Been reading (okay, okay . . . full disclosure:  been listening to the audio version, as read by the author himself) an amazing memoir by Tamim Ansary, West of Kabul, East of New York.

Ansary, an Afghan-American, sets off on a journey in search of his roots and, along the way, helps us (Westerners) learn more about Islam and the Middle East.  The book is not preachy at all, it’s incredibly easy to read, er . . . listen to, and it’s one of the best memoirs I’ve ever come across.

If you’re even remotely interested in that region of the world, or if you simply want to read, or listen to, a great yarn, check out this little jewel.

In doing some research, I came across Ansary’s own website, which took me down a host of various and interesting paths.  One of those brought me to what I think is one the best collections of miscellaneous factoids I’ve ever come across.  And, while there’s really nothing dream jobbish-related about Ansary or his list, his fascinating book, or the factoids, I thought you might enjoy an entertaining break.

Check ‘em out; good stuff.

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