Magic Like Ghat Ghat is a city in Libya that is steeped in history and charm. It is a place where ancient traditions and modern influences collide, creating a sense of magic that is unique to the city. The magic of Ghat lies in its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. One of the most enchanting aspects of Ghat is its stunning desert landscapes. The city is nestled within the Sahara Desert, and its surroundings are an endless expanse of golden sand dunes and rugged mountains. The vastness and serenity of the desert seem to transport visitors to another world, where time stands still and the possibilities are endless.
A home-renovation project is interrupted by a family of wrens, allowing a young girl an up-close glimpse of nature.
The text suggests the strong bond built by this Afro-Latinx father and daughter with their ongoing project without needing to point it out explicitly, a light touch in a picture book full of delicate, well-drawn moments and precise wording. Haitian American author Doyon creates an affirming story, enhanced by Black illustrator Bowers use of bright colors, lots of bold, face-front images, and beautiful natural settings to positively portray dark skin, African physical features, and highly textured hair.
The vastness and serenity of the desert seem to transport visitors to another world, where time stands still and the possibilities are endless. The ever-changing hues of the desert create a surreal and magical ambiance that is hard to find anywhere else. The culture of Ghat is also a source of its magic.
MAGIC LIKE THAT
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence.
A 20-some–years-later companion to Natasha Tarpley’s I Love My Hair (1998).
A young, dark-skinned, brown-eyed Black girl declares, “My hair is magic,” as she smiles at her own image in a mirror while her puffy, freshly shampooed hair drips. While she cringes when her mother combs out her tangles to style her hair, she admires and appreciates the results. She then describes a plethora of hairstyles she wears that show the versatility of her Afro-textured hair. On each double-page spread, she likens her hair to something in nature: When she wears it loose, her hair resembles ocean currents; she compares her Bantu knots to the windswept desert; with colorful barrettes in it, her hair is “a cloudless sky on a winter night”; and her braids are “like long vines tumbling from a garden trellis.” After each simile comes the refrain: “My hair is [adjective] like that”—majestic, mischievous, stunning, elegant, etc. Haitian American author Doyon creates an affirming story, enhanced by Black illustrator Bowers’ use of bright colors, lots of bold, face-front images, and beautiful natural settings to positively portray dark skin, African physical features, and highly textured hair. Readers who enjoy Yesenia Moises’ Stella’s Stellar Hair (2021) and M.L. Marroquin and Tonya Engel’s My Hair Is Magic (2020) will find just as much to love in this book.
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 7, 2021
ISBN: 970-1-64379-070-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2021
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Samara Cole Doyon
- BOOK REVIEW
The Berber people, who are indigenous to the region, have a long and storied history. Their vibrant culture is reflected in their colorful clothing, traditional music, and lively festivals. Visitors to Ghat have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage and experience the magic of the Berber way of life. Furthermore, the historical significance of Ghat adds to its allure. The city is home to ancient rock art, dating back thousands of years, that serves as a testament to the region's long and complex history. The rock art, which depicts scenes of daily life, animal life, and spiritual beliefs, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and evokes a sense of wonder and mystery. In addition, Ghat is known for its historic old town, which is a maze of narrow streets, traditional houses, and ancient buildings. As visitors wander through the ancient alleyways, they can feel the weight of history and the magic that lingers in the air. The architecture and design of the old town reflect the influences of various civilizations that have inhabited the area, further enhancing the sense of enchantment. Overall, the magic of Ghat is a combination of its captivating landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. It is a place that transports visitors to a world where time seems to stand still, and where the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony. Whether it is the breathtaking desert landscapes, the colorful traditions of the Berber people, or the ancient rock art and historic buildings, Ghat offers a unique and magical experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "The Transcendent Magic that Echoes Ghat's Essence"
1. Ella - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic like ghat". The premise seemed interesting, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The plot seemed convoluted and poorly developed, with lots of loose ends left unresolved. Overall, I found it to be a frustrating reading experience and would not recommend it.
2. Alex - 1 star - "Magic like ghat" was a complete waste of my time. The writing was choppy and awkward, making it difficult to follow the story. The world-building was vague and confusing, leaving me with more questions than answers. The pacing was incredibly slow, with the plot hardly progressing at all. I struggled to finish it and felt no satisfaction or sense of closure by the end. I'm sorry, but this book just did not work for me.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic like ghat" but it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was overly descriptive and flowery, making it tedious to read. The characters lacked depth and felt one-dimensional, making it hard to care about their journey. The world-building was intriguing, but not enough to salvage the overall story. I also found several grammatical errors throughout, which further detracted from my reading experience. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.