44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
Roya Shams
Roya Shams reflects on a life-changing day in August 1987, where she finds herself deeply affected by Leila, a woman who embodies a beauty that surpasses mere aesthetics. Their conversation in a taxi is lively and filled with various topics, ranging from astrology to punk music to mythology, all of which reveal Leila’s exuberant and free-spirited nature. As the taxi winds its way through Tehran’s busy streets, Roya is struck by the contrast between the vibrant atmosphere and the darker history of the…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Sunday
Sunday was a day filled with reflection and connection for Cyrus Shams and Zee Novak as they found themselves at ease in Brooklyn, sharing a casual evening together. Sitting side by side, eating pizza and watching TV, the two friends exchanged lighthearted banter and engaged in deeper conversations about life’s complexities. Zee brought up the ironic nature of being in a city teeming with opportunities, yet still choosing to do nothing, tying it to the concept of "opportunity cost." In a humorous debate,…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
[What might compel…]
What might compel a martyr to martyrdom? This question lies at the heart of the author’s exploration in the chapter, delving into the complicated and deeply personal reasons that can drive someone to sacrifice their life for a cause. The author presents a list of various motivations that might propel an individual toward martyrdom: god, beauty, family, land, love, history, justice, desire, and sex. Each of these powerful forces represents a significant aspect of human existence and encapsulates the range…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Sunday
Sunday arrives, and Cyrus Shams sits in the outdoor café named Daylight in Brooklyn, wrapped in a cold breeze as he waits for his friend Zee Novak. His mind is preoccupied with a conversation he had with Orkideh, a complex figure from his past. Orkideh had mentioned a plane crash that was somehow connected to Cyrus’s mother, a revelation he had never heard before and which lingered in his thoughts. Pulling out his phone, Cyrus exchanges a brief text with his sponsor, Gabe, who reassures him that he is…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Roya Shams
Roya Shams reflects on a defining day in August 1987, one that marked the start of a transformative journey for her. The day unfolds with a sense of adventure and freedom, as Roya and her friend Leila wander through the heart of Tehran, taking in the vibrant energy of the bustling Bazaar-e Tajrish. The marketplace is alive with an explosion of sensory experiences, from the vibrant colors of fresh flowers to the mouthwatering scents of kabobs sizzling over charcoal, and the intricate beauty of handwoven…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Sunday
Sunday arrives, and Cyrus Shams finds himself trapped in the tumult of his own emotions as he navigates his third day in Brooklyn. The weight of his recent loss looms large, as the funeral of his father still lingers in his thoughts. Seeking some semblance of connection, Cyrus tries to reach out to Zee, though his heart feels hesitant, unsure if he should burden others with his grief. He ultimately decides against leaving a message, instead choosing to reflect on the stark reality of his father’s burial,…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Orkideh and President Invective
Orkideh and President Invective, Martyr! unfolds in a surreal mall setting, where two characters, Orkideh and President Invective, experience a strange interaction in the midst of consumerism. The mall, with its gleaming fluorescent lights and luxury stores, becomes a backdrop for their exploration of personal identity and art. Orkideh, strikingly bald but full of life, stands out in her oversized sunglasses and expressive eyebrows, drawing attention and curiosity from those around her. Accompanied by…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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[If the mortal…]
If the mortal world can often feel overwhelming, with the complexities of life and death weighing heavily on one's mind, the author, Cyrus Shams, offers a thought-provoking exploration of two of humanity's most debated concepts: suicide and martyrdom. In Martyr!, Shams delves into the moral dimensions of both acts, revealing the internal struggles that accompany these extreme decisions. The chapter begins with the notion that suicide, which many view as a mortal sin, is often rooted in a deep sense of…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Ali Shams and Rumi
In "Ali Shams and Rumi," Cyrus Shams is drawn into a powerful dream sequence where his father, Ali, emerges as a central figure. Ali, a man weighed down by the scars of wartime service, the early death of his wife, and years of grueling labor in a new country, reflects the quiet strength that often accompanies a life of struggle. In this dream, Ali sits outside a music venue, seemingly relaxed as he smokes a cigarette—an act that symbolizes the little, unnoticed sacrifices parents make, often taken for…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Monday
Monday begins with Cyrus Shams reflecting on a lonely and tumultuous night spent in a hotel room, where he is overwhelmed by a profound sense of shame and disconnection. As he awakens, drenched in sweat and the uncomfortable reality of wetting the bed, he is transported back to his darker days, particularly his struggles with alcohol. The incident brings a tidal wave of self-loathing and shame, igniting a series of questions about his worth and the responsibility he now carries in his sobriety. He longs…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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