Tag Archives: memoir

Apr9

Ramadan Reflections: A Guided Journal by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

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Ramadan Reflections: A Guided Journal by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

I had started this book on the first day of Ramadan thinking I could double up some days and finish it early with enough time to offer up a review for those wanting to know if they should acquire the book  and take advantage of it during the blessed month.  But alas, here I am nearly 10 days post Eid, finally finishing, and getting around to sharing my thoughts.  The 277 page book spans 30 days, it is divided into three parts, with each chapter/day covering a theme with the author’s personal connection, outside sourcing illuminating the thought, then moving on to a section entitled, “Let Your Heart Ponder,” followed by a “Dua Invitation” and then a few pages of guided journaling prompts, questions, and considerations.  I did not write in the book, I struggle to mark up pages since leaving school, and even annotate by taking pictures and attaching notes on my phone.  But even not using the journal as intended, the book requires you to slow down, to savor the reflections and insights, and put them in to practice.  To read it in one sitting, or to rush the chapters would not accomplish for the reader what the book sets out to do.  Even the chapters that did not directly resonate with me, I found still offered nuggets of empathy, or consideration, and the short chapter style allows it to not be a burden to spend time with.  The days that hit me the hardest, that taught me something, or reminded me of something long forgotten, or inspired me to be better, more intentional, more forgiving, more present, I look forward to discovering again and again in future Ramadan rereadings.  That isn’t to say that this book can only be read in Ramadan, or that next Ramadan chapters that I found unremarkable, won’t suddenly hit different, but there are some chapters that felt rather repetitive and memoir style anecdotes that were not developed enough to reach the reader beyond surface level understanding.  Had the whole book been like that, perhaps I wouldn’t remark on it as the Islam centered hadith, ayats, and quotes are consistently strong, but when the author’s personal reflections on her own life, and those close to her, were more deeply explored, a deeper resonance to the theme of the chapter emerged.  Perhaps because I read more fiction, but when character development, so to speak, was present, the connection to the message, and the empathy to others and one’s self bloomed very naturally, and thus those chapters became more memorable.  

I felt the latter half of the book was stronger than the beginning, perhaps intentional as the end of Ramadan draws near and our hearts desperate to cling to the closeness of Allah swt.  I love the thorough glossary at the end, I believe it is the same one in the author’s second book, “The Power of Dua” and it is such a benefit to truly understanding the words used that non Arabic speakers might think they know, but can benefit from having clearly articulated. 

It is never fair to compare books, but having read the author’s two books nearly together, I anxiously await and sincerely hope that there is a third.  I read them out of order, and the second is definitely stronger, but I struggled with the “memoir” style in both.  Reflections was the author’s own story, and Power of Dua was other people’s stories, and both felt forced and distracting for me more often than not.  I hope if there is a third book, that disconnect can be resolved and the author’s commentary and Islamic references in her signature palatable style can be expressed without being contingent upon a story that the reader may or may not relate too, or more personal info will be shared so that if the reader can empathize more readily.  The repetition of hearing the name Solace UK and that she started a charity from scratch, started to feel almost promotional, as I still am not sure, two books later, what the day to day work of the charity is, or what topics Honest Tea Talk seeks out to cover, only that they are constantly name dropped.  I would love to know who the author studied with and where.  The little snippets make the reader wanting to Google, but I think it distracts from the connection to the words in the moment.

Overall a solid addition to spend time with in Ramadan, or any time, and to reference when the heart needs to feel connections.  The writing makes for an easy read, the duas and parts to ponder allow you to put in to practice the teachings immediately, alhumdulillah.

 

Dec9

The Power of Du’a by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

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The Power of Du’a by Aliyah Umm Raiyaan

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Having not read the author’s first book, Ramadan Reflections, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this non- fiction/memoir/anthology/self help/spiritual focused book. Alhumdulilah the tone is easy to read, the chapters consistent in their format, the quotes and passages sourced, the personal stories relevant, and the information often moving and inspiring.  At times it did feel repetitive, but ultimately the book has staying power, and now that I have read it once cover to cover, I can see myself picking it up and reading a chapter or two at random and being again drawn in again.  While nothing in the book seemed “off” I did find myself wondering though, what qualifications are needed to write a book such as this, and did not find the author’s bio satisfying in providing that information.  Yes, there is a statement of praise by Mufti Menk on the cover, but similarly I don’t know if that means he “checked” and “approved” the book, or just liked the concept of it.  Ultimately, I don’t know that it matters, but I do feel it is worth disclosing, since it did linger in my mind, and I would have appreciated some transparency in the matter.  The 258 page book is meant for adults, but older teens will find it valuable too, even if a number of the stories are related to pregnancy.  I love that this book is traditionally published in the UK, it is for Muslims by a Muslim, but the glossary at the back and the way it is written, would allow even non Muslims to be drawn to the beauty of conversing with our creator, subhanAllah.

The book is divided into four parts: Du’a of Need and Want, Before Du’a, The Du’a, After Du’a, and each of the parts has multiple chapters that explore, develop, and illuminate the concept heading.  Each chapter starts with an ayat, or hadith, or quote, then gives a personal reflection of what the chapter sets out to do, and how the story about to be shared came to the author.  A personal du’a story from a real person is then shared.  The author then uses examples from the story, along with hadith, examples from the Qur’an, and/or guidance from scholars to build the case of the chapter’s intended goal.  Often there are then action items in a pull out box of suggestions the reader can do to “Develop Your Du’a” or strengthen one’s connection.  The final paragraph of the chapter is, “Allah, Transform My Du’a” where an example is given of a how to phrase your du’a.

I love that you can implement every single bit of knowledge into your du’a and your day, immediately.  If you read a chapter, you have something to ponder and act on, if you read multiple chapters you have more.  The implementation is easy and accessible, because of how it is presented.

Many of the stories, and the lessons from them are emotionally humbling.  I often found tears on my cheeks as I saw my own vulnerability, fears, worries, and hopes expressed on the pages.  And the passages that moved me today, I could see having a different effect on me if I reread them in the future.  Similarly, pages I skimmed, I have no doubt could truly grip me in the future as well.

I’m glad I own the book, glad I read it, and can see me recommending it, suggesting it, and gifting copies to others. The importance of du’a and the balm it provides is something we all know, but how to go about it to make the most of it, is often something we need assistance with and can be facilitated by this book, alhumdulillah.

Oct26

The Boy and his Sand Castle: A Journey of Redemption by Zakaria Amara

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The Boy and his Sand Castle: A Journey of Redemption by Zakaria Amara

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This 213 page memoir is sad, so very sad. I don’t have the ability to review it, it is personal, and raw, and not to be forgotten. But “what” it is, is not so easily defined. It is poetry, prose, humor, reality, dreams, heartache, loss, vulnerability, redemption, introspection, faith, advice, hope.  From the introduction written by his sister, to the photographs of his childhood scrapbook, if nothing else, the pages are filled with humanity and a situation that is so unique, illuminated with threads that all readers will see at times themselves in. The book is not excuses, pointing fingers, rage filled or defensive, it transcends that to a place of true reflection and rediscovery through poetry.

SYNOPSIS:

The poetic introspection of the author touches on his marginalization, radicalization, and 17 year imprisonment. It has pieces inspired by events occurring in his life as well as pieces for his daughter, dreams, analytical pieces, and humorous coping anecdotes.  After reading the book, I don’t feel I know the facts about the case, the methods of the radicalization, the other 17 members, the judicial process experienced, or the daily struggles, but I feel some of the lessons, the humanity and surrendering are shared.  The book isn’t linear, it is snapshots of a variety of emotions, that leave the reader feeling similarly vulnerable and humble, subhanAllah.

The book is divided into 10 parts: Desolation, Despair, Hope, Near and Dear, Meaning, Selfhood, Joy, Modernity, Surrender, and Home. There are small images on the pages, some AI, some art, some drawings by fellow prisoners.  There are also some photographs.

This book was nominated for the 2024 Muslim Bookstagram Awards and I am grateful that it was.  I’m better for reading it and I feel I will revisit it in the future, perhaps not reading it from front to back, but thumbing through it, pondering the words, and being reminded out how temporary this world is.

Apr26

Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of the Bosnian Genocide by Amra Sabic-El-Reyess with Laura L. Sullivan

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Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of the Bosnian Genocide by Amra Sabic-El-Reyess with Laura L. Sullivan

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It is difficult and probably rather inappropriate for me to offer a “review” of a memoir, after all who am I to have opinions on someone’s lived experience.  And this non fiction book in particular is so desperately needed and important, as OWN voice middle grade literature about Bosnia is fairly non existent. So continue reading my thoughts with a grain of salt, suffice it to say, that I enjoyed the book, and loved the author’s YA book The Cat I Never Named, but ultimately I struggle to suggest this for the intended audience of 8-12 year olds.  As a child my family was involved with Bosnian refugees in the 90s, as an adult I understand that Islam, and being Muslim, is not a monolith, as someone who can empathize with loss and heartache, I couldn’t put the book down.  Yet, I truly doubt that many fourth graders will feel the emotional climaxes that are not shown, but told.  That they will understand the timeline and what is about to happen if the book were to continue.  That they will feel a connection to the characters who read so much older than them.  If the book was fiction, I would say the characters read YA, with the bikinis and details of body growth, kissing, making out, having boyfriends, and dancing at the discotheque, cigarette smoking, backless dresses, noting which neighbors are having affairs, and trying to become their “truest self,” but the book is a memoir, this is the author’s life when she was 11, 12, and 13.  In an environment where her maturity is noted as being heightened because of the loss of her brother and her personality, the book shows cultural norms, that will still strike contemporary reader as being much more adult in nature. Islamically, the label of Muslim and Bosniaks, is ever present.  Bosniaks were massacred for being Muslim, period.  The book never shows them praying, or mentions Allah swt or the Quran, covering is something only the older generations did, they do drink alcohol on occasion, but they have a cow slaughtered Islamically and burials are done in accordance with Islamic principles.  There is kissing, having boyfriends is not problematic unless they are Serb, the only imam mentioned does weird black magic type things.  So while the label of “Muslim” may feel to Muslims readers more like a cultural marker at times, it is none-the-less incredibly empowering to see that Amra takes pride in her Bosniak identity and doesn’t shy away from it. Other flags/triggers are domestic abuse, bullying, physical violence, attempted drowning, accidental drowning, death of a sibling, kidnapping, imprisonment, threat of war, racism, Islamophobia, music, fortune tellers, lying, threatening.  The backmatter offers a timeline and thus gives some information about the rape, torture, genocide, abuse, and destruction.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with a visiting fortune teller giving Amra and her family hope that her older brother Amar will be pain free soon. Amar suffers from Marfan syndrome, and is frequently weak, teased, and in pain.  But he is also wise and patient, brilliant and gentle, and beloved by so many, and Amra is broken when he passes away.  To help break her from her debilitating grief, her parents reach out to a cousin in Belgrade, who has long been estranged for marrying a Serb, to come visit for the summer.  Zana and her younger sister Vedrana, engulf Amra in warmth and adventure and the summer on the River Una is just what Amra needs.  The next summer Zana and Amra resume their idyllic adventures of swimming, make-up, crushes, and coming of age, with only a hint of fracture based on religious lines creeping in the final days.  The following summer Amra is starting to mature on her own and understand the world around her.  Her father has lost his job, been kidnapped essentially and tortured, and while nights dancing at the discotheque give laughter and light, the girls final summer, is the end of peace, and innocence for all Bosniaks.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the end, that there are real life updates of the people in the book.  It made me cry.  It is also so timely to what is occurring in Gaza and how no matter how clear it is that it is genocide, and it is oppression, and it is racism, some just cannot see it.  The book is joyful, but the reality of the backmatter is heavy, and real, and important.

I like that the book shows Bosnia and the culture and the traditions, the few books I’ve read focus on the war, and the rich culture and deep history doesn’t get to shine like it does here.

I do wish the book was more showing than telling.  I know it is a memoir, but at times it was just too advanced commentary and insight.  I fully believe the author is brilliant, and at 11 years old was pondering her life, but most readers just aren’t at that age, and the tangents keep the readers at arms length.  The book says it is about crushes, so I don’t want to keep harping on it, but it really is Amra and Zana and a gaggle of other female cousins quite often worrying about boys, and crushes, and kissing.  It doesn’t get obnoxious, but it isn’t a line here or there, it is the bulk of the book.

FLAGS:

Domestic abuse, bullying, physical violence, attempted drowning, accidental drowning, death of a sibling, kidnapping, imprisonment, threat of war, racism, Islamophobia, music, fortune tellers, lying, threatening, death, loss, grief, affairs, cheating, racism, bare bodies, crude jokes, crushes, kissing, making out, sneaking out, smoking, drinking, developing bodies, bullying, internalized Islamophobia, kidnapping, imprisonment, dancing, black magic imams.  The backmatter offers a timeline and thus gives some information about the rape, torture, genocide, abuse, starvation, and destruction during the Bosnian genocide.

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TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I think with some context about war, about communism, the Ottoman empire even, this book could be used in a teaching setting to allow the time frame to be seen from those living it, but, for more mature middle school to early high school readers.  It is a lot for MG and that it is non fiction makes me want it to be understood and appreciated and I don’t know that for the intended demographic, even with context and guidance it would be achieved. There really isn’t a plot, it is a memoir, and the pacing and assumed context knowledge I feel like, just wouldn’t be there for the typical western middle grade reader.

Apr8

Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir with Judith Henderson illustrated by Katherine Ahmed

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Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir with Judith Henderson illustrated by Katherine Ahmed

This nonfiction picture book memoir is about Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir’s love of basketball, accomplishments, and ultimate decision to choose her hijab over her career.  For elementary readers the 40 page book reads like a story, and shows what it means to work hard, be talented, stay true to yourself, and be willing to fight for what you believe in.  As the Massachusetts State high school basketball scoring record holder and the first NCAA hijab wearing Muslim basketball player, she was forced to leave the fight on the court and instead fight to change the rules regarding headgear for women playing international professional basketball.  She won the fight, but unfortunately it was too late for her, she now advocates for Muslim girls in sports to not have to choose to cover or play.

The book has a flow as it starts from her being born into a basketball family, and shooting hoops at three.  She plays with her brothers with her grandma, Mudgie, always cheering her on.  Her mother’s strength grounds her and at age 12 she puts on her mother’s hijab and heads out to play ball.

At 14 she is wearing her own hijab and playing on the high school team, her hijab is her super power, and reminder to be fierce, faithful, and kind. When the ref halts the game and says she can’t wear her hijab, her team stands with her, until the game resumes.

She gets a full scholarship to the University of Memphis and plays her final season at Indiana State.  She meets President Obama and beats him in a game.  When she decides to play international though, again she gets told she can’t unless she removes her hijab. She chooses her faith, and when she finally gets the ban overturned, it is too late for her, but not for other Muslim girls.

The book concludes with some photographs, additional information, discussion questions, and places to discover more.  I appreciate that it shows her praying, but I wish it gave just a little insight as to why Muslim women cover, why it is part of our faith.

I found my copy at the library, it is available to purchase here.

May5

I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir by Malaka Gharib

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I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir by Malaka Gharib

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I was hesitant to read the book, afraid it would pit the author’s two cultures (Egyptian and Filipino) and faiths (Catholic and Muslim) that her parents identified with against each other.  Raised as the daughter of immigrants from very different backgrounds in California I was very pleasantly surprised that the book leads with heart and positivity for the unique, yet universal feelings she experienced in her life.  The short 156 page red, white, and blue filled pages are funny, poignant, and reflective, that I think high school readers and up will enjoy spending time in Cerritos and Egypt through the eyes of Malaka.  It is easy to say that you can’t be Muslim and Catholic, but she doesn’t opine on the right or wrong of it in large terms, she discusses her life and her own situation.  As a teacher I would see students that would attend Islamic school five days a week and then go to church on Sundays, whether you agree with the choices this author/character makes is not what I intend to review, it is her life, but rather the manner in which it is shared.  There are many kids out there from “conflicting” backgrounds, and to see someone take the love and benefits offered to forge their own path in creating their own American dream, was a nice twist on the immigrant identity finding narrative.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with introductions to the characters, her family members that influence her, and then begins the tales of what brought her Filipino mother and Egyptian father to America, how they met, married, started a family, and divorced. Malaka exists outside her family in school, balancing her heritage and coming of age.  Raised during the school year by her mother and extended Filipino family, she spends summers in Egypt where her father resides with his new wife and children.  Coming of age as an immigrant, balancing cultures, religions, school, and dreams, the book concludes with her marrying a white Southerner and adding to the mix.

WHY I LIKE IT:

Even though she identifies more as Filipino American and goes to Catholic school, there is a fair amount of Islam and Egyptian culture included in the book.  I love that she loves her step mom and step siblings and finds beauty in Islam, learns to pray, read Quran, and mentions her love of Prophet Muhammad saw.  Sure as an Islamic school librarian, I wish she chose Islam, lived it and centered it in her life, but this is not a character, this is a real person, and to see her lovingly showing the goodness in Islam and how it has positively influenced her, is nice to see nonetheless.  There are a few storylines I didn’t quite understand, the skateboarding in Egypt a big one, but the quick pace of her narrative life-story flows well and is easily consumable.  Often stories like this are overly dragged down by dated pop cultural references and over criticizing “othering” paradigms, but this book contains enough to keep it grounded without it alienating contemporary readers.

FLAGS:

Stereotypes, lying, relationships, periods, music, dancing, nothing really stands out, there might have been some language, I read it a few days ago and honestly don’t recall anything overly problematic, but content wise it is a mature teenage read with retrospection and marriage being a part of the narrative.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don’t know that I would shelve or teach this book, but I think it is one to file away in my head for people I might encounter looking for a book about blended faiths and cultures benefitting from the many worlds they have one foot in and one foot out of, and those ultimately looking for a place to see their experiences mirrored.

I found my copy of this book at my local public library and it is also available here from Amazon.

Jan6

We’re in this Together (Young Reader’s Edition of We Are Not Here to be Bystanders) by Linda Sarsour

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We’re in this Together (Young Reader’s Edition of We Are Not Here to be Bystanders) by Linda Sarsour

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I don’t have strong feelings one way or another about Linda Sarsour, so I read the book primarily to see what the messaging would be from a well-known Muslim activist to a mainstream audience, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.  This YA adaptation of her adult book weaves together personal experiences with larger pushes for justice reform. It is not all memoir, there are historical blurbs, educational backstories, and centering of Palestinian occupation and Islamic tenants.  I feared that the book would be entirely self-promoting and it wasn’t, it shows her as a person, and her struggles, but the spotlight is bigger than her, as she talks about the efforts and accomplishments of others in promoting police reform, social change, elevating women’s voices, and working with Black Lives Matter.  The 229 page book is sourced and reads easily.  I think ages 13 and up will benefit from seeing the intersectionality of many current social struggles sprinkled in with historical landmarks that they have learned about in school, told through the lens of a personal, relatable Muslim, Palestinian, American voice.

SYNOPSIS:

The book starts with the Women’s March as the culmination of her status and then takes the reader back to show the pivotal moments that got her to that stage: the immigration of her parents to America, her childhood, her family’s bodega, trips to Palestine and finding her voice.  The book shows her in various stages of her life while showing what is currently happening regarding police brutality, national politics, and relatable historical movements.  It shares close relationships she has had professionally, as well as mentions her getting married, becoming a mother, and the loss of a close family member and mentor.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I was happy to see how much Islam and culture shaped her activism and identity, as both are generously sprinkled in, and are unapologetically presented.  The book is a memoir and many characters are introduced and shown to enhance her understanding or presenting her with opportunities,  yet I don’t feel I really got to “know” her or any of them.  The book is centered more on events and how she lent her voice in this arena or that.  I still don’t know that I have much of an opinion on her personally or on her work, or even felt motivated to take action because of her enthusiasm, but the book was an easy read, it was informative and reflective.

FLAGS:

Racism, oppression, murder, police brutality, car accidents, hate crimes, death, assault, systemic racism, slurs, misogyny, occupation, hate.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I probably wouldn’t read this book in a book club setting, but I think it would be a good addition to a school or library shelf.  I think you could require it in a history or civics or current events class and readers would find it compelling and relatable and be able to add their own life experiences to any discussions that would follow. It shows that the struggle in history books for justice and equality is not over, it is still ongoing and still very very real with horrific consequences.

Oct26

Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to Washington by Rashida and Adam Tlaib with Miranda Paul illustrated by Olivia Aserr

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Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to Washington by Rashida and Adam Tlaib with Miranda Paul illustrated by Olivia Aserr

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I wasn’t particularly looking forward to this book.  Books by politicians are always suspect, by a politician currently in office- more so, and a book written about one’s self can be a little self promoting to say the least, but when I saw my library had it, I put it on hold and thought to give it a shot.  Surprisingly, the book is really cute.  It is framed as her son (one of the contributors) telling his mom’s story, it owns that while yes she was one of the First Muslim Congresswomen, there were a lot of people before her that ran and paved the way.  What really shocked me was the amount of Islam in the book: Salat-al-Istikharha, actively learning about Islam not just as culture, there is an Ayat from the Quran, etc.. The book says for ages 4-8 and for the amount of text on the pages, there is no way a preschooler will sit through this. I can see this book, however, being used in an elementary classroom to teach about the American political system, and inspiring kids that they can make a difference, that they can rise to positions of leadership without compromising who they are, and that no matter their background, and that they can be successful in following their dreams.  I don’t think Congresswoman Tlaib should be put on a pedal stool for some of the policies she has supported or bills endorsed, but I think even if you don’t support her politically, her story and her accomplishments do show possibilities for minorities to reach the highest levels of government.  The fact that she is a Palestinian Muslim Women and has found success in the context of American government as told from a child’s perspective, really surprised and impressed me, and I can see it being a worthwhile story to share with young students.

The book starts with two boys on the steps of the capitol, Adam and Yousif wondering if the president is their mom’s boss, and mom, saying that no, the 700,000 people in the district she represents are.  The book then pulls back and Adam starts to tell the story of him and his brother going to work with their mom, Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib the representative from Michigan.

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Before she was elected their yama and yaba immigrated from the West Bank to America, where Rashida was born.  Eventually there would be 14 kids born and Rashida would choreograph dances, basketball games, and seek privacy to dance like a pop star, or chase after the bookmobile.

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Comments toward her well-spoken mother to learn English, embarrassment at the smell of the factory polluted environment, and an offer by a high school teacher to join the debate team, helped pave the way for Rashida to find her voice and make changes.

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Rashida was the first in her family to graduate high school and from there she went to college and then law school.  She also started to learn more about Islam and the reasons behind her family’s traditions.  Her favorite passage from the Quran became, “with hardship comes ease.”

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She started working with an elected official from the Michigan House of Representatives and started a family.  When a seat became vacant she was encouraged to run.  No Muslim had ever been elected to the Michigan House and even her own yaba didn’t think people would vote for an Arab, so she prayed Salat al-Istikhara and did a lot of thinking.

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The book shows what she wanted to accomplish and how she went door-to-door and found both success and hardship meeting with the people.  Ultimately though, she won the seat and held it for many years.  When Adam was 12 she decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, and he and his brother joined in to help knock on doors.

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She won, and was one of two Muslim women to be elected that year.  Adam and Yousif dabbed in celebration at the inauguration as their mom was sworn in in her Palestinian thobe. On her first day, however, there were threats, and Adam though they should hide the fact that they were Muslims.  Their mom told them it is important to be their authentic selves, “that sometimes it takes many to run for there to be a first.”

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The book concludes with a glossary, an infographic of the branches of government. Can be purchased here.

Oct14

They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl’s Fight for Freedom by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri

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They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl’s Fight for Freedom by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri

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The writing style makes this book easy reading, but the content contained is absolutely horrific, heart breaking, and hard to truly comprehend.  If this was fiction it would be overkill, barbaric, cruel; the fact that it is factual, current, and ongoing is inexcusable.  There is no humanely possible way that we can still be ignorant or apathetic to the plight of the Palestinians.  It is an occupation.  It is apartheid.  It is oppression.  I often don’t review adult non fiction, but because this is ongoing and we have the power to do something, BDS, I’m reviewing this book.  The book describes torture, death, abuse, cruelty, you name it, but I think mature young adult readers can and should read it, along with every adult. A history of major events in Palestine interwoven with Ahed Tamimi’s own experiences in the last few years, she was 16 when imprisoned, so the recent past, as lived by her and understood by her, is powerful, moving, and inspiring.

SYNOPSIS:

The book shares a lot of facts, but because the facts are contextualized you feel yourself absorbed by what it means to have your land taken, your home bulldozed.  It isn’t just statistics of growing settlements, it is being cutoff from the Mediterranean Sea that you can see from the hills in your village, but cannot access because of checkpoints and armed guards, and walls.  It is understanding why throwing a rock, or slapping and kicking are a form of defiance, not terrorism.  It is truly seeing the situation from someone living it every day.  There is nothing for me to critique or opine about in her story, nor in the book and presentation. It is hard to read, it is harder yet to know that it still persists.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love that I sobbed and clenched my fist and Googled again what companies and organizations to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS).  That is what the book is asking those of us who support the Palestinian cause to do.  She says they don’t want our pity, they want our action.  They want us to look at South Africa and realize the power of economic efforts by the global community on an issue. They want us to be educated about what they endure and educate others.  They want us to help stop the erasure of Palestine and Palestinians.  I’m so grateful that the book pointed out the direction we should take, a bleeding heart is not enough.

I love that Ahed owns her own learning and growth as she got to know Israeli Jews sympathetic to the right of Palestinians, that protested with her and her village, that fought the legal battles using their privilege to help the oppressed. I love that the book is personal and that she doesn’t apologies, that she addresses the criticisms against her, that she calls on her own people to unify, and that she is so so fierce. 

I can’t imagine what her life is like, and it is truly humbling to imagine yourself in her shoes, in her mother’s shoes, her father’s.  It isn’t a life anyone would chose, it isn’t a spotlight you would want.  No parent would willingly push their child to this, so that she at such a young age had to endure and become what she is today, is humbling.   

Islam is not a big part of the book, but Ramadan, and jummah prayers, janaza and praying salat are occasionally included.  

FLAGS:

Death, fear, torture, killing, murder, oppression, loss, hate, racism, everything you can imagine and then some.  There is also mention of two men having sex and a man stripping, while on prison to court transport.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I would love to attend a book club or panel discussion by Palestinians in the community using the book as a starting point for telling their own stories.  I think a high school book club could handle the book, but nothing younger than that. Please purchase a book, check it out from your library, request your library to shelve it, and spread the word about this memoir that is both personal and informative.

 

Aug15

Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story by Malak Mattar

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Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story by Malak Mattar

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I hate that this book is so timely.  It was written by the author/illustrator recalling the 2014 airstrikes, but alas, has anything changed for the Palestinians’ suffering at the hands of the Israeli occupiers amid the  apathetic silence of the world?  This 32 page picture book shows family love and daily life while Gaza is under siege.  The heartbreak of a young girl’s reality and perception shows the reader, in a simple empathetic, heart-wrenching, real-life example how her dream was limited and caged because she is not free.  The book is not sensationalized, nor graphic, it is written by someone who endured this as a child, and has written the book for children. The theme is not even political, but more hopeful as art is found as a respite and way to keep dreams from completely dying.  May Allah swt ease the suffering of those under occupation and free Palestine, ameen.  

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The book starts with a little girl and her parents going to Sitti’s house for the best maqlouba.  Sitti has a beloved bird, Malak wonders if she too is in a cage.  Her grandmother encourages her to fly in her dreams.  At school she is happy with her friends, playing games, listening to stories, but when an explosion sends them all home, she won’t get to return for 51 days.

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Constant airstrikes keep the family home and in fear.  Malak finds some paints and starts to create.  Sitti’s bird is lost when Sitti’s home is destroyed, but somehow shows up at Malak’s home.  Eventually Malak returns to school and she shows her teacher all her paintings. Her teacher decides to host an exhibit. 

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People show up and marvel at her art work.  Months later an international exhibit invites her to attend with her parents, but sadly she must decline.  Gaza is closed.  She cannot leave.  

The book is hopeful, but does not have a happy ending, and I think the weight of that makes this book all the more powerful: because it is timely, because occupation persists, because dreams cannot be made into reality, generation after generation, this story inshaAllah will inspire some change and lots of compassion.

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There is nothing Islamic in the book, save some #muslimsintheillustrations, the author is Muslim.

Available here at Crescent Moon Book Store https://crescentmoonstore.com/products/sittis-bird?sca_ref=1601585.fIPhoqtScY