- Quran:
There is a precision in the way it tells a story; it is concise and straight to the point. That kind of precision is divine in the literary sense and academic one as well. I didn’t get it until I understood a simple face: there are no synonyms in the text.
- Tao Te Ching:
What can I say? I am a sucker for theological and spiritual literature, especially good ones. I was introduced to this book during my sophomore college year in a philosophy of religions class. It helped me understand and find balance.
- Dancing the Dream:
I grew up loving Arabic poetry; I won a few competitions reciting ancient poets’ words. However, this book was my shepherd into manhood, adulthood, humanity, writing and much of the person I am today. The simplicity and beauty of the writings continue to inspire me in many ways.
- Azazeel:
There is always that song, word, movie, thought, conversation, or book that ignite new passions within us. This book ignited my second wind. It takes you into an ancient journey at a time the world was changing. It was one of the first and few fictional books that spoke to me.
- Manchild in the Promised Land:
One of my all time favorites; I read it back and high school. It gave me a glimpse into an unknown world to, yet so familiar. It was one of the first time I was able to comprehend the commonalities of our human experiences.
- Ralph Bunche: An American Life
As a top American Diplomat who was heavily involved in the Middle East peace talks, he embodied many traits that made him a great example and role model to follow in the world of politics.
- Guns, Germs, and Steel:
If you wish to understand the many ways, which contributed to the development of the world and our collective history, this book is one of a few that does exactly that.
- The Kite Runner:
Growing up as an Arab and a Muslim in America, there weren’t many books that I could relate to. I never found someone who looked, felt, or talked like me in books or films. The Kite Runner was one of the few books that had that sense of familiarity.
