Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Lastest Read

Well last Friday I went in pursuit of the book entitled Lipstick Jihad as I had recently seen it was one of Fatima's latest reading materials. While meandering through Border's I stumbled upon the book entitled Princess. Something on the cover just leaped out at me, so of course I had to take a peak. Short on time as I had a meeting to get too, I just read a smidge and it was enough to cause me to purchase it. In fact it was so intriguing to me that I've actually put reading Lipstick Jihad on hold until I finish this book. Admittedly, I purchased them both as I didn't want to run out of reading material in the early wee hours of the morning when I'm enjoying my solitude. :-)

So far, I'm about half way through the book and I'm wrestling with how I feel about it. It's supposedly written by the author Jean Sasson who became a trusted friend to this Saudi Princess, and the writings are of the Princess's life. So of course, I question the authenticity of the book’s details as well as wonder if it isn’t merely a means of generating media sensationalism or possibly a combination of both. Moreover, there's a part of me that shutters at the thought of some of the things that are discussed regarding the treatment of women. In all earnestness, I question myself on how could I possibly doubt the validity of the mistreatment of women around the globe, when I've seen it in my own existence. Perhaps because the pain is so much to bear combined with the fact that I like to believe things can change for the better. I know there are in all probability elder women still living today that would advise me of just how much the world has changed and improved since their growing up years, but the fact remains mistreatment of humans continue to go on just like the beginning of time.

Perhaps there's also the mystery of discovering the unknown Saudi culture that draws my attention to wanting to unearth the hidden secrets. At this point I satisfied with a mere glimpse, but know I’ll always hunger for more knowledge.

If any of you have read this book, I’d love to know your thoughts.

9 comments:

Anglo-Libyan said...

salam ibeebarbie
I have not read the book, I believe there will be a lot of sensationalism and stereotyping to sell the book but on the other hand, the Saudi royal family are famous for their wrong doings and their lack of respect (I have a personal experience) plus the fact that there are more than 5000 princesses & princeses there.
many of them are well known for their disgraceful behaviour all over the world (men & women) and Saudi is not famous for its respect of women or human rights, thats my view :o)

Romana said...

heyy, i have the book, was always one of my favorites, the ending is, ohh i shouldn’t ruin it for u...

i too doubted the authenticity of the book, but then i thought, weirder creepier things are happening, why cant a Saudi prince have in his castle a stable with 40 harems from all ages for his pleasure? Can happen no?

Happymoi said...

i havent read the book so i have nothing to this until i do so. I'll probably purchase it on my next trip!

ibeebarbie said...

Salam Anglo-Libyan,
I have not had much dealing with Saudis, but have had discussion with one older man who is from Saudi and has lived here in the States for a number of years. He appears to be an extremely intelligent man, and easy to speak with but like with most Arabs it’s sometimes hard to really understand what is really being said, for the conversations sometimes feel cryptic. Encryption is not necessarily a technique that I’m familiar with so find myself in uncharted waters. I really want to know what people are trying to say through hidden messages and meanings, but at times it can be exhausting as well. :-)

In just my opinion of what I’ve gathered so far from this book it would seem from the extreme conservatism coupled with enormous amounts of free time on their hands, they can’t help but get themselves in “trouble”. We see that on a small scale here with teenagers that have virtually nothing to do with their time and all the energy in the world so they go to street racing, hanging out at malls causing the older people to feel nervous and are characterized as troublemakers. I’m not exactly sure what the alternative could be for the youth. Certainly something should be created that allows teenagers of all ages and economical backgrounds with something to stimulate their brains and occupy their time which would hopefully burn off some of their energy to make them more restful in the end rather than feeling bored.

Salam Romana,
Did you read all three of the books?

LOL@the 31 flavors of harems like an ice cream parlor to choose from.

Salam Happymoi,
Go snag Romana’s :-)

PH said...

"it would seem from the extreme conservatism coupled with enormous amounts of free time on their hands, they can’t help but get themselves in “trouble”"

That is exactly it, it's the result of an abundance of unearned prosperity :p.

salaam

ibeebarbie said...

Salam PH,
Oh how I want to give that a whirl----having an abundance of unearned prosperity. :D

PH said...

Its fun if you're not brought up with it ( an abundance of unearned prosperity ), but its not good for the children :P.

salaam

ibeebarbie said...

Well I'll make sure I take heed to you advice and withholding it from Amira. looooooooooooooooool For after all we can't have her coming up spoiled. :-)

Brave Heart said...

hi ibee
if u want to know more about saudi culture u can check this blog

http://entropymax.wordpress.com/
the owner of the blog is a saudi girl who studying now in use,she is very intelligent and respected girl.
i know the blog by arabic but u can contact her by the email