The Next Best Book Club discussion

I want to read a good book on Middle Eastern history, culture, etc. and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions/recommendations? I'm not really particular about country, just the region in general, though if it focuses on a particular country that's fine too. Thanks in advance!

I take it you're looking for non-fiction? If so this might suit you: Reading Lolita in Tehran A Memoir in Books. I haven't read it yet, just own it but it looks interesting.

If you like fiction and you want something with Middle Eastern culture I suggest The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Yeah, I was thinking non-fiction. Reading Lolita in Tehran: A memoir in Books looks pretty interesting, I'll check it out. Thanks for the suggestion.

And I actually have had both The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns donated to me by a friend, and they're sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read (if I ever get to my miles long TBR list, while still keeping up with my work, eek!). Anyhow, thanks again! =)

There are some great books about 20th century middle eastern culture. These are the ones I have read or am planning to read soon:
- In the Land of Invisible Women A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom
- Persian Mirrors The Elusive Face of Iran
- Lipstick Jihad A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America And American in Iran
- Dreams of Trespass Tales of a Harem Girlhood (Not Middle-Eastern, since it's set in Morocco, but if you are interested in Arab culture, you should include some reading on North africa)
- Shah of Shahs

If you are interested in fiction, Palace Walk is the first book in a beautiful trilogy set in Cairo.

I have The Bookseller of Kabul on my to-read list. I had a patient who was reading it and he said it was pretty good.

Thanks =) So many of these sound good! I think my TBR list is going to have to grow some more...