Reading the world in English, Arabic and French and podcasting about it. Instagram: @booknomadpodcast Twitter: @booknomadpod
A short episode about Muti'ah Badruddeen's novel, Rekiya and Z, discussing the following: Muslim Nigerian and West African portrayals in literature Flawed Muslim characters and their faith Organic portrayals of polygamy rather than emotionally charged, blatantly agenda driven ones
A casual tour of this French Algerian novel exploring - Alienation between immigrant parents and their children - French Algerian representation This book has been translated into English as "Men Don't Cry" (translator: Sarah Ardizzone). As always, there are many points that were not covered in this episode. I particularly feel I owe an apology to the mother who was only mentioned from a negative perspective but who of course is misunderstood in her love for her children, like her husband! Apologies for the strange sound quality - I'm not quite sure what happened there.
Written format on the website here: https://booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/ayesha-dean-istanbul/
A new format: articles from the blog read aloud for your listening pleasure. Written original available on the website here: https://booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/death-is-hard-work/
What connects the US city of Newark and Gaza? On this journey, I explore the newly-released documentary film Two Gods and discuss - How the attitude behind the camera can transform the impact of a documentary film; - Getting insight into Muslim communities around the world; - Changing the world through worship; - Transforming the Ummah by helping those who live next door; - Taking an Afterlife-based view of success. Film in focus: Two Gods by Zeshawn Ali and Aman Ali. Find more information and a link to the film on the website: https://booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/two-gods
On this journey, I considered how history continues to exist despite efforts to erase it and the vulnerability of protests to manipulation. Book in focus: Beijing Coma by Ma Jian (China) As always, you can find further resources and other reviews of this book on the website: www.booknomadpocast.com/reviews/beijing-coma Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
On this journey, I'm joined by Safiya as we discuss how the theme of motherhood appears in literature; the motherhood vs career dichotomy; motherhood as a role within a social support system; expectations of worship from and for mothers. For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/motherhood. Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
On this journey, I’m joined by Safiya as we discuss What we can learn when we consider the impact of events across generations; Taking an intimate look at history; Popularity and book descriptions. For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/family-sagas. Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
On this journey, I’m joined by Leïla, Noor and Assia as we discuss What effect does reading upsetting content have on us? Should books have content warnings? Why do we read such books or scenes? Is it beneficial? For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/upsetting-reads. Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
On this journey, I’m joined by Alia and Safiya as we discuss Reading iconic poems in translation Literature as second-hand experience of traumatic and painful events Memory and connection in Palestinian writing and experience Establishing justice as a fundamental purpose in Palestine and the world Book in focus: A Map of Absence: An Anthology of Palestinian Writing on the Nakba, ed. by Atef Alshaer (Palestine) Find Safiya on Instagram @safiyareads Contact Alia by email at elbak002 [at] gmail.com Full episode notes and guest details on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/ Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
On this journey, I’m joined by Safiya as we discuss What makes a book a “light read”? Does this reflect on quality? Do we find more light books in some cultures or regions than others? Is escapism a desirable purpose in reading “light” books? For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/light-reads. Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
This mini episode is a bit different in tone from the usual. I take my experience listening to the audiobook of The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty as a launchpad to think about where and how we, as Muslims in creative industries, need to really up our game. Let me know your thoughts: - Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I'm joined by Nour and Assia as we discuss What is our responsibility towards our (unborn) children? What does it mean to be called “Muslim”? How does the language we speak affect our identity? (In) denial: France and the harkis. Books in focus: trilogy by Zahia Rahmani (France/Algeria): Moze “Musulman” roman (“Muslim” a novel) France, récit d’une enfance (France, story of a childhood) Find Nour on Instagram @nourstuckinabookstore. Find Assia on Instagram/Twitter @shereadsox and her website whatassiareads.wordpress.com Full episode notes and guest details on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/ Disclaimer: book features ≠ endorsements. We speak as readers, not experts.
On this journey, I’m joined by Fousia from the Naptime is Sacred podcast as we explore * How a lack of stability can affect a person’s physical, mental and emotional state; * When is an insider an outsider? Or is it the other way round? * The effects of war on women. Book in focus: Links by Nuruddin Farah (Somalia). Follow Fousia on Instagram @naptimeissacred and find her on www.naptimeissacred.com. Get in touch with me on Instagram @booknomadpodcast or the website www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I explore freedom in a post-colonial context. - "Studied in the UK?" Ok, and what? - How does the coloniser hold onto power? - I want to break free! Book in focus: Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih (Sudan). Let me know your thoughts: - Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I question the way we look at Islamic history. - Do we glorify past nations too much? - What can we learn from being more mature about our discussions around Islamic history? - What implications could this have for our approach to politics and our own role in the world today? Book in focus: The Ottoman Empire: The Classical Period - 1300-1600 by Halil İnalcık (Turkey). Let me know your thoughts: - Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
I recently visited Istanbul and before I went I wanted to find a novel that would give me some insight into the city. This didn't disappoint! In this first mini-episode of Book Nomad podcast, we head to a land of nostalgia, history and a complex relationship with small animals! Book in focus: The Birds Have Also Gone by Yashar Kemal, trans. by Thilda Kemal (Turkey). Let me know your thoughts: - Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I create some of my own "best of" categories to look back at the books I read this year and the podcast. I also talk about my reading plan for next year and changes coming to the podcast, in sha Allah. The full list of books mentioned in this episode is available on the website: https://www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/2019-highlights Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
In this theme-based episode, Alia and I have a (nostalgic) look at children's literature from our own childhoods and more recently. Engaging stories, simple illustrations and lots and lots of food. What does representation mean in children's books? Looking back, what has changed? What is the role of parents in children's reading? For a list of all the books mentioned, go to the post for this episode on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com/reviews/reading-childrens-lit. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey I'm joined by Safiya as we discuss Reading fantasy; The world of jinn and Persian mythology; Responsibility and purpose in writing Muslim worlds. Book in focus: The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty (Egypt/Persia). Find Safiya on Instagram and Twitter: @jscherfi Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I explore Do we give an author another try if we don't like a book? Complex characters redeem themselves. How does a connection with nature affect our daily lives? Book in focus: Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (UK). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I’m joined by Assia and Aeesha as we explore Connecting with books from backgrounds different to our own, Silence speaks, “Where are you really from?” Book in focus: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria). Follow Assia on Instagram and Twitter: @shereadsox. Follow Aeesha on Instagram @thatothernigeriangirl and Twitter @allthingsaeesha. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey, I explore: Faith and parents - what's the relationship? How not to respect women. Novels in verse. Book in focus: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (USA). (Please excuse the background noise at the beginning - that's an experiment I won't be repeating! Keep listening though; it doesn't last for long.) Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey I'm joined by Ameen from Mind Heist podcast as we discuss: Purpose in autobiographies. How sincerity and self-reflection can transform a book. When living life is expecting death. And so much more - this book just keeps giving! Book in focus: The Autobiography of Malcolm X as narrated to Alex Haley (USA). Find Ameen and Mind Heist podcast on Instagram: @mindheistpod To listen to the podcast, search "Mind Heist" on your podcast app. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
In this first of the new theme-based episodes, Assia and I explore reading books from countries we know little about! Discovering connections across the world. "A book is not holier than a tweet." © 2019 Assia Reading what we know is more comfortable. Follow Assia on Instagram and Twitter: @shereadsox. Books mentioned Amina's picks Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed Jamilia by Chingiz Aitmatov To read: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee Assia's picks Cracking India by Bapsi Sidhwa When We Were Arabs by Massoud Hayoun Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh Born a Crime by Trevor Noah To read: The Weight of our Sky by Hanna Alkaf Other books mentioned The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata The Dead Lake by Hamid Ismailov Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee At the Cafe (Eng. trans. of Au Café) by Mohammed Dib Une Si Longue Lettre by Mariama Bâ Anumpa Warrior by Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey: Appreciating insight into writers' inspiration. People from different backgrounds see relationships differently. Evoking a strong sense of place and emotion through the small details. Book in focus: Elsewhere, Home by Leila Aboulela (Sudan/UK). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram and Facebook: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomadpodcast.com
On this journey I'm joined by Safiya: Do we read certain book genres more critically than others? Workplace struggles: a Muslim experience. When a character's transformation makes us go "hmm..."! Book in focus: Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin (Canada). Find Safiya on Instagram and Twitter: @jscherfi Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram and Facebook: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey I'm joined by Sofina: Exploring Malaysia's ethnic landscape, Effectively tackling mental disorders in literature, Navigating sensitive historical events. Book in focus: The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf (Malaysia). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey I'm joined by Sina: Reading habits in Ramadan, Learning from opposing opinions of a book, How age affects the way we perceive the world around us. Books in focus: Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (France), The Alchemist (O Alquimista) by Paulo Coelho (Brazil). Follow Sina on Instagram: @sharediversity. Shared Diversity website: www.sharediversity.com Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey: Why read children's books? Representing diversity within minority communities. Seeing yourself in a book changes everything. Book in focus: A Hen in the Wardrobe by Wendy Meddour (Algeria/UK). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - on Twitter: @booknomadpod - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey I'm joined by Zakia: The manifestations of power extend beyond physical influence. Can fiction fill the silences in history's narratives? Projecting today's perspectives onto a historical context. Book in focus: The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami (Morocco/USA). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - on Twitter: @booknomadpod - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey: Book blurbs destroy books! What is a "good job"? Humans are social beings. Book in focus: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (Japan). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - on Twitter: @booknomadpod - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey I'm joined by Assia: How do we decide what misrepresentation looks like? These elections are not for you. Do you have to understand everything you read? Because we don't! Book in focus: Au Café by Mohammed Dib (Algeria). Follow Assia on Instagram: @shereadsox. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey I'm joined by Assia: Are we more critical of writers from our own social groups? Discover Western Algeria. This writer expects you to be patient! Book in focus: Au Café by Mohammed Dib (Algeria) Follow Assia on Instagram: @shereadsox. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey: What is it about "self-help" books? Respect the teacher? The place for traditional values today. Book in focus: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (USA) Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey: Do you think about the author's personal bias when reading? An unusual style of exploring autobiography and history. Putting an author in a box. And an announcement! Book in focus: China in Ten Words by Hua Yu (China). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com - on the website: www.booknomad.weebly.com
On this journey: - Reflections on my Reading the World project for 2018, - My top books for 2018, - My reading plan for 2019. I'm sorry about the sound quality! Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - What's your genre identity? - All about manga. - Does power pollute good intentions? Book in focus: Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata (Japan). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - What makes a book become popular? - Novels: entertainment vs. education. Where's the balance? - Why we need editors. Book in focus: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Sweden). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - Do we need background knowledge to read critically? - An exploration of childhood trauma. - Complex background characters. Book in focus: Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (Colombia). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - Writers inspire writing. - So much emotion in so few words. - What are the limits of Young Adult fiction? Book in focus: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (Mexico/USA) Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - Free audiobooks from your local library! - How to explore two sides of a political story with respect. - There's plenty left to learn from children's books. Book in focus: Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan (Mexico/USA) Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - Where do I find my books? - Let's connect with nature. - A lesson in exploring your culture and history without being defensive. Book in focus: The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera (New Zealand). Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - You do know downloading PDF copies of books is stealing, right? - Communists in India?! - Parenting means breaking your own heart. Book in focus: The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri (India) Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey I'm joined by Houda: - Rating books from the heart. - Cultural exploration is not always in our comfort zones. - We don't know what's real anymore! Book in focus: The Dead Lake by Hamid Ismailov. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey I'm joined by Assia: - What happens when you're not the reader the book was written for? - Muslim representation in popular literature in the West. - We need emotional connection! Book in focus: The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. Follow Assia on Instagram: @shereadsox. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments - on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast - by email: booknomadpodcast@gmail.com
On this journey: - How much use are the quotes on book covers? - Writer's conflict: representing reality vs. being a moral voice. - Floating along in a rural Kyrgyz summer. Book in focus: Jamilia by Chingiz Aïtmatov. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast.
On this journey: - Literary fiction vs genre fiction: what's the difference? - What would happen if you broke maths? - Sci-fi for sci-fi newbies (like me). Book in focus: Story of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast.
On this journey: - When life gets the better of you, you try a new technique, - A book that dives into an old topic with fresh new perspectives, - Strong opinions on too much nastiness! Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast.
On this journey: - Not all book reviews are created equal, - Can international interest change the literature of a country? - Pride and poverty (and power). Book in focus: Banipal 36: Literature in Yemen Today. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast.
On this journey: - When do you open the gates to your mind space? - Hey true love, what's the weather like up on your pedestal? - Where have we anchored our principles in our search for change? Book in focus: Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanae. Share your opinions, suggestions, counter-arguments on Instagram: @booknomadpodcast.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
