Bilal's Bread

Book Description

After fleeing Iraq, the Kurdish Abu family have settled in the United States. Salim, the eldest brother, has been deeply damaged by the torture he suffered at the hands of the Iraqi police, and his psychotic rages are becoming increasingly violent. At only 16, the youngest son, Bilal, holds the family secrets close, revealing nothing. But his conflict is deepened by his own sexual awakening, and he begins to direct his rage and frustration on his own body through cutting. A powerful story of a clash of cultures and the power of the individual voice.

Sulayman X is a novelist living in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is an editor and writer for The Bangkok Post.

Customer Reviews:

Compelling.......2006-04-16

Graphic? Yes. REalistic? I think so. Necessary? Probably. As I read this book I was intrigued by the creative sense of desperation the author managed to engender in me as a reader. I wanted the story to have a positive outcome and yet, unlike many formulaic books (overcoming adversity as one comes of age) the outcome was in doubt until very near the end of the story. This to me is a compelling read. One that stays in the familiar territory of a literary "type" but also tweaks it enough to keep me engaged. We don't know if Bilal will indeed escape or overcome his oppressive surroundings. The fact that (spoiler alert) he does indeed and the community comes to so sort of comfortable acceptance may be a bit unrealistic but the author left enough un-tidy ends (the sister? the family's future?) to keep a tinge of reality. Not to mention that text exploring this coming of age in a multi-cultural, pluralistic society would be good reading for mature teens and adults alike. I'm a school teacher and I tend to read "adolescent literature" with this in mind -whether my early teens would benefit from a novel via enlightenment or entertainment and I think the answer for this one is yes. I would especially encourage young [...]teens to read this book. Yes, it is graphic. But as they say... it's nothing these kids don't already know and hasn't been presented in mainstream prime-time televsion or movies. Now... for his next novel.....?

Eye Opening.......2006-02-16

This is a good book if you're looking into some insight into the possible experiences of gay Muslims in the US. However, this book graphically depicts severe physical and sexual abuse of a minor (Bilal) at the hands of his brother. So, be forewarned there. Also, I am interested into what sort of research Sulayman X conducted before writing this work as to my knowledge he is not Kurdish-American and converted to Islam in his 20's. Furthermore, the writing in this novel is very plain, the dialogue between characters is almost cartoonish at times, and parts of the plot seem simply unbelievable.

A Compelling, Cruel Case Study.......2005-10-16

Bilal's Bread is wonderful for understanding the worst elements of homophobia in Muslim culture. It makes one think--can it really be this bad? The author, Sulayman X, shows the passion, deceit and hypocricy in a family that imperils the life of a young, teen-age American-Kurdish boy living in Kansas.
Fascinating characters unfortunately speak a dialog that often sounds polemical and lacks the idiomatic flavor and language
style of these newly arrived immigrants into the midwest.
Still, Bilal's Bread, although preachy and melodramatic at times, reveals insights that make us want to know much more about the people, the culture and especially its gay men and lesbian women's sufferings. It is a very timely work in view of the recent Iranian horrors against gay men.
MARK V. ROSE, Author OF BANGKOK, OH BOY! HOW THE TSUNAMI AFFECTED THE LIVES OF A THAI MONEY BOY AND TWO AMERICAN PROFESSORS

Breath of Fresh Air.......2005-09-10

Breath of Fresh Air

This unassuming little story whispers a message more effectively than those books that choose to shout. Far away from the typical gay fare involving Hollywood dreams, turning tricks, and frequenting the gym, this is the gripping tale of timid, obedient 16-year-old Bilal Abu.

An Iraqi-American living in the heartland, he lives an insulated life with his family. They struggle to get by, Bilal selling his mother's popular home-baked bread at local stores, and his older brothers Salim and Hakim holding down blue-collar jobs.

Salim, at 26, has been the head of the family since their father's death in Iraq at the hands of Saddam Hussein's forces. But they don't find much sympathy in Kansas City, with suspicious eyes watching their brown skin and suspicious minds knowing only all Iraqis as the enemy--not understanding or caring to know the difference between a Kurd, a Sunni, and a Shiite.

Bilal is of sexual service to Salim, who treats his abuse of Bilal as a secret cultural ritual. Bilal's feelings are unflinchingly honest. He struggles to understand his intuition that servicing his brother is wrong, while perceiving that there is something he deeply enjoys about a sexual relationship his domineering, muscular older brother. When Bilal meets a classmate, Muhammad, and learns of the beauty of sex plus love, his future becomes clearer...though certainly not easier.

Fatima, Bilal's wise older sister, helps Bilal as best she can, while struggling with her own desire to rid herself of the veil, and some Iraqi ways, to be the strong American woman she sees herself becoming.

The story intertwines cleverly. Salim becomes more violent toward his family members, especially Bilal. Family secrets from past days in Iraq spill, clarifying Salim's deeper, darker role in the changes wrenching their lives. In contrast to Bilal's tenderness with Muhammad is the fracturing of Bilal's family and the necessary intervention of a local Islamic leader.

Rarely do we get a gem like this that blends a strikingly memorable story with a great cultural learning experience. No review can really do it justice. Captivating in its style, and daring in its content, it will surely become a classic of gay lit and perhaps a landmark young-adult book, too.

READ THIS BOOK!.......2005-06-12

Bilal Abu and his family are refugees from Iraq. They just barely managed to escape after the death of Bilal's father.

Eight years later, the family fears what would happen if anyone knew the truth. And there are more lies than ever amongst the family.

Bilal (I am not giving anything away here; this information is on the back cover.) is being sexually abused by his older brother (a man who hates America, its godless ways, and its perversions). He and his sister, Fatima, also have to deal with racism. Fatima wants to be brought into the twenty-first century and remove her veil, but their brother (now the head of the family) forbids her to "disgrace" herself and, therefore, the family.

Their mother and other brother also play a part in the story as Bilal begins to think he is gay and falls in love with a friend.

"Bilal's Bread" will catch you in the first chapter, leaving you hoping that the rest of the novel will hold up. It tapers off just a little...but picks up again and remains strong. This book will disgust, enlighten, and make you feel for the characters all at the same time. It has heart; feel the love, the pain, and everything in between.

Book Description

Terry Pratchett's profoundly irreverent novels, consistent number one bestsellers in England, have garnered him a revered position in the halls of parody along with Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen.

In Equal Rites, a dying wizard tries to pass on his powers to an eighth son of an eighth son, who is just at that moment being born. The fact that the son is actually a daughter is discovered just a little too late...

Customer Reviews:

Pratchett rocks!.......2007-09-26

This is one of his weaker books, which makes it one of the better books of the 20th Century.

"Whoever heard of a female wizard?".......2007-09-15

By now most of you know about Discworld, right? It is a fantastic place, which resembles our world but that presents us with some notable differences. As its name suggests, Discworld is shaped like a pizza, and it rests on top of four elephants, who in turn stand on top of a giant turtle, the Great A'Tuin. And as everyone knows, there is a small sun that orbits around this world, which is only reasonable. I guess that by know you get the idea. These characteristics are just a snippet of the elements Pratchett uses for his satire, and quite a few clever elements they are.

This story starts when Mr. Billet, an old wizard, shows up at the house of a blacksmith in a small and forgotten village. He is there looking for the eighth son of an eighth son, who is supposed to be given birth momentarily by the blacksmith's wife. Mr. Billet will pass on his powers and die soon thereafter. Maybe he should have done his homework more carefully, because after the ritual, they all notice that the new wizard is a baby girl. Thus, the first female wizard was created.

Eskarina lives a normal life until she is eight, but at that time things begin to change as she discovers her magic. At first, Granny, her nanny, tries to steer her towards witch magic, but soon enough the old witch realizes she cannot prevent Esk from fulfilling her destiny. Therefore, Esk starts her journey to the Unseen University and her fight against gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Even though this is not one of Pratchett's best efforts, and it slows down a bit in a few sections, there are a lot of things the author does proficiently. As always, there is one main subject for the satire, in this case gender discrimination, and the author makes us laugh out loud with some of the situations he creates. Pratchett also succeeds in inserting other topics in his satire, like the description of the Zoon, a tribe formed of people that are honest and that have to select those that can lie a little better to be tribal liars, or as other tribes call them, diplomats and public relations officers. Another ability of this author is finishing phrases that seem normal in odd ways, to make us laugh unexpectedly, like "Time passed, which, basically, is its job".

There are many other great aspects to this book, and even a Pratchett that is not completely at the top of his game, delivers a book that is worth your time and money. Even the title is clever, using the homonym for "Equal Rights". On top of this, there is an appearance of one of my favorite characters in the series, Death, and we also get to learn a couple of secrets behind magic in Discworld. I am already looking forward to grabbing the next Discworld book, lay back in the deck of a cruise and relax. I won't be able to relax totally though, since I will have to be checking that the cruise does not reach the end of the world and fall over.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

This Discworld book didn't interest me as much, but it is ok. It is your girl sort of ends up wanting to be a wizard, but the all male faculty at the Unseen University don't really know how to deal with the whole situation, and don't necessarily want to, either.

Enter the hard-nosed grandma witch of the girl to sort of all the bumbling robe wearing conjurers.

A Good Discworld Classic.......2007-07-30

My wife and I had read many, though not all, of the Discworld novels. We are big fans of the witches, so as we build out our collection, this book seemed like an excellent choice.

We were not disappointed. The book shows its age in the Discworld universe, but many of our favorite character show either as themselves (Granny) or as precursors to later arrivals (Nanny).

Overall, a great and quick read. I would recommend it highly to anyone interested in the Discworld series, and general Pratchett fans.

Equal Opportunity.......2007-03-19

This novel started out as a five-star novel, but lost a little steam along the way. A wizard near death seeks the eighth son of an eighth son to pass on his staff to an heir. Things go awry when the child is a daughter, but the baby's hand has already been placed on the staff before the error is discovered. The staff has a mind of its own, and will care for and protect its companion. The village witch, Granny Weatherwax, thinks the girl, Eskarina should become a witch. Girls just don't become wizards (as a former EEO Officer, I am familiar with the attitudes). But the girl has uncontrolled magic, and Granny thinks she needs to go to the Wizards' Unseen University for proper training.

There is an eventful trip down the river, and some interesting things happen. At the university there is a problem (attitudes again), but there is more than one door to enter. Esk must some way prove her abilities.

At this point the novel departs into the magic of Discworld, and I found myself skimming some parts. There are long explanations about the nature of magic, and the different categories of people involved. And there are the creatures that exist in a different dimension, wanting to gain entrance. Naturally the good people must win in the end, but I found the ending a bit strange.

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Equal Rites
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: A signet book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000H7XUJE

Product Description

"There's no such thing as a female wizard!" Except that on the Discworld; a flat world carried by four elephants riding on the back of a giant turtle, nothhing is impossible.....

Restoring the Goddess: Equal Rites for Modern Women

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Part manifesto, part group therapy, part philosophy textbook
Men of quality are comfortable with womens equality
Great Book
and the Scales fell from my eyes
removing blinders

Restoring the Goddess: Equal Rites for Modern Women
Barbara G. Walker
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1573927864

Book Description

This is both an incisive critique of patriarchal religion and a bold proposal to establish a liberating alternative to the Judeo-Christian tradition. Barbara Walker envisions a religion and a spirituality compatible with women's essential role in society and free of all the superstition and demeaning imagery characteristic of traditional, male-dominated religion. Hearkening back to the widespread worship of a mother goddess at the dawn of civilization, Walker argues for a restoration of this primal religious sensibility, which celebrated the Earth's fertility and woman's innate power to bear new life. Women are already rediscovering these ancient forms, Walker shows, and redefining the modern outlook in response to women's new appreciation of their rights and the long history of male dominance.

Customer Reviews:

Part manifesto, part group therapy, part philosophy textbook.......2003-12-21

I think that some Wiccans who bought this seemed disappointed that it wasn't a more practical work. I love this book specifically because it is a total exercise in thought. It examines where we may have been, where we know we've been, where we are and where we *could* go in human society.

The book for the most part serves as an indictment of patriarchal society, and like any good manifesto, it tells why the proposed system is better. Unlike a manifesto, however, it doesn't get bogged down in the minutia and instead retains its philosophical focus. Yes, there are practical suggestions, but they are a side benefit to the overall thinking process going on.

The group therapy part is the comments from "modern women" at the end of each chapter. They are all different shades of thought on the same subject, and no they don't all agree with each other.

The other concept indicted is Christianity, and to some extent the other two religions that stem from the same root, Judaism and Islam. It is a very good, very thorough indictment of the many fallacies and inconsistencies in Christian thought, action and doctrine.

Unlike Ronald L. Russell, who did not believe that the author was advocating atheism in any way, I believe that in a way Ms. Walker was in fact advocating a thealogy that is so radically different in its application and in how its followers view it that in a way it is atheism as we define it today. Rather than encouraging people to believe in a literal Goddess, she encourages people to view Her as a metaphor or a work of art that we use to recreate our society ourselves. She also emphatically encourages scientific discovery and thought, and criticizes irrationalism, epecially as it pertains to religion, many times.

Ms. Walker recognizes the emotional needs that humans have concerning religion. She proposes that a Goddess system, which is about celebrating the truth of the cycles of our lives and the importance that women actually have in the biological and social structures of our species, would work better than the patriarchal "zero-sum game" that we are all living through now.

In a very real way, Ms. Walker is proposing that we redefine what religion is, based on a more knowing, scientific and adult viewpoint than our forebears were capable of thousands of years ago. She theorizes -- and I think that she is right -- that if our mythology and the images, stories and art that we surround ourselves with reflect a more mature thinking process, a more rational thinking process, that in turn our societies will mature beyond their current state of near-constant crisis and inequality.

Men of quality are comfortable with womens equality.......2003-09-04

I am a male, and I found this book extremely interesting, from a historical and cultural perspective. The author believes that in ancient times, human culture was more respectful toward women, and this may be true, at least in some lands. Certainly, in intervening centuries, women have been treated as having far less worth than many animals, especially in lands ruled by patriarchal governments.
I didn't interpret her book as a recommendation for atheism. Instead, Ms Walker offers a view of what the world would be like if, instead of an angry, vengeful Father God, our culture had instead a gentle, nurturing, Mother Goddess as its highest moral example. She does make a point that, statistically, atheists tend to be somewhat more law-abiding than the general population in the U.S., but she doesn't encourage everyone to become atheists. Rather she offers an alternative image of deity, in hopes that a kinder deity will serve to inspire kinder followers. She suggests, not a simple inversion of the patriarchal system, but rather a system in which the qualities of the Goddess are defined by what anyone can observe in the workings of the natural world, rather than simply made up by some self-proclaimed prophet (who may or may not agree with the writings of earlier prophets). In her system, society is not heirarchal, with power concentrated at the top, but cooperative, with power and responsibility shared.
I thought that her view sounded like a better world in which to live than the one in which we find ourselves at present. It seems reasonable that, if people grew up in a culture where crime and violence were not viewed as entertainment, members would be far less likely to perpetrate such acts. And if children were trained, from infancy, that Earth was one aspect of the sacred Goddess, then in adulthood perhaps they would act as responsible stewards of the environment. Her book is extremely thoroughly researched, and I found I was reading it for a couple of hours each evening before going to bed.
I hope to see this movement grow stronger over time, I'd like to be part of the world described.

Great Book.......2003-07-18

When I read this book, I was already well-versed in the damage that patriarchal religions have done to women's lives and sad part it true even in paganism and wicca a example of this is found on P17 of ED fitches A book of shadows which talk about the high priestess and high priest are chosen by looks ack what kind of stuff is that I think we need equality and get away from these sterotype which seem to leach in paganism. I found this book had alot of offer and makes the reader think.
Worth the price

Blessed Be:

and the Scales fell from my eyes.......2002-01-14

....Part of what Ms. Walker advocates is a balanced society that values women as highly as men, and she very effectively demonstrates how patriachical religion has not and will not do this without complete reversal of its myths. Ms. Walker also never advocates one and only true and good religion, which is a premise solely of patriarchical religion where you must believe my one and only way or you must be destroyed because only if you believe my way can I control you and have power over you.
While I will agree her tone was at times angry, she never made baseless claims and has supported her arguments with substantial historical information provided by patriarchical religion. EVERY woman should read this book and give it serious consideration. It has the power to change the fabric of our lives and allow us to create a new reality: one in which women are valued and treated as equals without the need to become "the same" as men, one in which women are no longer brutalized by husbands, fathers, brothers, and strange men, one where women aren't hit or beat or raped, one in which motherhood is celebrated for the true miracle that it is. Please read with an open mind to possibility.

removing blinders.......2001-08-03

This is one of the most powerful books I've ever read -- and believe me, I've read a lot. I am a spiritual seeker, and come from a Roman Catholic tradition. For the longest time I've been "on the fringe", struggling with many things in my tradition, and struggling also with much in the Christian tradition. I've read a lot of theology and have studied religion a great deal. Now Walker comes along with enormous research, pulling together the bits and pieces I've learned and weaving them into a book that does carry some anger but also a ring of Truth. And why shouldn't we women be angry? 2000 years of patriarchy have infiltrated our culture so deeply that we aren't even aware of much of it. I do not believe in Hell as a place, do not believe in heaven as a place, and struggled to believe the unbelievable. I DO believe that we should love and do what we will, that God/dess IS Love and vv, and that Jesus was a man filled with the spirit of Love. And Walker's book affirms much of this. She reveals how deeply Christianity is founded upon what we would today call Paganism. I knew some of it, but my eyes were really opened. I keep saying WOW, taking a deep breath, and then put the book down because it knocks me off my feet.

Book Description

This book is based on a conference held at Harvard University in November 1998. It is sponsored by grants from the Ford Foundation, the Sloan Foundation, and the Albert Gordon Foundation. The intent of the conference is to focus on women faculty in research universities, seeking to identify and disseminate innovative approaches to increasing faculty positions and opportunities for women there. Faculty positions in these institutions are essential to establishing productive scholarly careers, especially so in the natural sciences, but also in the social sciences and humanities. The contributors are considered quite stellar and are some of the most important leaders in their individual fields of study.

Religion in Prison: 'Equal Rites' in a Multi-Faith Society

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SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT WITH THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Better for a Brit

Religion in Prison: 'Equal Rites' in a Multi-Faith Society
James A. Beckford , and Sophie Gilliat
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0521021537

Book Description

This is the first in-depth study of relations between the Anglican Church and other faiths in the Prison Service Chaplaincy. It examines the increasingly controversial role of Anglican chaplains in facilitating the religious and pastoral care of the increasing population of prisoners from non-Christian backgrounds. Drawing useful contrasts with the situation in the United States, it shows how the struggle for equal opportunities in a multi-faith society is politicizing relations among the Church, the state and religious minorities in England.

Customer Reviews:

SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT WITH THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT.......2002-07-02

The authors are sociologists with theological insight. To my mind, as a theologian, this is the strength of the book. Beckford and Gilliat present a clear understanding of muti-faith and multicultural as terms which define their area of investigation within the context of the United Kingdom. But their inquiry is very useful to prison chaplaincy services outside the U.K. as well as to government ministries of health and social services. To my mind, it is significant that the authors discuss religious activity in terms of "religious and pastoral care" throughout the book except in Chapter 7, Prison Chaplaincy in the United States, where they discuss "religious and spiritual care." The introduction of a "spiritual" notion seems to be a North American phenomenon. Within an historical perspective the authors remind us of the unique Christian contribution to role of chaplaincy in a prison setting. They suggest, however, that future models of governance will need to take into account an increasingly multi-faith and multicultural context in setting terms of reference for religious and spiritual care in prisons. I would make the same argument for all government regulated health facilities. Their last chapter, Conclusion: State, Church and Diversity, they make the interesting observation that non-Christian religious leaders appreciate the efforts made by the established Church of England on their behalf. They write that "the evidence from our study shows that leading representatives of some faith traditions would like the opportunity to speak for themselves and to be heard in the corridors of power without wishing to appear ungrateful for all offers of Anglican support or mediation. For the same reason it may be true that members of other faith communities prefer to live in a country where at least one religious organisation is established in law, even if it does not represent their particular faith, rather than to be citizens of a secular state" (p. 218). In a loosely parallel context Bradley, in his book, "God Save the Queen: The Spiritual Dimensions of the Monarchy", has noted a similar attitude. "It is interesting that just as some of the most enthusiastic proponents of church establishment are to be found among the non-Christian faith communities...so the supreme governorship has found some of its most fervent defenders among non-Anglicans..." (Bradley, Ian. 2002:177).

Better for a Brit.......2001-10-24

As its jacket describes, this book is "the first examination of relations between the Church of England and other faiths in the Prison Service Chaplaincy." Basically, the book describes how prisoners of non-Christian backgrounds (which is a growing group) are dependent upon "Anglican 'brokering' of their access to the prison chaplaincy." The book is fairly well-referenced, draws on a wealth of new data, and adds political insight to the issues. I was disappointed with the book b/c I did not know when I purchased it that it was almost solely focused on the correctional system in the U.K. Moreover, I was disappointed with the single chapter on prison chaplaincy in the U.S. The chapter was largely based on Federal Bureau of Prisons documents describing the intended structure and functioning of chaplaincy programs in federal and state prisons along with some anecdotal information (interviews with a few federal and state prison chaplains). Less than a handful of studies were cited.
At any rate, for British ministers or other individuals interested in religious practice and service in the U.K. prison system, this is a thoughtful and sometimes controversial treatment of the subject.

Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations

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Equal Rites: Lesbian and Gay Worship, Ceremonies, and Celebrations
Kittredge Cherry
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Ritual | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0664255353

Book Description

This much-needed collection of worship services, ceremonies, and celebrations is attuned to the unique needs of sexual minoritites. The rites, written primarily by lesbians and gay men, include liturgies of spiritual beginnings, healing, blessings, holy communion, and pride and enpowerment. Also included are funeral and memorial services, seasonal and holiday rites, and covenant rites for couples. More than a collection, Equal Rites is also a reference book for creating unique and meaningful worship services that address significant aspects of lesbian and gay spirituality.

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Equal Rites
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: CORGI BOOKS (TWLD)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K1ZL1W

Compact Discworlds 1-4: The Colour of Magic / The Light Fantastic / Equal Rites / Mort

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Compact Discworlds 1-4: The Colour of Magic / The Light Fantastic / Equal Rites / Mort
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: Orion Publishing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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EQUAL RITES
TERRY PRATCHETT
Manufacturer: CORGI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S3POGO

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Equal Rites
Terry Prachett
Manufacturer: New American Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PHJIB0

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