Books and Books Coral Gables. Feb 12th, 2009. 6:30 p.m. 
For the late Fuad I. Khuri, a distinguished career as an anthropologist began not because of typical concerns like accessibility, money, or status, but because the very idea of an occupation that baffled his countrymen made them – and him – laugh. "When I tell them that ‘anthropology’ is my profession…they think I am either speaking a strange language or referring to a new medicine." This profound appreciation for humor, especially in the contradictions inherent in the study of cultures, is a distinctive theme of An Invitation to Laughter, Khuri’s astute memoir of life as an anthropologist in the Middle East.
The book was edited and published posthumously by his widow, Mrs. Sonia Khuri, who visits Books and Books this evening to speak about her husband’s work. In his life and work, Khuri demonstrated how the discipline of anthropology continues to make a difference in bridging dangerous divides. Khuri entertains and informs with clever insights into such issues as the mentality of Arabs toward women, eating habits of the Arab world, the impact of Islam on West Africa, the extravagant lifestyles of wealthy Arabs, and even offers a vision for a type of democracy that could succeed in the Middle East.
Books and Books
265 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305.442.4408
www.booksandbooks.com
Be the first to comment