Leader’s Bookshelf

Dr Aisha Bin Bishr on her favourites that blend history, culture and storytelling

What book(s) are you reading at the moment?
Team of Teams by Stanley McChrystal. It is a book by a former US army general, in which he compares the challenges faced by him and his colleagues on the field to everyday business and other organisations, ranging from hospital emergency rooms to Nasa. The book talks about how, even within an organisation as rigid as the army, one may have to take a decentralised approach to get to the bottom of things. The book teaches one trust, empathy, and how to learn to take a closer look at our own selves and actions to make the best decisions.
What are the books that changed your life and shaped your outlook?
One such book would surely be The Professional. Published in 1958 by WC Heinz, one of the greatest sportswriters of his time, the book teaches one how to be a true fighter. It tells us the story of boxer Eddie Brown’s quest to become the middleweight championship of the world. Over the course of the book, Eddie faces several hurdles and obstacles in his path to winning the championship; however, with an eye only on the prize and with the consistent sup-port of his trainer, he finally does achieve his goal.
Which are the titles — or who are the authors — that you can pick up and read any time?
Elif Safak and Gabriel García Márquez.
Turkish author Elif blends the Western and Eastern styles of storytelling very well. She usually writes about various cultures and primarily on topics such as history, philosophy and cultural politics. She never fails to deliver an interesting read. Márquez is famous for his peculiar style of writing known as magic realism. Most of his books are inspired by his real life experiences and surroundings in Columbia; however, these ordinary and realistic situations may not be evident to the not-so-avid reader due to his use of magical events or elements to tell a story.
What are the books you would love to pass on to your children or any young person to read and treasure?
There are several great works I would like all millennials to read. Some of them include the Naguib Mahfouz novels, The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Any other book-related observation you may have.
Recently, I have started reading more about the history of our area, and I find it quite interesting how some of the newer writers blend the history of our region with fiction to present a greater story.
— As told to staff reporter
HE Dr Aisha Bin Bishr is Director General, Smart Dubai Office

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