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This is a discussion topic for the February 2024 Book of the Month, "Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes" by Ali Master.


What did you like least about this book?

While I respect that "Matham" is a cultural tradition, the aspect of the book that I found least appealing was its depiction of this religious ritual. "Matham" involves a mourning ceremony that includes self-flagellation and chest-beating, which I personally found a bit graphic. What made it particularly unsettling was the mention that children younger than 11 were present alongside adults to witness it.

I respect others' religions, but I felt like the push for Christianity was overly zealous and the approach was potentially disrespectful to any Muslims reading it. I'm agnostic so I can't say for sure.

I would say the book cover. It wasn’t alluring. Though we aren’t to judge a book by its cover however I felt the author would have done better

One thing I dislike about this book is that it seems somewhat biased towards Christianity. At times, I felt that the author disrespected his own culture and the people back in his country.

Everything in the book resonated well with me. There was nothing I would say I loved least. I loved everything from the book cover to the content.

I disliked nothing about the book. It was very well written. I found the author's conversion to Christianity superb, although this may be biased as I am a Christian. I loved the book.

While studying in America the author faced prejudice and discrimination from his professors. That's what I liked least.
The author got involved in a toxic relationship. He had tried to do suicide which wasn't a good decision at all.

I was not a fan of the descriptions of his work as a tax consultant.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall, one aspect that didn't sit quite right with me was the depiction of the "Matham" ritual. While I understand its cultural significance, the graphic portrayal of self-flagellation and chest-beating during the mourning ceremony felt unsettling to me. Additionally, the inclusion of children younger than 11 witnessing such intense rituals alongside adults was particularly distressing.

There was nothing I didn't like about the book's content

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.

There was nothing to dislike about the narrative. I enjoyed everything about Ali's experience and revel in them. He's perspective on the American Dream is one every immigrant should have.