By Sarah Fuller
This summer, our staff members have been busy reading and letting their inner book lover come to life. From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking non-fiction, each individual tapped into a different genre. If you’re on the hunt for your next read or just curious about what’s been captivating our minds lately, you’ve come to the right place.
Moneeb’s Pick: Of Towns and Countries by Dirk Bolt
The book I chose to read was Of Towns and Countries by Dirk Bolt, a book I’d been meaning to read for a while. It is an insightful exploration of urban and regional planning, blending practical knowledge with philosophy. Bolt takes the reader on a journey through the designing and developing of human settlements, reflecting on his experience in the field. The book dives into the complexities of creating spaces that are not only functional but also enhance the quality of life for those who live there.
Dirk Bolt was an award-winning Dutch-born architect. His concerns about urbanization, the environment, climate change and sustainability led him to work for the UN and in international development. The book is structured around Bolt's personal and professional projects, which span various countries and cultures. Through his stories, he introduces us to concepts in urban planning, such as sustainability, community engagement, and the balance between modernity and tradition.
One of the recurring themes in the book is the importance of understanding and respecting the local context. Bolt emphasizes that successful urban planning requires a deep appreciation of the unique social, cultural, and environmental factors of each location. This theme is illustrated through his projects, from small towns to large urban areas, each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities.
I appreciated the book's blend of technical detail and philosophical insight. Bolt's writing is accessible, making complex concepts understandable without changing the meaning. His passion for creating sustainable communities is evident throughout the book, inspiring readers to think critically about the spaces we inhabit and the impact they have on our lives. Of Towns and Countries is a valuable read for anyone interested in urban planning, architecture, or community development.
Naima’s Pick: I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Al-Barghouti
I Saw Ramallah is a remarkable literary work by Mourid Al-Barghouti, a prominent contemporary Palestinian writer. This book is available at Kutubna in both English and Arabic. I chose to read the Arabic version. The book reflects the author's personal and existential experiences in Ramallah and offers a profound perspective on Palestinian society under occupation. In this context, the book emphasizes the idea that writing is an effective form of resistance, and this concept is worth exploring in detail.
In I Saw Ramallah, writing serves as a means of preserving and enhancing Palestinian identity. Al-Barghouti addresses various themes that reflect the Palestinian experience, contributing to the reinforcement of cultural and national awareness. Here, writing acts as a form of resistance against efforts to obliterate cultural and individual identity under the pressure of occupation.
Documenting personal and collective experiences is another facet of resistance presented in the book. By narrating his observations and experiences in Ramallah, Al-Barghouti aims to provide an authentic portrayal of life under occupation, breaking the silence and fostering international dialogue and awareness.
The writing in I Saw Ramallah is also used as a means of critiquing policies and social realities. Al-Barghouti does not shy away from confronting the current situation and encourages critical thinking about ongoing events. Alongside critique and documentation, it aims to build hope and optimism. Al-Barghouti offers through his texts a vision for the future, showing how literature can be a source of inspiration and strength for the Palestinian people in facing challenges and difficulties.
I Saw Ramallah is not merely a collection of literary texts but a living testament to the power of writing as a tool of resistance. Mourid Al-Barghouti demonstrates how literature can be a weapon against occupation, a means of preserving identity, documenting experiences, critiquing reality, and fostering hope.
Beatrice’s Pick: The Bones of Grace by Tahmima Anam
I loved The Bones of Grace by Tahmima Anam, a poignant novel about migration, belonging, tragedy, survival, and love. It's an interesting story of a little girl called Zubaida who was adopted during the war in Bangladesh. Just when she thinks the world is coming to an end, she is rescued and her life changes forever. The story shows Zubaida’s journey from war to the United States, where she gets adopted by a loving family. She is able to attend reputable schools and universities, getting the opportunity to study what she desired, which was zoology. Moreover, she studies so hard that she becomes the best student despite her past. She also goes on to work in India, spending time at the Indian Ocean for her research.
The Bones of Grace is the true definition of not losing hope in life and believing that things can get better. It teaches us to be kind and help those in need. There is also a love story, which shows patience because it is a long distance relationship.
Amidst all challenges, this book teaches us to remain calm and keep moving forward. I'm surely recommending it to everyone.
Sualih’s Pick: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma is the story of a superstar lawyer who was blinded by an illusory version of success. His lifestyle led him to an almost fatal heart attack in a courtroom. That brings on spiritual crises, which forces him to seek answers to life’s most important questions. He sells his Ferrari (I wouldn't!) and travels to India hoping to find happiness and fulfillment.
This book gave me insight on how I can attain happiness and satisfaction by living a simple life and, most importantly, a balanced life. I realized that unless we reduce our needs, we will never be fulfilled since we always want more than what we have. We need to enjoy those small happy moments that we have in the present.
"The only way to improve tomorrow is to know what you did wrong today, " is my favorite quote from the book.
Musa’s Pick: Two Good Thieves by Daniel Finn
Two Good Thieves by Daniel Finn is an interesting thriller that made me feel like I was watching a movie. It is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat story about two thieves who have to stay one step ahead to dodge a terrorizing enemy after accidentally stealing a priceless jewel. Baz is thrown into a gang of child thieves by Demi who found her lying on the streets of an unnamed city in South America. Demi has the gift of speed and can pickpocket and run as fast as you can imagine. Baz's role is to alert Demi of any danger like the police while he executes the mission. The gang steals jewelry and continues to pickpocket. It is so exciting to see how they have to be the fastest, cleverest and the best in the game.
I chose this book because it reminded me of the time I lost my money to two thieves. One day in Kampala, Uganda, I was looking for a new phone in different shops, but I couldn't find one that I could afford. I didn’t realize that there was a lady who had been tracking me. When I got stranded, a lady came up to me seeking my help in buying a new phone for herself. I thought I met someone who was faced with the same challenge as mine. Little did I know that she was a part of a gang of thieves. Sadly, my money was gone in no time.
This post was written by Sarah Fuller, program associate at Kutubna Cultural Center. Sarah is a content writer, a marketing enthusiast and a voracious reader of genre fiction.