This book is an abridged edition of the Arabic novel Saaq al-Bambuu (The Bamboo Stalk), written by Saud al-Sanousi, a living Kuwaiti writer. The abridged edition, which was written by the editors and approved by the author (highlighting its authenticity), is presented in Arabic and provided with exercises for use in an Arabic language-learning course at the intermediate-advanced level. Following Familiar's first book, Hoda Barakat's Sayyidi wa Habibi, this book seeks to engage students in reading a rewarding story that was written by a contemporary Middle Eastern author, while providing them with the necessary apparatus to understand the language and literature with which they are engaging. In addition, the author has won several awards, including the prestigious International Prize for Arabic Fiction, for this book. Included with the book are: brief bio of the author; exercises for each chapter; and glossaries of literary terms and literary devices.
Novel synopsis: It is a coming-of-age story of a half-Filippino, half-Kuwaiti teen who returns to his father's Kuwait. The novel addresses many current social issues, including who is accepted, what acceptance means, the hierarchies of Kuwaiti society, and the results of poverty.