Book Overview
Zohra Zoberi has been a diarist since age 13, writing extensively about the adventurous and fascinating life she experienced in the 36 diverse countries in which she lived or travelled to. The Other I is the story of an ambitious teenage girl of Indo-Pakistani origin who is determined to survive and succeed.
In this book, Zoberi shares her tumultuous but fascinating life that is sprinkled with both ‘juicy’ and ‘scary’ twists and turns in selected tales like ‘The Gasoline Queen”, “The Bat Hunting Party” and a profusion of hair-raising, unique experiences from Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Sweden, and finally, Canada! She endures the initial struggles of an immigrant woman of color, to become a successful Canadian professional and community leader. As her journey leads her into her beloved world of literature, poetry and play writing, it highlights the potential for ‘enlightenment through entertainment.’ She also brings attention to serious, mental and physical health issues, alienation, and a myriad of social dilemmas, for readers to reflect upon, debate, and learn from.
Zohra Zoberi’s poetry, short stories, and plays have been published in over 22 anthologies and magazines in Canada and the United States. Two books to her credit are “True Colours” (eclectic poetry) and “Questionably Ever After” (prose). Zohra is an award winning banker. She has appeared in radio and TV interviews, locally and abroad. She is the founder and Artistic Director of ‘Bridging the Gap Productions;’ with a mission of ‘Enlightenment through Entertainment.’ She is the recipient of Literary Arts and two Performing Arts group awards from the Mississauga Arts Council for her live plays staged in the city. Other recognitions include Ambassador of Peace Award (Universal Peace Federation) and Woman of Courage Award (Endless Possibilities).
In 2018 she received IAOTP (International Association of Top Professionals) award as the ‘Top Artistic Director of a non-profit organization.’
Please check her social media accounts: YouTube: btg/org and Facebook: Bridging the Gap Productions and Zohra Zoberi’s True Colours.
REVIEWS
Review by:
Susan Ksiezopolski
WriteWell
Dear Zohra:
About your Memoir ‘The Other I’
Your enormous contributions to our multicultural mosaic that is Mississauga is the stuff legends are made of!
It is an honor to read and know about your story, a deeply personal voyage of self discovery that brings hope and encouragement for us the readers to embrace life and live it to the utmost. The power and passion of the human spirit shines through your words radiant on every page. You have left such an incredible mark and affected the lives of many with grace and dignity.
Your sense of curiosity, humor and resilience are inspiring. Always willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone and having the tenacity to take a hold of life into your own hands, the message of this memoire truly touches the heart of every “hyphenated Canadian”. Thank you for writing and sharing The Other I with the world, as it provides a glimpse into an amazing life lived.
Truly a privilege to read!
Congratulations and warm regards
Susan
Review by:
Rodica Albu, Professor Emerita of English Language, Linguistics and Canadian Studies
One can anticipate a large readership for Zohra Zoberi’s memoir. It may attract as a Bildungsroman, as an “adventure book” and as a memoir that betrays the author’s warmth and detachment, a remarkable sense of humor and self-irony, as well as tenderness, resilience, and a particular way of bringing together arts and social activism. Last but not least, this text is at the crossroads between fiction and factual report, but the seemingly fictitious parts are the non-fictitious gifts Zohra Zoberi has received from life. The Other I is a fascinating collection of true adventures on four continents, and may as well be approached as a document that has its importance from an ethnographic perspective.
From Linda Thomas (Previous Executive Director of the Arts Council)
Upon receiving Zohra’s memoir, I began to read and got thoroughly drawn into her story. I lived her adventures with her and marveled at all she experienced in her lifetime. The writing drew pictures and made for an easy read while sharing her story of love, loss, triumphs and a life journey full of adventures. Congratulations and I encourage all to delve into a well written book that takes you on an incredible journey.
Linda Thomas
lindorthomas@gmail.com
Soular Connection
Review of Zohra’s memoir
‘The Other I’ is not only a handbook for a life well-lived, along with its ensuing challenges and triumphs, but also a truthful testament to the immigrant experience with which many readers will relate. She takes us on a journey across continents and cultures, diving deep into aspects of the human condition which are universally known to us all, and others less familiar but equally worthy of reflection.
Through her keen observations and quirky sense of fun, Zohra engages, often amuses, and certainly entertains the reader, with richly detailed anecdotes, and strikingly thought-provoking poetry highlighting, profiling and celebrating the human condition in all its multi-hued colours and forms. Her writing is a testament to both the evolution of her inner thoughts, and insightful commentary, as she reflects upon and records our universal struggle to evolve, grow and learn from events and our experiences.
We follow Zohra, embarking upon this fascinating journey, as she finds her place and makes her mark in this strangely familiar yet often culturally alien world in which we live. As Zohra both ‘enlightens and entertains’ the reader, bridging the gaps in our understanding of one another, she revels in the highs, successes, and momentous moments of life, while thoughtfully putting the lows into perspective with her ‘glass half-full’ view of life. Zohra’s infectious positivity and inherent curiosity are her superpowers.
A chameleon like ability to switch roles and transform from naïve, newlywed home maker, to award-winning banking executive, playwright, author, poet, director, (grand)mother, and caregiver lend substance, colour and charm to a personality whose multi-dimensional facets reflect us, and which we can recognize within ourselves.
If you’re prepared to be enthralled, intrigued and inspired, climb aboard for the epic, adventure-filled ride of her life, and experience the literary joy of a great read, Zohra Zoberi’s Odyssey of ‘The Other I’.
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