54 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category


    • Chapter Twenty-five Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter depicts a dreamlike encounter between Cyrus's father, Ali Shams, and the legendary poet Rumi outside a music venue. Ali, a hardworking immigrant who rarely appears in Cyrus's dreams, is seen smoking a cigarette—a habit he had abandoned in America. Rumi, adorned in vibrant robes and smoking a blunt, greets Ali with enthusiasm, revealing a mutual recognition between the two. The scene is set against the backdrop of a loud hardcore show, with young attendees milling about, creating a surreal…
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      Chapter Four

      Chapter Four Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a woman's first flight experience from Tehran to Bandar Abbas on July 3, 1988, against the backdrop of Iran's economic hardship. The narrative paints a vivid picture of Tehran's struggles—families selling heirloom carpets for survival, men raising chickens in bathrooms, and desperate attempts to secure food. A haunting scene depicts young women risking prostitution on Revolution Street, with one girl violently apprehended by secret police. The protagonist's unease during her flight…
    • The How of Pooh? Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter begins with an introduction to the concept of Taoism, aiming to clarify misconceptions for those unfamiliar with the philosophy. The author humorously suggests that understanding Taoism can be facilitated by imagining a journey to China, where ancient allegories and teachings originate. This playful approach sets the stage for exploring the core ideas of Taoism through cultural symbols and stories, making complex ideas more accessible. The author emphasizes that Taoism is about understanding…
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      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Fifteen Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Cyrus experiencing a vivid dream set in an elevated parking lot surrounded by blooming trees and yellow plains. Unlike his usual dreams, the setting emerges before the characters, creating a surreal atmosphere. Two figures eventually appear: basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, dressed in a retro uniform, and Cyrus’s imaginary younger brother, Beethoven, named after the dog from the 1992 film. The dream’s whimsical tone is established as the two men engage in playful banter,…
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      Chapter V

      Chapter V Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Mollie, the vain mare, becoming increasingly unreliable as winter approaches. She neglects her duties, admires her reflection, and is eventually confronted by Clover about consorting with a human from a neighboring farm. When Clover discovers hidden sugar and ribbons in Mollie's stall, it confirms her suspicions of betrayal. Mollie soon abandons Animal Farm altogether, choosing a life of comfort under human care, symbolized by her appearance pulling a dogcart with a red ribbon—a…
    • Chapter Twenty-six Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens in Tehran, August 1987, with the narrator reflecting on a transformative first kiss with Leila, described as a word that evokes "heaven" rather than just "sky." The moment is charged with emotional depth, setting the tone for their intimate connection. The narrative shifts to a phone call from Ali and Gilgamesh, who are drunkenly checking in from a campsite, their boisterous banter contrasting with the quiet tension of the narrator and Leila's shared space. Leila's playful interaction…
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      Chapter Five

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter explores the lives of Cyrus and Ali Shams, Iranian immigrants in Indiana, focusing on their struggles with insomnia and trauma. Cyrus, now an adolescent, grapples with chronic sleeplessness, obsessively replaying daily interactions and imagining social slights. His anxiety extends to fears of deportation and his family’s precarious visa status, exacerbated by his father Ali’s vague warnings about the dangers of revealing their Iranian heritage. Ali works long hours at a chicken farm,…
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      The Tao of Who?

      The Tao of Who? Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter begins with a lighthearted discussion among friends about the nature of wisdom, leading to Pooh’s humorous assertion that his understanding of Taoist principles has been passed down by ancient ancestors. This sets the tone for exploring Taoist concepts through playful dialogue and character-driven anecdotes. Pooh’s reference to Taoist sages, such as Wu Tao-tse and Li Pooh, humorously highlights the importance of humility in understanding profound ideas. The conversation emphasizes that…
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      Chapter Sixteen

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter introduces Arash Shirazi, a soldier in the Iranian army during the 1985 Iran-Iraq War, who adopts a unique role inspired by his comrade Arman. Dressed in a black robe with a flashlight illuminating his face, Arash becomes a symbolic "angel of night," riding his horse Badbadak among the dying soldiers to offer them solace and reinforce their resolve. Arman explains that every platoon has a soldier like Arash—one who embodies this celestial figure to provide comfort amidst the horrors of war.…
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      Chapter VI

      Chapter VI Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The animals toiled relentlessly throughout the year, driven by the belief that their labor benefited their own community rather than exploitative humans. Despite grueling hours, including voluntary Sunday work enforced by ration cuts, they fell behind on tasks like sowing crops, foreshadowing a harsh winter. The windmill construction posed unexpected challenges, particularly breaking limestone boulders without human tools. Through collective ingenuity, they devised a method using gravity—dragging…
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