QSaltLake Magazine - Issue 329 - November, 2021

NOVEMBER, 2021  |

BOOK REVIEW  |  QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE  |  35

Issue 329  |  Qsaltlake.com

the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

A Tale of Two Omars BY OMAR SHARIF JR. C.2021, COUNTERPOINT PRESS $26, 224 PAGES

You always wanted to make your mark. There’d be no footstep-following in your life. You’d carve your own path, select your own adventures, seize the opportunities that appealed to you, and blaze trails for the sake of others’ journeys. You’d take the best of those you knew and loved, and you’d go your own way. As in the new memoir, “A Tale of Two Omars” by Omar Sharif, Jr., you’ll also make your own mistakes.

q scopes NOVEMBER BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS

ARIES March 20–April 19 Whatever you’ve been up to, keep it up. This is a fun time for groups and being thankful. Even if you don’t have plans, make some goals that will bring you joy. You deserve to be happy right now so indulge.

TAURUS Apr 20–May 20 The best way to get respect is to give it. There is someone in your life that is giving you a rough time but they may simply be reacting to your behavior. Be your best, but if you don’t get it back, move on.

GEMINI May 21–June 20 Get away for a bit if you can and see someplace nice. If traveling is not an option, then take the virtual path to exploration instead. Expand

Born into a family that had ties on several continents, Omar Sharif, Jr. never had to worry about money or a place to live. On one side of the family — his maternal side — the Holocaust left a mark on his mother’s parents, who’d barely escaped the concentration camps. On the other side, Sharif’s paternal grandparents were both famous and beloved actors with roots in Egypt. Sharif was close with his entire family, but particularly with his grandfather, Omar Sharif. Sharif recalls many a dinner party, listening, while his grandfather held court at dinner, laughing and telling stories. Everyone, everything seemed so elegant and refined and those meals showed Sharif a life that he could have if he wanted it. As time passed, the lessons he received were paid back: he was one of the few allowed to help his grandfather as your horizons and get ready for good changes. They’re coming.

CANCER June 21–July 22 ​ ver get the feeling that E life is kind of dull? Spice it up with some good company and activities. There is much to do and people to see. Get involved with a hobby and seek out other like-minded people.

LEO July 23–August 22 Don’t fail to see a great opportunity in front of you. There is a lot of fun to be had and perhaps even more. Be in the moment when the chance presents itself because good things don’t always stick around.

VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2 You might want to get back into a game you thought was long over. Win or lose, there is always something to be gained. A work-related matter will have you bothered but don’t let that hurt your feelings.

Alzheimer’s took hold at the end of the great actor’s life. But this is not a story of a famous actor or a grandfather. It’s the story of a man who’s not just half-Jewish and Egyptian. He’s also gay, a part of himself that Sharif kept hidden until well into adulthood, although he says that other children must’ve sensed it when he was young. It was a part of himself that he feared revealing to his father. It helped him land a dream job that ultimately became a nightmare. The title of this book is a bit of a misnomer. Judging by what the author writes here, there are several Omars: the activist; a globe-hopper; a son and grandson; a writer; and a grandfather whose life was impactful but who has a surprisingly small footprint in this book. Which is not to say that readers will like them all. Indeed, parts of this book

LIBRA Sept 23–October 22 Work on yourself and finding a sense of fun. Get involved with a partner or family member in making this season a good one. While you might have big ideas, it’s the small things that really matter to you.

SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21 A past relationship may be on your mind lately, and there is a keen sense that maybe things weren’t handled too well. Take a fresh look and decide whether the past should die or if there is something there.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22–December 20.

Nothing has been smooth regarding a loved one, but you always know they have you covered. Pass on tasks in order to reduce stress but keep a close eye on what is happening. It’s a good time for a change!

may seem as though you’ve read them before: bullied as a child, fear of coming out, the college revelation, the mismatched first love. Those ubiquitous bits are here, but they pale in comparison to Sharif’s ultra-urbane life and the hair-raising, terrifying account of getting and getting out of what seemed like the ultimate job with a wealthy sheikh, a job that slowly grew dangerous. That story-within-a-story is so edgy, so mouth-drying, that you’ll throw away the thriller you bought last week. Then there’s the part about his life-threatening activism, a tale that starts and ends this book... And so beware at the unevenness of this memoir, but understand that the tedium doesn’t linger. Skip past the ho-humness of “A Tale of Two Omars” and the rest is remarkable.  Q

CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19

There are people who care about you more than you realize. Take a moment to show gratitude but don’t lose yourself in the process. There is much you can give without sacrificing yourself. Share your time.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18 The long road is sometimes the best one, providing some great views and time for reflection. A personal matter that needs to be resolved has an answer you haven’t considered. But you can figure it out soon.

PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19 Nothing is going to change unless you change it. Don’t fret about stepping on toes because there is likely nobody there. Look for a party and let your hair down. The holiday season is a time of opportunity.  Q