Every week on a Thursday evening; a group of four Italian rural women gather in a stone house in the hills above Italy’s Orvieto. There—along with their friend; Marlena—they cook together; sit down to a beautiful supper; drink their beloved local wines; and talk. Surrounded by candlelight; good food and friendship; Miranda; Ninucia; Paolina; and Gilda tell their life stories of loves lost and found; of ageing and abandonment; of mafia grudges and family feuds; and of cherished ingredients and recipes whose secrets have been passed down through generations. For fans of all things Italian; and the thousands of readers who loved The Kabul Beauty School; Eat; Pray; Love; and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; this book is a culmination of de Blasi's 20 years spent living; traveling; cooking; eating; and drinking in Italy; and of course it includes recipes for the most mouthwatering Umbrian dishes.
#1297109 in Books Qasim Rashid 2013-05-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .58 x 6.14l; .80 #File Name: 098939770X256 pagesThe Wrong Kind of Muslim
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Modern ClassicBy Hamza DawudI want to preface this review by saying that yes; I do know the author (albeit from social media) and consider himself a friend. That said; I give this book a full rating without any bias whatsoever. In fact; when I was about one-third of the way through it; I was sure it would only get a maximum of four. Why is that; you ask?It's not that the book isn't well-written. Qasim is a very talented writer; as can be seen from the many articles he's contributed to various websites. My issue was the fact that initially; I was annoyed by the fact that whenever he related a story from the past; his character (i.e. him up to a decade ago) seemed incredibly ignorant as to what was going on in Pakistan. His obvious questions and disbelief at things that even I; as a non-Pakistani; knew were happening there made me roll my eyes several times. I thought these reactions may have been embellished a bit; and it bothered me.At some point; however; a realization came upon me like an epiphany: I knew about most of the issues happening in Pakistan that related to anti-Ahmadi persecution; blasphemy laws; etc. BECAUSE of Qasim himself. As I read the reactions of the younger; 20-something Qasim from nearly a decade ago in some sections; I realized that the book was showcasing the transformation of a young man from this character in a book to the author himself; the present Qasim; who then taught me about these things. This blew my mind so much to think about -- and keep in mind I don't smoke weed; so book-related realizations are pretty much the extent to which my mind can be blown -- that something instantly "clicked" and I was then able to fully get into the book AND re-process the sections I'd already read.In short; this book is a very compelling read. Regardless of your religion or how you view the role of Ahmadis within Islam; I don't see how one could read this book and continue to hate them simply for having different beliefs than other Muslims. At the very least; one should feel sad when another human being is harmed or even killed simply for worshiping their Lord in the way they feel to be correct. As long as they're not hurting anyone -- and they are one of the few sects of Islam that categorically rejects all violence; even unnecessarily harsh forms of self-defense -- wishing for or causing harm to come to them is unacceptable. After all; the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan has also led to the persecution of other non-mainstream Muslims and non-Muslims there; so at which point does the madness end?I fully recommend this book to anyone with an open mind; even if they have some kind of preconceived prejudice about Ahmadis or any other religious group. You may just find that Qasim has indeed won your heart as well.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. This book has opened my heart and my mind towards those of other faiths.By Kim R.I had several friends recommend this book to me and I now understand why! Qasim's journey is touching; eye opening; gut-wrenching; and REAL! I have been recently challenged as a Christian to open my mind and heart to those outside of my faith - not to convert them; but to learn from them. As a Christian; Caucasian; American I am not exposed to discrimination and oppression and that makes it easy for me to ignore what is happening in the US and in other countries. With this sheltered view of life; its easy for me to make assumptions and judgments on people and religions I know nothing about. Qasim shared his experience of coming to faith; learning how this faith is discriminated against around the world; and his growing passion and call in life to educate others and stand up against injustice. This book has opened my heart and my mind. I have just joined an interfaith group in order to better understand the challenges of those of other faiths and ethnicity. As Qasim states in the book; this process of learning about others and other faiths; will ultimately Strengthen my Own Faith and understanding of God.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A must read - riveting story about religious persecution and perseveranceBy robertaI read this book in 24 hours. I could not put it down! It reminds me; in parts;of "the Kite runner" - with strong characters living in very difficult times. I became deeply engrossed in their story. The book is also part journalism -- solid reporting on the Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan who are persecuted; murdered and denied basic human rights. Rashid weaves fact and story into a powerful narrative. He a storyteller; a public policy analyst and a passionate advocate for religious freedom and human rights for all people. Read it !!
