Scooping into other cultures, Knowing there thoughts and way of living; i always find myself interested to that. Maybe that's why i chose "Peony in love" :P

I cant say i totally loved it however, it was a nice book...
The book was soo dense and complex of thoughts and behavior that i felt lost at the begining then back again in track. It also made me feel all type of emotions. However, there are parts where i enjoyed and was moved.. btw e7m did anyone cry am curious to know?!(a)

PonderingImprints thanks for sharing your thoughts, and to all members i hope ur enjoying ur read and can't wait to know what u think about it! ;P

Take care ! ^.^

Peony in Love ...

Mystical glow's choice "Peony in Love" gives us a totally new understanding about the old Chinese culture and tradition ... it made me feel trapped, sad, angry, happy, romantic ... but above all it made me feel grateful for many things that we have ... the women in China were very much controlled, I could even add oppressed whilst we in comparison through Islam have been priviliged with so much freedom :D

I couldn't put it down and finished it within two days - sorry didn't update the pic sooner MG :P

Sorry for the delay (a)

Hey Memebers,

Thought u might like to watch this



TC & enjoy ur lovely ride ;P

Sunday 8 November Meeting

Even today I still get a smile at the memory of our meeting nearly two weeks ago... I immensely enjoyed it and wish that Failafoosa and S could have been there! :D the weather was amazing, and sitting on the mat in the garden between all the greenery (and the children's excited playing) discussing books books and more books really made me feel all giddy with excitement !

Ok so things that were discussed are the following:

-Website (Every 6 months one of the members would be responsible of the website)

- Genres chosen for the next round (Arabic, Biographies, Romance and Classics) its Bella and Mystical Glow's turn

- Bella's Suggested "BookWorms'" websites are the following :P I think we should get accounts at:

http://www.goodreads.com/

See you all soon in our next December meeting InshAllah!

October Meeting ^_^

Hope everyone has enjoyed their Summer/Ramadan/Eid! :D

This is just a post about next meeting so that it would be more structured than the times before especially since they are more books to be discussed, if you feel you want to add any ideas to the meeting or if you feel something should not be included please feel free to reply to this post with your own ideas :D

Since most would be busy in weekends the best meeting date until now is the 13th, S. would you be able to make if it was later than 7:30?? if we can work around this date and time somehow so that all of us can be there please reply to this post so that it can be arranged :D

Meeting date: 13th October 2009
Meeting Time: 5:30 – 6:30
Books to be discussed:
1- Love in a Headscarf (Shelina Zahra Janmohammed) chosen by Saks
10 minutes:
Answers to the questions we asked the writer would be read out and discussed
2- Prince among Slaves (Terry Alford) chosen by Saks
Summarize the story for the members (Bella?? Since you took it in high school)
3- Social Intelligence (Daniel Goleman) chosen by Failafoosa
15 minutes:
Quiz the members by looking at pictures and the one who answers most right gets a special bookmark signed by all the members +_+!! YAY!
4- Garden Spells chosen by Yami
Yami would talk about why she chose it 2 – 3 min

And then we can all enjoy lots of YUMMY tea, cakes and ice cream !!^_^ lol

Sis totally a 10/10 :D

I couldn't put down "Love in Headscarf" from the moment I read "Love. Amour, ishq,hubb,amor,pyar. All these words in my lexicon to describe something delicious and mundane, irresistible and sublime...."


Shelina's book is original, down to earth and in many parts her description about Islam is very beautifully written - especially her mention about Sufism which is something I love to read about - and I bet it took alot of courage on her part to write about her personal experience on finding "The One" and I admire her for that :D

But her words had an effect on me way after I closed the last page with a satisfied smile on my face.. She inspires me to make a difference and do something in my life ...

I would definitely recommend this book to MANY!

Check out her site ;)

And started Prince Among Slaves - this will prove to be another interesting read ^_^

{ A million appologies

Dear fellow members and group,

Do not scold me for posting late since i was busy with university, but atlasst i am finally done ^_^
I'm really glad for all the feedback I've been reading for the fellow bloggers. I had a hard time locating something new and exciting. I have a confession to make, i have not read it only since the past few days *blush* and i could not put it down. It is one of my favourite books now ^_^ and about The time travlers wife, i loooooved it (L) it remined me of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, since i actually cried in the moive *dont laugh*
And guess what the official trailour is in you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USUDlMBR-dQ

Enjoy it, i cant wait to watch it *_*
See you i abit members ;)

Hey!!!!=)

Hehe it took me hours to figure out how this works...
Inshalla i can participate a7eena :p

Honestly speaking i havent read "the time travellers wife", but i finished "chasing windmills" in 3 days, i cudnt put it down until i was done...
i really really liked this book...i find the author very talented... i felt every feeling the characters felt, saw every image they saw...i give it an 8!

BUT i didnt like the ending :(
It broke my heart but at the same time i cudnt imagine it written any other way....
Cant wait to read the next one :p

FINALLY!!

Hey Members
Seriously Ouch o.O at least jamlooo shawi .... 7aram is my choice that bad ?! :'(

Saks Welcome to the Online World inshala u'll get hooked up with blogging and can't wait to read more of your updates (6)hehhe!

Anyways, I admit enjoying "eat,pray, love" more. Infact, for sure i'll be reading it again in future. However, that doesnt mean i didnt like "The time traveler's wife" but if only was a bite shorter. Time traveling novels always holds my interest. it allows us to glance into the "what if" zone. What would happen if i landed in certian era would i have made some changes or just watched myself back then! Often in time my imagintation run wider than expected and i love how Time traverler novels allows that. But, that doesnt mean am into the risky rides, i always like to know a head even if only basics!

I 've got this habit, not sure what you can call "good" or "bad" but prefer knowing the ending before the story actually ends. So, might have my sneaks 3ala el ending while still be reading the book*angelic smile*

& From 1 to 10 i would say:

Eat, Pray Love i would say 10 cuz S. chose it lol JK cuz i loved her Descriptive detials but NOT the india part it was a struggle :S!
The Time Traveller's wife; 6 but would love to watch it cuz its easier to catch up when its about Travel in Time!

To All Memebers inshala ur enjoying "Chasing Windmills " and can't wait to read ur choice Saks ;P

Hey All ..

Hey All,

I just wanted to say hi to everyone and as i finally i figured out how to use this blog u'll see me blogging and interacting more ;-)

I enjoyed reading eat , pray , love .. although the writer titfalsaf wayed and stuff it wasnt that bad ... i give it 7/10

The time traveller one is ok but going front and back made me a bit dizzy its a 5

The current book "Chasing Windmills " is interesting thus far im still half way through .. it could be a movie and i like the writers way of writing , just hope it ends well (,")

Blog ppl Blog ..

Saks :-)

Questions answered!!

Hey...

Finally had the chance to post, feeling really guilty for not posting that much although I’m a blogger junkie, will try to be more ‘loyal poster’ and post more :D… so how is everyone liking or not liking "Chasing Windmills"?? I personally found it soooo good love the author way of telling the story it grabbed my attention from the first page, and the whole sad love story soo my thing :$$

----------------------------

Gonna answer each question now & forgive me all if I get little carried away with my thoughts..

1. Eat pray love not because I picked this book but coz as P.I. said its more realistic, I mean I did love the time traveler wife but from a romantic prospective but the whole time traveling thing I don’t buy it :P I hate fantasies or unrealistic novels only of course when it comes to action :P..
2. eat, pray, love but wont go into details :P
3. time journey, will sure help solve a lot of unanswered questions
4. the author of eat, pray love, I’ll ask her to be my therapist lol
5. I don’t like to be prepared, I love unexpected things its more fun, more interesting than planning where to go and what to take with you..love the chaos of it coz when it’ll become a memory it will always make me laugh.. I mean what’s life without taking risks?! I’ve got one word for you ‘BORING’ and life is too short to live it this way ^_^
6. Lool lets see if I met my younger self we’re going to have some serious talk about hair issues, never mess around with ur pimples, you don’t need to be so blunt it will always get you in great deal of trouble lol staff like that.. older me will be convincing her that the ‘aging gracefully’ crap is soo last century nothing wrong with botox :P
7. Both, I would love reading the book first thou, coz a 2 hours movie no matter how good it was it will never do the book justice, love the details and conversations,, specially the conversations lol look at me thinking about twilight <3
8. E77m mystical glow said I’m moody, soo will go with that
9. Eat, pray love 100/10 coz I chose it ;) … 6/10 coz all of the jumping from this year to that year :P

Done,, enjoyed answering them all, cant wait to read the rest answers dont keep me waiting (a)

P.S. Mystical Glow i gotta admit love the layout,, great choice <3

Answers to Mystical Glow's Qs !

I don't know about the rest of you but I definitely would like to know your opinions on the last two books :P & I think it's a great idea to have the discussion online Mystical Glow! I'll try to answer ALL the questions you wrote ^_^

First of all, I definitely felt closer to Gilbert's book "Eat, Pray and Love" because it was more realistic - the inner struggle - and because to be honest I enjoyed it more than "the Time Traveler's Wife", especially the whole traveling to Italy part. I do like time travel books but the ones where the "character" travels to another time period, I love the way they describe how it feels to go back to the regency era or the medieval era etc (of course you guys already guessed it - those are romance books that I'm referring too *_*), the best time travel book I read is A Knight In Shining Armor and Legend by Jude Deveraux she really has the talent to draw you into the whole mood of time travel, do you guys recommend any time travel books?

In answer to question three I would like to talk to Gilbert about religion that's for sure! I was just talking to Failafoosa yesterday and we both agreed that if Gilbert read about Islam she would be able to find ALL the answers to her "ponderings".

About traveling without an idea of where I'll end up, I have to admit just the idea makes my insides churn I definitely don't like the feeling one bit! You know when Gilbert described that one of her friends Googled the place before she goes and learns A - Z about it before she travels well I kind of related a lot to that friend! I used to do that a lot when we where in France to get a whole understanding of our bearings :P

I would really enjoy to see a younger me and spending fun time with her! LoL & I would choose a book over a movie any time of the day!

EAT PRAY LOVE = 7 THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE = 5

Your turns now :P

Fourth Book Already ^_^ !

Hello All BookClub Members!

Already we are at our fourth book ;) and for May I hope you are all enjoying the latest read "Chasing Windmills" that Bella chose ^_^

Since we weren't able to have a meeting for the last two months due to the members being busy I hope that the members will take part in an online discussion about the last two books "Eat, Pray and Love" and "The Time Traveler's Wife" ^_^

The following questions should help intiate the discussion feel free to chose from the following or write anything you feel like writing about the books:

1.Which book felt closer to you " The Time Traverler's wife" or "Eat,Pray, Love"?

2.Does any of the books relate to your life, past, present or future?

3.If you had the choice which journey would you like to take,"Healing Journey" or "Time Journey"?

4.In both Books which character would you like to meet? why and what would you say?

5.Some feel uncomfortable with the Unkown but others don't; like, some enjoy traveling after knowing all about the place however others don't. For instance, both Gilbert and Henry were a travelers who ended up in places with no clue about not even a Map or Watch. How do you think it feels? Would you have been open minded to take the risky ride or not?! and how does it relate to your self?!

6. We all have our inner talk, but how do you think it feels like bumping into your older and younger self? would you have enjoyed it?

7. Would you have rather watched the movie or read the book?

8. On pg 139 from "Eat, Love and Pray" what do you think is a word that best describes yourself?
9.Scale From 1 to 10 Can you rate both books?

~~~Wish you all best Summer Vacation~~~

Im the first one to finish the book ..mwaaahahaha! :P

First of all I finished the book real quick and was quite engaged until I reached India, or to be more exact until she met Richard who I found to be annoying especially when he called her "groceries" *raising an eyebrow*, but to rewind a bit I loved Italy, I loved her description of the food, the history of the language, I loved it when she clarified what some "street" words meant, I felt I was truly "in" Italy, it made me want to jump into the book, go to Naples and devour the yummy Pizza - this obsession made me order Il Ferno pizza the same night!

Anyway I just want to ask you all this question: didn't you realize that the first "conversation" -you might call it - that the writer had with God had no intermediary, but then when she went to India and she met with the Guru, and she spoke to the Balinese doctor she started to have an intermediary, or more like she wasn't thinking of God as much as she was talking to the dead "Guru", the four brothers that protect her etc etc etc until she reaches the point where she thinks the conversation she had with God was instead a conversation she had with her "inner self" and that the power came from within herself....

It made me ponder on the fact on where does a person lose focus and basically go off the path of Truth, when it's so obvious that when the person is in his most dire need he focuses on One = God.

I repeat what Failafoosa says: Thank God we were born Muslims....

Who knows how crazy we would have been if we were otherwise O_O!!!!!!

P.S. I want to email the writer :D

First Impressions...

I've reached chapter 26 so far. As usual, the last time I blinked it was just the end of February and now already half of the month is over. I must admit that the first few chapters put me off continuing to read. I reached the part where she first starts to talk about her "inner voice" and of it speaking through her and I started to think "oh no, it's another one of those lunatic books about God talking to the person through a notebook".

Now don't get me wrong I respect the human experience of trying to relate directly with God. But as a Muslim I know that channel already, I didn't have to explore it through trying to talk to an Indonesian healing doctor or an Indian Guru.

Well anyway like I said, that first impression of preaching on peace, yoga, inner healing, bla bla bla, put me off at the beginning and I stopped reading altogether for about a week. I didn't even carry the book with me to Dubai where I normally have a lot of idle time.

Yesterday, however and as I started reading through the Italy journey, particularly the chapter where she starts to talk about Lonliness and Depression as if they were characters and I found myself relating to the experiences she had in one way or another and actually enjoying her story-telling style.

I'm very thankful that I've been brought up in a Muslim culture that teachs you first that this life is not meant to be heaven, and that without a proper understanding, love and devotion to religion and Allah, your life without a doubt will be miserable and unhappy.

More as I keep reading :-)

My 2ed Favorite Quote:

"Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."

What's yours?!!

Some thoughts!

Ever since the 1st day we got the book P.I and I been chasing each other who would finish the book first but guess what it turned out to be interesting that i dont want to finish it anytime soon i just want to be stuck in some places enjoying her vivid extended moments!!! o.O

i liked the way she sort the title and how i think fits each place;

Eat>Italy and she goes on with her descriptive food details esp. The Naples pizza :P ~aaaahhhhh wanna try it lol ~
Pray>her quest to India for a spiritually meditation purpose, honestly wanted to skip some parts but since its not a matter of choice will have to struggle through it :P
Love> haven't reached Indonesia but let me guess i think it'll imply that place ;>

I enjoyed the conflict and inner talk that Elizabeth was going through, it all felt so real and how in each obsticale she was trying to find her way out even when it felt like endless dwell!

So, over all you can say am enjoying the book and would definitely recommend it ;P
S. aren't you proud ;)

For further information ..

Round two !!

To fulfill everyone’s curiosity the only reason I decided to choose this book is because of this quote:

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants.
But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is
holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can
change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll
ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live
with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life
just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave. A soul mates
purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your
obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make
you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then
introduce you to your spiritual master...”

Hopefully you’ll all enjoy the ride ;)

BookClub Meeting ^_^

Bella you are so right! The last story is my favourite too! :D Aren't we just the "romantics"?! *dreamy eyes* or should I saying *winking eye* lol

I was happy to know that most of you are nearly finished with the book, and I already sent a reminder that this Friday 27th (5:00 - 6:00) we will have a meeting to talk about it and get to know each other.

To spice things up a bit there would be two bowls passed around - one with the names of all the members & the other one with some questions about the book - this would give all a chance to speak and interact ^_^ (Just so that you don't get freaked out they won't be exam-like questions, they would be simple, fun questions & since I chose the book this time it falls on my shoulders to write them *devilish grin*)

If anyone has any ideas what else should be done in the meeting please post your ideas...

Can't wait to see you all :D

P.S. S I love the new layout ! It makes me feel like I want to post more :P

*Bella a.k.a A. ^_^

I began reading the inside story of *The Wink of The Mona Lisa* which is also called "the wink of Mona Lisa" during my high school years. It was a great book that interacts different stories from different perspective: from the young generation to the older generation. However it left me with many question to ponder on. I didn’t give it much heed, because am the only one who's brain is pilling up with unanswered questions *giggles*. However when am reading through the posts my dear friends posted especially F. I start to take a step back and recollect my thoughts and conclusion about the book. It is basically a blend of Arabic culture and the reality of life; the writer gracefully caught my attention with his 24 tales from the gulf. Although I admired all of his tales, the last story will still be my favorite.

After reading this story and other stories, I often wondered why do authors in general always write from a women’s perspective, I’ve never read a piece that give's me a glimpse of what a man's perspective in life or general issues? I ask this question & look forward to you feedback

S.’s thoughts about the book!!

When PonderingImprints picked this book I was so excited when I saw who the author is. Used to read his books but the Arabic version he’s stories keeps getting more and more interesting and what’s so good about it is that it’s convenient for any gender and age. Don’t u think?

To be honest I skipped several stories :P the first for e.g. is about how ppl lived in the past I lost interest by the end of the second paragraph it felt more like a guys story .. the second in the other hand was really good.. the author is really good at explaining all the small details he makes you know all about the person in what? 3 pages? that’s to me is quite impressive other author would probably take more than a chapter which I personally tend to skip But Al Murr just gives you the necessary details and skips the boring parts...

But there are other parts that I really hate which is the endings… Endings doesn’t really feel like an ending to me it’s more like the conflict of the story … it just opens another list of questions but as F. said maybe that was his purpose to let us imagine which ending feels right to us!!

Yes one more thing ..
Don’t you think the title of the book is kinda confusing :P The Wink of the Mona Lisa? Really?!
Personally, I find the title is far from right to describe the continent of the book which is more of an insight of UAE-ians life!!

That’s it for now
Hopefully all members are enjoying the book as much as I do or more ;)
Posted By: S.

The Stories

I began seriously reading the stories yesterday and I couldn't put the book down (I had to of course leave it on several occassions when the kids wanted me to look at them :P) ...

What I liked the most was the descriptive manner the writer used, I could imagine the places he wrote about and I could connect it to something I saw before, for example when reading "The Night's Catch" I could imagine the small "7ara" - little village setting of long ago- I could imagine the sand under their feet, the hot scorching sun, the smell of the sea not so far away. I liked the reality of the charachters, it was apparent they just wanted an "adventure" of the whole thing, because the three "theives" knew they won't be getting so much from this "adventure" - I laughed at the 15 dhs they got in return for all the trouble they went through O_O which they used away for play, a plate of baryani & dhal, & an Indian movie! But I feel Humaid deserved it because he was such a tyrant for hitting his own mom, it was like a punishment for what he did ^_^ so in my opinion the ending wasn't all that bad for this one ;)

I did feel sorry for Aisha in the "The Important Decision" because she was in a relationship which I felt might seem "light with no ties" but could at any moment become a disaster. It was obvious that Aisha just needed someone to hear and talk to her, she did not "click" with any of her current friends. I could imagine Aisha writing a "Dear Abby" question - to Zahrat il Khaleej lol :P since we are talking local terms - and if I was to answer her I would say:

"It is obvious you are a sweet and kind person Aisha, a person who won't hurt anyone and just wants some love and affection. I would suggest you try to socialize more, find friends who share your same interests and spend more time with them. Visit family more often and keep yourself busy with things that are worthwhile, such as studying something that interests you, Learning the Quran, spending time with children and elderlies etc. Within no time you would forget this "Salim" who is obviously a person with no good intentions towards you! & Allah iy3awithch with someone who deserves you a million times more" :)

In the "The Awesome Lady", I found the idea of monkeys in "expensive silk material" and "golden jewellery for Hanoun's hands and neck" to be exteremly funny! However it was obvious the lady of the house has lost any sense of her mind the moment she did that, and I was not suprised she would go so far as to kill Saloum out of revenge for killing her little dear monkey "Adoul", though I don't think she would do it herself -she probably had someone do that for her, as she was used to have other people do everything for her, whilst she just observed detatched from the world and her senses.

Don't you think this monkey looks cute?!

Posted by: PonderingImprints

Doesn't he look familiar?

Just for all to know - this is our writer ^_^

Mohammed Al Murr

Though I saw his pic in many local publications before, the funny thing is that I never thought that this is the same person...

P.S. Can each person who posts sign at the end of the post with their "nic" pls :D

Posted by: PonderingImprints

some thoughts!

I loved the fact that the book contain realistic info about life. The fact that you and i most have passed through or might. It sort of gives you a clue of what should or shouldnt be done in regards!

I also liked how the writter tend to move fast with his descriptive details but when reach the end i have to admit, often feels annoying because it leads no track of what will happen or had happen! And that what i most hate leaving with no clues in order to move to the next!! For instance:

-Words,Words,Words; what was the reaction of the wife!? I mean her last words were "Yes, all that was said," but how did the wife react?! He could've left a clue, dont you think!
-The Secret: what happened to Al Sayyid Sulaiman did he die or not?!
-The Parrot: why does the ending has to be SO awful, he could've been nicer!!!o.O

That gave me the feeling when reaching the end of each one wanting to take a breath before moving to the Next. I have no clue if that was the writters aim in wanting readers pause at the end in order to run our imagination!!

However, the good point is that he wrote from different prespectives: the child, women, man, old women/man, and a friend! i like that it gives a taste of each one or maybe a flashback!!

Again that was just a point of view you dont have to agree if you dont but remember feel free to share!!! ;)

Some Observations Regarding The Book!

I agree with what have been said previously that its more likely a cultural book. But dont you think it was scooping into the bitter side of truth?! Man's constant betrayal, tragic ending as a result of actions, constant holds that women should take because of culture issues i guess!
After reading the first half of the book i had trouble finishing it not because of the content but more of what it holds! Its like giving us a taste of whats going on!
In some ways it was a reflector, how we sometimes lack of patients, how we react towards some issues and often dont take things easily, how we lack the honesty towards ourselves and others so we end up being deceived by our acts!
However,at the end the book gave us the chance of thinking twice on which scoop each one of us wants end! The happy or bitter? Honesty or Artificale Self!

Well that was just a thought, but have the honor and enlighten us with yours! ;P

Spinsters at 30

The 2nd story discusses another important aspect of Emirati culture, spinsters. I loved the way he portrayed the character, a working lady that thought highly of herself. He also implicitly points out that she is educated yet believes that her "luck" has prevented her from getting married. He sums up the state of many young Emirati women who despite being successful in other aspects in life still regard marriage as the major indicator of their happiness. He describes the inner conflict that the character undergoes through the part where she reflects on her life at the traffic light and starts to cry.

I'm amazed that he was able to summarize so much information about the character in such a short story. He explains her inner conflicts, jealousy from her married and pregnant sister, resentment and sympathy for her paralyzed mother, selfishness in her conversations with the man she's in a relationship with. Yet he missed out on one important topic, the hypocrisy that many women that form relationships fall into. He describes for the married man who tells his mistress that he loves his wife and children, but misses highlighting how women condemn and judge each other if they fell into relationships with foreign men outside a formal frame and how many would work very hard to ensure that it remains hidden from the rest of society. Not to mention how contradictorily men boast about it, sometimes despite that they're married.

A Cultural Appendix - The Wink of the Mona Lisa

I found it funny how the author Jack Briggs was translating the stories word for word. I wonder if he understands the significance of adding "O" to the end of someone's name, like in the first story one of the characters is called Humaid son of "Shamoh". While the other characters each had nicknames like Khamaas Tanak and Cola. Maybe the book needs an appendix that explains the cultural dimension behind such small details, something like footnotes. It actually had a glossary that explains famous sites and people. Maybe the book needs an appendix that explains the cultural dimension behind such small details, something like footnotes. It actually had a glossary that explains famous sites and people but it's just a brief explanation that doesn't go into much detail.

Which got me thinking about the Arab culture's obessession with privacy and anonymity in everything. One reason people come up with nicknames is to distinguish themselves from others, especially that we all tend to have repetitive and similar names, i mean how many Mohamed Ahmed Al Mansoori are there in the Arab world? People's nicknames stick to them, sometimes forever, there is the famous Emirati football player Adnan Al Taliani (his real last name wasn't Al Taliani, he was nicknamed that bcz it meant The Italian in Arabic and Italians were the World Cup champions back then). Another reason people take up nicknames is to freely express their opinions without risking judgement of others for their social or political background or to protect their profile from others. Historically, many poets and writers took up nicknames either to be distinguished or hide their true identities in case they had controversial opinions.


I'd definitely recommend the book to my expat friends that might be curious to find out about the local culture.

Why I chose "The Wink of the Mona Lisa" :P?

As I walked by the shelves in Jareer and scanned the books, my eyes roamed around for a book that was both interesting, light, and something we can all connect to. I wanted each of us to be able to learn different lessons from the book, but at the same time not "yawn" their way through it. ... .

To be quite honest I was opting for non-fiction- a very interesting true story - but the ones that caught my interest were more like "heavy reading material", one was "Three Cups of Tea" which is about a man's unsuccessful attempt to climb one of the highest peaks in the world only to be sheltered away in a small Pakistani village where he was nursed back to health after falling ill. He then fell in love with the people and promised to build them schools, and from that time til now he has built 50 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

I don't know about you guys but the idea is truly inspiring, don't you think?!

Anyway back to the current book I have to admit I haven't read a page O_o I know I should feel guilty but I promise to do so this week :D until then I hope that you guys are "eating out the pages of the book from the interest" lol if not don't shoot me ! Wallah it's hard to find 9 copies of books, next time im definelty ordering online!

Laterz!

PonderingImprints :D

THE WINK OF THE MONA LISA

Sh. Has the honor to be the first to pick a book for the club ;) ..

Let the Reading begin ^^

Some words to begin with..

ALL of you should choose a book you haven't read before:
- Any Genre
- English or Arabic
- Not political
- Any length

Meet up once a month
There will be a blog inorder for us all to keep intouch,you don't have to write long comments just what comes in mind and what you feel?If by anycase you find the book annoying that you can't handle it feel free to inform!The person who chooses a book should send a letter with the book that answers this question:
Reason why I chose this book?

Questions for discussion:
Hooked on the spot - where did you get interested in the book? -
"Pop" out phrases - Phrases in the book that have an impact on you? -
DEJA VU - Situation in the book that reminds you of your own life? Funny? Child memory? Etc
Yawn Yawn Away - Parts of the book that you wish you could chop out

After finishing the book:
Would you recommend it to anyone?

Posted By:- F.