44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
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
[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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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
Sunday
Sunday finds Cyrus Shams in Brooklyn on the third day of his visit, with the intention of visiting the museum before it opens. His aim is to engage in a meaningful conversation with Orkideh, a talented artist currently facing the challenges of cancer. On his way, he picks up two coffees, planning to offer one to Orkideh as a gesture of thoughtfulness, which sparks a moment of introspection for him. The act of giving the coffee reminds Cyrus of the term "sonder," the realization that everyone has a complex…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Interlude
Interlude in the life of Ferdowsi reveals the depth of his passion for poetry, along with his strong will to overcome any obstacle in his way. Growing up beside the Tus River, Ferdowsi found himself constantly immersed in the natural world, often contemplating life’s deeper meanings while gazing at the river. One day, as he wandered along the riverbank, a shocking sight greeted him—the ancient stone bridge that had connected families for generations had been claimed by the river's powerful current.…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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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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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Beethoven Shams find themselves in a surreal, dreamlike landscape that feels detached from reality. The scene begins in a vacant parking lot elevated above a vast field, where flowers bloom and yellow grass sways gently in the breeze, offering a tranquil yet uncanny setting. Initially, the space is devoid of life, but soon, two figures appear: Kareem, easily recognizable with his tall, athletic frame and iconic basketball attire, and Beethoven, an imaginary younger brother of Cyrus,…
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245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
[From: Rear Admiral…]
From: Rear Admiral William M. Fogarty, USN, the formal investigation into the tragic incident involving the USS Vincennes (CG. 49) and the downing of a commercial airliner on July 3, 1988, is initiated with a letter addressed to the Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command. This letter, written with the seriousness and formality characteristic of military communication, serves to outline the critical intelligence context that led to the misidentification of Iran Air Flight 655. Admiral Fogarty sets a…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Arash Shirazi
Arash Shirazi, set in Khuzestan, Iran, in May 1985, delves deeply into the complex nature of war and the human spirit. The narrator reflects on the role he plays in the platoon, drawing parallels between himself and Arman, a figure who embodies hope and spirituality in the midst of battle’s horrors. He portrays himself as a guardian angel, dressed in a long black robe, riding a dark horse named Badbadak. This symbol of light amidst darkness brings comfort to the dying soldiers, offering them a glimpse of…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Saturday
Saturday begins with Cyrus Shams waking up in a chic Brooklyn hotel room shared with his roommate, Zee. Their bond goes beyond simple friendship, characterized by an intimacy that, although non-sexual, runs deep and is expressed through affectionate gestures. Cyrus often reflects on his past, particularly his childhood habit of thumb-sucking, which he now replaces by using Zee’s thumb for comfort, a symbol of the closeness and trust that defines their relationship. Despite the lack of overt physical…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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