This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
When the Fudge Trees Bloom: Memories of an American in the Middle East is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, cross-cultural writing, and slice-of-life subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Catherine W. Rouhana, this fascinating work chronicles the author’s transformative journey from wide-eyed American naiveté to navigating the complexities of life in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Set against the backdrop of volatile Middle East politics in the 1980s, Rouhana shares her experiences of gender inequality, religious intolerance, and the challenges of practicing Christianity in secret. Through her poignant narrative, she vividly depicts her relationships with women of different nationalities, the hardships of illness and depression, and the profound impact of her husband's political involvement on their lives.
Author Catherine W. Rouhana has lovingly crafted a truly captivating blend of travel adventure, love, loss, and resilience, offering a poignant glimpse into the human experience amidst turbulent times. The candid, confident style of storytelling drew me into her world, allowing me to witness firsthand the trials and triumphs of life in the Middle East during a tumultuous period. This was brought to life with a multisensory narrative technique that made every place and person leap off the page. Her portrayal of navigating gender inequality and religious persecution resonated deeply, each raw line paired perfectly with contextual explanations as though you’re hearing the story told by a wise friend. Rouhana's memoir is a compelling testament to the power of love, family, and personal growth, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of political turmoil on individuals and communities. Overall, When the Fudge Trees Bloom is a captivating and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression on readers, urging them to reflect on the complexities of life, and I would highly recommend it for memoir fans everywhere.
