As the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference came to an end, excitement built for an event that promised to be both dynamic and transformative. Set against the backdrop of the Pennsylvania Convention Center last June 26-30, this year’s conference served as a vital gathering for thousands of library professionals and advocates from around the globe.
The ALA dedicated to enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all, embodied this mission through thought-provoking sessions and meaningful community connections. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with forward-thinking librarians, explore innovative ideas, and collaborate on strategies that would shape the future of libraries.
In response to the growing challenges faced by libraries, including an unprecedented surge in book challenges, the ALA developed a comprehensive clearinghouse of resources to support library professionals and advocates. This initiative empowered attendees to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that the fundamental right to access diverse literature was upheld.
Citi of Books (COB) was thrilled to be part of this prestigious event representing 18 books from our remarkable authors! Among the standout selections that made a memorable impression with its insightful approach was “Sons Of Abraham” by Dr. Monif M. Matouk.
Monif Matouk is a practicing physician and surgeon and a preacher of the Gospel. He has been practicing medicine since 2001. He came to the USA in 1979 at 14 years of age to finish his education and start a new life in a country where religious liberty and freedom of speech are protected. He met Jesus Christ in 1980 while reading an Arabic Bible that was given to him by a friend. The sermon on the mount had a particular effect on him as it had on millions of other people. The Nobility and compassion of Jesus and his teachings started him on a spiritual quest that ended up with total surrender to Christ.
He became a street preacher at age 17 and dropped out of high school. After getting married at age 19 to his first love and present wife Nadirah, he went back to school and earned his GED certificate at age 21 and later on went to complete his college education and medical school and residency training. He had served Christ and the church as a pastor and a preacher, published an Arabic Christian magazine, wrote several works in Classical Arabic Poetry as well as a number of plays. He is also a singer and song writer and plays the lute. He has a wife and three children that are the center of his life, and a first grandchild on the way.
“Sons of Abraham” explores the intricate dynamics of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish relationships in the Middle East through the poignant love story of Fadi, a young Lebanese Muslim, and Layla, a beautiful Christian woman. Set against the backdrop of a religious civil war and the broader conflicts involving Israel, Palestine, and Syria, their romance flourishes amidst chaos, highlighting the complexities and tensions that exist between different faiths in the region.
As Fadi embarks on a spiritual quest, he confronts the misconceptions that Muslims often hold about Christianity, ultimately recognizing the significance of God in his life. His declaration, “I love God and want to live my life according to his will. It has nothing to do with religion!” reflects his deepening faith and desire for a personal connection with the divine. Meanwhile, Layla faces her own trials, grappling with the tragic loss of her parents and her brother’s injury, which tests her faith and resilience. Together, their struggles embody the broader themes of love, faith, and the search for identity amidst conflict.
The external circumstances that threaten to separate Fadi and Layla compel them to place their trust in the God of Abraham, seeking guidance and strength in their uncertain futures. The narrative captures their emotional turmoil and the sacrifices they must make for love, illustrating the profound impact of war and religious strife on personal relationships. Their separation serves as a crucible for growth, forcing them to confront their beliefs and the harsh realities of their lives.
Years later, fate reunites Fadi and Layla in a new country, where they must navigate a different set of challenges. Their reunion, while fraught with obstacles, also presents opportunities for healing and redemption. Overall, “Sons Of Abraham” delves into the cultural and religious complexities of interfaith relationships, providing a nuanced perspective on the misunderstandings and challenges that arise from differing faiths in a region marked by strife. Through their journey, the story emphasizes the possibility of love and understanding amidst division.
“Sons of Abraham” was one of the books displayed during the 76th Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world’s largest book fair, in Frankfurt, Germany last October 16-20, 2024. More than 4,300 exhibitors and an expected 114,000 trade visitors from 131 countries, welcoming rights professionals from a total of 355 agencies and publishers make the Frankfurt Book Fair a place of endless discoveries.
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Dr. Monif M. Matouk held a memorable book signing during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. The event was set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond.
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Listening to the author chat about their book can totally change the way you vibe with the story. They often spill the beans on what inspired them, the ups and downs of writing, and the deeper stuff they were trying to get at. This kind of insider info helps you connect with the characters and plot way more, making the whole reading experience a lot more fun.
Click the image to listen to Monif’s CBS Radio Interview with Benji Cole.
As we looked back on this year’s event, we were eager to continue building connections and advocating for access to diverse narratives in every library across the nation, sparking conversations that inspired fresh insights and impactful action.
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