What We Are Reading Today: ‘Words Under the Words’

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Updated 14 October 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Words Under the Words’

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Author: Naomi Shihab Nye

Palestinian American poet Naomi Shihab Nye’s book “Words Under the Words” is a moving and deeply personal collection of poetry that seamlessly weaves together themes and threads of identity, displacement and the resiliency of the human spirit.

Born to a Palestinian father and American mother, Nye often uses her upbringing as inspiration for her poems.

“The Traveling Onion,” is perhaps my favorite poem in the book. She uses a quote from “Better Living Cookbook” to set the stage. She writes: “When I think how far the onion has traveled just to enter my stew today, I could kneel and praise all small, forgotten miracles, crackly paper peeling on the drainboard, pearly layers in smooth agreement, the way knife enters onion, and onion falls apart on the chopping block, a history revealed.”

She then writes: “And I would never scold the onion for causing tears … how at meal, we sit and eat, commenting on texture of meat or herbal aroma but never on the translucence of onion, now limp, now divided, or its traditionally honorable career: for the sake of others, disappear.”

The poem about the onion is not just about an onion, it is about much more. Many of her other poems offer the same food for thought, although not always when exploring cuisine or culture.

Her poetry often touches on themes of family, memory, displacement and finding common ground in different worlds. Known for her crisp, clear and evocative language, Nye captures the beauty of everyday life and the emotional nuances within personal and cultural histories. “Words Under the Words” is a powerful exploration of identity and seeking community connection.

Her language is simple but not too simplified. She makes everyday moments and objects feel significant and special while allowing us all to look into her life as we collectively cut a slice of life and devour the deeper philosophical and political issues that still ring true today, nearly 30 years after she published the book in 1995.

The collection stands out for its emotional honesty and its ability to connect personal experiences with the broader social and political contexts — especially around themes of exile and belonging. It is still relevant today.

The woman on the cover is Nye’s grandmother, who was a lively and significant figure in her work.

 

 


Book Review: ‘Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom’

Book Review: ‘Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom’
Updated 07 November 2024
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Book Review: ‘Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom’

Book Review: ‘Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom’

Norman G. Finkelstein’s “Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom” is a meticulously researched and impassioned critique of the humanitarian crisis and political complexities surrounding Gaza.

Through a detailed examination of international reports, government documents, and media coverage, Finkelstein presents an unflinching account of the suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza and the broader geopolitical forces at play.

Known for his rigorous scholarship and bold perspectives, Finkelstein approaches the subject with both intellectual precision and moral urgency, making the book a compelling read for those seeking an in-depth understanding of one of the world’s most enduring occupations.

Finkelstein’s work is both an analysis and an indictment, dissecting the events surrounding Gaza’s most recent wars, the humanitarian toll, and the international response (or lack thereof) to the crisis.

He focuses on pivotal episodes, such as Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the humanitarian blockade, and the treatment of civilians, presenting a grim portrayal of human rights abuses and political maneuvering.

His arguments are grounded in a wealth of sources, from UN reports to testimonies by humanitarian organizations, which serve to underline the scale and severity of the situation. The result is a narrative that is both factually dense and deeply moving, reflecting Finkelstein’s commitment to truth and justice.

What makes “Gaza” particularly powerful is Finkelstein’s ability to contextualize current events within a historical and legal framework, showing how international law is applied selectively — or ignored altogether — when it comes to Gaza.

He interrogates the role of international bodies, questioning their effectiveness in protecting civilian lives and holding perpetrators accountable. Through this lens, Finkelstein critiques the media’s portrayal of Gaza, challenging narratives that often obscure the realities on the ground.

His analysis raises difficult questions about the double standards that often govern global responses to humanitarian crises, making readers consider the moral and ethical implications of international inaction.

While Finkelstein’s stance is unmistakably critical, his arguments are presented with clarity and precision, rooted in an undeniable command of the subject matter.

“Gaza” is not merely an account of suffering but a call to recognize the humanity of those affected by the conflict, urging readers to engage with the issue beyond political and ideological divides. For those unfamiliar with the historical and political context, Finkelstein provides ample background, making the book accessible without compromising the depth of analysis.

“Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom” is a sobering, challenging, and essential read for anyone seeking to understand the realities of the Gaza crisis. It is a book that demands empathy and critical thought, encouraging readers to confront the human cost of a conflict that has been too often overshadowed by political rhetoric.

With thorough research and a fearless approach, Finkelstein has crafted a work that stands as both an academic resource and a moral appeal, inviting readers to bear witness to a struggle that deserves global attention.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Birds of the Mesozoic’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Birds of the Mesozoic’
Updated 06 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Birds of the Mesozoic’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Birds of the Mesozoic’

Authors: Juan Benito and Roc Olive

Birds are today’s most diverse tetrapod group, but they have a rich and complex evolutionary history that extends far beyond their modern radiation.

Appearing during the Jurassic more than 160 million years ago, they took to the skies and evolved into myriad forms.

This comprehensive and up-to-date illustrated field guide covers the staggering diversity of avialans—modern birds and their closest fossil relatives—that lived from the origin of the group until the mass extinction that ended the reign of the nonavian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.


What We Are Reading Today: Dinosaur Facts and Figures: The Theropods and Other Dinosauriformes

What We Are Reading Today: Dinosaur Facts and Figures: The Theropods and Other Dinosauriformes
Updated 06 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: Dinosaur Facts and Figures: The Theropods and Other Dinosauriformes

What We Are Reading Today: Dinosaur Facts and Figures: The Theropods and Other Dinosauriformes

Authors: Ruben Molina-Perez, Asier Larramendi, David Connolly, & Gonzalo Angel Ramirez Cruz

The theropod dinosaurs ruled the planet for millions of years, with species ranging from the mighty tyrannosaurus rex to feathered raptors no bigger than turkeys.

“Dinosaur facts and figures” is a stunningly illustrated book of records for these marvelous creatures—such as the biggest, the smallest, and the fastest theropods, as well as the ones with the most powerful bite.

This one-of-a- kind compendium features more than 3,000 records, covers some 750 theropod species.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Oxygen’ by Donald E. Canfield

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Oxygen’ by Donald E. Canfield
Updated 04 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Oxygen’ by Donald E. Canfield

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Oxygen’ by Donald E. Canfield

The air we breathe is 21 percent oxygen, an amount higher than on any other known world. While we may take our air for granted, Earth was not always an oxygenated planet. How did it come to be this way?

Donald Canfield covers this vast history, emphasizing its relationship to the evolution of life and the evolving chemistry of Earth.

He guides readers through the various lines of scientific evidence, considers some of the wrong turns and dead ends along the way, and highlights the scientists and researchers who have made key discoveries in the field.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘From Click to Boom’ by Lizhi Liu

What We Are Reading Today: ‘From Click to Boom’ by Lizhi Liu
Updated 03 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘From Click to Boom’ by Lizhi Liu

What We Are Reading Today: ‘From Click to Boom’ by Lizhi Liu

In “From Click to Boom,” Lizhi Liu examines a digital solution: governments strategically outsourcing tasks of institutional development and enforcement to digital platforms—a process she calls “institutional outsourcing.”

China’s e-commerce boom showcases this digital path to development. In merely two decades, China built from scratch a $2 trillion e-commerce market, with 800 million users, 70 million jobs, and nearly 50 percent of global online retail sales. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Liu argues, this market boom occurred because of weak government institutions, not despite them.