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  • The Abu Dhabi Bar Mitzvah

  • Fear and Love in the Modern Middle East
  • Written by: Adam Valen Levinson
  • Narrated by: Vikas Adam
  • Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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The Abu Dhabi Bar Mitzvah

Written by: Adam Valen Levinson
Narrated by: Vikas Adam
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Publisher's Summary

Armed only with college Arabic and restless curiosity, Adam Valen Levinson set out to "learn about the world 9/11 made us fear." From a base in globalized and sterilized Abu Dhabi, he sets out to lunch in Taliban territory in Afghanistan, travels under the watchful eye of Aleppo's secret police, risks shipwreck en route to Somalia, investigates Yazidi beliefs in a sacred cave, cliff-dives in Oman, celebrates New Year's Eve in Tahrir Square, and, at every turn, discovers a place that matches not at all with its reputation.

While politicians and media eagerly stoke the flames of Islamophobia, Valen Levinson crosses borders with abundant humor and humanity. Seeking common ground everywhere, he finds that people who pray differently often laugh the same. And as a young man bar mitzvahed at 21 (instead of the usual 13), he slowly learns how childish it is to live by decisions and distinctions born of fear.

©2018 Adam Valen Levinson (P)2017 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
Middle East Adventure Travel Travel Writing & Commentary
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What the critics say

"Levinson skillfully relates aspects of his destinations' histories alongside his journalist's observations and personal thoughts and emotions in this unique and illuminating travelogue." ( Booklist)

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Profile Image for Roberta W

Great travel memoir

I really enjoyed this travel memoir. Travelling to the Middle East at the time of the Arab Spring isn’t anything I can fathom, so this was insightful. Lots of insights into customs and views on the world, including those looking back at Westerners. Recommended.

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