A Contemporary Theatre presents the world premiere of PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Yussef El Guindi from September 5 through September 29. Librarians at Seattle Public Library created this resource list of books and films to enhance your experience of the show.
A Disappearance in Damascus
In the midst of an unfolding international crisis, renowned journalist Deborah Campbell finds herself swept up in the mysterious disappearance of Ahlam, her guide and friend. Campbell's frank, personal account of a journey through fear and the triumph of friendship and courage is as riveting as it is illuminating.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View A Disappearance in DamascusBilly Lynn's Long Halftime Walk
This satire – and the film it inspired - explores the gaping national disconnect between the war at home and the war abroad, following the surviving members of the heroic Bravo Squad through one exhausting stop in their media-intensive "Victory Tour."
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
View Billy Lynn's Long Halftime WalkThe Happiest Song Plays Last
At the dawn of the Arab Spring in an ancient Jordanian town, an Iraq War veteran struggles to overcome the traumas of combat by taking on an entirely new and unexpected career: action film hero. By the author of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Water By the Spoonful.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Happiest Song Plays LastHomeland: Iraq Year Zero
In his epic and engaging documentary of life in Baghdad before and after the 2003 US invasion, Iraqi filmmaker Abbas Fahdel acquaints us with a moving portrait of his own family and friends as they struggle in the advent and the uncertain aftermath of war.
Format: Streaming Video
View Homeland: Iraq Year ZeroIraqiGirl
A young blogger from Mosul, Iraq, gives a direct, impassioned view of the chaos and violence of military occupation in the aftermath of the US-led invasion.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View IraqiGirlThe Girl Who Escaped ISIS
"A rare and riveting first-hand account of the terror and torture inflicted by ISIS on young Iraqi Yazidi women, and an inspiring personal story of bravery and resilience in the face of unspeakable horrors.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Girl Who Escaped ISISAmerican Sniper
A member of Navy SEAL Team 3 describes his life as a father, husband, and sniper. The basis for the film of the same name, starring Bradley Cooper.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View American SniperThe Beekeeper
Acclaimed poet and journalist Dunya Mikhail tells the harrowing stories of several women who managed to escape the clutches of Daesh (ISIS).
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The BeekeeperOn her shoulders
At only twenty-three years old, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad's life is a dizzying array of important undertakings, from giving testimony before the U.N. Security Council to visiting refugee camps.
Format: DVD
Availability: Available
View On her shouldersThe President's Gardens
Al-Ramli's powerful, sweeping novel tells the story of three men from a small Iraqi village who are caught up in their country's recent turbulent history.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The President's Gardens