November 8, 2009 – islamicate

Media

America’s Next Great Pundit: Plug

islamoyankeeNovember 8, 2009

My friend Zeba Khan is up for “America’s Next Great Pundit.” She is also founder of Muslim Americans for Obama. Absolutely lovely and charming person, but more importantly for this process, a good writer. Please see her email below, and while I’d prefer you vote for her, feel free to vote your conscience. I won’t know. Salaams Friends, Last week, I was selected as one of ten contestants in the Washington Post’s “America’s Next Great Pundit” competition. Nearly 5,000 entries were submitted. The Post is holding an online voting weekend starting today and ending Monday, Nov 9th at 3pm EST…

Books

Book Plug: Home Boy

islamoyankeeNovember 8, 2009

The husband of a dear friend has just published a book called Home Boy. The New York Times seems to love it. Naqvi’s smart and sorrowful debut is at once immigrant narrative, bildungs roman and New York City novel, with a dash of the picaresque. Immigrant stories are often appealing not only because they dramatize the longing to trade oppression for freedom and prosperity, but also because they have the perfect antagonist: America itself. Set in Manhattan just after Sept. 11, 2001, this novel follows three bright and likable college- age Pakistani men — AC, Jimbo and Chuck. Before 9/11,…

Current Affairs

On Ft. Hood

islamoyankeeNovember 8, 2009

God rest the souls of the horrible tragedy at Ft. Hood. May God grant the survivors and families of victims comfort and solace during these difficult times. More prolonged thoughts during the week.