I had a wonderful time participating in the Middle East Reading Challenge hosted by Helen at Helen's Book Blog. I just wished that I registered much earlier so I could have fit in more books, however, I do plan on reading more books in this region. I've learned so much. I read G. Willow Wilson's memoir titled The Butterfly Mosque as my last entry for this reading challenge.


Description: The author describes her conversion to Islam and journey to Egypt where she taught English, learned about the Middle Eastern culture, and fell in love with an Egyptian man. 


Review: The Butterfly Mosque is a satisfying, well written memoir that is equally a romance and travelogue. When I started The Butterfly Mosque, I didn't know what to expect. I had never read a book about someone converting to a religion, especially Islam. After an illness forces her to face her own mortality at age 18, Wilson, the child of two atheists, finds herself in search of religion. The faith fits her needs is Islam, but post 9/11 she faces difficulties embracing it fully, feeling as if she is betraying her country, etc. However her interest in studying Islam, Arabic, and learning about the Middle East continues to grow. When she is given the opportunity to move to Cairo and teach at an English-language school that she is able to immerse herself in the religion she has come to love and become a Muslim.
  Her experiences at Cairo are eye opening and fascinating, especially with those of us who know absolutely nothing of the Egyptian culture. When she falls in love with Omar, an Egyptian physics teacher, Wilson becomes increasingly open about her faith. She openly claims Islam despite the fears that her friends and family will not accept her. Though Wilson finds herself warmly welcomed Omar's family, adjusting to life in Egypt takes time and patience. Despite speaking Arabic, following the social mores, and being an observing Muslim, Wilson isn't fully embraced by the Cairo dwellers and will probably always be known as the foreigner.
  Wilson avoids preaching how to be the "right" Muslim, keeping faith personal and instead focuses on the stereotypes of Arabs, particularly of the religious fundamentalists, and breaks them as she learns more about the religion, talks with natives, observes the society around her. As Wilson lives in Cairo, she also makes note how the different genders interact. Women's rights are most discussed, though at times the problematic issues are a bit glossed over. Still I found the memoir an enjoyable and approaching read and would recommend it to others. 


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language in the book. Recommended for Grades 9 and up.

If you like this book try: Love in a Headscarf by Shelina Zahra Janmohamed or The Muslim Next Door by Sumbul Ali-Karamali

 There are two main sects in Islam, the Sunnis and Shia's, which I'm sure might look familiar to you. Sunni and Shi'a appear regularly in news about the Muslim world, but few people know what they really mean. It's important to note that both Sunni and Shi'a both share the commonality of the Islamic faith, but mainly differ in politics, particularly who leads the Ummah, Muslim community, after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) died. There are other differences too, which are concretely highlighted at the BBC Religions website. These differences got me thinking when I finished Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani.

Description: In the 17th century Iran, the death of an unnamed female narrator's father forces her and her mother to work as servants in the home of her uncle, a wealthy rug designer in the court of the Shah, where she is able to develop her talent for rug design. With a bleak future ahead, she is forced into a contract and temporary marriage that leads to unexpected results. 

Review: After reading reviews of Blood of Flowers, I had expected the book to be an Iranian take on the Arabian Nights but what I read instead was something completely different. While there are short stories infused into the plot like the Arabian Nights, where Scherazade entertains the King in order to save her life, Blood of Flowers is essentially a story of a woman bullied by men and passively wonders from one place to the other in search of refuge. The book is infused with flowery prose that contradict its dark subject, giving it an exotic feel, which put me off and left me completely unsatisfied.
   The unnamed narrator is a female teen who is initially creative, vibrant, and a talented carpet weaver. Her opportunity to a good marriage is taken away by the death of her father. She and her mother are completely dependent upon the girl's well off uncle. Tensions arrive when the uncle's wife feels like the mother and daughter have over-stayed their welcome despite that they have joined the house's servants. New hope arrive for the teen when a letter proposing a temporary marriage for 3 months arrive from a wealthy businessman. Though the businessman will provide money for the daughter and mother, she must sacrifice her virginity to him and be at his beck and call.
  Though the author does a good job in establishing an atmosphere of medieval Iran and includes interesting tidbits of carpet making, her characters however were very one dimensional and flat. The narrator spends more time saying how determined she is to change her fate yet does nothing and succumbs to the temporary marriage very quickly, thinking it will solve all her problems in a snap. All the other characters are pretty one dimensional: the helpless mother, the mean aunt, the somewhat kind uncle who usually takes the side of his wife, and the self centered cousin. Fereydoon, the businessman, is pretty much a sex addict and nothing more.
   I was surprised to find out that the author didn't include any information about temporary marriage, which gets the most attention in the book, as her heroine tries to distinguish between lust and love. The "marriage" is shown as legalized prostitution because all the narrator does is have sex whenever she is called upon. I wondered if this is the author's (who comes from an Iranian background) perspective on temporary marriage. Since I was curious about the concept of a temporary marriage, which is foreign to me as a Sunni, I did some outside research and found out that temporary marriage exists for Shia's only and was mainly intended for soldiers or man who would be away after marriage for quite some time. The temporary marriage is treated as a real marriage given on a set time that is agreed upon by both spouses and can be renewed.
  I can understand how we are at times victims of our own environment, but I prefer characters who struggle and fit to make their lives better and not just sit there and take abuse. The narrator eventually realizes her mistake towards the end of the book, but I lost interest and skimmed my way until I found the next short story told in the book. Overall the Blood of Flowers is a forgettable novel that might appeal to readers who would like to know more about medieval Iran, but I much preferred the delightful YA novel Anahita's Woven Riddle by Megan Nuttall Sayres instead.

Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong sexuality throughout the book. Recommended for adults only.

If you like this book try: Anahita's Woven Riddle by Megan Nuttall Sayres, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseni, Norton Critical Edition of Arabian Nights by Daniel Heller-Roazen

  For centuries fable stories were created in order to teach children and adults life lessons. If fables are done right, the lesson is so cleverly incorporated in the story and subconsciously take root in your brain. You tend to get wrapped up in the story's plot that you unknowingly process the moral. My dad gave me his review copy of Island of Animals which is based on a famous 10th century Islamic philosophical text. He told me it would be great for kids and that I had to read it. Unlike the last book he recommended to me, he actually read this one and we had a lively discussion after I finished the book.

Description: A fabulous island is inhabited only by animals and Djinn, a race of invisible beings, until the day a great storm shipwrecks men upon its shores. Soon men begin to use the animals living there for their own needs, but the animals rebel, taking their case to the Djinn. The King of the Djinn listens to testimony from both men and animals, and ultimately decides who is superior.

Review: I don't like preachy books that forces messages down your throat when you read. I like to think critically about all the books that I read. To be honest, I was a bit hesitate to read the Island of Animals and was wondering if it would be an appropriate book to include in a public library or school setting. With that idea in mind, I decided to read the book and really enjoyed it.
  The Island of Animals is based on a famous 10th century Islamic philosophical text written in Basra, Iraq. Basra was known in the Islamic Empire as the "Venice of Middle East". This fable incorporates both the question of animal rights along with key Islamic teachings. Islam teaches that man is responsible for animals and should always treat them with respect. This concept is illustrated in the fable as man take control over the animals on an island that is only inhabited by animals and Djinn. The animals tired of the injustices they face, demand their voices to be heard. The Djinn advises both animals and man to chose a representative to best testify their needs and arguments. Though much of the book is focused on the case, I couldn't help but side with the animals more than the humans especially when man's pride and greed are concerned. Moving and educational, this fable is accompanied by superbly detailed black-and-white illustrations that are characteristic of Arabic art. The Island of Animals has a great and thorough introduction to help the reader understand the context of the story. It could be read as a basic story supporting animal rights and it can also be used as a guide in highlighting the basic tenets of the Islamic faith.
  As for adding this book in a library, I wouldn't have any hesitations as long as other fables representing other faiths are present. I think it would be really cool to compare and contrast other religious fables but that's just me. The Island of Animals is a great example of classic Islamic literature and one that I recommend with no hesitation to children and adults. 

Rating: 4 stars

Curriculum Connection: Islamic Studies, Social Studies


Words of Caution: None. Recommended to Grades 6 and up.


If you like this book try: The Rose Garden by Saadi

  Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferrais has been in my to be pile read for quite sometime. The book is a mystery set in Saudi Arabia and was listed as an Alex Award in 2009, both of which piqued my interest. What really made me want to read this book, however, is learning how a male and a female detective are going to work together to a solve a mystery when their society imposes such strict restrictions on the interaction of the opposite sex.

Description: When Nouf, the daughter of a wealthy family, goes missing the family calls upon desert guide Nayir ash-Sharqi to investigate her disappearance. Her body is found in the desert and the cause of death is cited as death from drowning; however, Nayir isn't fully convinced because newly discovered evidence points to murder. Nayir teams up with a female lab worker named Katya Hijazi to find out what really happened to Nouf.

Review: I've read several reviews of Finding Nouf when it first came out. Some have herald it as a "CSI" meets the bestselling memoir Reading Lolita in Tehran, both of which I don't really care for and didn't really didn't excite me at first. While it is a mystery, Finding Nouf is also a cultural study of modern day Saudi Arabia. Ferrais who was once married to a man from Saudi Arabia and has lived there from sometime, has  has created the first devoutly Muslim sleuth, Nayir ash-Sharqi.
 As I was reading Finding Nouf, I was pleased that the author keeps a balanced viewpoint of the contemporary Islamic state. While she is critical of the strict gender laws placed up on the citizens, she also provides enough information to discuss why these laws were initially placed. Although the mystery is tightly woven and kept me on my toes, I was more riveted with the two detectives. Nayir, Palestinian born, is a desert guide to Jeddah’s elite. When he is approached by a wealthy client to investigate a case of a missing person, he agrees to play private investigator. I liked Nayir because he was intelligent, religious and genuine though a bit too traditional. By traditional I mean that Nayir restricts his interactions with women whenever he can. He won't look at them in the eye or speak directly to them, not because he feels the opposite sex is inferior but rather to uphold his prized value of modesty. As Nayir learns more about who Nouf is through his investigation, he begins to understand that ideas that were initially placed to enrich the lives of all citizens in Saudi Arabia doesn't really work in the modern society, which is not to say that the values are wrong just that they should be interpreted with the lens of the 21st century. His worldview and personal opinions are further stretched by Katya, a female forensics technician connected to the victim’s family.
   Katya is a modern woman who fought for her right to get an education and a job. She walks that thin line between tradition and modernity yet stays to true to her own beliefs. Her voice alternates with Nayir’s as they defy legal and spiritual precepts to cooperate on the case. Katya and Nayir's chemistry is unique in that there isn't much sexual tension which commonly happens in most mystery novels. They are of the same mind and desire the same things in life. My favorite part of the novel is when Katya and Nayir are having a frank discussion during lunch when they show each other their true vulnerable selfs.

  As I mentioned early, the mystery is quite good but without the engrossing characters it does falter. Clues are given in bits and pieces and the slow pace of the novel may not hold up interest for many readers who are looking for a quick read, but those are who curious about taking a sneak peak in a society that often called 'exotic' should be satisfied. I do know that these characters appear in another mystery together called the City of Veils, which I plan to read soon, but I hope there will be many more.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There are allusion to sex in the book along with some language. Although the book is marketed to adults, teens interested in learning about another culture along with mystery will enjoy this book.


If you like this book try: City of Veils by Zoe Ferrais

  The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mohja Kahf was recommended to me by my dad or more accurately-one of my dad's student had recommended it to him, but since my dad doesn't read "novels", he passed it on to me. I wasn't in the mood to read a preachy book and thus had the title sitting on my shelf for about five years until I put in my list of top 10 books I resolved to read in 2011. I'm glad that I can finally pull it off from my bookshelf, but I can't seem to shake off my frustration with the title.

Description: Khadra Shamy recalls what it was like growing up as a Syrian Muslim American during the 1970s in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her devout parents raise Khadra and her older brother, Eyad, to be observant of Islamic customs. As Khadra grows older, she reaches a cultural crossroad that forces her to question what it means to be "Muslim", "Syrian" or "American."

Review: The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf is a very ambitious novel that seems to tackle all the important complex issues tied to identity: religion, race, and politics. For Muslim Americans (such as me), the book forces them to see the rising problems in the Islamic community that are still relevant today. For those who are not familiar with Islam, the book is an eye opening experience of looking at America from a "foreigner's" point of view. Regardless from what perspective you are reading the book, it is undeniable that the issues it brings up is important, timely, and much needed, however; I can't honestly recommend it without some reservations.
 I had a really hard time reading this book. It's not that the language or themes were beyond my comprehension, but rather I found the writing and editing to be so poorly done. The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf has no plot, at least in the way we traditionally think of plot (beginning, middle, end or events leading to a climax and a resolution- depending on how you define plot). The prologue establishes our protagonist, Khadra, on a trip back home to Indianapolis, Indiana for a project she has to do for work. She has some trepidations in coming back home. The book immediately goes back in time to her childhood through adulthood with abrupt transitions to the present. There are large plot holes in the novel, particularly with the books timeline. In fact by the last few chapters of the story, I completely forgot Khadra was on a trip at all because I didn't know what she was doing in the present.
  In addition to the plot holes, there is an inconsistency with the translations of important Arabic phrases that are used throughout the book. While I have background knowledge of Islam, I did not have a problem understanding the terms, however, those who are not familiar with the Islamic faith could easily get confused and miss out its significance. I don't consider myself a lazy reader who is not willing to look up information in order to understand a book nor do I feel that an author needs to spoon feed me the information in order to enjoy his/her novel, but I do strongly believe there needs to be some context in which phrases are used. The author doesn't give any context clues nor a glossary, but only a haphazardly thrown bibliography of books that influenced her writing.
  Along with the book's disorganization, I did not feel there was any character growth for the characters. Kahf throws in characters right and left as if she's a chef preparing a complex dish. Characters disappear without leaving any impression on the reader. I didn't like Khadra at all. For the first half of the book, I found her to be insulting and condescending. She sees religion in its most puritanical form and those who don't follow her rules are deemed as unobservant and are "going to hell". While the book is a coming of age novel and most novels in this genre show the protagonist question authority and go on a quest to find their own identity, Khadra does neither for the first 300 pages. She follows the beliefs that her parents taught her blindly and absolutely. It is not until her trip to a politically charged Syria, does she reconsider her beliefs and only then her epiphany is only about 5 pages, which I found very hard to digest and believe.
 While the book addresses important issues such as gender equality, how one interprets religion, and tolerance, it superficially addresses them. One can argue that the book isn't really a novel with a message, but rather an expository piece that shows how fractured the Muslim community is in terms of what constitutes a Muslim identity and what is the correct way to interpret Islam in the 21st century. In that case, I can't help but think the book succeeds in this aspect only by the stereotypes it presents to the reader. 
 I appreciate the author's attempt in exploring the identity of a Muslim American, which has been routinely questioned by those who are first generation Muslim Americans (including myself). For most of us, our parents have raised us to follow Islam and the Islamic code the way they have been taught by their elders, however, things get murky when you live in a secular society like America (and that's not always a bad thing). Books like The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf that explores the identity crisis of Muslim Americans are desperately needed and I think book is in the right direction. Some readers may think the book is poignant and a great choice for book discussions, but it's definitely not for me.


Rating: 2 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language in the book including racial slurs. There is also allusions to rape and murder. Recommended to mature teens and adults only. For those readers who are unfamiliar with Islam, I would highly suggest you read some introductory materials to gain some background knowledge first before reading this book.

If you like this book try: The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

  When I joined the Middle Eastern Challenge hosted by Helen over at Helen's Book Blog, I was curious to read books that were written for children and young adults. I was under the impression that there are not that many children books written about this region, but as I started to look more closely, I was so wrong. I found some great titles from a list of the Middle Eastern Book Award. The Middle Eastern Book Award was established by the Middle East Outreach Council (MEOC) in 1999 to “recognize books for children and young adults that contribute meaning-fully to an understanding of the Middle East. Books are judged on the authenticity of their portrayal of a Middle Eastern subject, as well as on their characterization, plot, and appeal for the intended audience“.The first title that I read from this long list of books is The House of Wisdom by Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliad and illustrated by Mary Grandpre, which won the Middle Eastern Book Award in 2000.

Description: A young boy in 9th century Baghdad, inspired by his scholar father, goes on a search for knowledge and wisdom. The book sheds a bright light on the great work of scholars during this golden period of Islamic civilization.

Review: Many of our history classes and their textbooks don't really pay much attention to the educational achievements of the Islamic Empire in the 9th century. From Morocco to Iraq, many universities, hospitals, bookstores, roads, highways, etc. were created. It was the Arab-speaking world that rediscovered and translated many of the Ancient Greek woks. I'm not sure how many people know that Baghdad was a cultural and educational mecca of the golden period of the Islamic civilization.
  In 830 AD, the Caliph (Muslim ruler of Baghdad) al-Mamun (pronounced al ma MOON) created a great institution called bayt al hikmah, The House of Wisdom, where scholars lived, studied, and translated many works from the Ancient World into Arabic. Ishaq (pronounced ISS hak), our protagonist, is the son of a translator who lives in The House of Wisdom. From a very age, Ishaq has seen his father be immersed into his work. Puzzled by his father's passion for learning, Ishaq also yearns to experience the same passion that his father has, but he also longs for adventure and exploring the world too. Luckily, all of his desires are met when he begins traveling the world to buy books for the Caliph, even locating an unknown book by Aristotle. Ishaq later discovers the magic of learning and devotes his life to the philosopher's works, becoming their greatest translator.  
  Even though the protagonist of this story is a youth, this picture book for older readers is a different story to tell mainly because there are so many elements that children may be unfamiliar with, however, it will serve as a great initiation into learning about the great achievements of Islamic civilization. Despite the book's difficulty, the vibrant, detailed, sensual art that mirrors the characteristics of Islamic art and the lyrical text brings this book to life and layered with complexity that it can be read on several levels. Even if children aren't captivated with the story, there are most likely to connect to the themes of being passionate about reading and learning as well as be entranced by the beautiful illustrations by Mary Grandpre, who has also worked on the Harry Potter books.
   It is clear from a thorough note at the back of the book as well as a bibliography that the authors and illustrator have done a significant amount of research. I just wished that they also included a brief section introducing the Islamic civilization, in particular, Baghdad to set the setting a bit more. Although the bibliography is extensive, it mainly consists of books that are written for adults at a college reading level and not a level that elementary schools can use with their students nevertheless, it provides a starting point. 

Curriculum Connection: Social Studies

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 3 and up.

If you like this book, try: Day of Ahmed's Secret by Florence H. Parry or The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter

 It's Tuesday and time for another list for the weekly Top Ten Tuesday meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! The purpose of this weekly meme is to share our lists with people who love to read and to engage with fellow bloggers. Today's topic is books that I resolve to read in 2011. I always have good intentions of reading a book, especially when it has been constantly brought up in discussion. A lot of the books that I listed below have been on my shelves for several years. For some, I wasn't in the right mood to read them and for others, I really don't have an excuse. I hope to finally read them and use them for my Off the Shelve Reading Challenge this year. 

The Time Travler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger- I can not tell you how many times I have heard my girlfriends gush and talk about this book. I know that it's a love story featuring a time traveling librarian and it is set in Chicago. All of the reasons why I would love this book. The only reason why I have been hesitant to read it is because almost all of my girlfriends cried a lot while reading it. I am going to get a box of tissues just in case I'll get emotional and finally read it.   

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides- I have read glowing reviews for this book and it has been recommended to me several times when I was in high school and in college. Again, I purchased this from a used public library book sale and it has sat on my shelve since then. I have no excuse why I didn't read this one.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens- I was an English major in college and I'm ashamed to say that I haven't read a full Charles Dickens novel yet. I've tried Great Expectations several times and have failed to pass page 10 without falling asleep at the exact same paragraph. I'm hoping that the setting of the French Revolution will keep me awake this time and finish one book by Dickens for my Victorian Literature Reading Challenge.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee- I have no idea why I haven't read this book yet. Surprisingly, I never had to read it for middle school, high school, or college. I had intended to read it for Banned Books Week last year, but ran out of time. I'm determined to read it this year. 

The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper-  This series was constantly checked out at the elementary school where I student taught 2 years ago. The series has been critically acclaimed and on several people's favorites for children's fantasy books. I happened to find and bought all of the books at a used public library book sale last fall.

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti- This book has been recommended to me repeatedly, especially after I finished any book by Sarah Dessen. I bought this title at a while ago and it has sat on my shelve for several years.

 
The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf by Mohja Kahf- My dad recommended this title to me and borrowed his colleague's copy for me to read. Since then, it has been sitting on my shelve. My dad and I don't see eye to eye on books. He is more of the scholarly, philosophy mind set where as I tend to drift towards "novels" (i.e. books that have a story, characters, etc) as he calls them. I've been afraid that this was one would go right over my head, but the more I read it I realize that it actually isn't bad. I'll be reading this for my Middle Eastern Reading Challenge for this year.

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead- I've been wanting to read this series for quite some time. I patiently waited until this series was complete (yes, I know there is a spin off series), because I was tired of keeping track of yet another series. Now, I'll finally get to know a girl named Rose, the mysterious Dimitri, and everything else in between.

Midnighters series by Scott Westerfeld- I loved Westerfeld's other books, the Uglies series and his steampunk novel, and I'm not sure why I haven't picked this series up. Once again, I purchased them at a book fair. Is it just me or am I seeing a trend of buying books and then having them sit on my shelves for no good reason?

Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut- My best friend from college and I discovered the brilliance of Kurt Vonnegut in of our English classes. We both read and loved Slaughter House Five and Cat's Cradle. Her favorite Vonnegut book is Mother Night, which I haven't read but wanted to do so for a really long time. Hopefully, this will be the year when I read it.

  I first discovered the Middle East Reading Challenge during this past Ramadan. For those who are unfamiliar with Ramadan, Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims. I'm only familiar with a few of the Middle Eastern countries and their cultures, but I would love to learn more. One of my reading resolutions for 2011 is to diversify my reading list. This is one of the perfect ways to do so. I originally had the intention to sign up for this challenge during Ramadan, however, things got busy and I completely forgot. Since we are a few weeks left in December, I thought I would sign up now and start the challenge in January.

The Middle East Challenge is hosted by Helen over at Helen's Book Blog. The purpose of the challenge is to read books that take place in this region and to gain a better understanding of the people and cultures of this region.

What Helen considers Middle Eastern: "The Middle East is a nebulous term with each person defining it in a different way (it's also a very Euro-centric term so please forgive me for that). However I am going to use it for lack of a better way to define the area covered by this reading challenge. So, what is the Middle East? Traditionally it included only the countries in Asia plus Egypt. Some define it as countries with Arabic as the dominant language, while others say it is all Islamic countries. For the purposes of this challenge I am going to stick with the more traditional/geographic approach including the countries around the Arabian peninsula. I struggled about what to do with Turkey and have chosen to leave it out as they currently choose to be associated more with Europe. Likewise, I am not including the "stan" countries as they are culturally, linguistically, and ethnically different (and, officially, they are in Central Asia)".