Before I tell you what I think of this amazing book I want to share a little six degrees moment with you. One of my best friends, Ann, is married to Rick. One of Rick's dear friends is Babak. Babak is the love in Farnaz's life. A few years ago, not too long after this book came out, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Farnaz and Babak while Ann & Rick were in NYC visiting. Farnaz was so kind and I was glad to meet friends of my friends but now, after finally having read her book, I feel even more pleased and honored to even for that short time have got the chance to talk to her.
Farnaz was in Iraq as a journalist for The Wall Street Journal during the time leading up to the US going in there and during the first few years of what can really only be called our occupation of the country.
There is some history of the tribal differences between Sunni and Shiite and a first hand account of the change in the country caused by the long running war. But the real story between the covers of Waiting for an Ordinary Day is the insight into the real people just trying to survive, to care for their families, their children. Things like visiting family, celebrating birthdays or weddings, going to work and school, all become instances of taking a risk with your life.
This isn't a sugar coated story, this is a real glimpse into life in a war zone. It is painful and messy. The beauty is that even in all the danger there is still life going on, babies born, couples getting married and love of art and culture. There is a lot of history and religious background that adds layers of complication to the situation. Farnaz does a touching and powerful job of taking her reader with her as she watches the fallout.
(Finished September 2, 2013)
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