I read much less than I had planned in 2024 but with some go..
Added 2024-12-21 23:15:16 +0000 UTCI read much less than I had planned in 2024 but with some good reason... I started learning a new language and wrote a 150 page hobby project. However, I did read one book that was quite epic in its scope and has stayed with me since.
“Arabs” by Tim Mackintosh-Smith covers a 3,000 year history, revealing both obvious and unexpected sub-contexts and connections to today. Most importantly, it's just very beautifully written, deeply insightful and compassionate, without coddling its topic.
I had read Hourani’s A History of the Arab Peoples prior because it's considered "the" history. In retrospect it was a tad dry and academic and far less engaging. It was also written from the Oxford campus, whereas the Mackintosh-Smith history was written from an apartment in Sanaa, Yemen.
I mean... it's defiantly a project to read. But if you're looking for one and are attempting to understand the Arab peoples... I highly recommend.
