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I Am Citizen of The Earth Country

Name: I Am Citizen of The Earth Country
Author: Emad Jafaripour
ISBN: 978-1-939123-33-6

From the I Am Citizen of The Earth Country series , Vol. 1

by Emad Jafaripour ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 2014

An idealistic, if messy, guide to being a better citizen of Earth.

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Jafaripour encourages readers to think like citizens of the world in this debut collection of micro-essays.

The author asserts that humans have much more in common with each other than they realize. In this collection of 150 “discussions,” meant to be read in any order, Jafaripour seeks to highlight these commonalities while calling on the reader to remember those things that are most important in life. Discussion 9, for example, “Ordinary Joys,” calls on the reader to savor the moment: “Instead of quickly drinking tea, first look at your cup of tea carefully, say ‘wow, such a hot tea with a nice color.’ ” The micro-essays take the form of poems, anecdotes, quotes, affirmations, and other easily digestible bits of text. They are often accompanied by a small picture that illustrates some aspect of the topic. The overall effect of the book is similar to that of an inspirational desk calendar, mixing strategies for self-improvement with calls to tackle large issues in the world such as war, water shortages, heroin addiction, air pollution, and the problem of anti-Arab poems in Iran. The final 17 discussions are profiles of individuals from Iran and around the world, which give the reader some insights into the other Earth Country citizens who are out there. According to the introduction, this is only the first of a planned 20 volumes. Jafaripour’s first language is Persian, and his English is sometimes filled with grammatical errors and incorrect pluralizations: “We believe that 4 types of extremist fanaticisms made The Earth full of hatred (gender fanaticism, ethnicity fanaticism, nationality fanaticism, religion fanaticism)....We like peace, environment, happiness & social growth on Earth.” While it’s difficult not to sympathize with his project, the book’s simplistic worldview and tone lead to many moments of inadvertent humor. For an uncomplicated idea, the production values of the book are low, and it may be too idiosyncratic (and Iran-centric) to find a wider audience among “Earthians.” The author’s sentiments may be sincere, but the execution falls short of perfection.

An idealistic, if messy, guide to being a better citizen of Earth.

Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-939123-33-6

Page Count: 166

Publisher: Supreme Century

Review Posted Online: March 22, 2016

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.