Publication Date - January 12, 2016
4 stars
This is a collection of essays written by a journalist who has spent many years reporting from the Arab world. She focuses on women; their everyday lives, restrictions, relationships and the complicated ways they are seeking further rights. Some of these essays were written over a decade ago, and while she attempts to insert updates, it seemed a bit outdated. Otherwise, I found this collection well-written and full of interesting details that don't often make it into the Western media. She often visited regions multiple times and was able to document her own changing perspectives as she grew older and more experienced. She offers an unbiased account of the lives of these women, both the good and bad, that I found fascinating and informative. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
Publication Date - February 23, 2016
3.5 stars
As a retelling of the Aladdin story, this book sticks pretty closely to the Disney version with some unique alterations. Aladdin is a charming thief with a vendetta against the ruling powers who finds a magic lamp with a beautiful young woman jinni. He uses his wishes to become a prince in order to marry the princess and carry out his revenge. This was a good adventure tale that moves fairly quickly. The characters are interesting and the women are warriors. I did think that Zahra, the jinni, was a little flat and she was sometimes overshadowed by other strong female characters. Overall, this is a fun read and a unique take on this tale. I received this from Penguin's First to Read Program in exchange for an honest review.
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