I'm impressed by the accuracy, the research, and the extremely natural prose used to describe Hasan and his siblings journey. A fantastic, fast-paced, heartstrings tugging read. I cannot believe this is a first novel!

A quick read, and worth every page. Through civil war, loss of loved ones, and dangers unimaginable to so many of us...these three kids stick together and show us what family is really all about. Well written with good pace, Hasan is a book you'll want to finish in one sitting. There's no putting this book down until the end. I highly recommend it.

The terror of war as told by a young man thrown into a situation of horrific danger. In spite of his innocence and youth, he manages to stay focused on survival and protecting his siblings. Incredible details along with the very distinctive attitude of a teenager, make this a great read.

This is an exciting adventure story of a family trapped in the middle of a war. The head of the family is only 15. He's the main character, Hasan. He bravely guides his younger siblings through their home town which is being torn apart. The characters are true to life and believable.

good

I was pulled into the book Hasan right away, and didn’t want to put it down. The novel opens with title character Hasan huddled in his family’s kitchen (or what’s left of it) in the town of Homs when the Syrian civil war is in full swing. With him are his 10 year-old sister Ish and four year-old brother Asu, and downstairs is their dead father, who he hasn’t told them about. First and foremost on his mind is calming them down and getting them away from all the gunfire and violence that has taken over their city. While I thought this would be difficult to read because of the intense subject matter, I instead found myself rooting for Hasan and pleased by his courage and intelligent choices, and his desire to save what’s left of his family. Saunders does a great job of portraying very real interactions between the tired, hungry siblings as the younger ones argue, whine, and seek comfort from their brother, all set against the backdrop of the violence in Syria and the different factions they encounter. You can tell Mr. Saunders did his research when he wrote this book. As the kids discuss past soccer games, school, and their friends, one realizes the humanity that unites us all, no matter the setting. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good adventure, or wanting to experience a first-person account of trying to get out of Syria. Refreshingly, this is a story about the Middle East that is not political or religious in nature. Debut novelist Drew Saunders does a superb job of simply telling the story of three kids who just want to be safe.