Journal Entry 1 by JadaAn from Arnold, Maryland USA on Monday, February 21, 2005

Of all the books I've read so far in my readings of books 'by and about Muslim women', this one seems just a tad bit on the side of 'kiss and tell', some sour grapes. I think the author may have been terribly attracted to the whole 'marry into money' thing, then had a rude awakening when she realized that money really doesn't buy happiness. Having said that, I still enjoyed the book and found it very informative.  

Journal Entry 2 by JadaAn at controlled release in Annapolis, Maryland USA on Monday, February 21, 2005

Released 7 yrs ago (2/22/2005 UTC) at controlled release in Annapolis, Maryland USA

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To Pyan... 

Journal Entry 3 by Pyan from Menasha, Wisconsin USA on Monday, February 28, 2005

Arrived in today's mail ... thank you for trading! 

Journal Entry 4 by Pyan from Menasha, Wisconsin USA on Saturday, April 16, 2005

This is an interesting book for its inside look at the Bin Laden family. In 1973, Swiss-born Carmen fell in love with Yeslam bin Ladin, Osama's older brother; after a fairy-tale courtship, including a semester together at USC, the two married in Saudi Arabia.

Carmen was accustomed to living in Europe, mainly Switzerland, and she and her husband also spent time in California. Family matters take them back to Saudi Arabia, and life really begins to change in 1979 when Saudi Arabia begins to turn back to the strict rules of Wahabi Islam after the overthrow of the Shah of Iran. Life for women becomes oppressive, to put it mildly.

An quick read providing a glimpse into the Bin Laden family.


 

Journal Entry 5 by Pyan from Menasha, Wisconsin USA on Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Turning into a Bookray.






List of participants in order

Apolonia - Massachusetts
Megi53 - Virginia
Meshe - Georgia
Titihood - Canada
Luintaurien - Nebraska
CdnBlueRose - Colorado*

*NOTE: I no longer need book back so CdnBlueRose may keep permanently, trade, release or otherwise do as she wishes with book!

Journal Entry 6 by Pyan at Bookring in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, July 01, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (7/5/2005 UTC) at Bookring in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Sending on it's way to Apolonia who has been waiting so patiently for this book for months because I didn't have time to put the ring together until now.

Thanks for your patience! *hugs* 

Journal Entry 7 by Apolonia from Lynn, Massachusetts USA on Friday, July 22, 2005

The book is here, I actually received it last week, and it got misplaced for a few days. I will read it and pass it on asap.
Thanks for sharing Pyan. 

Journal Entry 8 by Apolonia from Lynn, Massachusetts USA on Wednesday, August 03, 2005

I found the book interesting and informative. It was a quick and easy read. Compared to some of the other books I've read, Carmen was actually pretty lucky to get out the way she did. I often wonder why western women continue to marry Muslim men and go to live in one of the Middle Easten Countries when there are so many terrible stories and bad endings. I guess these women must believe love conquers all.
I will try to get this out to Megi53 today. Thanks again for sharing Pyan. 

Journal Entry 9 by Megi53 from Danville, Virginia USA on Saturday, August 06, 2005

Arrived in today's mail.

I looked at all the photos -- some of the women's faces had been blurred out, although they were named -- no pics of Osama in his bell-bottoms! 

Journal Entry 10 by Megi53 from Danville, Virginia USA on Sunday, August 21, 2005

I truly enjoyed reading this book and felt like it was a valuable contribution to understanding the Middle East, past and present.

Carmen and her ghost writer, Ruth Marshall, seemed intent on telling the truth and looking for the good as well as the bad in Saudi Arabia.

The most fascinating part, for me, was the inside descriptions of construction business practices and the convoluted ways building and supply contracts have to be carried out in a nation like the Bin Ladens'.

It was exciting to read about how Yeslam overcame his lowly position as 10th son by using his formidable intelligence to start his own brokerage (with lots of help from Carmen's sharp mind).

Oh, and it seems the reason there was no photo of Osama in his bell-bottoms is that his name was erroneously attached to that infamous Swedish photo of the brothers on holiday.

Carmen debunks some of the more fantastic tales about him, although she adds one of her own about Osama refusing to let his baby son drink from a bottle even though the child was suffering with extreme thirst.

Brief mentions of luxury shopping in Europe were fun to read!

The most intriguing character after Carmen herself was Sheikha. I'd love to read more about her adventures in Afghanistan.

Thanks for the ring, Pyan! It will be mailed to Meshe during my lunch hour tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 11 by meshe from Bonaire, Georgia USA on Friday, August 26, 2005

book arrived today. must finish a couple of rings first and then on to this one. 

Journal Entry 12 by meshe from Bonaire, Georgia USA on Thursday, September 08, 2005

Sorry it's taken me so long to journal this book. My internet access was 'out of order' for a few days. Finished this book last week and want to thank Pyan for starting this ring. I'm not sure if I believe everything I read. That bit about the computer and Yeslam having it over on Bill Gates was a little far-fetched. But overall, perhaps a pretty good look at the internal goings on of a rich, privileged, Islamic family. Pming for address of Titihood. 

Journal Entry 13 by titihood on Friday, October 14, 2005

Received this today, looks like quite a short read, am hoping it will be interesting! Thanks for sharing, Pyan :) 

Journal Entry 14 by titihood at Controlled release in Montréal, Québec in - By post or by hand/ in person -, Québec Canada on Friday, December 30, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (12/30/2005 UTC) at Controlled release in Montréal, Québec in - By post or by hand/ in person -, Québec Canada

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Sent to Luintaurien 

Journal Entry 15 by Luintaurien from York, Nebraska USA on Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Got it today. Will read and pass on ASAP. Thank you. 

Journal Entry 16 by Luintaurien from York, Nebraska USA on Thursday, April 06, 2006

Can't get into it so sending on. 

Journal Entry 17 by Luintaurien from York, Nebraska USA on Monday, May 15, 2006

CdnBlueRose wanted to be skipped. Will be mailing out this week as a RABCK from Pyan to Dospescados. 

Journal Entry 18 by Luintaurien at -- By Hand or Post, Ray/Ring, Rabck in York, Nebraska USA on Thursday, May 18, 2006

Released 6 yrs ago (5/18/2006 UTC) at -- By Hand or Post, Ray/Ring, Rabck in York, Nebraska USA

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RABCK from Pyan 

Journal Entry 19 by dospescados on Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Thanks so much!