Desi DNA did a show on British Asian Lit showcasing three authors whose books have had quite a bit of press. It’s an interesting documentary discussing what it means to be a british asian author… i have read and met the author of Londonstani but not Tourism or any of Manzoor’s work (but my interest has definitely been piqued)… nevertheless, i do wish they would have included a female british asian author too.
I’m in the midst of reading this book and i am in love with it… with the characters, with the writing, with the story. It’s such a joy to read this book… set in Turkey and about the lives of three very different individuals… who are bonded through their own strengths, weaknesses, fears, and hopes. I looked up some more information about the author, and what i found was just as meaningful: “O.Z. Livaneli is one of Turkey’s most prominent and popular authors as well as an accomplished musician and composer, whose works have been recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra. He was held under military detention during the coup of March 12, 1971 and lived in exile for eight years. He studied music in Stockholm, then lived in Paris and Athens, returning to Turkey in 1984. He was one of the founders of the Turkish-Kurdish Peace Movement and the initiator of the Campaign Against Violence in Turkey, and he has made significant contributions to the Greek-Turkish Frienship Committee. He was elected a Member of Parliament in 2002.” I highly recommend it!
This book sounds very intriguing. Called, Mosquito, it reminds us how love can exist even in the most difficult circumstances. I haven’t read it yet, but i was drawn to the story and was impressed with the fact that a portion of the proceeds will go to the Medical Foundation — an organization that helps victims of torture. What a wonderful collaboration! 
Domino Magazine has featured a section on the “best books to give.” These coffee tables are not only beautiful to look at, but they are artistic and exceptional in their own way. Each book will give your living room a different touch and feel. Enjoy!
There is nothing more satisfying to me than a good book. I have always loved reading, probably because i’ve had my share of wonderful English and Literature teachers and professors over the years. My sister is a teacher, and growing up she was very good about encouraging our creativity and specifically helping to make reading fun.
Recently, i read two very good novels which i have been recommending to my family and friends. The first was suggested to me by a close friend of mine and is called, The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. I found this novel to be written so incredibly well and felt the writing added something very special to the story being told. The title gives an insight into what the story will be about — the separation between class and gender in modern day Bombay and its implications on relationships. Maybe we can never get away from a society defined by so many levels of power?
Another book that has stuck with me was, Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits, by Laila Lalami. The book describes the experience of Moroccon immigrants through their perspective. Each story is delicate in its own way, but gives us a sense of the larger immigrant experience across the globe. Laila Lalami also has a wonderful blog that is worth taking a look at: MoorishGirl.
