Rana Asfour

is the Executive Editor at The Markaz Review, as well as a freelance writer, book critic, and translator. Her work has appeared in such publications as Madame Magazine, The Guardian UK, and The National/UAE. She chairs TMR’s English-language Book Club, which meets online the last Sunday of every month. She can be found on X & Instagram @bookfabulous.

Notable and Forthcoming Books Centered on Palestine

Notable and Forthcoming Books Centered on Palestine

A diverse selection of forthcoming and noteworthy books that shed light on Palestine from multiple perspectives, highlighting resilience.

30 JANUARY 2026 • By Rana Asfour
10 Noir Novels to Kill For

10 Noir Novels to Kill For

These ten novels—all steeped in uncertainty, grit, shadowy streets, and moral ambiguity—encapsulate the best of Arab noir writing.

5 DECEMBER 2025 • By Rana Asfour
Why FRIENDSHIP?

Why FRIENDSHIP?

TMR's October issue examines the multifaceted nature of friendship — intimate or communal, joyful or bittersweet.

3 OCTOBER 2025 • By Rana Asfour
10 Arab Novels Celebrating the Power of Friendship

10 Arab Novels Celebrating the Power of Friendship

A book list that explores the many shades of friendship: From heartwarming connections to tumultuous trials and redemptive...

3 OCTOBER 2025 • By Rana Asfour
Girl, Cat, Wolf Under the Bed

Girl, Cat, Wolf Under the Bed

An exploration of our connections with animal symbols delves into how they intertwine with themes of fear, survival,...

5 SEPTEMBER 2025 • By Dina Shehata, Rana Asfour
10 Books for OUT OF OUR MINDS

10 Books for OUT OF OUR MINDS

A curated collection of fiction and non-fiction exploring the ways political and social unrest impacts mental health in...

5 SEPTEMBER 2025 • By Rana Asfour
“Bleating”—a short story by Eman Al Yousuf

“Bleating”—a short story by Eman Al Yousuf

After many years of being tormented, a man finally seeks revenge against past aggressors who have long since...

4 JULY 2025 • By Eman Al Yousuf, Rana Asfour
“My Choices Are My Downfall”—a short story by Fadi Zaghmout

“My Choices Are My Downfall”—a short story by Fadi Zaghmout

What happens when a human-robot relationship forms? In near-future Dubai, an accident in a skyscraper holds the key...

4 JULY 2025 • By Fadi Zaghmout, Rana Asfour
The Book Censor’s Library by Bothayna Al-Essa—a Review

The Book Censor’s Library by Bothayna Al-Essa—a Review

A tale set in the near-future exploring the world of banned books, repressed imaginations, dreams, and desires.

4 JULY 2025 • By Rana Asfour
Always Beware of Dogs by Samir Kacimi — An Excerpt

Always Beware of Dogs by Samir Kacimi — An Excerpt

Creatively blending elements of fantasy, Kacimi offers readers a fresh lens onto contemporary life in Algeria.

6 JUNE 2025 • By Samir Kacimi, Rana Asfour
Read These Books by Arab American Authors

Read These Books by Arab American Authors

An inspiring collection of remarkable titles to mark Arab American Heritage Month in the US, showcasing vibrant culture...

4 APRIL 2025 • By Rana Asfour, Jordan Elgrably
TMR’s Top 10 Must-Read Memoirs in 2025

TMR’s Top 10 Must-Read Memoirs in 2025

A curated selection of memoirs for 2025 featuring captivating stories that provide deep insight into the human experience.

7 FEBRUARY 2025 • By Rana Asfour
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