Santa Claus in Baghdad

Santa Claus in Baghdad by Elsa Marston

I got this book as my birthday gift, and I finally finished it.

It's a collection of stories from 8 different Arab countries, reflecting the lives of teenagers either torn in war or caught up in economic turmoil.

Having lived in 2 Arab countries and experienced their culture, I really enjoyed reading these short stories. Elsa has portrayed the lives of teenagers in a beautiful way that the reader does not feel sympathy for the characters but astonished by their strength of survival.

3.5/5
Available on Amazon

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Rekha - The Untold Story

I am a big movie buff and it began with my love for Bollywood commercial and parallel cinema both. There was a time when "Salam e Ishq" and "Inn Ankhon ki Masti" was imprinted on my memory because.....REKHA!

This book is not an official biography of Rekha, neither approved or read by her prior to it's publishing. The author tried his best to get her endorsement but all attempts were futile.

If you happen to watch enough of old Bollywood and follow a bit of its news, then you know Rekha was always the centre of attention through scandals or her life long attachment with Amitabh Bachhan. The best part about this book is that it is extremely well researched from Rekha's friends and foes both.

'Justuju jis ki thee usko tau na paaya hum ne
Iss bahane say magar dekh li dunya hum ne'

Yasser Usman has not taken a neutral or an extreme path in portraying Rekha's life. He has told it as it is!

Rekha was the biggest threat and challenge to the patriarchal pattern of Bollywood, hence she was always under fire. Rekha did not only went through chauvinism but was also attacked by her fellow misogynistic female colleagues.

This book touches upon her non-conventional past, transforming the film era, and above all how she became what she is.

I finished this book in 3 nights :)
4.5/5

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