al-Khalili's House of Wisdom

I know I posted a while back that I will be reviewing this book on my blog. Just want to update you that I am still reading it. I actually didn't start it right away, but what I have read so far is very interesting. I love the fact that this book is from the perspective of an Iraqi who grew up with an understanding of this institution. I also like the fact that it is written by a scientist and not an historian in the academic sense. This author gives more authentication to the House of Wisdom in my mind. I really wish I could have used this book on my Thesis. I am just glad to have added it to my bookshelf and will post a review as soon as I finish reading it.

The Devil's Double

For those of you interested in Modern Iraqi History, there is a new movie out in the US about one of the brave men who served as a body double, or fiday, for one of Hussein's sons. During my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, I became acquainted with this man while writing a paper on Saddam Hussein for a European History Senior Seminar. His book, I Was Saddam's Son, truly fascinated me and I am so very excited to see that a script has been written and made into a film. I can't wait to see it and hope it comes to my area very soon!

If you want to know more about what Hussein was like to those closest to him, I strongly recommend Dr. Yahia's book mentioned above. It's insightful, heartbreaking, and most importantly his own words on his life as Uday Hussein's double.

The House of Wisdom, revisited

I am so excited! I found a new book, yet to be released, through the History Book Club, called The House of Wisdom by Jim al-Khalil. Now where was this book while I was writing my Thesis last year, lol! Anyway, I ordered it and can't wait to get into the pages to learn what this author has to say. I am so grateful to have studied this institution and am finding more published on it. I anticipate receiving this text sometime in April, so stay tuned for a review!