Middle East Challenge


Welcome to the 2012 Middle East Reading Challenge!

What do I consider the Middle East?
The Middle East is a nebulous term with each person defining it in a different way (it's also a very Euro-centric term so please forgive me for that). However I am going to use it for lack of a better way to define the area covered by this reading challenge. So, what is the Middle East? Traditionally it included only the "middle eastern" countries in Asia plus Egypt. Some define it as countries with Arabic as the dominant language, while others say it is all Islamic countries. For the purposes of this challenge I am going to stick with the more traditional/geographic approach including the countries around the Arabian peninsula.

Update: Given the news lately, let's add in the north African countries of Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco

I struggled about what to do with Turkey and have chosen to leave it out as they currently choose to be associated more with Europe. Likewise, I am not including the "stan" countries as they are culturally, linguistically, and ethnically different (and, officially, they are in Central Asia).

What books qualify for this reading challenge?
The author of the book may be from the countries listed below or the book can be set in one of the countries included in this challenge. The book could be about Islam. Fiction, non-fiction, YA and Adult lit, graphic novels, audio books, books for other challenge... they all count.

There are no levels for this challenge, my hope is that we'll each read whatever number works for us, learning to appreciate and understand the Middle East more along the way.

What are the dates of the challenge?
The challenge will run January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.

How do I sign up to participate?
Write an introductory post about what you hope to get out of this challenge, or why you are signing up, or what you know/feel about the Middle East, or something that relates to this challenge. If you want to list books you are going to read you may, but you certainly don't have to. Please include a link back to this post so that others who are interested can find it.

Use the Middle East Reviews link in the top navigation bar to post your introduction/intent to participate

Where do I post my reviews?
Use the Middle East Reviews link in the top navigation bar to post your reviews


Suggested books and authors: 
For each book I've linked to either my review, the author's website, Amazon, or an article about the book so that you can get an idea of the book. I would love your ideas of other books to include as my list is certainly not anywhere near complete!

Remember that books on Middle East leaders, religions, and historical events also count.

In addition to the books listed here, definitely check out the reviews posted from the 2011 Middle East Reading Challenge (above in the navigation bar)

Algeria


Bahrain
Egypt
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Libya


Morocco


Oman
Palestine (Gaza Strip and West Bank)
Qatar

Saudi Arabia
Syria
Tunisia


United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Yemen
Are there buttons for this challenge? Of course! This button was made from a photo I took on my trip to Oman in 2007. Please feel free to include it in your posts and on your blog!


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