author ayad akhtar
Congratulations to Lucy, (from the blog Craftberry Bush) for winning the giveaway book for January! I used random.org to pick a winner from the author of every comment that was made to pleasure in simple things during the month of January. Lucy has won a copy of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York’s newest book Ballerina Rosie (click here to see more about it.) I don’t know if Lucy has any small children, but knowing she is an artist, I am sure she will appreciate this beautifully illustrated picture book signed by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.
A signed copy of Ayad Akhtar’s debut novel American Dervish is February’s giveaway book. Last September I had the opportunity to meet the award-winning filmmaker, playwright, actor, and novelist Ayad Akhtar when he visited the Wilton Library in Wilton, Connecticut. The author discussion with Ayad Akhtar was truly one of my very favorites in some time. As an American-born, first-generation Pakistani-American, I found his discussion of the Muslim-American experience extremely enlightening.
American Dervish is a fresh and touching coming-of-age story of a first generation Pakistani-American that gives the reader a look inside the interplay of religion and modern life. The book examines the strong cultural forces at play for young men and women growing up Muslim in America. The child of immigrants in the story struggles to find a place in his life for the traditions and beliefs of his ancestral homeland in a new world of broader possibilities that are both enticing and threatening. Although the main narrative unfolds in pre 9/11 America, it is a timely and thought-provoking story. I always enjoy a read where I can better understand a culture different than my own and through the Shah family in American Dervish; the reader most definitely better understands the struggles, complexities, value, and cost of being Muslim in America.
It is a great read and I am excited to give it away to one of you! Make some comments during the month of February and you may win a signed copy of this beautifully written first novel by Ayad Akhtar, February’s giveaway book, American Dervish. Good luck!
Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful weekend :)
Thanks for visiting, Jackie