The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Mohsin Hamid
184 pages

A Pakistani man named Changez comes to the US to attend college. He ends up graduating at the top of his class at Princeton and wins a much coveted job at a valuation firm. After graduation, he meets and falls in love with Erica who is a fellow Princeton graduate with an emotionally unstable history. Changez stands out at his firm and is adjusting to live in New York and he is taking baby steps in his relationship with Erica. Then the events of 9/11 unfold and things begin to unravel.

I expected this book to be a difficult read for me because I tend to be very patriotic. It is a very compelling read and that was completely unexpected for me. I actually had a hard time putting it down.

I did find myself getting angry at some of the points made but I also found myself trying to understand from Changez' point of view. Ultimately, I had to agree with some of the points despite the fact that I find them uncomfortable. (4/5)

The Septembers of Shiraz - Dalia Sofer

Also posted here at my blog.


This was a touching and tragic story of a man who has worked his way into privilege and wealth from humble beginnings only to lose it all when the winds of government change directions. Touching because we see the bonds of family strengthened. Tragic because we are witness to the suffering and death of innocent people.

Not only do we experience the sufferings of Isaac and the prisoners but also that of Isaac's family.

His wife Farnaz, who at one point wonders how she had married such a man, realizes how much she misses Isaac and has taken him for granted.

Son Parviz is safe in America going to college but he is drifting through his life unable to focus because he has lost the anchor that is his family.

Daughter Shirin is just nine years old but risks her life and her family's safety in an impulsive act to help people she doesn't know.

I though the author did a good job of showing the grief, shame and injustice of what the entire family felt at going from positions of prestige and authority to losing everything and fleeing for their life. The book also dealt with complex issues such as mortality, family ties, loyalty, and faith. This was a very worthwhile read. (4/5)

Amy's List

I have finally come up with my list of Notables to read for 2008. I will definitely be reading these:

• The Space Between Us - Thrity Umrigar (Kiriyama)
• The Archivist's Story - Travis Holland ( PW)
• The Madonnas of Leningrad - Debra Dean (ALA)
• The Septembers of Shiraz- Dalia Sofer (CSM, NYT)
• The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Mohsin Hamid (NYT and PW)
• What the Dead Know - Laura Lippman (PW)

And I would like to read these if I have time:

• Brother, I'm Dying-Edwidge Danticat (NYT and NBCC)
• The Gathering -Anne Enright (NYT)
• The Ministry of Special Cases- Nathan Englander (NYT)
• Fieldwork - Mischa Berlinski (PW)
• In the Country of Men - Hisham Matar (NYT)
• The Worst Hard Time - Timothy Egan (ALA)