Zeitoun by Dave Eggers is the true story of one family, caught between America’s two biggest policy disasters: the war on terror and the response to Hurricane Katrina.
A New York Times Notable Book
An O, The Oprah Magazine Terrific Read of the Year
A Huffington Post Best Book of the Year
A New Yorker Favorite Book of the Year
A Chicago Tribune Favorite Nonfiction Book of the Year
A Kansas City Star Best Book of the Year
A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year
An Entertainment Weekly Best Book of the Decade
A 2010 American Book Award Winner
A 2010 Northern California Book Award Winner
The 2010 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Current Interest Award Winner
The 2010 Nonfiction Winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize
See information about the book at Amazon and about the author here.
Zeitoun Foundation
Please post a comment about the book and whether it would be suitable for the SJSU Campus Reading Program. Thanks.
4 comments:
Zeitoun would be an excellent selection for the Campus Reading Program. Its message is very relevant to Americans as we continue to struggle with civil rights issues, the war on terror, and cleanup after Hurricane Katrina. It is suspenseful, funny, shocking, enraging, and uplifting.
I really like the main character, Zeitoun. His old-world stoicism is leavened with so much compassion for everyone around him, and his bravery is really admirable. He’s a wonderful person to read about, as is Kathy, his wife, who provides a bridge for non-Muslim American readers to understand the reasons why one would choose Islam when not raised in its culture. She’s incredibly strong, too.
Egger’s writing is very strong, compelling and factual. I was really impressed in his ability to balance solid facts with skilful storytelling.
I wholeheartedly support this book for the program.
I have to agree with all of Sandy J-T's comments. For all of the reasons Sandy mentions, Zeitoun is without question the favorite of the books I have reviewed so far.
This would be an excellent choice for the campus book because it could tie into so many classes.
I really enjoyed Zeitoun. Our first year students would have been fairly young, 10 or 11, when Katrina occurred and I think it would be great to inform them about what really happened there- through the eyes of this one family's experience. I really enjoyed the writing and the flow of the book. I think bringing to light the issue of militarizing our police force and police brutality would be great. I also think it's a positive portrayal of the Muslim community which I think is important for students to read about. It is also very timely with the Dec. 31, 2011 National Defense Authorization Act being signed into law by President Obama that essential allows for a person to be arrested and held indefinitely without charges or trial. I can see a lot of great themes to discuss with this book. I support this book for the Campus Reading Program.
I would reiterate the points brought up by our colleagues. I really enjoy Eggers, but did not expect much based on What is the what. However, this far exceeded that, and deftly wove together elements that I think resonate with a broad audience.
I would also mention that silicon valley reads' theme this year is "Muslim and American". Perhaps we can appropriate some of their programming for the Fall?
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