Understanding The Middle East group meets on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. It has the purpose of exploring the rich culture of the Middle East through literature (poetry, fiction, memoirs). They do include readings of non-fiction as they try to gain an understanding of history and current events. Although they read writers from the west, the goal is to discover the many talented authors from middle eastern countries who may not be well known in the U.S. Even though discussions of politics cannot always be avoided, this is not the focus.
For more information, contact Tina Martin at tgmartin89@hotmail.com. New members are always welcome.
July 16 – Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi
August 20 - Gaza Weddings by Ibrahim Nasrallah
*Longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize*
"Brave and ingenious." --The New York Times "Gripping, darkly humorous . . . profound." --Phil Klay, bestselling author and National Book Award winner for Redeployment
Twin sisters Randa and Lamis live in the besieged Gaza Strip. Inseparable to the point that even their mother cannot tell them apart, they grow up surrounded by the random carnage that characterizes life under occupation.
