Fifth stab at a career choice was a charm for Alameddine

To sit down to a meal with "The Hakawati" author Rabih Alameddine is to laugh constantly. Here is what he says, for instance, to those readers always wondering if the main character, Osama, is based on Alameddine himself.

"No! No! We have similar traits, but I needed a character who was a little more passive than I am. Osama doesn't talk much. He listens. I don't think anyone ever told Osama to shut the (expletive) up. I get it all the time."

Here is what he says to those who think the hakawati (storyteller) grandfather in the book is based on his own. "My grandfather was a medical doctor. He couldn't tell a story to save his life. He wasn't the most interesting person. And my grandmother is a bridge player. She says she is the No. 1 bridge player in Lebanon. We have this bet "... how long will it take her to tell you what hand she had that morning. Not long. But she's good at it; she can bring the bridge game right to life."

Alameddine, 50, lives up the street from the Mediterranean restaurant where we are dining, but the food doesn't pass muster. "If I want Lebanese food, I go to Lebanon," he sniffs. And he does, several times a year.

Professor's "Blood Done Sign My Name" Book Adapted for Film

Duke University historian Timothy Tyson's book "Blood Done Sign My Name" is being turned into a movie. The story follows a murder in ...

The Name Book: Over 10,000 Names, Their Meanings, Origins, and Spritual Significance

Bethany House

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Product Description

A unique guide to the spiritual meaning of names

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Name Book, The: Over 10,000 Names--Their Meanings, Origins, and Spiritual Significance

Bethany House

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Baby-naming has become an art form with parents today, but where do parents go to find names and their meanings? The Name Book offers particular inspiration to those who want more than just a list of popular names. From Aaron to Zoe, this useful book includes the cultural origin, the literal meaning, and the spiritual significance of more than 10,000 names. An appropriate verse of Scripture accompanies each name, offering parents a special way to bless their children.

The Complete Book of Baby Names: The Most Names (100,001+), Most Unique Names, Most Idea-Generating Lists (600+) and the Most Help to Find the Perfect Name

Sourcebooks, Inc.

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The Complete Book of Baby Names:   The Most Names (100,001+), Most Unique Names, Most Idea-Generating Lists (600+) and the Most Help to Find the Perfect Name

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100,000 + Baby Names: The Most Complete Baby Name Book: Including 300+ Fascinating Lists, The Latest Naming Trends, Key to Gender-Neutral Names

Meadowbrook Press

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Product Description

This complete baby naming resource includes more names and more helpful features than any other book on the market:

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WHAT IS THE NAME OF THIS BOOK? (Touchstone Book)


List Price: $10.00