The Hunger Games
You know that band you listened to waaaaay before they were popular? And how then one summer, everyone else suddenly jumped on the bandwagon? In the blink of an eye your band is played on every station, and everyone you know is professing how AMAZING they are. And maybe you have this righteous, little feeling of … Continue reading
funny thing, language
I make no bones about it, this post is really about Little Women. The All-American girlhood classic, which actually isn’t nearly as good as you remember. Trust me. Every other word is religiously pious and boring. I’m pretty sure it’s only survived in the hearts and minds of America’s feminine youth for so long for … Continue reading
daydream
You know those howling, windy nights where it’s too dark to be boisterous yet the wilderness agitates your soul? The sort that need roaring fires and poetry read aloud and are pierced with bright, shining stars? I love them. I love the freedom they give. I love their unbridled daydreams and Bronte-esque emotions. And if … Continue reading
Shelley in Edinburgh
I live in a city built on books. It comes with many glorious perks. But how did I only find out today, exactly 7 years and 3 months after I arrived, that Percy Bysshe Shelly shacked up with an under-age minor [with whom he was eloping], a certain Harriet Westbrooke, in a flat on George … Continue reading
Sharjah in rearview
This trip has been positively eye-opening. While I may leave Sharjah imminently, this experience has left me enlivened, positively brimming with exciting ideas. Thanks so much to @rupertbu @bodour @nouranoman @kalimat_ books and the Department of Culture & Information for their hospitality and support. Thanks to my drivers and tour guide for their wonderful insights … Continue reading
Sharjah: Comics & Graphic Novels
Britain is notoriously squeamish when it comes to illustrated work. Despite delivering excellent artists and writers like Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and a bevy of other superstars – they still lack a mainstream following or any significant literary respect. Whether that’s the cause of or effect behind the cagey, insular and incredibly risk-averse market is … Continue reading
The Amazing Shobhaa De
The last two days have been amazing – and full of outstanding women. One of them is the excellent Shobhaa De – an Indian writer and broadcaster, and one firecracker of a speaker. She was on the outstanding Women in Fiction panel at #shjibf with Kate Mosse , Oumaima Abdullah al-Khamis (Saudi Arabia) and Dr … Continue reading
Sharjah Day One: Feasting & Wafa’ Tarnowska
Today I am brimming with ideas. Artistic, political, cultural, social – my mind is racing from such complex stimuli. I’m honestly having trouble keeping up with myself. Once I’ve digested the big thoughts I’ll let you know, but for now, a brief note from last night. First off, there was a brilliant feast at Al … Continue reading
SHJIBF Opening Ceremony
This morning, the Sharjah International Book Fair was opened to the public. The first event was a conglomeration of several special celebrations: An opening brunch of incredible decadence, attended by Culture Ministers, Ambassadors, literary professionals and government agencies, hosted by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 