Video from Book Talk with Shahd Alshammari
Stanford's Ramzi Salti in conversation with the author of Head Above Water
This video features highlights from Dr. Ramzi Salti's conversation with Dr. Shahd Alshammari commemorating the US release of her new book 'Head Above Water'--an intimate memoir of her life of triumph and resistance, as a woman marked "ill" by society and as a lifelong reader, student, and teacher. CLICK CC for transcript and subtitles. Go to https://youtu.be/crG89FJ3J8I
Scroll down for Ramzi Salti's review of the book.
Dr. Shahd Alshammari is a Kuwaiti-Palestinian author and academic. She is the author of the books Notes on the Flesh and Head Above Water, as well as numerous other academic publications and papers. Her areas of research include illness narratives, disability studies, and questions of identity and language in the Arab world.
Shahd Alshammari is just eighteen when she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and told by her neurologist that she will not make it past age thirty. Despite what she is told, by thirty she has managed to navigate education systems in both Kuwait and the United Kingdom, and inspire generations of students as a professor of literature.
Head above Water is the intimate memoir of Shahd Alshammari's life of triumph and resistance, as a woman marked "ill" by society and as a lifelong reader, student, and teacher.
Head Above Water by Shahd Alshammari
Shahd Alshammari is just eighteen when she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and told by her neurologist that she will not make it past age thirty. Despite what she is told, by thirty she has managed to navigate education systems in both Kuwait and the United Kingdom, and inspire generations of students as a professor of literature.
Head above Water is the intimate memoir of Shahd Alshammari's life of triumph and resistance, as a woman marked "ill" by society and as a lifelong reader, student, and teacher.
A Book Review by Dr. Ramzi Salti, Stanford University
What sets this memoir apart is the remarkable fact that it is based on the author's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at the tender age of eighteen when her neurologist grimly informs her that she would not live past thirty. However, defying all odds and expectations, she not only surpasses that milestone but also becomes a professor of literature. Her journey takes her through navigating educational systems in both Kuwait and the United Kingdom, leaving an indelible impact on generations of students.
Head Above Water is a poignant and unique memoir that captures the essence of Alshammari's indomitable spirit. It serves as an inspiration for readers, shedding light on the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. Alshammari's exploration of disability, displacement, and the search for belonging resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and engage in meaningful introspection. With her insightful prose and astute observations, Alshammari crafts a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impact.
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| Shad Alshammari, author of Head Above Water |
As a Kuwaiti-Palestinian author and academic, Shahd Alshammari brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her writing. Besides Head Above Water, she has also authored Notes on the Flesh and contributed to numerous academic publications and papers. Her research interests span illness narratives, disability studies, and exploring the complexities of identity and language in the Arab world.
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Everyone is invited to join us for this event.
A Book Talk with Author Shahd Alshammari moderated by Dr. Ramzi Salti.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Virtual Event
9am PST, 5pm London, 7pm Kuwait/Jordan
Read more about this event at this link. Supported by Stanford's Abbasi Program.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Virtual Event
9am PST, 5pm London, 7pm Kuwait/Jordan
Read more about this event at this link. Supported by Stanford's Abbasi Program.
