Almost a Foreign Country: A Personal Geography in Columns and Aphorisms - Softcover

Wolf, Manfred

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0595524230 ISBN 13: 9780595524235

Publisher: iUniverse, 2008

Synopsis

Is it time to negotiate with bin Laden? Is lying about sex ever-or perhaps often-a good idea? To what extent do religion and culture shape the ways in which we communicate? What is the mysterious syndrome called CHOIS, with which many long-time pessimists suddenly find themselves diagnosed? Delve into this intriguing collection to find out the answers to these questions, and many more.In Almost a Foreign Country, a collection of columns, articles and aphorisms, Manfred Wolf brings his unique perspective to bear on a broad range of aspects characterizing our current reality and the way we live now. From love and the relationships between men and women to time and aging, from current political and social issues to the ever-changing face of language-Wolf tackles them all, often combining humor with a sharp, somber perception of the issues that concern us all. His point of view is always unflinching, original, and unapologetic.Manfred Wolf is a university professor, a widely published writer and a world traveler who has spent time in several very different cultures. Almost a Foreign Country provides its readers the unique opportunity to spend some time in his company and enjoy the many pleasures of his experience, wit, and always fascinating opinions.

About this title

About the Author

Manfred Wolf grew up in the Netherlands and in the Dutch West Indies, and came to the US at seventeen. He is a university professor, columnist, translator, and freelance writer, whose work has appeared in numerous European and American publications. He lives in San Francisco.

Review

The book's title refers to the predicament that elders often discover as they age--that the world is the same yet changed, taking on the strangeness of a foreign country. It's with his tales of foreign experiences and observances that Wolf shines. From discussing the quiet success of Muslim women in Western Europe, to the fact that drug dealers are allowed to deduct firearms and pit bulls as business expenses in the Netherlands, the author engages readers with interesting points. He also offers the interesting perspective of an immigrant who has absorbed a large part of American culture but questions the rest. --Kirkus Discoveries, 10/8/09

Edition details

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0595524230
• ISBN 13: 9780595524235
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 376