Sarfraz Manzoor
Author of Greetings from Bury Park: A Memoir
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Works by Sarfraz Manzoor
Greetings from Bury Park 1 copy
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Pretty good book. Pakistani boy grows up in the US during the time of 9/11. Become disillusioned at first but succeeds in many ways. (1)
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OscarWilde87 | 5 other reviews | Apr 22, 2024 | Probably the best memoir of the migrant experience I have read. Safraz’s complex relationships with his parents, particularly his father, his race (British Pakistani) and his religion (Muslim) are told with gut wrenching honesty. Although the book is promoted as an exploration of Bruce Springsteen fandom, this is only a small part of Safraz’s story. The book is a complex read and the non linear format will keep you on your toes.
Want to see the film inspired by this book now.
Want to see the film inspired by this book now.
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secondhandrose | 5 other reviews | Oct 31, 2023 | I decided to read Greetings from Bury Park by Sarfraz Manzoor after seeing the movie it inspired, "Blinded by the Light". I decided on the spur of the moment to see the movie on a hot August weekend night. I am an adult male but I will admit that the tears flowed liberally.
I will start by stating that I like Bruce Springsteen only to a point. I liked the book and movie far more than Bruce's music. The book reinforces my love of Western culture and the freedom that it gives. Mr. Manzoor exemplifies the tension between loyalty to hearth, home and community and the opportunity to embrace the joy and freedom that Britain and America make possible.
While acknowledging and not shedding his roots, he firmly rejects the madness and fanaticism of extremist religious culture. As for Springsteen I see him in a whole new light. My instincts that he was a down-to-earth and normal version of the twisted genius Bob Dylan was born out. I highly recommend the twin experience of the book and the movie. I will not spoil the experience by divulging the successful resolution of the internal cultural torment.
… (more)
I will start by stating that I like Bruce Springsteen only to a point. I liked the book and movie far more than Bruce's music. The book reinforces my love of Western culture and the freedom that it gives. Mr. Manzoor exemplifies the tension between loyalty to hearth, home and community and the opportunity to embrace the joy and freedom that Britain and America make possible.
While acknowledging and not shedding his roots, he firmly rejects the madness and fanaticism of extremist religious culture. As for Springsteen I see him in a whole new light. My instincts that he was a down-to-earth and normal version of the twisted genius Bob Dylan was born out. I highly recommend the twin experience of the book and the movie. I will not spoil the experience by divulging the successful resolution of the internal cultural torment.
… (more)
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JBGUSA | 5 other reviews | Jan 2, 2023 | I decided to read [b:Greetings from Bury Park|2190231|Greetings from Bury Park|Sarfraz Manzoor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320499674l/2190231._SY75_.jpg|2195950] by [a:Sarfraz Manzoor|650097|Sarfraz Manzoor|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] after seeing the movie it inspired, "Blinded by the Light". I decided on the spur of the moment to see the movie on a hot August weekend night. I am an adult male but I will admit that the tears flowed liberally.
I will start by stating that I like Bruce Springsteen only to a point. I liked the book and movie far more than Bruce's music. The book reinforces my love of Western culture and the freedom that it gives. Mr. Manzoor exemplifies the tension between loyalty to hearth, home and community and the opportunity to embrace the joy and freedom that Britain and America make possible.
While acknowledging and not shedding his roots, he firmly rejects the madness and fanaticism of extremist religious culture. As for Springsteen I see him in a whole new light. My instincts that he was a down-to-earth and normal version of the twisted genius Bob Dylan was born out. I highly recommend the twin experience of the book and the movie. I will not spoil the experience by divulging the successful resolution of the internal cultural torment.… (more)
I will start by stating that I like Bruce Springsteen only to a point. I liked the book and movie far more than Bruce's music. The book reinforces my love of Western culture and the freedom that it gives. Mr. Manzoor exemplifies the tension between loyalty to hearth, home and community and the opportunity to embrace the joy and freedom that Britain and America make possible.
While acknowledging and not shedding his roots, he firmly rejects the madness and fanaticism of extremist religious culture. As for Springsteen I see him in a whole new light. My instincts that he was a down-to-earth and normal version of the twisted genius Bob Dylan was born out. I highly recommend the twin experience of the book and the movie. I will not spoil the experience by divulging the successful resolution of the internal cultural torment.… (more)
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JBGUSA | 5 other reviews | Jan 2, 2023 | Lists
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This memoir is not structured chronologically, but rather by different categories that are always prefaced by a song title and lyrics of a Bruce Springsteen song. Why Springsteen? When Manzoor was young he discovered the music of Bruce Springsteen through his best friend Amolak and they have been serious fans from an early age. Manzoor even goes so far as to say that Springsteen's music had the answers about the big questions in life that he could not find anywhere else, neither with friends, nor with family, nor through religion. While teenage life is hard enough as it is, it is even harder for a boy from Pakistan growing up in 1980s England. Personal insecurities are amplified by cultural differences and trying to find his way in life is that much harder for Manzoor than for other teenagers as there are high expectations of his family that are added on top of societal pressures. I liked how Manzoor explores the formation of his identity and his relationship to Britishness. Despite everything that he had to go through growing up he eventually describes England as his land of hope and dreams, in reference to the eponymous Springsteen song.
I read this book because I was intrigued when I first listened to a radio interview while driving through Scotland in the summer of 2019, which was when the movie was published. Note that the movie is only a fictionalized account of Manzoor's life and the book is the actual version. I liked both the book and the movie a lot. 4 stars for the book.… (more)