Root Science

In this part heart-rending memoir, part expose of fundamentalist Islamic terrorism, finance expert Janet Tavakoli bears witness to the incompatibility of Western values and fundamentalist Islam. >In 1978, Janet Tavakoli moved to Tehran with her Iranian husband and witnessed the overthrow of the progressive Shah and the birth of the fundamentalist Islamic Republic of Iran.

Every human being is part of a bigger family, which is figuratively represented by the family tree. We have roots that extend beyond places and cultures of our current residences. This is particularly true for people in diaspora. Our roots still weigh a lot into our everyday living irrespective of geographical distance and time. Thus, would it not be beneficial to know and explore the advantages in our roots and avoid losing out, and losing deep? This is the main message of this book, Voices from Home: Wisdom from our Diasporic Roots.

What do a Banana with glasses, a smiling stick of Butter, a curious Peanut, and a twirly Jelly jar have in common? A lot more than you'd think. The Adventures of Peanut, Butter, Jelly, and Banana: Family Roots and Big Questions — four flavorful friends sit around a campfire and ask the one question every child wonders at some point: “Where do I come from?” With a wise old owl, giggling fireflies, and stories full of flavor and heart, this beautifully illustrated picture book helps children understand the magic of family roots, curiosity, and what makes each of us special.

The owl tree is not like any tree Joe has ever seen. It’s huge and leafy and shivers at times like a person; it even seems to speak. Granny Diamond once saw an owl perched among its branches and she has loved the tree ever since. It means the world to her. But her neighbour, Mr Rock, wants to cut it down. Why does he dislike the owl tree so much? Does the tree have a secret to tell Joe? And how can he, a boy too scared even to climb the tree, be the one to save it?