Three Books for Children by Shaila Abdullah

Saffron Dreams by award-winning Pakistani-American author Shaila Abdullah holds a special place in my heart.  Not only is it an incredibly poignant and profound novel, it's also the first book I received in the mail to review, sent to me by Shaila's agent at the time, Kristine, in June of 2009.  Soon after that, I interviewed the author, and also read and reviewed Beyond the Cayenne Wall, a collection of short fiction by Shaila Abdullah.  Today, I'm very pleased to present mini reviews for three children's books from the Growing With Love series by Shaila Abdullah, published by Loving Healing Press.  Each book is written from the perspective of a child, and each deals with a different challenge in a sensitive, original, and appealing manner.

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"And although she cannot stand, walk, talk, or play, I love her all the same!"
~ My Friend Suhana, Shaila & Aanyah Abdullah

The cover of this book makes me smile.  Published in 2014, My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy by Shaila Abdullah and her daughter, Aanyah, is a darling book that will touch your heart.  When Aanyah was in second-grade, she and her mother started to volunteer at a community center where they helped special needs children.  This book was inspired by an essay Shaila's daughter wrote about her friendship with a girl she met there who has cerebral palsy.

The narrator in the book is an unnamed 7-year-old girl, who says that her friend Suhana "is like no other girl that I know".  Suhana has cerebral palsy, which makes it hard for her to move and learn like other children.  Each week, Suhana's friend visits her at the community center where she and her mom go to help out at a special needs class.  She comforts Suhana by rocking her in her arms, and brings her pictures she has made of Suhana's favorite things, such as flowers.

I loved this picture book, and think it will delight children. The illustrations are bright, cheerful, and friendly.  The book talks about cerebral palsy and special friendships in a manner that young children will understand.  My Friend Suhana will help children learn the value of being compassionate to those who face physical challenges, and may encourage them to care for and make friends with children with special needs.

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"And for once, Rani did not ask why.  Families ran in different directions.  Rani's friends were running behind their own families in a sea of color--red, blue, pink, and yellow.  In their hands, they clutched what little they could save from the floods--a book or two, a favorite doll, a change of clothes."
~ Rani in Search of a Rainbow, Shaila Abdullah

Published in 2014, Rani in Search of a Rainbow: A Natural Disaster Survival Tale
by Shaila Abdullah and illustrated by Bijan Samaddar is based on the 2010 floods that affected 20 million people in Pakistan, which displaced over 8 million children.
Rani in Search of a Rainbow tells the story of this devastating natural disaster through the eyes of 8-year-old Rani.  Terrible rain comes to Rani's village in Pakistan, causing rivers and creeks to overflow, and Rani's grandma, Daadi, says that they must leave.  In fact, everyone in the village must leave, with only a few possessions.  Rani's family is rescued by helicopter and flown to a refugee campsite with hundreds of others, who now live in tents.

Although Rani is living in a tent, she has a positive attitude.  She yearns to be helpful to others, and when her mother helps deliver babies, Rani joins her.  After Rani and a boy, Juju, accidentally tear an orange and white striped blanket in half, they become friends.  This book features their friendship, and a special celebration of Eid, with small (but much appreciated) portions of haleem (a kind of stew), and popsicle treats afterward. 

With simple words and colorful illustrations, Rani in Search of a Rainbow will teach young children about this natural disaster, and about the ways of another culture.  It features a short glossary of Urdu words.  The story is uplifting and hopeful, even though the flooding was a terrible disaster in Pakistan that displaced millions of people. 

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"He is one of those children who should have come with a manual.  You know, those handbooks that tell you how something (or in this case somebody) works."
~ A Manual for Marco, Shaila Abdullah

A Manual for Marco: Living, Learning, and Laughing with an Autistic Sibling, published in 2015, is the newest book, written and illustrated by Shaila Abdullah, and also illustrated by Iman Tejpar, a very talented 12-year-old artist.  Additionally, background art for this book was provided by 10-year-old Sophia Pirani, 11-year-old Aanyah Abdullah, and 2-year-old Aaliyana Abbdullah.  The design and illustrations of this book are absolutely remarkable--it is hard to believe that children helped create them!

This fabulous picture book is dedicated to the Ali family, who inspired the author to write this book.  A Manual for Marco is mostly written from the point of view of 8-year-old Sofia, Marco's younger sister.  In the book, Sofia describes the things she likes, and the things she dislikes, about her autistic brother.  The book lists things that are special about Marco, such as his exceptional ability in math, and things that are "not-so-special", such as his restrictive diet (he cannot have anything with wheat or dairy in it) which affects the whole family.  It mentions that the family uses lists to help Marco, and the book itself features several lists.  A Manual for Marco is loving and clever, and funny, at times.

Suitable for young children, A Manual for Marco would be helpful to children with autistic siblings, who may struggle at times with their feelings.  There are tips for parents by Dr. Salima Ali at the end of the book, as well as a list of online resources for families.

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Many thanks to Victor from Loving Healing Press for sending me this wonderful trio of books.

Thank you for reading!  Your comments are welcomed.

Buy a Book, Support a Cause

In June, I reviewed the award-winning novel Saffron Dreams, and interviewed the author, Shaila Abdullah. She contacted me this morning because she's now hosting a book fundraiser to help the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., a non-profit organization which helps the most vulnerable population of the world. This is a great opportunity to buy Saffron Dreams at a reduced price and help others in need. Here are the details:

"According to the World Bank, the current global crisis has pushed 90 million people into poverty and is slated to have a disastrous impact on health and education projects in the developing world unless the rich nations begin aiding the poor. From now until September 15, 2009, if you buy a copy of Saffron Dreams using the link below, proceeds from the sale will go to the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., a renowned international development organization. The organization develops and promotes creative solutions to address problems that impede development, primarily in Asia and Africa.

Hailed as 'highly recommended' by Library Journal and many other critics, Saffron Dreams is a memorial to the victims of 9/11, a source of strength for the survivors, and a vehicle of understanding for those struggling to make sense of the conflict between the East and West. Saffron Dreams is offered at a discounted rate of $16.95 (reg. $19.95) for the duration of this event. Buy a few copies for friends, family members, and coworkers, and support this great cause."

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Buy Saffron Dreams now
http://shailaabdullah.com/SD-buy.html

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A Conversation with Shaila Abdullah

 
Having just read and reviewed the novel Saffron Dreams, I am now honored to present this interview with award-winning writer Shaila Abdullah.

1) Shaila, you are so gracious to do this interview.  Please tell us a bit about your background, such as where you grew up in Pakistan, where you attended school, and when you came to the United States.

SA: I am a Pakistani-American author and designer and currently based in Austin, Texas. I grew up in a city called Karachi in Pakistan that is all too familiar for Americans nowadays. I came to the U.S. in 1995 after having an arranged marriage. I have been writing on and off since 1993. My new novel Saffron Dreams explores the tragedy of 9/11 from the perspective of a Muslim widow. My 2005 debut book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall is a collection of stories about Pakistani women struggling to find their individualities despite the barriers imposed by society. I also work for a nonprofit as a media designer.

2) I loved Saffron Dreams and already want to reread it.  Although Saffron Dreams reads like a memoir, it is not autobiographical. Tell us about the inspiration behind this book.

SA: Thanks, Susan, I am glad you enjoyed the book. Writing it was a true labor of love. I am sure there is hardly a person in the U.S. who was not affected by the events of September 11 in some way. For me, the event was double-daggered: grief at the loss of innocent lives and horror at the distortion of our own identities as Muslim-Americans that followed. Saffron Dreams evolved on the basic premise that the preservation of cultural and religious identity of any group is the cornerstone of a civil society. In Saffron Dreams, the protagonist Arissa Illahi, a veil-wearing Muslim woman, loses her husband in the tragedy of 9/11. You are right, the novel is not autobiographical, although there are some similarities between the character of Arissa and myself.


3) I see Saffron Dreams first and foremost as a love story. Of course, there's love-making. The love scenes between Arissa and her husband, Faizan, are notable and beautiful, fit well into the story, and make his death even more poignant. Was it easy and natural to write about this part of their relationship, of the intimate encounters between them?

SA: Not at all. In fact, they were the toughest to write. I grew up in a society where couples don’t normally show their affection for each other publicly. As such, I had to work really hard on those scenes and scribe them in a way that was palatable for all readers.

(You did a beautiful job. The love scenes flow well and are exquisite.)

4) The little details in Saffron Dreams have a lot of impact and helped draw me in. For instance, Arissa, the protagonist, says that she does not like to sip her Starbucks coffee through the tiny slit on the top of the lid.  I identified with her, and I feel the same way (although I drink tea, not coffee) and lift off the lid when I drink.  Does this detail also apply to you?  Again, although the book is not autobiographical, how much of you is in Arissa?
 

SA: You got me. Yes, I do that. Some details of the character’s life do match mine. For instance, we are both writers and artists and had arranged marriages. Both the character and I have flawed sense of directions. But that is where the resemblance ends; the character’s challenges are many and far, far greater. Certain characters in the novel were modeled after members of my family, though. A cousin who died after three years of marriage, leaving a pregnant wife behind drove the character of Arissa’s husband, Faizan. The cousin’s compassionate and loving parents inspired the characters of Faizan’s parents, who step in to help Arissa get back on her feet.

5) One of the important messages of Saffron Dreams is that all Muslims should not be held responsible for the actions of a few terrorists.  With the passing of time since 9/11, do you think the attitude of Americans has improved?
 

SA: America is a very resilient and educated society. We are moving in the right direction where people’s perceptions are concerned. But there are still questions that need to be answered without fear of a backlash and those have to come from the right sources. Where the media instilled fear in the heart of the nation about Muslims after 9/11, lately they have also attempted to learn the true meaning of Islam by bringing in renowned and respected scholars and researchers to interview. There still needs to be more dialog with positive role models of Islam. There is a great need in the U.S. for various religious entities to come together and build bridges of understanding and tolerance to find common ground.

6) Can you recommend other Muslim-American authors?  Do you think there is a need for more books written by Muslim-American women?
 

SA: Khaled Hosseini and Mohsin Hamid (although he now lives in London) come to mind right away. Mohja Kahf is another great addition to the mix. She is a breath of fresh air because she provides a lighter spin on being a Muslim and take on tough issues. Of course, there is always room for more writers. If nothing else, to provide opportunities for dialog, understanding, integration, and occasionally, even a few laughs.

7) Shaila, I understand that in addition to being a writer, you are also a designer--you designed the gorgeous cover for Saffron Dreams--and a mother.  It must be hard to find the time to write. What advice do you have for time-pressed aspiring writers, especially for women?
 

SA: If you think there is a no room in your life to pursue your dream, then you are doing a grave injustice to yourself. Most of Saffron Dreams was written during nighttime because my own days are packed with a full time job as a designer, family, my own freelance business, and various voluntary activities. My advice to aspiring writers is to focus on perfecting your writing and not get deterred by rejection. Set time aside to write and be regular about it. Pour your heart on paper and work your magic. We all have it in us. Some of us are simply more disciplined and serious about it than others.

8) In the book, Arissa is a planner, although her plans for the future are shattered. Are you also a planner, and if so, to what extent do you plan out your books and stories?
 

SA: I can be a planner in some things in life and in some other things, not so much. If I have to do a presentation, I will plan early, work hard and show up fifteen minutes early. My first book was not planned and evolved out of journaling and writing short stories. The second one was incredibly planned; it had charts, timelines, two groups of beta readers with their own tasks and timelines.

9) I read that there will not be a sequel to Saffron Dreams (although I still harbor a shred of hope that there will be) but that you have other books in the works.  Please tell us a bit about them.
 

SA: Sorry Susan, there will not be a sequel to Saffron Dreams although my next book is the one the character is shown working on in the novel. It is about the street children of Karachi.

10) I am anxious to get my hands on a copy of Beyond the Cayenne Wall, your collection of short stories about Pakistani women.  Do you have a favorite story in this book?
 

SA: Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust is my favorite story in Beyond the Cayenne Wall. It is also the more tragic one. In it, a woman ragpicker, tired of putting up with her parasitic spouse, decides to kick him out of her life. That decision comes at a hefty price.
 

Shaila, thank you very much for doing this interview. Your work is absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to read more of it!

SA: Thank you and thanks to the readers of Suko’s Notebook. You can find a wealth of information on my website including a reading guide, excerpt, reviews, and buying information. Readers who sign up for updates on my website will get a free excerpt of my 2005 book, Beyond the Cayenne Wall.

Saffron Dreams: A Unique Love Story

Like many others, the unexpected, horrific events and images of September 11, 2001 are forever etched in my mind. I grew up in NY and still have relatives there, and had walked, for the last time, through the bottom of the World Trade Center Towers about a month before they burst into flames and collapsed. I approached this book with a touch of apprehension, although I was at the same time optimistic, having read positive reviews for Saffron Dreams beforehand. You'd think that a book about a young woman who loses her husband in that tragedy would be morose and depressing, but instead this story is engrossing and life-affirming. Once I picked it up I couldn't stop reading it.

Written by Pakistani-American author Shaila Abdullah, Saffron Dreams is a novel about a Muslim woman, Arissa Illahi, told in the first person narrative, and is part of the Reflections of America Series by Modern History Press, which explores multiculturalism in written form. Published in 2009, it reads like a memoir, but is a fictional story about a woman who's both a painter and a writer. Arissa leaves her native Pakistan to live in NY with her husband Faizan, who's a writer but waits tables to make ends meet. Expecting their first child, they are happy and hopeful about their dreams for the future, a future that is altered drastically on the morning of September 11, 2001, when Faizan goes to work at his job as a waiter in the World Trade Center but never returns home. Arissa's dreams are shattered.

Pregnant and alone, but supported by her in-laws and other family members, Arissa moves to Texas and attempts to get on with her life. Along with her grief, she's haunted by the way she's held responsible for the attacks of 9-11, simply because she's Muslim. This book deals sensitively with the issue of being Muslim at a time when all Muslims are blamed for the actions of a few terrorists. Another issue Arissa must contend with is having a child with multiple disabilities. This is handled well by the author, and we get a sense of Arissa's deep love for and dedication to her child.

Another strength of this novel is the relationship between Arissa and Faizan, which is depicted with skill and artistry. We feel Arissa's profound loss and equally deep love for her late husband. In addition to working as a writer and caring for her child, Arissa decides to complete the manuscript she's discovered, Faizan's unfinished book, his legacy, at the urging of her mother-in-law. More than anything else, Saffron Dreams is a beautiful love story, a love which endures and lives on, and grows even stronger as time passes.

As always, your comments are welcomed. Have you read Saffron Dreams or Beyond the Cayenne Wall, Shaila Abdullah's collection of short stories (which is now on my TBR list)? What other love stories do you recommend?

Special thanks to Kristina for sending me a copy of Saffron Dreams to review.