To Read Or Not To Read?

My last delivery consisted of 10 books and a Hogwarts T-shirt to boot. After strutting around in my latest Harry Potter memorabilia (credits: 'Souled Store'), I finally settled down with my new stash. I've finished 2 books and I'm itching to the spill the beans on them, because they were both bombastic, to say the least.

So, here's a blow-by-blow analysis of the high's and low's from:

1. Not Without My Daughter

by Betty Mahmoody with William Hoffman

Genre: Non-fiction. Based on true events.

Plot : An American woman marries an Iranian man, they have a beautiful baby girl and all is well!...um not quite. Well, all was well while they were closeted in U.S.A. but then, one day, husband dear plans a family vacay to Iran! Yay! Because that's definitely on everyone's Go-To list. Anyway, our protagonist, Betty, goes ahead with it and off they set for Iran. Once in Iran, as the 2-week vacation is drawing to an end, we sense things are amiss. Husband dear has totally different ideas in store for Betty and their daughter Mahtob. A new side of Dr. Moody comes to light and it is one that horrifies Betty. Will Betty and Mahtob return to America after two weeks? Or does Moody & his family have other sinister plans laid out for them?

Review : Drop everything you are doing, including reading this and just go buy, order, borrow, steal, etc. your copy of 'Not Without My Daughter', because this is a phenomenal book. A story that grabs your attention from page 1, and just keeps getting better and better. By the end, you will be on the tenterhooks, grappling with your nerves about Betty and Mahtob's fate. The writing is tightly paced and does not ramble with unnecessary litanies. Bear in mind, this is a narration from an American's point of view and from a time when America and Iran were at the height of tensions, therefore the story does shed ill-light on Iran and Iranian lifestyle in the beginning. However, as Betty progresses, her initial rejection and hatred mellows and softens. After all, she realizes her true enemy is her husband and not his country. This is a read that is educational, enriching and true to its core. You will feel the characters and their emotions deep inside yourself. That is how much credit goes to the writer, William Hoffman, who lent his literary genius to Betty's voice and produced this magnificent book. Don't be surprised if you find yourself rooting for the burkha clad-clan or the 'chador' as it is called in Iran.

2. I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

Genre: Autobiography.

Plot : Marguerite, also know as 'Maya' or 'Ritey' is an African-American girl. Maya and her elder brother Bailey, are brought up alternatively by their grandmother in Arkansas and their mother in California. The book chronicles her cultural and ethnic experiences as a black in America. The story is entirely dedicated to Maya's childhood, her trials and triumphs, her relationship with her grandmother, mother, father and her beloved brother. That basically, is the entire premise!

Review : Delightful! When I began this book I didn't know that it was a 7 part autobiography, I assumed that its just one book and that's it. I'm very glad that it is not, and that there are 6 more parts left to this incredibly human story. Human, I say, because of the utter normalcy and regularity with which Maya narrates. You feel like it is a raw reflection of your own insecurities, beliefs, the far-fetched fantasies and stories that you thought to be true when you were an innocent babe. A story of the complexities of a childhood with the added pressure and social atmosphere of anti-black racism, that was in America in the early 90s. Despite the color black, being a strong character in the story, it is ultimately not just about that, it is much more. It is a poignantly mundane tale, filled with anecdotes of instances that define childhood and the unique way in which each child deals with it. A tale about the delicacy and impressionability of a young mind and the resilient courage that one possesses in such huge measures when one is but a child. A causally refreshing writing style, laced with local lingo that grows on you. Can't wait to read part 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7!

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Happy Reading!