books
Award-winning cookery writer, chef, recipe developer and presenter Dina Macki joins us on the Grapevine this week with a stellar collection of recommendations.
Born and raised in the UK in an Omani and Zanzibari family, Dina’s love for food is exceeded only by her drive to share the culture and hospitality of Oman and Zanzibar with the world. Choosing food as her medium to break down the barriers surrounding the Middle East and to cast a light on the immense cultural and culinary diversity of the region, Dina tirelessly works to bring the tastes of her heritage to the world.
Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. We’ve got a fabulous edition of the Grapevine for you this month, including beauty recommendations from the woman who literally wrote the book on eyeliner! Journalist and author Zahra Hankir has joined us to share the art and music that inspires her, recipes and places woven into her family history and much more.
This list contains a range of fiction and non-fiction literature focusing on Palestine, including historical, political and some deeply personal accounts, with an emphasis on highlighting the work of Palestinian authors. The list starts at the beginning, delving into the colonial history that shaped the Middle East as it exists today. It goes on to trace the experiences of Palestinians over the course of the last century until the present, including fiction and poetry reflecting on the Palestinian experience, and culminating in powerful calls for change, analysis of how the world is failing Palestine, and arguments for how we can all be part of the solution.
Welcome to The Grapevine – a monthly series from Pink Jinn where we pass the mic to artists, thought leaders, influencers and pioneers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the global diaspora. They’ll be sharing their top arts, culture and lifestyle picks with all of us – from the books and podcasts shaping the way they think, to the music, food, places and brands that bring magic to their everyday. This month, the fabulous best-selling author and journalist Alya Mooro is sharing her insider secrets and hot tips with us, from the book she couldn’t be without to the women who inspire her.
In his new book, Impossible Victory: How Iraq Defeated Daesh, former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi gives a deeply personal account of the recent history of Iraq, from the early days of Saddam Hussein’s regime through to the US occupation and the war against terrorism and sectarianism that defined his career. As well as offering an inside account of a defining moment in Iraq’s recent history, the book sheds light on some of the key dynamics shaping the geopolitics of the wider Middle East today.
Stock up your bookshelves this month with the ten best books to read about Syria. We’ve rounded up the best books by Syrian authors to create the ultimate Syria reading list for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the country. From poetry, fiction, hard-hitting journalistic accounts and poignant memoirs to cookbooks, this list has you covered whether you’re studying the Syrian crisis, or simply looking for a brilliant new novel to sink into. There’s something for all ages too, with some wonderful ideas for the kids in your life, from preschoolers to teens!
Look no further for your next read with this selection of books written by authors who were displaced from their homelands. From harrowing autobiographies and stunning fiction to anthologies of essays, collaborative novels and even a hugely evocative cookbook, each tells a poignant story about refugeehood. The books in this collection will give you a deep insight into the experience of becoming a refugee, the terror of the journeys made by thousands seeking safety, the mistreatment refugees face at the hands of governments and authorities, and the struggle of building a new life far from home.
No matter who you’re shopping for, prepared to be inspired by our ideas for gorgeous gifts for the holiday season. Whether you need a present for a booklover, a keen foodie, an Arabic student, a lovely little one, or that friend who has a serious house plant problem, we’ve got you covered! As always, we’ve focused wherever possible on small, women-owned and artisanal businesses along with social enterprises and fair trade companies so that your gifts are also giving back to local communities across the MENA region.
With Beirut in people’s hearts at the moment, we have a reading list for you that will increase your understanding of Lebanon from its turbulent history to its beautiful culture. Whether you’re looking for a challenging non-fiction read, or you want to learn how to cook some delicious Lebanese recipes, this reading list will help you to learn about this incredible country and its people.