In the latest edition of the L.A. Times Book Club newsletter, journalist-turned-author Omar El Akkad discusses his memoir, One Day, Everyone Will Have Been Against This, released on February 25, 2023. El Akkad candidly recounts his reflections on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the complex emotions surrounding his own diasporic identity.

The Motivation Behind the Memoir

El Akkad began crafting his memoir in late October 2023, driven by the turmoil in Gaza and his personal journey from Cairo to Canada and Oakridge, Oregon. He addresses the challenges of feeling disconnected from his origins while grappling with the implications of conflict in a distant homeland. “I didn’t think it would get much traction at all,” he acknowledges, attributing the book’s success to a widespread anger over the current political landscape.

Reactions and Reflections During the Tour

While promoting his book in the U.K. and Ireland, El Akkad faced a spectrum of responses. He noted, “from some of the most thoughtful conversations that I’ve ever had around books and literature to some of the most antagonistic.” This diversity highlights the provocative nature of his work and the urgency of discourse surrounding contemporary geopolitical issues.

Target Audience and Personal Insights

When asked whom he wrote for, El Akkad expressed uncertainty. His intention was to process his own feelings of fragmentation. He emphasized that those who resonate most with the book often share a common sense of dislocation. His examination extends to the contrasting attitudes within U.S. politics, particularly within the Democratic Party, and critiqued the reluctance to engage in genuine self-reflection post-election.

Hope Amid Disillusionment

Addressing the heavy themes within his writing, El Akkad describes his work as paradoxically hopeful. He draws strength from the courage exhibited by activists and ordinary individuals who resist oppression, despite feeling overwhelmed by the brutality of reality. “There is immense bravery in the world,” he notes, stressing the importance of not succumbing to despair, even as the situation in Gaza remains dire.

Defining Success in Troubling Times

El Akkad’s vision of success for his memoir is not rooted in personal accolades. Instead, he hopes to provoke thought in those who may have previously overlooked such critical issues. He aims for his book to financially support those on the ground working to save lives and to raise awareness among readers who might be indifferent to the struggles he addresses.

Recommended Reading

In addition to his memoir, El Akkad recommends several impactful books, including:

• Recognizing the Stranger by Isabella Hammad
• Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha
• Minor Detail by Adania Shibley
• You Will Not Kill Our Imagination by Saeed Teebi

Spotlight: North Figueroa Bookshop

This week, the Book Club also highlighted North Figueroa Bookshop, a collaborative venture between independent publishers focused on promoting local authors and indie titles. The shop’s manager, Amadeus Fuzz, discusses community engagement and their initiative to combat the dominance of larger retailers like Amazon.

North Figueroa Bookshop maintains an emphasis on helping customers find specific titles, embodying a spirit of cooperation among indie bookstores.