Saturday, February 28, 2009

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 ;)

Saturday, February 21, 2009

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

Thursday, February 19, 2009

*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

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

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

Monday, February 16, 2009

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.

Friday, February 13, 2009

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

Saturday, February 7, 2009

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.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

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 ;)

Saturday, February 21, 2009

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

Thursday, February 19, 2009

*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

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

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

Monday, February 16, 2009

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.

Friday, February 13, 2009

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

Saturday, February 7, 2009

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.