American Chick In Saudi Arabia (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I've always liked Jean Sasson's books, though sometimes they do seem a little exaggerated. This book is a personal account of her time in Saudi Arabia. For once, there was no American posturing of how great the US is and how the rest of the world is mere shit, that usually is the case with such books. Full marks for avoiding that trap. The descriptions of her experiences are fun and the plight of some of the women described seems pretty realistic considering the human rights statistics and reports that are available. However, I am not convinced how 'a mere woman' gets so friendly with so many royals.Also, I wonder what kind of women would call herself a 'chick'. I winced every time the word made an appearance. For a feminist author striving to help women achieve their rights, this seems remarkably off base. The book is also too short and ends too abruptly. I was rather shaken from my immersion in the book when I found that it was over. Eh?! When did that happen?Anyway, worth a read but I found her other books much better written. How could I not read this snippet of a book? The author is from Troy, Alabama, not far from my mother's family farm between Clio and Louisville, AL.! Heard from a 1st cousin that another 1st cousin is an acquaintance of the author...Curiosity about the author led me to read this title and it answered my primary question - How did she come to be in Saudi Arabia. (I'd read her 3 "princess" books years ago.)Sasson traveled very far from her small town home and had adventures undreamable earlier in life. For that, I respect her. Most of us 1940s/1950s women were too meek to do such a thing. I wish she had turned her experiences into fiction rather than non-fiction (which led to much controversy), as did many British women who went to India during the Imperial occupation of India. Rumer Godden comes to mind as one of the best writers of that genre.I'm glad i found this book on my Nook Glowlight:-)
What do You think about American Chick In Saudi Arabia (2012)?
Interesting read about a young woman who lived and worked at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
—Sarah
Good book, but finished unexpectedly...thought it would be much longer than it was.
—JMoore
Can't wait to read her other books, the Princess series and Yasmeena's Choice
—chloe
A short read, but interesting nonetheless.
—Greeling
