Issue #37
Hi Page Turners,
I am an optimistic and positive person but this war between Israel and Palestine is really taking its toll. (I know that may sound really privileged considering my circumstance in contrast those who are caught up in the war.) I was thinking the other day whether these two countries will ever find peace. There is more to it than just 'retaliating against a terrorist attack' it is a fight against land over security and over freedom. The question of how Israel is going to occupy Palestine after the war is a frightening prospect but it is also ludicrous because they don't have any right too. Keeping up with the latest updates is imperative but it doesn't make it less scary of the relentless brutality Palestine is facing from Israel's hands and the worlds complicit.
ICYMI: Last week I had my graduation ceremony and I felt it was finally the write time to write this post that has been in my head for quite a while. Read here: https://fizwrites.wixsite.com/website/post/post-graduation-blues
I also wrote my monthly wrap-up of books I read in October which you can read here: https://fizwrites.wixsite.com/website/post/the-books-i-read-in-october-2023 and my October monthly update which you can read here: https://fizwrites.wixsite.com/website/post/update-9
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Finally please remember to donate as much or as little as you can. Humanitarian aid is the matter of life and death so please donate as much as you can with the link below.
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Books 📚
I finished Next of Kin by Kia Abdullah and it was something I couldn't put down. What I would call a slow burn thriller. Heavy themes but opens the conversation and questions such big themes. Motherhood, sexism amongst so much other things. Also questions if you were put in a certain situation would you agree with what the charcters did or would you condemn them. The ending made me nearly throw the book because I never saw that coming. Harrowing and thought provoking read and you will gobble it in one sitting. Must read my full review here- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5955874546?book_show_action=false
Opinion piece 📰
What we have seen in the news is this fight over narratives. For Israel getting the hostages safe and sound is key so their military operation of the ground offensive killing children and babies, shooting at hospitals and allowing four hour pauses just causes more devastation and destruction. This is not an effective way of releasing hostages so they claim.
The debate on whether the pro-Palestinian march should go ahead on armistice day was a little ironic as James O'Brien says 'Why can't you call for an armistice on Armistice Day?'
It was also ironic that the clashes came from counter protesters rather than who they were all threatened by from people at the pro-Palestinian march.
Suella's rhetoric against not only this but to homeless people is so insulting. Homelessness is not a lifestyle and I can't think of anyone who would choose it because of situations or circumstances this is their last resort. And instead of commenting on this issue why don't she do something effective with her privileged position.
I have said it before and I will say it again leaders like Suella and Keir Starmer's rhetoric are huge red flags.
Rashida Tlaib censorship was heart- breaking but it only amplified her message further: https://x.com/RepRashida/status/1721998463649431647?s=20
Watch this video here:
Further reading 📑
Over in New Delhi smog has hit a “severe” level. I remember writing this about New York recently. It just again highlights the importance of climate change and that we act on it quickly.
It doesn’t matter if you fail. It matters *how* you fail. This was a really interesting watch:
With the release date ever closer for The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes I am watching every BTS and interviews. This was an interesting BTS and how much goes into costumes and colours: https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a45767540/the-hunger-games-ballad-songbirds-snakes-fashion-costumes/
💭 My 3 am thoughts 🕒
My neice introduced me to this song and I have been hooked ever since it is called Džanum by Teya Dora amazing song highly recommend to give it a listen.
Quote of the week ✏
After all, weren't women taught to compete with one another; to observe, assess, rank and critique.'- Taken from Next of Kin by Kia Abdullah.
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With Love and Dua's
Fiz @