Bring On The Next Bestseller

In an age where television and the world-wide-web have taken over our lives,I often get tired of been numbed,dulled and stupified by the media. One cannot argue that we all need to step back and revert to the age-old tradition every once in a while- good ol' literature.

Sure,who doesn't love curling up on that icy day with a large bowl of popcorn,a huge blanket and a good chick-flick. But there's something utterly relaxing about curling up on that icy day with a large bowl of popcorn,a huge blanket and a good BOOK.

Your imagination runs wild,images flash through your head faster than you can turn the page. Try as they may,once you have a good book,the movie/TV series will NEVER do justice (with the exception of one,more about that in another post)

Here are some of my all-time favourites:

The Kite-Runner   by Khaled Hosseini

The Observer could have not phrased it better “Shattering..devastating and inspiring”.We drift through the streets of old Kabul with young and carefree Amir and his loyal friend Hasan as they spend their days making mischief,carving their names on trees and doing what they love best- flying kites. Tragedy,however, strikes on the day that should have been the best day of Amir's life and he finds himself running from the truth,for the rest of his life.

 

A Thousand Splendid Suns   by Khaled Hosseini

A heart-wrenching tale of two women,caught under the rule of bitter Rasheed during the uncertain times of Kabul.Unable to find solace in any corner of their lives,the bond they create between them is that of sisters,inseperable and dependable,inspite of the age difference.Surrounded by misery,hopelessness and starvation,one would imagine it's an each man for himself world,'yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways,lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with startling heroism.In the end it is love that truimphs over death and destruction.'

Mornings in Jenin   by Susan Abulhawa

Un-put-downable.Yet another international bestseller tells the story of fiery little Amal.The story journeys you through three generations of the Abulheja family of Ein Hod,Palestine,capturing each anguish with such power,you simply cannot hold those tears back.

Mornings in Jenin left me reeling for days after.

It was the first of the three that I read and for a long time after,western books about futile and baseless activities such shopping spree's,boyfriend trouble and a broken heel just was not doing it for me. I longed to read more about my fellow Muslims and it brought a heartache to think that,even though each of the books were not based on a true story(though I have a strong feeling that Mornings in Jenin was based on a vast amount of real-life events)it did not make it any less real,those were the kinds of sufferings our brothers and sisters in Islam were enduring.

It must be noted however,that one may have conflicting feelings about some aspects in the books. I feel that the authors were not clear in highlighting the differences between culture and religion.

Also some amazing reads:

Army of Roses   by Barbara Victor
Inside the World of Palestinian Women Suicide Bombers

From My Sister's Lips    by Na'ima Roberts
A book clearly written from the heart.A group of exceptional and strong women take you through their journey to finding Islam.

Happy reading!