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It’s hard not to feel anxious about the problem of climate change, especially if we think of it as an impending planetary catastrophe.
In “Slow Burn,” R. Jisung Park encourages us to view climate change through a different lens: one that focuses less on the possibility of mass climate extinction in a theoretical future, and more on the everyday implications of climate change here and now.
Park shows how climate change headlines often miss some of the most important costs.
Anyone who has experienced loneliness or bullying, especially as a child, will find “Heaven,” by Mieko Kawakami, deeply affecting and possibly disturbing.
The book is graphic in its dealing with bullying and discrimination, which may be triggering for some. It follows a 14-year-old protagonist with a lazy eye who is relentlessly teased and subjected to severe physical harm.
Isolated, with no friends, an absent father and a distant stepmother, he reflects on his life until a classmate begins sending him anonymous notes saying, “We should be friends.”
At first he suspects that it’s simply another humiliating prank, but when he receives a letter asking to meet after school, he learns that the sender is Kojima, who is also a victim of bullying.
Their bond grows through their letters and, during summer break, Kojima takes him to a museum to see a painting she calls “Heaven,” which depicts a woman finding peace after suffering.
Meanwhile, the leader of the bullies continues to influence his group to torment their classmate, resulting in disturbing scenes of him being forced to eat chalk, being shoved into a locker for long periods, and cruelly made to wear a basketball over his head. The middle schooler has endured this for so long that he has resigned himself to these humiliations, telling neither the school nor his parents.
However, bullying is not the novel’s primary focus. Instead, it examines the complexities of adolescence through the lens of bullying and isolation. The protagonist, who had accepted his fate, begins to question the nature of consequences and who gets to face them. He observes his bullies escaping punishment while he, despite minding his own business, is often mistreated. This leads him on an internal moral journey that delves into human relationships, friendship and the meaning of power.
Kawakami’s prose is both lyrical and stark, capturing the narrator’s emotional turmoil. The boy’s internal struggles are depicted with sensitivity, conveying the weight of loneliness and the psychological effects of bullying. The narrative alternates between bleak moments and fleeting glimpses of hope, offering a dynamic reading experience.
The novel is a haunting reminder of the effects of bullying and the profound need for human connection. Through her empathetic storytelling, Kawakami encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the importance of kindness in a world often overshadowed by cruelty.
With most of the planet’s population now living in urban environments, cities are the spaces where we have the greatest potential to confront and address these problems.
In this visionary book, Vishaan Chakrabarti argues for an “architecture of urbanity,” showing how the design of our communities can create a more equitable, sustainable, and joyous future for us all.
COLOGNE, Germany: The release dates for new episodes of the “Call of Duty” and “Borderlands” video games were announced Tuesday at the opening of the Gamescom showcase.
The announcements set the scene for the leading international video game show that opens to the public in Cologne on Thursday for four days and is expected to draw more than 350,000 visitors.
The launch of the Borderlands 4 game in 2025 was one of the surprises of the opening night show. The games producers promised that players would “blast their way through hordes of enemies” in the latest version of the game that was adapted for cinema this year.
“Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” will be released on October 25. The latest in the series is set in the 1990s with a security team on a mission to target a senator and gain access to a top-secret site in Washington.
“Deadpool” film maker Tim Miller announced that his new “Secret Level” series based on several video games would be released on Amazon Prime in December. “It is our love letter to games,” he said.
Another industry veteran Peter Molyneux said his latest project would be “Masters of Albion.” Molyneux made Populous in 1989 and Black and White in 2001 but has been more low-key in recent years with several projects canceled.
Swedish firm Machinegames said that “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” will be released on December 9. First announced for Xbox, the game will also come out on Playstation 5 next year, the company said.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s literary scene is experiencing a vibrant renaissance with a new generation of writers captivating local and international audiences.
“Saudi literature has witnessed significant acceleration over the past decade, particularly during the period when culture and its literary derivatives became one of the key objectives of Vision 2030,” said Ibraheem Al-Sinan, head of editorial at Raff Publishing.
He added: “This newfound openness to knowledge and literature, spurred by various initiatives, competitions and activities, has enabled young people to make significant leaps in literary production. What once took decades to learn, the youth now accomplish in just a few years.”
From the heart of Riyadh to the picturesque streets of Jeddah, Saudi writers are crafting stories that reflect the Kingdom’s rich cultural tapestry and rapid societal changes. These writers include Raja Alem, Mohammed Hasan Alwan and Badriya Al-Bishr, whose works range from allegorical tales to poignant memoirs.
The literary movement in Saudi Arabia can be divided into two main themes: “Cultural Reflections” and “Modern Narratives.”
The first explores issues of identity, heritage, and societal norms.
The literary movement in Saudi Arabia can be divided into two main themes: ‘Cultural Reflections’ and ‘Modern Narratives.’
For instance, Alem’s “The Dove's Necklace” delves into the complexities of Makkan culture through allegory and symbolism. Alwan’s “A Small Death” is a spiritual journey through the life of Ibn Arabi and also fits this theme, offering a deep dive into spiritual and cultural identity.
The second theme, “Modern Narratives,” focuses on contemporary issues and personal experiences.
Al-Bishr’s novel “Love Stories on Al-Asha Street” tackles the everyday lives and struggles of Saudi women, portraying their quest for identity, love and freedom within a rapidly changing society. Her work sheds light on the societal pressures and cultural expectations faced by women, providing a candid and often critical perspective on modern Saudi life.
Both themes underscore the notion that identity and societal evolution is deeply personal, with each writer drawing on their unique experiences.
Yasmina Al-Mutabagani, a rising Saudi author, shared her early inspirations and journey as a writer. “I loved the idea of writing in a journal and allowing my imagination to lead the words,” she said. “What motivated me was the possibility of creating stories that drew a smile or made a heart flutter.”
Al-Mutabagani’s writing has evolved significantly since her early days. “I would proudly say I’m self-taught,” she said. “Reading has helped me a lot in developing my writing style. “Whenever I learned a new word, I wrote it down. Little by little, I realized when a comma should be added or when a sentence finished.”
Saudi culture and heritage deeply influence her stories. “Whenever I write, my characters are either fully Saudi or half Saudi, and each time I make sure that those characters represent the Saudi culture in terms of ethics, behavior, and boundaries, she said.
Balancing cultural heritage with questioning societal norms is an art for Al-Mutabagani. “Communication is the compass. In Saudi culture, there has always been conservativeness, which is beautiful and understandable. In my novels, I ensure that my characters’ conversations are based on human experience.”
Through her books, Al-Mutabagani hopes to convey the beauty of simplicity and the charm of little details. “My two messages are: See how your life changes when you focus on the beauty of little things and details, and when you communicate your feelings and things,” she said.
Despite challenges, such as the lack of resources and direction to become a published author in Saudi Arabia, Al-Mutabagani has achieved significant milestones.
She has published two books: “Waheeba’s Lie” in 2018 and “Beyond the Surface (Conversations in the Pandemic)” in 2023. Her recent novel is available in Jarir bookstores across the Kingdom.
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve culturally and socially, its literary scene is becoming a vibrant tapestry of voices and stories that reflect both heritage and modernity. With initiatives like Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s literary future looks promising.
Al-Sinan emphasizes the importance of these cultural initiatives. “The Saudi government has introduced several programs aimed at nurturing and promoting local talent. These efforts have not only broadened the scope of local literature but have also made it more accessible to the international audience.”
Al-Mutabagani sees her role as a writer within this broader cultural and societal evolution as a bridge between tradition and modernity. “I convey to my readers that the Saudi culture and Saudi Arabia beholds beauty because its society booms with kindness and openness to different cultures,” she said.
This openness is also reflected in the diverse themes that contemporary Saudi writers are willing to explore. From feminist narratives and social commentaries to historical fiction and personal memoirs, the Saudi literary scene is rich and varied, offering something for every reader.
For instance, in addition to Al-Mutabagani’s exploration of love and beauty, other authors are tackling pressing social issues.
Alem’s work often delves into the complexities of identity and societal norms, while Al-Bishr’s novel “Hend and the Soldiers” critically examines the societal pressures and cultural expectations faced by Saudi women, advocating for their rights and empowerment.
Moreover, the rise of digital platforms and social media has provided Saudi authors with new avenues to share their work and connect with readers worldwide.
As Al-Sinan points out: “The digital age has allowed for a democratization of literature. Writers can now publish their work online and reach a global audience without the traditional gatekeepers.”
The literary renaissance in Saudi Arabia is not just about individual achievements but also about fostering a community of writers who support and inspire each other. Literary festivals, book fairs and writing workshops are becoming more common, providing spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s literary landscape is experiencing a dynamic transformation. With the support of cultural initiatives, the passion of its writers, and the engagement of its readers, the Kingdom is poised to make a significant mark on the global literary stage.
Al-Sinan said: “We are witnessing the dawn of a new era in Saudi literature, one that honors our rich heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future.”
As Saudi Arabia's literary scene continues to flourish, many works by Saudi authors offer fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling that capture the essence of contemporary Saudi life, for example:
These works by Saudi authors not only highlight the diverse and dynamic voices emerging from the Kingdom but also provide readers with an understanding of the evolving cultural landscape.
Author: Chris Mattison
Descended from prehistoric lizards, snakes have been slithering across the earth for more than a hundred million years.
There are some 4,100 species known to exist, and many are venomous, but many more are not.
Snakes experience the world in unique ways, seeing in just two colors, smelling the air with their tongues, and relying on signs of movement for orientation.
