Welcome to 5 Bites Friday: Sam Harris and Islamophobia, The
Office, Shared grief and more
1: What I Read:
Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi – ‘I really liked this book.
Doshi’s prose brings to live her surroundings and the things that fill that
surrounding. The ugly, the naughty, the obscene, she boldly includes everything
that her story has to tell, and therefore succeeds in telling a story that
feels true, modern, and rich.’
Autumn by Ali Smith – ‘At the condition of being able to
break free of one’s accustomness to reading conventional or normal prose, it is
an absolute joy to read Smith and her playfulness with words.’
2: This Week’s Article:
The losses we share @nytimes – perhaps the path to healing
begins with three simple words: ‘are you okay?’ says Paul Cupido, as he
tenderly reflects on a difficult and strange 2020 that is now coming to a close,
and beautifully explains how we are connected in our losses and how to help each
other.
3: This Week’s Podcast:
Sam Harris @timferrisshow – it was a particularly difficult
podcast for me to listen to. Although I’ve heard many good things about Harris
and am eager to read his bestseller ‘Waking Up’, this podcast revealed Harris
as someone not only against religion but against Islam in particular. Being a Muslim,
there were times I felt offended and wanted to respond, however, listening to it
all the way enabled me to see things that I wouldn’t have thought about otherwise.
A very hot and debatable podcast.
4: TV Series Recommendation
I’ve loved comedy serials. Shows like ‘arrested development’
‘silicon valley’ or ‘parks and recreation’ (but not ‘friends’ sorry!), and now
adding to that list, even right to the top of that list, is ‘the office’. A timeless,
deeply funny, and utterly enjoyable show. Binge it people! (streaming link included, you're welcome)
5: This Week’s Quotes
“What I'm suggesting, Daniel said, is, if you're telling a story, always give your characters the same benefit of the doubt you'd welcome when it comes to yourself.” – Ali Smith (Autumn)