Reluctant Fundamentalist

Posted on November 20th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

So, I have finally managed to get through one of the books I mentioned in my previous post. And that is only because I had such bad migraines all week that by Wednesday I couldnt take it any more and went to see my GP. Now knowing that I had a LONG wait til my turn, I took along Mohsin Hamids’ “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” to wile away the hours. Now I am a pretty fast reader and got through 3/4s of the way through before I was called in to see the GP.

At this point the story started well. American man sitting at a restaurant stall, approached by a bearded Pakistani who starts talking to the American about his life. His life at Princeton University… his first job…his first love, And how he ended back in Pakistan. The story starts well enough, good use of language and descriptions which paints a picture in the readers mind.

As the story unfolds, the reader starts to understand that whilst the young pakistani man is telling his story, theres something sinister happening in the present time.

But as I read to the last page (this afternoon on my way home from University), I found that the ending was lacking. The build up for the ending was not enough. The last paragraph did not answer the questions that were buzzing around my head. Now I dont know if thats the way the author planned it, but for me it just left me confused.

Overall I did enjoy reading The Reluctant Fundamentalist but I have definately read other books that were more enjoyable, more suspenseful, more dramatic than this. I hope that the next novel by Hamid is something a little more flavoursome and spicy!!!

I’m a sucker for….

Posted on October 27th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

A/S

You know what the best smell in the world is???? The first page of an unread book. And I have about 6 books sitting on my shelves that are waiting to be read. The first one I will be reading is: The swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra.  I have also got the reluctant fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, and also a thousand splendid suns by Khalid Hosseini. But now that I have bought so many books ( partly because i get a big discount in the store i work in) Im having to give some books away to charity and sell some.  If I dont, knowing my mother she’ll chuck them all in a bag and give them to charity one day when im not home!!

So bear with me ( coz im studying full time too) and I iwll put up a review of each book that i read. Also Im happy to read any recommendations you have! (but convince me why i should first!)

My first Insult!

Posted on October 27th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

I’ve recently come online after a while. Partly due to going back into full time education to complete an MSc. I decided to come have a quick look here to see if theres any new comments and I have one from someone who is obviously not very tolerant of different faiths.

If that person is reading this…….ignorance is not bliss. Discrimination is not acceptable.

And dude ( coz i know ur a guy) to people like you all i say is “Whatever Trevor!”

Buggered Plans!… but not totally

Posted on October 3rd, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

I repoerted in one of the older posts that i was going to keep a diary and also report my eatings here….

 Well….I kept the diary but not posted on here. So i apologise for that. Just so you know I have caved in a few times but generally im am pleased with myself. I has a healthy breakfast every day. NO junk food. Iftar time was hard because thats when all the good food is cooked but alhumdulillah i didnt overeat/indulge. Partly due to my mum n 2 sisters being on holiday and only having to cook for 5 people instead of the normal 8!

I still keep my food diary and i am still trying to eat healthily which is hard but i am determined to lose some fat pockets that have found their way onto my body!!!

Book Review

Posted on October 3rd, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

Ok Ive finished East of the Sun by j Gregson ( i think thats the author)

Anway it was a really nice chick lit story based on the journey of 3 women, Viva, Rose and Tor, to India.

The pace of the story is slow moving but very descriptive. There are moments when something unexpected happens to a character, which saves the book from becoming boring.

The author writes beautifully which actually transports you into the story and brings to life the description of India, the colours, flavours, smells.

 This is a nice read for someone who has a day or two to just relax and spend time reading. Definately a summer read, although can still be read in the winter time! Wrapped in a  blanket with a mug of hot chocolate…Perfect!

Ramadhaan is right

Posted on August 31st, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

around the corner!!!

I am to learnt he 4 Quls by heart as a self improvement for myself!

Does anyone else have self improvemens they will be making this year???

Im on a diet

Posted on August 28th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

I’ve gained a stone in weight since my University days.

 For a 5ft 4.5 tall 9 stone woman. Im well within my Body Mass Index.

BUT Im finding it harder to find good comfortable sized clothing. Over the last few shopping trips Im having to buy size 14 and not because I need it but simply to remain modest in accordance with my religion. So I hereby declare that I am slowly going to cut out bad foods from my diet including pastries, donuts, and chocolate. Hopefully the start of Ramadhaan will help me with my self control!

I know there will be times where I will cave in but as long as my overall day isnt spent eating junk food then I will be happy. To prove Im serious I will be keeping a diary AND be reporting my daily intake here.

p.s Ive nearly finished the book EAST OF THE SUN by Julia Gregson. will post up a review soon!

The countdown to Ramadhaan

Posted on August 28th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

Assalamu alaikum people!

Theres only a few days left til the start of Ramadhaan. I know there are many people who are dreading the fasting aspect as the days will be longer.

I for one am so looking forward to this blessed month. The chance to reap benefits this month holds.

books….again

Posted on August 17th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

I found some more books to read…hopefully i will be giving a short review about each one. If any one has recommendations please let me know. Im happy to read anything!

 the book I recently finished reading, which has been a controversial book, a book called Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea. A tale of 4 young saudi girls/women whose lives change over the years as they experience, love, marriage, and heartbreak.A seriously mild novel which almost reads like english chick lit! There was no inappropiate scenes between characters. i would only really recommend this book if you are interested in reading chick lit from a middle eastern point of view.

The next book im reading is called “East of the Sun” which is set in India.

Shariah Law in UK

Posted on July 4th, 2008 in Uncategorized by kavzy1984

“Shariah law could play a role in some parts of the legal system.”

“No reason why shariah law could not be used in mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution”

This was said by the most senior Judge in England and Wales, Lord Phillips.

A smart man who recognises that some aspects of Shariah law could be used in certain situations with regards to muslims, i.e. Divorce, custody of children, property, assets.

He is NOT saying that Shariah law will be implemented throughout England and Wales.

He also says “There is no reason why Shariah principles, or ANY religious code, should not be the basis for mediation….” 

Wouldn’t you like to have some form of religious laws used to govern your lives???

 Not everyone can live in a land that is ruled by their religion, so make do with the laws of the country. In my case, living in England, I follow british law.

I am not demanding the country to change laws because as muslims we should be governed by Shariah. All Im saying is that if an aspect of Shariah law could be used in teh british legal system then great! It leads the way for other  laws to be included.

In contrast certain laws need to be abolished because they are ludicrous. heres a few I found online:

In the UK, a man who feels compelled to urinate in public can do so only if he aims for his rear wheel and keeps his right hand on his vehicle.

In the UK, a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants - even, if she so requests, in a policeman’s helmet
Under the UK’s Tax Avoidance Schemes Regulations 2006, it is illegal not to tell the taxman anything you don’t want him to know, though you don’t have to tell him anything you don’t mind him knowing.

It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.

According to a british law passed in 1845, attempting to commit suicide was a capital offense. Offenders could be hanged for trying.

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