Ep. 44: When the Reading gets Tough, Should the Tough Keep Reading? (Theme: Upsetting Reads)

A short episode about Muti'ah Badruddeen's novel, Rekiya and Z, discussing the following: Muslim Nigerian and West African portrayals in literature Flawed Muslim characters and their faith Organic portrayals of polygamy rather than emotionally charged, blatantly agenda driven ones

A casual tour of this French Algerian novel exploring - Alienation between immigrant parents and their children - French Algerian representation This book has been translated into English as "Men Don't Cry" (translator: Sarah Ardizzone). As always, there are many points that were not covered in this episode. I particularly feel I owe an apology to the mother who was only mentioned from a negative perspective but who of course is misunderstood in her love for her children, like her husband! Apologies for the strange sound quality - I'm not quite sure what happened there.

Written format on the website here: https://booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/ayesha-dean-istanbul/

A new format: articles from the blog read aloud for your listening pleasure. Written original available on the website here: https://booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/death-is-hard-work/ 

What connects the US city of Newark and Gaza? On this journey, I explore the newly-released documentary film Two Gods and discuss - How the attitude behind the camera can transform the impact of a documentary film; - Getting insight into Muslim communities around the world; - Changing the world through worship; - Transforming the Ummah by helping those who live next door; - Taking an Afterlife-based view of success. Film in focus: Two Gods by Zeshawn Ali and Aman Ali. Find more information and a link to the film on the website: https://booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/two-gods

On this journey, I considered how history continues to exist despite efforts to erase it and  the vulnerability of protests to manipulation. Book in focus: Beijing Coma by Ma Jian (China) As always, you can find further resources and other reviews of this book on the website: www.booknomadpocast.com/reviews/beijing-coma Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.

On this journey, I'm joined by Safiya as we discuss how the theme of motherhood appears in literature; the motherhood vs career dichotomy; motherhood as a role within a social support system; expectations of worship from and for mothers. For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/motherhood.   Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.

On this journey, I’m joined by Safiya as we discuss What we can learn when we consider the impact of events across generations; Taking an intimate look at history; Popularity and book descriptions. For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/family-sagas.   Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.

On this journey, I’m joined by Leïla, Noor and Assia as we discuss What effect does reading upsetting content have on us? Should books have content warnings? Why do we read such books or scenes? Is it beneficial?   For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/upsetting-reads.   Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.

On this journey, I’m joined by Alia and Safiya as we discuss Reading iconic poems in translation Literature as second-hand experience of traumatic and painful events Memory and connection in Palestinian writing and experience Establishing justice as a fundamental purpose in Palestine and the world Book in focus: A Map of Absence: An Anthology of Palestinian Writing on the Nakba, ed. by Atef Alshaer (Palestine)   Find Safiya on Instagram @safiyareads Contact Alia by email at elbak002 [at] gmail.com   Full episode notes and guest details on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/   Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.