The Lives Along the Nile (5 series class)
2023-01-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Welcome to another series in attempting to better understand the Middle East and North Africa yet, this time we are traveling south to north with the Nile River. We will go on an expedition (no need for passport, inoculations or tents for camping or visas) from the origins of Nile to the Mediterranean Sea. We will read history books, journalists’ accounts and novelists describe the river and the inhabitants along its banks. Join us on this journey along the Nile River. According to the National Geographic: “The Nile River flows from south to north through eastern Africa. It begins in the rivers that flow into Lake Victoria (located in modern-day Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya), and empties into the Mediterranean Sea more than 6,600 kilometers (4,100 miles) to the north, making it one of the longest rivers in the world. The Nile River was critical to the development of ancient Egypt. In addition to Egypt, the Nile runs through or along the border of 10 other African countries, namely, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Its three main tributaries are the White Nile, the Blue Nile, and the Atbara.”
Five Mondays: January 23, February 6 and 20, March 6 and 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. ET Online
1. 23rd January 2023: River of the Gods – Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the search for the source of the Nile by Candice Millard (9780385543101)
2. 6th February: The Black Nile by Dan Morrison (9780143119371)
3. 20th February: God Dies by the Nile by Nawal al Saadawy (9781783605965)
4. 6th March: Adrift on the Nile by Naguib Mahfouz (9780385423335)
5. 27th March: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (9780063139848)
AND/OR
The Fugitives by Jamal Mahjoub (9781838850821)

International Book Club with ArabLit and Alice Guthrie
2023-03-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
About the Book
Malika Moustadraf is a cult feminist icon in contemporary Moroccan literature, celebrated for her uncompromising depiction of life on the margins.
Something Strange, Like Hunger presents Moustadraf’s collected short fiction: haunting, visceral stories by a master of the genre. Here, we tune into Casablanca’s unheard: a sex worker struggling to keep warm on the streets; a housewife flirting with strangers online; a kidney patient, priced-out of treatment, facing the harsh reality of his condition; and a mother scheming to ensure her daughter passes a virginity test. Something Strange, Like Hunger is a sharp provocation to patriarchal power, and a celebration of the life and genius of one of Morocco’s preeminent writers.
About the Author
Malika Moustadraf (1969–2006) was a writer from Casablanca, Morocco, celebrated for her distinctive style and experimental language. An exacting social critic, she wrote unflinchingly about life in the margins and was persecuted for her taboo-busting subject matter. Denied the life-saving treatment she needed, Moustadraf died at thirty-seven of kidney disease, leaving behind a semiautobiographical novel and a collection of short stories. Something Strange, Like Hunger is the first full-length translation of her work into any language.
About the Translator
Alice Guthrie is an independent translator, editor and curator specialising in contemporary Arabic writing. Her work often focuses on subaltern voices, activist art and queerness (winning her the 2019 Jules Chametzky Translation Prize). She programmed the literary strand of London’s Arab arts biennale Shubbak Festival between 2015 and 2019, and has curated queer Arab arts events for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Outburst International Queer Arts Festival and Arts Canteen. Guthrie teaches translation at the University of Exeter and the University of Birmingham.

Let's Talk About Palestine: Greater Than the Sum Of Our Parts with author Nada Elia
2024-01-13 11:30 - 13:00 | TBD
For anyone who wants to learn, discuss and understand Palestine.
Our first book is starting in the present:
we will read and discuss with Nada Elia her book: Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Feminism, Inter.Nationalism, and Palestine
we will meet on Saturday, January 13th at Shoreline or Woodinville Library
We hope to continue to meet every other month on the second Friday of the month
Please sign up here if you are interested: https://forms.gle/eFxQ5Ps6JbJfAYAE8

Let's Talk About Palestine: Rashid Khalidi's book Hundred Years War
2024-03-09 11:15 - 12:45 | Contact for Location, See above for contact
For anyone who wants to learn, discuss and understand Palestine.
Next meeting we are reading Rashid Khalidi’s book Hundred Years War. We are hoping to have the author join via Zoom!
You can order a copy from your local bookstore or here on the ArabishWay bookshop.org page in joining and we will add you to the listserve. We will send out a location via the listserve ASAP.

Please sign up here if you are interested: https://forms.gle/eFxQ5Ps6JbJfAYAE8
Our first book started in the present:
we read and discussed with the author, Nada Elia, her book: Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Feminism, Inter.Nationalism, and Palestine
we met on Saturday, January 13th. You can order a copy from my ArabishWay page on bookshop.org

Public Reading Circle: The Palestinian Struggle for Self-Determination
2024-03-25 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-04-01 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-04-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA
he following description comes from the event organizer.
This 5-week discussion circle aims to strengthen solidarity with the Palestinian struggle by studying the history of the occupation and resistance from a socialist feminist perspective.
Meeting in person and online.
Mondays – 3/18 thru 4/15
6:30 to 8:30pm
New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
On #7 bus line and near Columbia City light rail station
Register at tinyurl.com/PalestineStruggle
Sponsored by Freedom Socialist Party
For more info, call 206-722-2453 or email seattleFSP@socialism.com

Conversation with Sudanese Author Reem Gaafar [Virtual]
2024-04-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join author Reem Gaafar as she speaks with Brittle Paper founder and editor Professor Ainehi Odoro about her debut novel, A Mouth Full of Salt.
Perfect for readers of HALF OF A YELLOW SUN, RIVER SPIRIT and EIGHT MONTHS ON GHAZZAR STREET, this searing debut is the story of two women among many and the remarkable ways women save one other.

WHERE: Online. Register HERE

Let's Talk About Palestine: Men in the Sun by Ghassan Kanafani and Rifqa by Mohammed el-Qird
2024-06-01 11:15 - 12:45 | Contact for Location, See above for contact
For anyone who wants to learn, discuss and understand Palestine.
Please sign up here if you are interested: https://forms.gle/eFxQ5Ps6JbJfAYAE8
For our 3rd meeting we are reading Ghassan Kanafani’s Men in the Sun and Mohammed el-Qurd’s Rifqa

Our 2nd meeting we read Rashid Khalidi’s book Hundred Years War.
You can order a copy from your local bookstore or here on the ArabishWay bookshop.org page in joining and we will add you to the listserve. We will send out a location via the listserve ASAP.

Please sign up here if you are interested: https://forms.gle/eFxQ5Ps6JbJfAYAE8
Our first book started in the present:
we read and discussed with the author, Nada Elia, her book: Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Feminism, Inter.Nationalism, and Palestine
we met on Saturday, January 13th. You can order a copy from my ArabishWay page on bookshop.org

In Translation Book Club: Slipping, by Mohamed Kheir
2024-06-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
The In Translation Book Club meets in person at our Seward Park location on the third Tuesday of every month virtually and the fourth Tuesday in person at Seward Park to discuss translated books from around the globe.

Learn more about this book club.

June:

Slipping (Paperback)

By Mohamed Kheir, Robin Moger (Translator)
$16.95

In Translation Book Club: Slipping, by Mohamed Kheir
2024-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Third Place Books – Seward Park, 5041 Wilson Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98118, United States

Let's Talk About Palestine: A Day in the Life of Abed Salama
2024-07-13 | Contact for Location, See above for contact
For anyone who wants to learn, discuss and understand Palestine.
Next meeting we are reading A Day in the Life of Abed Salama by Nathan Thrall.

We will send out a location via the listserve ASAP.

Please sign up here if you are interested: https://forms.gle/eFxQ5Ps6JbJfAYAE8
Our first book started in the present:
we read and discussed with the author, Nada Elia, her book: Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts: Feminism, Inter.Nationalism, and Palestine
We met on Saturday, January 13th. You can order a copy from my ArabishWay page on bookshop.org

Then we read Rashid Khalidi’s book Hundred Years War.
And then we read Mohammed Elkurd’s book of poems, Rifqa and Ghassan Khanafani, Men in the Sun

6-week public reading circle: Middle Eastern feminist voices for liberation
2024-08-05 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-08-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-08-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Contact Host for Location Details
Explore women’s multi-faceted realities in different parts of the Middle East. Readings will include historic and modern-day writings that examine the challenges confronted by Arab, Iranian and Kurdish feminists and how they organize. Hear from Middle Eastern women about how they view true liberation. Discuss the role of U.S. feminists in building international solidarity. Get a window into the politics and cultures of this crucial region. Everyone welcome.

Global Issues Book Group: Elliot Bay Book Company
2024-09-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Avenue, Seattle, 98122, United States
Global Issues Book Group
Tuesday, September 10 6:30 p.m.
The Return

WINNER OF THE 2017 PULITZER PRIZE: from Man Booker Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist Hisham Matar, a memoir of his journey home to his native Libya in search of answers to his father’s disappearance.

Scifi/Fantasy Book Club: This is How You Lose the Time War
2025-01-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Brick and Mortar Bookstore, 7430 164th Ave NE - Suite B105, Redmond, WA, 98052, United States
Join us for scifi/fantasy book club! Our selection this month is This is How You Lose the Time War, by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Scifi/fantasy book club aims to read a wide selection of science fiction and fantasy works. We love being transported to other worlds, and hope you will, too!

Scifi/Fantasy Book Club: This is How You Lose the Time War
Wednesday Jan 8th, 2025, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Critical Convos: Perfect Victims
2025-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States
Remember, Ya Hala’s café and retail space is open to all on weekends this April, Fridays 5-9p, Saturdays and Sundays 10a-1p.
📣 IMPORTANT: Some events will require registration/RSVP so you can save a spot!
Take a look ahead at the calendar and then keep an eye out for links to sign up for specific events. You won’t want to miss out.
More details about each weekend’s events will drop on the Monday before. 👀

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: What is Land Day?
2025-04-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Heritage Hour: Create Your Own Tatreez
2025-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Open Mic
2025-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Hakawati
2025-04-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Ya Hala Cafe and Retail Space: Arab Heritage Month Event + Activities
2025-04-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Suzanne Zahr, Art & Architecture, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160, Mercer Island, WA, 98040, United States

Contemporary Translated Works Book Group: Sand-Catcher by Omar Khalifah, Translated by Barbara Romaine
2025-05-21 11:30 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join the Contemporary Translated Works Book Group – Now Monthly!
Mechanics’ Institute, in partnership with the Center for the Art of Translation and our new presenting partner, Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum, is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Contemporary Translated Works Book Group into a monthly, member-led series! Beginning Spring 2025, we will host lunchtime discussions (12:00–1:00 pm PT) online via Zoom on the third Wednesday of each month, featuring thought-provoking literary selections from around the world.
Four young, Palestinian journalists at a Jordanian newspaper are tasked, on account of their heritage, with profiling one of the last living witnesses of the Nakba, the violent expulsion of native Palestinians by the nascent state of Israel in 1948. The old man has no desire to be interviewed, no desire for his memories to be preserved, no desire to serve as an inspiration for the youth of tomorrow. As threats from the team’s editor-in-chief put more and more pressure on the journalists, they must decide just how far they’re willing to go to get the old man on the record.
Join us at 11:30 AM for a Q&A with the translator before the discussion at 12:00 PM.
Free to Folio members.
Learn more and get tickets >>
Order Sand-Catcher >>

Elliott Bay Book Group: Afterlife by Abdulrazak Gurmah
2025-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Avenue, Seattle, 98122, United States
From the winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature, a sweeping, multi-generational saga of displacement, loss, and love, set against the brutal colonization of east Africa.
“A work of extraordinary power, giving us a colonial world with utmost intimacy, capturing its cruelties and complexities, immersing us in vividly evoked characters, showing us moments of incredible tenderness and beauty, and quietly reordering our sense of history.” —Phil Klay, author of Redeployment

Seattle Latinx Bookclub - My Mother Was A Freedom Fighter
2025-09-27 | TBA
This month we’ll be discussing Aja Monet’s poetry collection, My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter. Powerful, poetic meditations on motherhood, sisterhood, spirituality, solidarity, displacement/gentrification, racism, and sexism. As always, our number one priority is creating comunidad. So please feel free to attend even if you didn’t get a chance to finish the book this month.
Nos vemos pronto!
Where to find the book
You can find a copy of their book on Bookshop.org here
Purchase through Estelita’s Library‘s Bookshop.org storefront, and you’ll support Seattle’s local Black/Brown-owned justice-focused community bookstore & lending library.
You can also find the book at Seattle Public Library in print, ebook, and audiobook formats.
About the Book
The poetry collection, My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter is poet Aja Monet’s ode to mothers, daughters, and sisters–the tiny gods who fight to change the world. Textured with the sights and sounds of growing up in East New York in the nineties, to school on the South Side of Chicago, all the way to the olive groves of Palestine, these stunning poems tackle racism, sexism, genocide, displacement, heartbreak, and grief, but also love, motherhood, spirituality, and Black joy.
About the Author
Of Cuban-Jamaican descent, Aja Monet is an internationally established poet, performer, singer, songwriter, educator, and human rights advocate. Monet is also the youngest person to win the legendary Nuyorican Poet’s Café Grand Slam title.

Book Discussion: Antony Lowenstein’s The Palestine Laboratory
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Cherry Street Village, 720 25th Avenue, Seattle, WA, United States
Join us next month at Cherry Street Village for weekly discussions of Antony Lowenstein’s book The Palestine Laboratory, and learn how Isrαel exports the tactics and technology of occupation across the world.
(And check out these infographics from @iceoutoftarrant , @codepinkalert , @so.informed , @letstalkpalestine , @4corners4palestine , and @seizethemeansshirts for connections to more recent events 🧊)
Register at https://falasteenbookclub.com/fbc-registration/
