What We Are Reading Today: ‘What – Reason Behind Every Desire’

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Updated 20 April 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘What – Reason Behind Every Desire’

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  • “The book’s strength lies in its blend of research and relatable examples, making complex theories accessible to a wide audience,” Ghaffar told Arab News

Author: Abdul Ghaffar

In his second book, “What – Reason Behind Every Desire,” Saudi author Abdul Ghaffar takes readers on a journey through the depths of human desires, exploring the underlying motivations that drive us.

Ghaffar, a Riyadh resident, offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of fulfilment.

Ghaffar’s first book was “Why – Reason for Every Action,” and in his new work he is equally eloquent and thought-provoking as he delves into the fundamental question of why we want what we want. Drawing from psychology, philosophy, and his own life, Ghaffar skillfully unravels the intricate layers of our desires, shedding light on the subconscious forces that shape them.

Through engaging storytelling and astute analysis, Ghaffar encourages readers to reflect on their own desires and consider the deeper meanings behind them.

“The book’s strength lies in its blend of research and relatable examples, making complex theories accessible to a wide audience,” Ghaffar told Arab News. “The inspiration came from my deep curiosity about the reasons behind desires and motivations. I believe that understanding the ‘why’ behind our desires is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment. The impetus behind this work was the desire to provide readers with a valuable perspective on this topic, empowering them to make more conscious choices in life.”

Whether discussing the role of societal norms in shaping desires or exploring the concept of desire as a form of self-expression, the author has maintained a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Moreover, “What – Reason Behind Every Desire” offers some practical insights and actionable steps for readers to better understand and navigate their desires.

Ghaffar’s writing is lucid and concise, ensuring that even complex concepts are presented in a simple manner.

The book has been nominated for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Non-Fiction, Self-Help category, Ghaffar said, adding: “To be acknowledged by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group is truly humbling.”

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske
Updated 04 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What can the palette an artist used or depicted tell us about their artistic process, preferences, and finished works? From traditional wooden boards to paint pots, ceramic plates, and studio walls, these deceptively simple yet potent tools provide vital evidence. 

“The Artist’s Palette” presents 50 unique palettes alongside paintings by the celebrated artists who used them, gathering expert analysis of color, brushstroke, and technique to offer new histories of these artists and their work.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Little Book of Weather’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Little Book of Weather’
Updated 03 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Little Book of Weather’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Little Book of Weather’

Author: Adam Scaife

Packed with surprising facts, this delightful and gorgeously designed book will beguile anyone who is curious about weather.

Expertly written and beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs and original color artwork, “The Little Book of Weather” is an accessible and enjoyable mini-reference about the world’s weather, with examples drawn from across the globe.

It fits an astonishing amount of information in a small package, covering a wide range of topics—from weather forecasting and extreme events such as hurricanes and typhoons to the future of weather with climate change.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Introduction to Nonlinear Control’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Introduction to Nonlinear Control’
Updated 02 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Introduction to Nonlinear Control’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Introduction to Nonlinear Control’

Authors: Christopher M. Kellet & Philipp Braun

This self-contained and accessible introduction to the concepts and techniques used for nonlinear feedback systems offers a holistic treatment suitable for use in both advanced undergraduate and graduate courses; students need only some familiarity with differential equations and linear algebra to understand the material presented. 

The text begins with an overview of stability and Lyapunov methods for nonlinear systems, with Lyapunov’s second method revisited throughout the book as a connective thread.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘On Belonging and Not Belonging’

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Updated 01 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘On Belonging and Not Belonging’

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Author: MARY JACOBUS

“On Belonging and Not Belonging” provides a sophisticated exploration of how themes of translation, migration, and displacement shape an astonishing range of artistic works.

From the possibilities and limitations of translation addressed by Jhumpa Lahiri and David Malouf to the effects of shifting borders in the writings of Eugenio Montale, W. G. Sebald, Colm Tóibín, and many others, esteemed literary critic Mary Jacobus looks at the ways novelists, poets, photographers, and filmmakers revise narratives of language, identity, and exile.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist’

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Updated 01 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist’

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  • Ward’s writing captures the immediacy of war zones with remarkable precision, drawing readers into the chaos and danger of places like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan

Author: Clarissa Ward

Clarissa Ward’s “On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist” is an unflinching and deeply personal memoir that provides a rare glimpse into the life of a war correspondent.

Known for her reporting from some of the world’s most volatile regions, Ward chronicles her journey from an aspiring journalist to one of the most recognizable faces in international reporting.

The book is as much a tale of personal growth as it is a vivid account of global conflict, told with the clarity and humanity that defines Ward’s journalism.

Ward’s writing captures the immediacy of war zones with remarkable precision, drawing readers into the chaos and danger of places like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Her accounts of reporting under fire, navigating hostile environments, and witnessing the harrowing realities of war are gripping and often heart-wrenching.

And yet Ward balances these scenes with reflective moments, exploring how her experiences have shaped her understanding of humanity, resilience, and her own privilege.

What sets “On All Fronts” apart is that Ward brings the voices and stories of the people she encounters to the forefront, offering insights into lives often reduced to statistics in global news.

Whether describing a mother’s desperate attempts to keep her children safe in Aleppo or the quiet dignity of a refugee fleeing unimaginable horrors, Ward’s storytelling is compassionate and deeply affecting. Her empathy and commitment to amplifying these voices shine through every page.

The memoir also offers a candid look at the personal toll of covering conflict. Ward is unafraid to delve into the emotional and physical strains of her career, reflecting on the sacrifices and ethical dilemmas that come with the job.

Her honesty about the challenges of balancing her professional and personal life adds a layer of vulnerability that makes the book even more compelling. These moments remind readers that behind the camera is a journalist who is constantly grappling with fear, doubt, and the weight of bearing witness to the world’s darkest moments.

Ward’s prose is crisp and evocative, bringing to life not only the war zones she covers but also the newsroom politics and cultural nuances that shape her profession. Her journey — from a privileged upbringing in London to the frontlines of global conflict — is both inspiring and thought-provoking, offering readers a rare look at the making of a journalist.

“On All Fronts” is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the power of journalism to shine a light on injustice and to connect audiences to the humanity of those caught in conflict. It challenges readers to think critically about the stories they consume and the sacrifices made to bring those stories to light.

Ward has crafted a work that is as gripping as it is reflective; a book that underscores the importance of bearing witness in a world too often defined by division and violence.

For anyone interested in journalism, global affairs, or the complexities of the human condition, “On All Fronts” is an essential read — a masterful blend of memoir and reportage that stays with you long after you have turned the final page.