Across the Middle East and North Africa, there are stories which have influenced generations of reader's and this makes me wonder, what will you be reading for World Book Night?

One story is 'Osnat and Her Dove' by Sigal Samuel, which speaks about the life and legacy of Osnat Barzani who lived from 1590 to 1670 in Mosul, Mesopotamia, and became the worlds first female rabbi.

https://youtu.be/-SFYKYPf7Es?si=lxW7aSBd7hq54Jn6

#books #reading #iraq #education #yearofreading #uk #history #middleeast #artist #art

It's incredible to think, that in the Arab American National Museum a door is on public display. This door is a direct line from the "past and present", inviting people to discover one of America's first mosques.

The door also invites people to learn about the lives of early immigrant farmers to America and shares experiences which could easily sound like a story told by John Steinbeck.

https://youtu.be/BpeZAm7rKHY?si=ANND7j-hHGGihuQB

#history #usa #youtube #yearofreading #books #reading #islam #lebanon #uk #media

In recent years, Muslims in America have been under constant scrutiny as a consequence of American foreign policy but what has rarely been discussed is America's history with Islam.

The history of Islam in the USA is often associated with figures like Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan and Muhammad Ali, so it's good to see a different story being told.

https://youtu.be/vN8bg2UiiVg?si=2Bj0heLPYJUvwuQk

#history #pbs #islam #yearofreading #usa #chicago #africa #uk #books #reading

"One community, many voices". This is a theme being explored this Arab American Heritage Month. But how do you hear the voices of ordinary people when the media says one thing and others claim to speak for you?

The Arab American National Museum is based in Dearborn, Michigan, and is the only museum dedicated to documenting and elevating the experiences of the Arab American community. Some stories need sharing ❤️

https://youtu.be/xVQ-pa72opE?si=Uxqt5aAM-HSuCPo-

#usa #uk #history #books #reading #yearofreading #art

Learn how a man born into slavery became one of the most influential voices for democracy. Frederick Douglass' life and words have certainly left us with a powerful legacy.

https://youtu.be/NuQ7m5haBes?si=xd1o1BdIq8sLYBDJ

#usa #america #books #reading #yearofreading #readinghour #worldbooknight #history #europe #liverpool

If you start your classical journey at the Manchester Arndale branch of Waterstones, they have a wonderful section just dedicated to books from ancient Greece. It's like a letter of love from history❤️

From ancient Greece to naming Mesopotamia, it's incredible to think that Greek influences on our daily lives include Democracy, The Olympics, running a Marathon and doctors taking the Hippocratic Oath.

#history #manchester #books #yearofreading #worldbooknight #readinghour #greece #philosophy #uk

World Book Night is taking place on the 23rd April and all The Reading Agency are asking, is that people participate in a #readinghour from 7pm. For this, we may need to draw on the power of a short story.

But what short stories are best for an hour on the sofa with a good book? Personally, I'd go for either Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle or Close Range: Wyoming Stories by Annie Proulx. The floor is now open for ideas 🤔

#yearofreading #worldbooknight #books #uk #reading #culture #media

Who is excited to see the upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey and is anyone going to use it as an excuse to read this fantastic story by Homer?

As we're celebrating the national #YearofReading, it's worth knowing that Penguin have released a stunning hard back edition of this Greek classic.

https://youtu.be/Mzw2ttJD2qQ?si=tptw4EKSSYucuX5x

#film #books #greece #history #reading #classic #europe #philosophy #democracy #uk

Out this week, is episode one of the new podcast 'We Are Lifeguards' from The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, or more commonly known as the RNLI.

Since 1824, the RNLI have been saving lives at sea but since 2001, they have operated a special lifeguard service at beaches across the United Kingdom.

https://rnli.org/magazine/magazine-featured-list/2026/march/copy-of-we-are-lifeguards-episode-3---equipped-and-ready

#podcast #rnli #yearofreading #audiobook #uk #manchester #london #seaside #books #reading

While many people are familiar with 'Of Mice and Men' and 'Grapes of Wrath', have you ever read John Steinbeck's non-fiction books 'America and Americans' or 'Travels with Charley'?

In 1960, John Steinbeck set out in his pick-up truck with his dog Charley to rediscover and chronicle his native USA, on a 10,000-mile journey that took him through almost forty states.

Fans should also check out https://steinbeck.org ❤️

#books #yearofreading #reading #uk #usa #news #film #photography #photo #art