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Sandy book #1

I tried every story. But there were so many I didn‘t like. Too absurd. The main theme however, is very poignant. The stories are all about the many migrants coming to the #UnitedArabEmirates from countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines. They look for ways to make money to take care of their families back home. They are the people without rights. Temporary people.

#ReadingAsia2021 🇦🇪

(Pic: Iraklia, Greece)

"Gradually, as more children fell victim, these incidents acquired a kind of normality, like high-fructose corn syrup or pubic lice at conferences."
-"Mushtibushi"

This is more of a collection of stories and poems and drawings, many are highly absurd or surreal, some fall closer to satire. It reminded me a lot of JG Ballard actually. Nobody comes from UAE, the foods and languages are all from elsewhere, the buildings are impermanent and always being upgraded, and nobody gets to stay.

Meh. Some stories were really good, others I couldn't really connect with. It was nice to see so many familiar names and places in a book, I just wish I'd connected with it more. A thing that definitely bugged me was how the majority of the stories treated women like trash. Oh well. I'm glad I finished it just so that it isn't staring me in the face anymore.

I will not start a new book without finishing this one I will not start a new book without finishing this one I will not start a new book without finishing this one I will not start a new book without finishing this one I will not start a new book without finishing this one -

Sometimes you just have to be stern with yourself, ya know?

Ah solitude my preciousssss

Blissful 5.30 a.m. #LitsyPartyofOne

I absolutely forgot it was #LitsyPartyofOne weekend, but I'm here now. Loving this short story collection.

Somehow I actually managed to finish this today! This is an odd book and I am not sure how much I liked it. There is no storyline, rather there are many stories about the guest workers of the UAE. Also there are walking talking cockroaches. Yes, this is very original! #2017summerreadingchallenge

This is due back to the library today so I will have to re-request it, ugh! It's odd and slow going, being gone for 10 days did not help lol. #2017summerreadingchallenge

Modern legends from the Arabian peninsula with disturbingly on-the-nose cultural critiques on immigration, exploitation, and the pursuit of justice...
And... this book makes cockroaches cool. -Jordan
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#citylitbooks #logansquare #chicago #weekendreading #staffpicks #bookstagram #igreads #book

This is a really striking collection of linked short stories, telling fable-like stories about the exploited workers imported to build the glittering skyline of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Workers turn into suitcases to escape, a woman patches together the men who fall from skyscrapers so that they don't die on company property, an elevator develops a shocking proclivity, and roaches that invade crumbling homes start taking on human-like traits.

In reading the premise of this book I was so excited to dive in! But once in, I realized it just went over my head. Some stories were engaging, others repetitive and I'm no prude but often mention sexual acts just kinda lost me. If any Litsy friends have read this, would ya mind schooling me in it if you felt differently? I have a feeling I'm looking at a Picasso but don't even know it....(?)

Finally starting Temporary People and it's mind blowing so far. #reviewbooks #SubwayReads

Today's #bookmail sounds so good! And it passed the goat's inspection.