Mikhail Naimy (1889-1998), an Arab-American who served in the U.S. army in WWI, wrote the following poem in 1924 to provide hope and support to fellow immigrants. I include it here today as a reminder to all of us to pause when we are faced with challenges. I understand “close your eyes” here as a…
This month, for a change, I’m just sharing a poem here. Maya Angelou’s Human Family reminds us of our connectedness. I had the honor to hear her speak in Austin, Texas. For me, she provides the voice of one our collective grandmothers, like a lighthouse in the distance or a signpost on our collective journey….
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. – William Shakespeare This past year, like the quote above, made the whole world kin in terms of our common experience of hardship. In the United States, the pandemic period has included movement toward and away from inclusivity of diversity. As the number of vaccines increases and…
Having posted Kids & YA book recommendations last month, this month I’d like to share some of my favorite MENA-related fiction and non-fiction selections that I read roughly in the past year. If you want to learn more about MENA and/or participate in a community of readers, check out the MENA Lit Group on goodreads.com…
Here is my latest list of book recommendations for children and young adults, whether for libraries, schools, or homes. These focus on Arabic language and culture (my specialty), but I’ve included bonus Spanish selections at the end. I have read all these books and hope you will enjoy them too! Kids: Salma the Syrian Chef…
Hisham al-Gokh gave a stunning live performance of this poem – see here. When this poem first came out, several years ago, it captured my attention with its simplicity and its brave criticism. He points the finger of blame at authorities in the Arab region, but there is also a note of self-criticism. It’s time…
In the current climate, audio and video sources are on the rise, but reading remains a key skill for language learners. For those learners who already love to read (in any language), extensive reading can be a powerhouse for their progress toward increased proficiency in Arabic. This 2-part series is based on research in language…
Mhani Alaoui is a rising star in literature from Morocco. See below for reviews of her two novels. Thanks to Interlink for providing access to interesting voices and perspectives! Dreams of Maryam Tair: Blue Boots and Orange Blossoms by Mhani Alaoui Dreams of Maryam Tair is a tour de force, the most powerful novel I…
[[Update: Recording of this Reading now available here. The introduction of Melanie Magidow and Reem Bassiouney begins at 28:15. Melanie Magidow introduces the book at 29:45. Reem Bassiouney’s reading begins at 31:15. Melanie Magidow’s reading of the English is 34:50-38:00.]] It’s August, and time once again to celebrate Women in Translation (#WiT) Month! This initiative was…
Dr. Reem Bassiouney’s latest work of fiction is a masterful, multi-generation epic set in Mamluk Cairo (1309-1517). The action moves out of Cairo at times, to Alexandria, Greater Syria, or the Western Desert, but it is focused around several historic buildings of Mamluk Cairo. There are also brief scenes from 2005-2017. For me, the heart…
