Saudis in America (Sa'udiyyun fi amrika)
Published by Obeikan
Page 186
Language:Arabic
Turki Al-Dakhil is a Saudi liberal journalist and writer, one of his bestseller books is “Saudis in America” which was released in 2007.
In his book, Turki shares his memorable experience in States, where he went as an English student. He talked about the eternal conflict of Arabs trying to be integrated in the Western culture.
Being a Muslim and a Saudi national, Turki had experienced some fair, as his stay in USA was marked by the September 11th attacks. In addition, he examined the American personalities before and after the attacks towards Arabs.
However, at the Eugene Institute and the community where he lived, Turki felt that most of the citisens were polite, helpful and welcoming.
In one of the chapters, he described how the Saudi students had traveled to USA believing that there will be no friendship between the believers (Saudis) and the infidels (Americans). In addition to the pre-idea of the ‘other’ who will always try to influence Muslims to convert to Christian.
‘Saudis in America’ were described by the critics as a book where the author puts his political views covered under a narrative personal experience.
Hence, Turki Al Dakhil said he was transparent in reflecting his picture as well as the other; moreover mirroring his experience and his country citisens in states.
To conclude, he book’s cover was designed as an American flag, using Saudi Ghotra (Scarf that Saudi men wear it on their heads), and a blue jean piece with stars representing USA.
