Reading List for Your Journey to Jordan: A Curated Selection of Books
We’re all going to Jordan soon! And if you’d like to get to know more about the country and its neighbors, we feel like books are a great way to start immersing yourself in the history, culture, and the complex narratives of the region. We’ve compiled a list of historical books, novels, and memoirs to hopefully cater to your reading preferences. This is NOT mandatory! But if you enjoy reading, we are more than happy to help you increase the size of your personal library.
To avoid linking you directly to websites like Amazon (plus you’re from all around the world, and for some of you it might be easier to get an e-book), we’ll just be linking the google search results for the book. Please feel free to choose whichever platform works best for you! The book Married to a Bedouin can be easily found on the ground in Petra, for those of you who are interested in purchasing it locally and supporting the businesses there.
Historical and Political Context
- “Jordan: A Hashemite Legacy” by Robert B. Satloff
- This book offers a thorough exploration of Jordan’s political and social history, focusing on the Hashemite dynasty and its significant role in shaping modern Jordan.
- “King Abdullah, Britain and the Making of Jordan” by Mary C. Wilson
- Dive into the creation of modern Jordan under King Abdullah I, exploring the British influence and the political maneuvers that shaped the nation.
- “Across Jordan: King Abdullah, the Zionist Movement, and the Partition of Palestine”
- This book provides an insightful examination of King Abdullah I’s involvement with the Zionist movement, offering a nuanced understanding of Jordan’s role in the early 20th century Middle Eastern politics.
- “The Arabs in Israel” by Sabri Jiryis
- An analysis of the conditions and challenges faced by Arab citizens within Israel, offering a critical look at the socio-political dynamics of the region.
- “Decolonizing Israel, Liberating Palestine: Zionism, Settler Colonialism, and the Case for One Democratic State” by Jeff Halper
- This book offers a critical examination of Zionism through the lens of settler colonialism, exploring how its policies and practices have shaped the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis and the possibilities for achieving justice and equality in the region
Memoirs and Personal Narratives
- “Queen Noor: Leap of Faith” by Queen Noor
- In this memoir, Queen Noor of Jordan shares her experiences as an American-born woman who became queen consort of Jordan, offering a unique perspective on Jordanian culture, politics, and the role of the monarchy.
- “Married to a Bedouin” by Marguerite van Geldermalsen
- A fascinating memoir of a New Zealand woman who married a Bedouin man and lived in Petra, providing a rare glimpse into Bedouin life and traditions.
- “I Saw Ramallah” by Mourid Barghouti
- This memoir details the poignant return of a Palestinian poet to his homeland after 30 years of exile, capturing the emotions and complexities of displacement and identity.
- “In Search of Fatima: A Palestinian Story” by Ghada Karmi
- A deeply personal memoir about the author’s experiences of exile following the Nakba, offering a vivid account of the Palestinian diaspora.
- “The Last Earth: A Palestinian Story” by Ramzy Baroud
- A powerful collection of narratives from Palestinians, recounting their experiences of loss, resistance, and resilience over the decades.
- “The Drone Eats with Me: A Gaza Diary” by Atef Abu Saif
- A harrowing account of life in Gaza during the Israeli bombardments, offering a firsthand perspective on the human impact of conflict.
- “Occupation Diaries” by Raja Shehadeh
- A series of diary entries that document life under Israeli occupation, providing personal reflections on the daily struggles faced by Palestinians.
- “They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl’s Fight for Freedom” by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri
- The memoir of Ahed Tamimi, a young Palestinian activist, who became a symbol of resistance after standing up to Israeli soldiers, offering insights into the youth-led struggle for Palestinian rights.
Literature and Fiction
- “Salt Houses” by Hala Alyan
- A multigenerational novel that traces the lives of a displaced Palestinian family, capturing the nuances of identity, memory, and the lasting impact of exile.
- “Men in the Sun and Other Palestinian Stories” by Ghassan Kanafani
- A collection of short stories that poignantly depict the struggles and aspirations of Palestinians, focusing on themes of exile, identity, and resistance.
Palestinian History and Culture
- “100 Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017” by Rashid Khalidi
- An authoritative account of the Palestinian struggle against Zionism and colonialism, written by one of the leading historians of the Middle East.
- “Palestinian Walks: Forays into a Vanishing Landscape” by Raja Shehadeh
- An exploration of the changing Palestinian landscape through a series of walks, blending personal narrative with reflections on land, identity, and the environment.
Travel Guides
- “The Lonely Planet Guide to Jordan” by Lonely Planet
- This guide offers practical tips, cultural insights, and detailed information about Jordan’s attractions, helping you learn more about the country from a tourist’s perspective.
This collection of books will provide you with a deeper understanding of the region’s history, the ongoing Palestinian struggle, and the vibrant culture of Jordan. Whether you’re looking for historical context, personal stories, or travel tips, we hope these books will help you get a better insight of the country and the people living within. We can’t wait to see you all soon!
