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. ( )

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.
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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. ( )

Saw the film on the flight to see our son abroad. Thought I would read the book - the 'source' material. I was surprised. Very pleasantly. The book and the film are not one and the same. The book gives a whole different dimension to the story of a Sarfraz Manzoor as a young Pakistani Muslim growing up in the UK. The book is not a linear timeline, but almost a series of essays. It is well written, inciteful and easy to read. It shows the inner workings on the mind of Sarfraz as he grows up and matures in the UK.
Reading this makes you realise, what you already know; no matter what our colour or religion we are all the. same inside with similar values and tastes. I'm sure. many men (this isn't sexist by the way) can relate to Sarfraz's relationship with his dad. Only when they're gone do you realise that they were there to do their best for you. I felt a pang of sadness thinking about this, particularly the bits about him not seeing his grandchildren.
The. film and now the book have made me revisit Springsteen. For this I can only thank Sarfraz. I thought that they were simply songs...they are philosophy!
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This book is sweet and is an interesting study of a boy born in Pakistan, but raised in England. With a foot in both cultures, he feels he doesn’t belong to either. With a little help from Bruce Springsteen, he begins to understand his family as they make progress understanding him. A good, quick read ( )