Riada talks to Amra Sabic-El-Rayess on book "The Cat I Never Named," Bosnian genocide, resilience

Dignified Resilience with Riada Akyol

Wow, this was such a treat! I am excited to share my conversation with Amra Sabic-El-Rayess, the author of the highly acclaimed book titled "The Cat I Never Named: A True Story of Love, War, and Survival" published by Bloomsbury in 2020. Our conversation was recorded in late February 2021. Amra's stunning memoir – which was the basis of our conversation – talks about a Muslim teen struggling to survive in the midst of the Bosnian genocide. It has received starred reviews from – be ready the list is long but I think it should be heard: Publishers Weekly, Booklist, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Collection, Foreword Reviews, it was announced as 2020 Best Book - Kirkus Reviews, 2021 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, Finalist, 2020 Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, and it continues getting more awards as we speak! In this wonderful conversation, we talked about Amra's inspiration for writing and the very process of writing this book, the reliving of traumas while retelling the story, but the reward and empowerment that such brave decision brings as well. She told us about some very difficult moments from her life during that period (many are described in the book), about why school mattered to her even in those very difficult circumstances, and the importance of education - as her parents taught her. We also talked about solidarity – which I felt was described so lovingly, between friends at school often, between her and her brother, family. We learned how important it was to keep a sense of humor in those tough times as well. Considering the pervasive culture of the Bosnian genocide denial in the region, and current lack of leadership willing to take steps necessary for facing some tough facts of the past, Amra shared her thoughts about the future of the region. Additionally, she she shared her thoughts on the perpetuated narratives of othering beyond Bosnian context as well. There is much to learn and so many inspiring exchanges packed in this one hour that I truly hope you enjoy listening or watching, as much I as enjoyed recording it! Besides this must-read book and extraordinary achievement, Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess is Associate Professor of Practice-Project Director, Center for Benefit-Cost Studies in Education (Teachers College, Columbia University), affiliated Faculty, Harriman Institute for Russian, Eurasian and Eastern European Studies (Columbia University), an interdisciplinary scholar who leverages fields of economics, sociology, and political science to address the questions of radicalization, discrimination, Islamophobia, social mobility, corruption, social transformations, and exclusion of women. She works on concrete ways to facilitate women’s social mobility through better financial inclusion and access to financial services. Her work also examines the role of informal educational practices and formal institutions in creating new societal dynamics, norms, and behaviors.