44 Results in the "Non-Fiction" category
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Chapter
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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Chapter
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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Chapter
[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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Chapter
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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Chapter
[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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Chapter
Orkideh
Orkideh begins with the narrator deeply contemplating their relationship with happiness and its fleeting nature. They candidly admit that joy has not been a constant or abundant presence in their life. Instead, the narrator notes that there were isolated moments of genuine joy, but these moments were brief and seemed to pass more quickly than expected. Reflecting on this, the narrator considers the idea that each person may only have a limited amount of joy to experience throughout their lives. In their…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Orkideh
Orkideh's story is a deeply emotional exploration of grace, death, and identity through the lens of Roya Shams, who reflects on both her painful past and the unearned gift of life she finds herself carrying after surviving a tragic plane crash. The crash, caused by the USS Vincennes misidentifying her flight as a threat, took away so many lives, including that of her lover, Leila. In the aftermath, Roya is left to reckon with her survival and the sense of grace she feels, wondering why she was granted life…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
[I believe that…]
I believe that the chapter opens with a compelling and forceful statement made by William J. Crow Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who asserts that Iran is directly responsible for a tragic event, highlighting the country’s role as the immediate cause of the disaster. His declaration carries a heavy weight, underscoring the seriousness of the incident and the complex geopolitical ramifications that it brings. Crow’s assertion reflects the broader tensions that continue to persist in…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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[There are no…]
There are no flawless military operations, as pointed out by William J. Crow Jr., Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, in his statement from August 5, 1988. In this declaration, Crow highlights the complexity and unpredictable nature of military engagements, emphasizing that even when missions are successful, they are not without imperfections. This assertion challenges the common belief that military success signifies an absence of error. It reveals that all military operations, regardless…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
Monday
Monday arrives, casting a long shadow over Cyrus Shams as he waits in a Brooklyn park for Sang Linh, an encounter he knows will stir emotions and memories. He sits hunched on a park bench, his appearance disheveled, his mind tangled in a web of anxious thoughts about the upcoming conversation. The weight of what this meeting could mean hangs heavy, as he wonders how he will be perceived by Sang and how much of his own turmoil will surface. As he waits, the park around him continues its unhurried rhythm,…-
245.7 K • Ongoing
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