Seeking Your Book Recommendations for Rohingya Youth

Can we find five books that inform and inspire?

Kutupalong Refugee Camp scene.

Today, I'm reaching out to you with a special request — one that touches not only on the power of literature but also on its ability to transcend borders and circumstances. Recently, a Rohingya youth living in Kutupalong refugee camp contacted me with a unique question: "Could you recommend five books that could both inform and inspire young people in the camps?"

Considering the situation these young people are in, I found the question profoundly important. Especially when that question revolves around the transformative potential of books. .

Criteria for Recommendations

Before we get into the details, here are some basic criteria for the book recommendations:

• Plain English: The books need to be written in straightforward English

• Fiction or Non-Fiction: Both are acceptable, as long as they fulfill the criteria of informing and inspiring the reader. Even photo books! (I know someone who bought himself a copy of JR’s 28mm. He says it changed his life!).

• Accessible: Given the conditions in refugee camps, consider recommending books that are also available in digital formats.

• Relevant: While universal themes are excellent, books that could resonate with the experiences or aspirations of Rohingya youth could be particularly impactful.

A Prompt for Your Choices

What reads have turned your world upside-down or right-side up? Which ones could do the same for young people who’ve seen different sides of the world altogether? Which books could broaden their horizons, offer an escape, impart wisdom and ignite the flame of change?

How to Submit Your Recommendations

If you have just one book in mind that fits this bill, that's fantastic. If you have more, even better. Please send them my way, and I'll make a compilation of the recommended titles.

• Email: You can email your recommendations directly to me at shafiur@gmail.com.

• Comments: Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments section below.

• Social Media: If you're active on social media, use the hashtag #BooksForRohingyaYouth and tag me (@shafiur on X/twitter) to share your recommendations.

Finally…

Who knows? Your book pick could end up being a game-changer for someone. Stay tuned for a follow-up post where I will share the final list of recommended books.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful suggestions and for being a part of this endeavour (read, helping me out!). I look forward to seeing your choices.