44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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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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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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[In the balancing…]
In the balancing act of leadership, where caution must be tempered with decisive action, President Reagan chose a path of resolute firmness. As a key figure in the Oval Office, Reagan’s decisions were not just about political posturing but the weight of every move made in the realm of international relations and defense. A seasoned advisor to the President reflected on the inherent difficulties of making critical decisions in high-stakes scenarios, remarking, “In these tight situations, things…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Monday
Monday begins with a powerful, dream-like sequence that places Cyrus Shams in a fragmented and surreal setting in Brooklyn, where the narrative unfolds in an almost disorienting haze. He finds himself immersed in vivid, disjointed images, where stars twinkle in the night sky, contrasting sharply with unsettling visuals that provoke a deep sense of disorientation. The presence of a docent, communicating through a walkie-talkie, adds an air of authority to this otherwise chaotic scene, creating a layer of…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Roya Shams
Roya Shams’ reflective chapter begins in August 1987, where a tender memory with Leila stands out. Their first kiss, an experience laden with emotional weight, is described in a manner that evokes feelings akin to "heaven." This tender moment sets the tone for the chapter, diving deep into the personal connection they share. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a playful phone call from Ali and Gilgamesh, who, from a campsite, amusingly check in with their wives. Their cheerful conversation stands…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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[When asked about…]
When asked about the concept of goodness, the author begins by contemplating a powerful quote from Michelangelo, which suggests that the process of removing harmful influences from life reveals what genuinely serves us. In this reflection, the author critiques a common view in Abrahamic religions—that goodness can be attained by simply avoiding harmful actions. This perspective is particularly problematic when considering individuals who hold wealth or power, as they often feel morally superior for…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Monday
Monday begins with Cyrus Shams regaining consciousness on the cold, hard landing of a staircase, his head spinning as concerned museum employees hover around him. Prateek, a familiar docent he recognizes, is among those standing by, offering a steadying presence amidst his confusion. Overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss and disorientation, Cyrus's mind races with memories of Orkideh, the Iranian artist who passed away, leaving an indelible mark on him. Though the employees are eager to contact medical…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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[Sitting on a…]
Sitting on a bench in Prospect Park, Cyrus felt a heavy weight settle in his chest as he listened to the voicemail from Sang, Orkideh’s gallerist and former wife. The news of Orkideh's tragic passing left him reeling, despite the fact that his time with her had been short-lived. In the age of instant notifications, death had become just another item on a list of daily updates, but for Cyrus, this loss felt profoundly personal. Still, he found himself struggling with the conflicting feelings of distance…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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