I Am Yours

The beauty of memoirs is that they give you an insight into an author’s experiences, struggles and life changing moments. Reema’s childhood is one where she sees what conforming does to the voice of her loved ones.

"I search myself for hunger only to realize I haven’t the kind that can be sated with a meal. Still, I should join them."

She also struggles with control and the strong desire to be heard, respected and most of all- to have her word taken as first of all her truth and also law like she’s seeing in the lives of the women she encounters.

“It’s just how it is. The sentiment I hate the most after that’s not allowed.”

I love the prose of this book. It’s divided in different sections that Reema calls ACTS and each brings to light different stages of her coming to terms with who she is, what she wants and most of all, why and how she wants it. Anyone who has ever been silenced or yearned to be heard would answer this book’s call, perhaps the greatest question and sorrow is that even after all these years/ movements/ milestones and policies women are still fighting to be heard.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC and since we live in a world of ratings my verdict would be 4-stars!

I didn't know that this was a memoir when I requested it from Netgalley and I'm so glad that I didn't because I normally don't read that genre very often. It wouldn't have been my first choice and then I would have missed out on this absolute gem of a book. That said, addressing some of the negative reviews of the novel, this is a memoir of HER life. She doesn't have to be representative of anything other than herself, or explain why she made any of her decisions because it's HER life. That's literally what a memoir is. I'll never understand picking someone apart for their beauty simply because they are beautiful. That doesn't make her any less deserving of compassion for the struggles that she's encountered in this life. Her DNA strand was put together in a particular way. How is she responsible for that? Pfst. Anyway. Back to the book. Her writing is absolutely gorgeous. It's lyrical, it's poetic, and it brings her story to life in a way that I've seen few authors accomplish. Her story in and of itself almost fell by the wayside sometimes because I got lost in the music of her writing. The subtle way she made changes in her life, to bring herself back to life and to heal from some of the traumas that she endured was more convincing to me than some of the so called *self help* books that I've read because I read them, and I don't identify with them. I don't see myself in them. I read about people that have come back from addiction, and they have these great life changing epiphanies, and I think, I struggled with alcohol for years, where was my epiphany? There wasn't one. Reema didn't struggle with alcohol but her healing was a subtle shift too, and I identified with that more than some of the addiction memoirs that I've read. There was one passage in particular that was stunningly beautiful: "Wounds tally. Addictions anesthetize the pain. We try to stitch while moving. But life's racing pace continually tears open old scars and mangles the new ones. Mending-while-enduring is well meant but ultimately futile, the sutures never tight enough to hold."

That paragraph stopped me in my tracks. It reached out to me and tapped on my heart and brought me to tears. I fought for years with alcohol, trying to do as she said. Stitch while mending. And like her, it didn't work. The wounds always tore back open. And like her, there came a time when I had to stop. I had to take stock and over a period of time, had a subtle shift in my life where I was able to truly heal. I guess this book isn't for everyone. But if you're a lover of words, a lover of prose that leaps off the page like music, a woman finding her voice, this book is for you.

This is a really captivating read that speaks to women/girls of all ages. I would definitely recommend this to be read by high school female students.

I Am Yours is a wild ride from page 1. Zaman's experience growing up as an average-looking Bengali girl where she stood out no matter what in Oahu and Bangkok gave her the strength and tenacity to endure the chaos of becoming a working actor and model in New York while juggling difficult romantic relationships, anorexia, and a desire to make an impact on this wold. This book is that impact. It's clear the author draws inspiration from writers like Elizabeth Gilbert and Glennon Doyle and her memoir could easily stand amongst those ranks. Absolutely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for a reader's copy.

When I found out the relative youthful age of the author, I had my doubts that this memoir would have anything useful to say. I was profoundly wrong! Ms. Zaman had plenty to say and said it beautifully. The book begins with her early childhood and ends with being 30 years old. I especially enjoyed the part about her marriage and her insight into its failure. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.

This beautiful book has shaken me. Reema Zaman writes in a clear, poetic way that is haunting yet touching and real. But in spite of the captivating writing style, I think the book affected me so much because I too have experienced emotional abuse. It's a hidden trauma, but this book has opened doors for acknowledgment of the truth and healing. I would caution readers that the content can be challenging and triggering to read. But we do have a voice, and "I Am Yours" is a gentle and firm reminder of this fact as it empowers us to stay true to ourselves, value who we are and stand tall despite outside influences and voices. Thank you, Reema Zaman, for sharing your heart!

This is a gripping memoir made for 2019. Zaman's writing is powerful and beautiful at the same time. This story of a woman finding her voice will certainly resonate with many readers. It did with me. A must read.

“Tell the truth or someone will tell it for you”

This is what I think of while reading this book. It’s a memoir of Reema Zaman, organized from Birth to adulthood. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but I’m really glad I had the opportunity to experience this memoir. She writes about her childhood, relationships with her parents, career, and more importantly – her relationship with the word “LOVE”. Reading abuot her life made me stop and think back to her college days – women’s studies, being opinionated to becoming more observant, and going through the emotional changes in my 20s.

I wish she had explained more about her cultural challenges in life. She gives us an introduction to it in each phase of life. I was drawn to it more so because of my Southeast Asian heritage and how liberal her family was. At the end of the day, it’s her story and her view, I find it hard to judge someone’s memoir.

The book is well organized in ACT – which correlates perfectly with her theater background. It makes the memoir into a play, and makes you think of Shakespeare’s concept of everyone being an actor in this play of life. It’s also organized by age, helping you feel and understand the change we go through from innocence to adulthood.

This book is a strong voice for anyone that has struggled with being different and finding a path.

This is a heart warming and loving memoir and I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend it.
If I ever wrote into a diary it would be one like this.
From a young Bangladesh girl into a grown woman and all it entails.

I Am Yours is unlike any memoir I’ve read. It’s written as a love letter to her inner voice, an outpouring of love and acceptance. Reema Zaman has taken back her voice from those who wished to silence it, writing for all of us whom have ever felt invisible. This book is intrinsically female, and that is its overwhelming beauty and its strength. Zaman takes the reader from her childhood through an path littered with men who sought to own her, diminish her, and wound her, and then brings us out into the light of reclaiming herself, her voice, and her power. Laced through it all is the reflective, wiser narrator, putting the events of her life in context of the greater feminine experience. In this way, Zaman makes the personal universal.

This book is such a lyrical, touching memoir. While it took a few pages to get into the rhythm of the writing but as soon as i did i was hooked.

Reema's story is sad and uplifting at the same time as we work our way through her life and root for her along the way. I am glad that the author chose to write her story down and that I got to read it.

In the beginning I found it 'difficult' reading - meaning I didn't get into it immediately. But,, then I became comfortable with her style of writing and I found I couldn't put the book down. Reema's journey and the journey of her family from dysfunctional to functional and loving and happy was sometimes painful but also very joyful. Quite a book.

I love memoirs and this one did not disappoint. It is very lengthy, but not sure the author could have made it shorter and included all details and thoughts. It speaks to her personal thoughts and feelings.

I admit, I struggled with the writing style of this book. The author writes to her imaginary friend/ other self. She reminisces, tells her story sometimes talking to this other self. Throughout the book I wondered, is this an imaginary friend she hasnt6grown out of, does she have another personality i.e. a dissociative personality disorder, or schizophrenia? It distracts from the narrative. She also writes in metaphors. I love a good metaphor but sentence after sentence of them just overwhelms this reader.

That said, the subject of the memoir is compelling. It's a story of a girl whose voice is ignored and diminished because she is a girl. How much of that reflects her culture and how much the family dynamics is unclear although probably bits of both. She is an intelligent girl who is told that boys don't like smart girls. She experiences predatory sexual behavior and told boys will be boys. Like many girls, particularly first born, she uses her voice to take care of and nurture those she loves. She finds control in anorexia and in her beauty. This her story of taking her voice back and using it help others. Her acts of generosity and loving compassion are heartfelt and moving. I just wish it were told in a way that didn't distance the reader.
Overall this is a 3.5 star read rounded up to 4 stars.

Thanks to Netaglley and the publisher for letting me review this book. It in no way influenced my review.

This book was received as an ARC from Amberjack Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had some interesting information that a lot of people will relate to. The events displayed in this book were heartwarming, inspiring and intriguing to read that will just keep you invested wanting to know more of what is happening in this world and what will come of all these events. Everything displayed in this book was incredible to read and just unbelievable that all of these events went on and all the trials and tribulations that come of it.

We will consider adding this title to our non-fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Transcendent memoir told through the voices of author Reema Zaman at different points of her life, embracing every step and misstep as a lesson and a worthy path. Her narrative is like a kaleidoscope, twisting perspective to allow her elaborately reflective prose to find peace and meaning in harsh and disappointing circumstancTranscendent memoir told through the voices of author Reema Zaman at different points of her life, embracing every step and misstep as a lesson and a worthy path. Her narrative is like a kaleidoscope, twisting perspective to allow her elaborately reflective prose to find peace and meaning in harsh and disappointing circumstances. A brilliant debut.es. A brilliant debut.

I just finished I am Yours: a Shared memoir by Reema Zaman and wow! I was immediately pulled into the prose and her beautiful writing. The ways she described everyday things like the sky painted a picture in my mind. Zaman writes about her life and wanting to be a voice for those who have no voice and I think she accomplishes this goal! She tells her life story from childhood and struggles with anorexia to adulthood and relationships. Although a heart breaking story at times of darkness and the struggles of everyday life, Zaman always comes back to the bright, lovely sentiment of love.

I don't read on my Kindle very often but this book made me choose to read it over my physical books on the nightstand almost every night. I highlighted so many quotes and passages that I found to be insightful or beautiful to save for later. Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone I meet because Zaman's honesty and prose is something we all need. And I believe we all need to hear that others are both succeeding and struggling in life to know that we are not alone.

The one thing I feel I should mention as a partial downside is the amount she talks of her anorexia. It is her story and therefore she should shine a light on this issue and talk about her life as a whole (I would hate to be that person that criticizes a memoir; it is her story and no one should say what should or should not go into the book).. It should just be warned to any readers that struggle with anorexia/other eating disorders or body issues to take caution and be patient with yourself if you decide to read this book.

Thank you NetGalley and AmberJack Publishing for sending me this amazing book to review!

Memoirs are one of my favorite style of book, and this one is no exception. I loved the way the memoir was written to an inner voice - it was a beautiful touch as Reema explores the facets of her life. Reema touches on some challenging topics such as assault, rape and abuse, but does so in a way that is compelling and readable. This book will be relatable to any woman who has experienced mistreatment or struggled with her identity. Beyond that, the poem in the introduction is stunning.


PS. I could see how this book may contain offensive or difficult to read language for some. There are some descriptions of trafficking in Bangkok and abuse that are jarring.