isabella steger

Black Wave explores the Sunni-Shia conflict in the Middle East, tracing its origins back to the 1979 Iran Revolution. This paradigm-shifting recasting of modern Middle Eastern history reveals the largely unexplored story of the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, born from the sparks of the revolution. Kim Ghattas follows everyday citizens whose lives have been affected by the geopolitical drama, making her account both immediate and intimate. The book shows how religion became a tool for the two countries in their competition for dominance, igniting the culture wars that led to major global events from the 1991 American invasion of Iraq to the rise of ISIS. Black Wave is a must-read for those looking to understand the real roots of the Middle East conflict.

"Land of Big Numbers" by Te-Ping Chen is a captivating and compassionate debut collection that aims to vividly give voice to the modern Chinese people and their diaspora. The book takes readers on a journey through China's diverse history, government, and present-day struggles, as portrayed through a mix of clear-eyed realism and tongue-in-cheek magical realism. Whether following the paths of twins with vastly different ambitions, a woman haunted by her violent ex-boyfriend in the city, or a man seeking fortune in China's volatile stock exchange, Chen's stories offer a poignant portrait of people striving for opportunities where mobility is limited. This remarkable cultural critique is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on modern China.