Rating: 
Summary: English 230
Review: Diana Abu-Jaber's novel "Crescent" is a marvelous book in all senses of the word. I truly think that there are no words that can express what this novel has to offer a reader. Abu- Jaber takes you on a journey of romance, tradition, culture, anger, sadness, betrayal, and happiness all through her book. Abu- Jaber combines the never- ending story telling of Arabian Knights told by Sirine's uncle with the three main aspects of the novel. She introduces the magical yet so real bond of love with the characters, the symbolic meaning of food, and the Arab culture. Being a half American, half Iraqi orphan, Sirine, the main character is found in a world that is full of new and mysterious meanings. The loss of her parents at a very young age has made her an incomplete woman even at 39 years of age. Sirine portrays her desire and devotion to the Iraqi culture through her cooking and the café she works in. Food plays a major role in Sirine's life. Not only does Abu-Jaber make you feel as if you smell the food and spices of her cooking, she forms the symbolic role of food in Sirine's life. Wanting to learn about the Iraqi culture even more, Sirine feels that through cooking these Arab foods, she has become part of her father's culture. By doing so, Sirine not only fills the empty gap in her life, but helps fill the gap for the Immigrant students who have left their homelands and families to come to America. Her cooking and Um Nadia's café reminds the students of their Arab cultures, which makes them feel close to "home." Another significant aspect of food is the type of bond that it forms between people. Where ever we are in the world, food always seems to bring people together. So Abu-Jaber does a beautiful job in showing the reality of this in her novel. The same way she shows or brings life to the love between the characters, especially Sirine and Hanif. I can go on and go about the type of love Abu-Jaber forms between the two. Being an Iraqi professor, Sirine falls in love with Hanif who portrays a mysterious past but devotion to her. Abu-Jaber uses beautiful words that seem to come to life as you read. For example, when she throws in Arab words such as "habebtii" or "rohi" when Hanif and Sirine are addressing their love to one another, it brings more meaning than saying "my love" or "my soul." The significance of the Arab translation makes it more meaningful, deep and represents the Arab culture. Let's just say, the erotic passion between Sirine and Hanif will literally give you a sense of butterflies in your stomach. What I loved most of all was the way Abu-Jaber makes their love seem so real unlike the perfect fantasy love. Jealousy, fighting, and betrayal (not so nice but has meaning) are a few aspects that allow the reader to relate this type of love to reality. I also love the way she will keep you guessing in what is to happen next in the novel. "Turning the tables" best describes the way Abu-Jaber will keep you reading on and on. I would strongly recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read the greatest novel of all time. "Crescent" introduces readers to a sensual world packed with exotic foods and spices, traditional Arab poetry and storytelling, and an interesting pack of vivid characters.
Rating:
Summary: English 230
Review: Diana Abu-Jaber's novel "Crescent" is a marvelous book in all senses of the word. I truly think that there are no words that can express what this novel has to offer a reader. Abu- Jaber takes you on a journey of romance, tradition, culture, anger, sadness, betrayal, and happiness all through her book. Abu- Jaber combines the never- ending story telling of Arabian Knights told by Sirine's uncle with the three main aspects of the novel. She introduces the magical yet so real bond of love with the characters, the symbolic meaning of food, and the Arab culture. Being a half American, half Iraqi orphan, Sirine, the main character is found in a world that is full of new and mysterious meanings. The loss of her parents at a very young age has made her an incomplete woman even at 39 years of age. Sirine portrays her desire and devotion to the Iraqi culture through her cooking and the café she works in. Food plays a major role in Sirine's life. Not only does Abu-Jaber make you feel as if you smell the food and spices of her cooking, she forms the symbolic role of food in Sirine's life. Wanting to learn about the Iraqi culture even more, Sirine feels that through cooking these Arab foods, she has become part of her father's culture. By doing so, Sirine not only fills the empty gap in her life, but helps fill the gap for the Immigrant students who have left their homelands and families to come to America. Her cooking and Um Nadia's café reminds the students of their Arab cultures, which makes them feel close to "home." Another significant aspect of food is the type of bond that it forms between people. Where ever we are in the world, food always seems to bring people together. So Abu-Jaber does a beautiful job in showing the reality of this in her novel. The same way she shows or brings life to the love between the characters, especially Sirine and Hanif. I can go on and go about the type of love Abu-Jaber forms between the two. Being an Iraqi professor, Sirine falls in love with Hanif who portrays a mysterious past but devotion to her. Abu-Jaber uses beautiful words that seem to come to life as you read. For example, when she throws in Arab words such as "habebtii" or "rohi" when Hanif and Sirine are addressing their love to one another, it brings more meaning than saying "my love" or "my soul." The significance of the Arab translation makes it more meaningful, deep and represents the Arab culture. Let's just say, the erotic passion between Sirine and Hanif will literally give you a sense of butterflies in your stomach. What I loved most of all was the way Abu-Jaber makes their love seem so real unlike the perfect fantasy love. Jealousy, fighting, and betrayal (not so nice but has meaning) are a few aspects that allow the reader to relate this type of love to reality. I also love the way she will keep you guessing in what is to happen next in the novel. "Turning the tables" best describes the way Abu-Jaber will keep you reading on and on. I would strongly recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read the greatest novel of all time. "Crescent" introduces readers to a sensual world packed with exotic foods and spices, traditional Arab poetry and storytelling, and an interesting pack of vivid characters.
Rating:
Summary: Crescent
Review: Elecia GrandberryCrescent Review April 7, 2004 Crescent The book Crescent written by Diana Abu- Jaber is a great novel. While reading this book from beginning to end, I felt like I was an unknown character in the book watching the story unfold. Each character grabbed my attention by their uniqueness of personality and reason for existing in the book. Sirine a beautiful Chef in Nadia's Café captured the hearts of several men including her true love Hanif/ Han. Sirine reminded me of myself in a small sense. Sirine's attitude for working to satisfy others appetite daily was admirable. Slaving in the kitchen was a duty that paid off in time when she met the love of her life Hanif in Nadia's café. Han was a character that from the beginning I thought was a perfect man, a professor, handsome, single and gorgeous. Hanif showed his love for Sirine from the beginning of their meeting to the end of the book. I believe that the café was the main setting for current events, gossip and new relationships. In Nadia's café, I was introduced to several other important people who brought Crescent to life. Uncle (Sirine's uncle), Um-Nadia (owner of Nadia's café), Mireille (Nadia's daughter, waitress), Aziz (poet, professor, has a crush on Sirine), Nathan (student, photographer, admirer of Han) Rana (Muslim student of Aziz and Hanif), Cristobal (janitor at Nadia's café) and Victor Hernandez (bus boy, potential lover of Mireille.) All the people listed above, had their own experiences and purpose that made Crescent a page-turner. With the world events of war in Iraq, tension between Americans and Iraq's made it difficult for peace. The new voice of Sad am Hussein was becoming loud and clear. The story of Hanif/ Abdelrahman's struggle on his journey to America was touching. Leaving behind a family that he loved dearly to run for his life to an unfamiliar place displayed Han's determination to make it. When the paths of Sirine and Han crossed, it seemed like it was a fairy tale bound for a happy ending. I was extremely surprised as the climax of the story began to unfold. The mystery of the silk scarf that Han gave Sirine, the Late phone calls of Arab Language talked through Han's phone, the mysterious letter found in Han's dresser and the sleepless nights that Han suffered through, made me realize that it was more to this story. I believe that this novel was centered on LOVE not only the love between Han and Sirine, but also the love for homeland, food, friends, family and freedom. Many things occurred in this book, but the two significant things that I remember is the endings. The ending of Crescent really surprised me. The leaving of Han back to Iraq put a huge twist to the ending. I believe that the secret about Sirine and Aziz's fling is what played a huge part in Han leaving. The connection between the story of Abdelrahman Salahadin and the story of Hanif was genius. While reading, I assumed that the two stories were not connected. In the end, the outcome of the story brought everything into perspective. Crescent was my favorite book that I have read thus far. The mixture of love, politics, family and betrayal make up the perfect ingredients for a bestseller novel.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Booke!
Review: Having been assigned to read this book for a small lit group project in class I assumed this book would be a bore, however, I was proven wrong. Diana Abu-Jaber's "Crescent" is a heart-capturing tale of two lovers who must learn to adapt to a new culture, be it American culture or Iraqi/Arabic culture. Not only is the plot mesmerizing but the style of Abu-Jaber's is fantastic. While reading you learn random tid bits about Arabic and Iraqi culture and plenty about their cooking. In the scenes where it describes Sirine's cooking my stoumach started to rumble. All in all this is a must have book! You will enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: beautiful!
Review: I am so happy when I can close a book and feel content and satisfied. Not to mention hungry! I wanted to savor every word of this book. The author has an extraordianry fliar for language and detail. Humor, love, mystery, sadness and relief. Her characters are so alive and as though I've known them for years. A beautiful work.
Rating: 
Summary: Romantic yet Educational , a great summer read for our times
Review: I loved this book. I was not sure if I would or not at the end of the first chapter. By the end of the second chapter, I was hooked. This book had everything-interesting characters that were fairly well developed (some could have been a little better developed background wise), great cooking sequences (a recipe appendix would have made this even better), an interesting myth that ran throughout and climaxed with a big surprise, good descriptions of what some Arab Americans are feeling and how some are acting-even this is diversified to some extent. The author explores the spirituality of the Islamic faith to some extent especially the personal interpretations some have. Thoughts of the characters on the specific events of 9/11 were missing, but one could pretty well get a reading to this from the characters' other comments. I must confess that I do not usually like romance in novels, but the romances in this book (the main character and her lover as well as her Uncle and her friend) were just perfectly poignant. Some slight fault in the ending for some, others will love the ending. I would highly recommend this book. It will give you some things to think about long after the last page is read and may suggest further readings. Isn't that what reading should do?
Rating:
Summary: Crescent
Review: I reward this book with a favorable review. In light of what is happening in our world today I think that this book will interest many. The glimpses we get through the author of life in Iraq will stir many emotions.
The contemporary tone of this book will appeal to many readers. While I always love to read books with strong female characters, this book had equal emphasis for the men and women. The men were all very intellectual since the story takes place in an area surrounding a university and many of the main male characters were on staff there. The female characters were central to the story and were very secure in the roles.
The heroine in the story is a 39-year-old unmarried woman. Hurray, for a story where a woman's happiness and personal fulfillment does not depend on what a man can do for her. Diana Abu-Jaber created this character in Sirine. Here is an independent straight woman chef who has had a number of personal relationships but never met anyone who really "did it" for her. Yet, she was happy and content. Then of course you know a love interest has to come along and he does in the form of a wonderfully handsome intelligent Iraqi man named Han. What I enjoyed most about the main character's development in this relationship is that she goes through emotional difficulties just like all people do in all relationships. There is a period of uncertainty, mistrust, and jealousy, which anyone can identify with and may have experienced.
When I say this novel is contemporary, there is reference to the war with Iran. Compound this all with the fact that Sirine's new love Han cannot return home to Iraq while Saddam is in power and we know that he was until very recently. So in this book you get a little history, a little insight into what life was like in Iraq and culturally you get so many examples of Middle Eastern cooking that the quantity is too numerous to mention.
Why is this interesting? Actually, it's the way Abu-Jaber describes the processes and the ingredients. You almost feel like you could smell or taste what Sirine is making. That is good writing since I have never in my life had the experience of food like that. Sirine deals with all of her emotions, good and bad by cooking for or feeding people. A lot of us deal with our emotions by eating. We eat when we celebrate something and sometimes depression can make us eat when we are sad. Food is almost as important as the characters in this story. A great deal of the story takes place in the diner where Sirine is the chef so there are constant references to food. Abu-Jaber describes the likes and dislikes of the customers who are mainly students and staff. She ties in the comfort of food with so many students who attend the university and find the familiarity at the diner of something that tastes, smells and looks like home with the meals and snacks they get there. The diner also serves as a meeting place, where thoughts and ideas are exchanged not just about academics but the emotions of being so far from home. Camaraderie or family relationships develop among the customers.
Finally, there is a parallel story going on in the book with Sirine's uncle telling a story to her about a distant cousin. It is almost like you are going through a story about Aladdin. At first it will seem a little silly but stay with it and pay close attention because the way it ends up is very funny and entertaining. This book brings to light, besides a love story, and the Arabian nights fantasy a great deal of detail about ethnic cuisine, relationships, a search for ethnic identity, triumph and tragedy. You will enjoy the diversity and the detail. Abu-Jaber ties all the loose ends up in the conclusion which may not appeal to those who want more and for those of us who like closure, she gives it to us.
Rating:
Summary: A Taste of Lyrical Insight
Review: I thoroughly enoyed this novel. It touched on so many different aspects of life: friendship, culture, family, independence, and love. Diana Abu-Jaber manages to weave a intricate story that is romantic in all aspects while keeping the actual romantic relationship muted. Everything about this novel is beautiful, both appearance and lyrical description, not to mention the scenes themselves. Sirene is a realistic character who makes you want to fall in love with Middle Eastern culture. Abu-Jaber's approach to storytelling through food brings comfort to the difficult issues that she approaches. I advise this novel to any person who wishes to see more beauty in everyday life.
Rating:
Summary: Enticing and Refreshing
Review: I was intrigued by a newspaper review of Crescent while preoccupied with events happening in the Middle-East, and so I thought I'd try this book out for some insight. Crescent is very much akin to sitting down day after day in a local Middle-Eastern cafe and eavesdropping on a different culture and world. Through Sirine, a cook at Um Nadia's cafe in her late 30's, we smell, taste, and experience her daily life in Los Angeles. Sirine isn't all that in touch with her Iraqi heritage, but throughout the novel she develops a love interest with a university graduate student named Han who tells her all about modern day Iraq. Other characters in Sirine's life, especially her lovable Uncle who creates a fantastic fairy-tale straight out of Arabian Nights which mysteriously echo's Sirine's life, contribute to her burgeoning interest in her heritage. All the while, she cooks up wonderfully aromatic, delicious food that brings everyone together. There is a unique level of passionate discussion and debate about poetry, politics, and daily life among these people which creates an intimate atmosphere and sense of pride in their cultural heritage. One of Abu-Jaber's characters at one point mentions Mafouz, an Egyptian writer, and so I was encouraged to find a copy of his "Cairo Triology", which I plan on reading. Sirine's search for love and identity amidst the backdrop of modern day Los Angeles is at times difficult, sad and lonely, but often humerous and always passionate. Surely, while reading Crescent you will find yourself sipping hot coffee and dining at your favorite local Middle-Eastern cafe, and rooting for Sirine to find fulfillment in the end.
Rating:
Summary: Opens your mind
Review: I wish now more than ever that Americans would really this beautiful book. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing the Middle East and the way that Arabs feel about America, as well as vice versa. This is a truly important book, whether you are interested in politics or not, this is a true, human love story. I couldn't put it down.
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