Joseph Massad's "Desiring Arabs"
Has anyone else here read this book? It's my favorite academic work to come out in awhile. I've been a fan of Massad's witty yet nuanced style of argument for awhile now and I think this is one of the best examples of his work. It's funny, insightful and challenging the whole way through. I don't agree with everything in the book, but that's not the point of this type of work. It's not a political work but a theoretical one. It's designed to present a new way of looking at notions of Arab sexuality and identity creation. It's not about giving answers, but providing an additional framework for finding them. I think the true value of an academic book can be measured in its ability to engender intelligent discussion and reflection. "Desiring Arabs" definitely does this.
It seems like every week another general/columnist/economist/historian is releasing a new book on the Middle East. This feels like one of the few that stands above the crowd of ripped-from-the-headlines cash-ins and promises to remain relevant many years from now.
Has anyone else here read this book? It's my favorite academic work to come out in awhile. I've been a fan of Massad's witty yet nuanced style of argument for awhile now and I think this is one of the best examples of his work. It's funny, insightful and challenging the whole way through. I don't agree with everything in the book, but that's not the point of this type of work. It's not a political work but a theoretical one. It's designed to present a new way of looking at notions of Arab sexuality and identity creation. It's not about giving answers, but providing an additional framework for finding them. I think the true value of an academic book can be measured in its ability to engender intelligent discussion and reflection. "Desiring Arabs" definitely does this.
It seems like every week another general/columnist/economist/historian is releasing a new book on the Middle East. This feels like one of the few that stands above the crowd of ripped-from-the-headlines cash-ins and promises to remain relevant many years from now.