Watermelons, Walnuts, and the Wisdom of Allah: And Other Tales of the Hoca [Hardcover]

Barbara K. Walker (Author), Harold Berson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Every country has its folk hero—real or legendary, and in Turkey he goes by the name of Nasreddin Hoca, pronounced Nahz-red'-din Hoe'-djah. He lived several years ago and he served as a religious teacher, Moslem priest or judge as the occasion demanded. In spite of these exalted duties he was as human as any man. He could be wise and he could be foolish, and he was always able to laugh at himself. Over the years a collection of stories grew up around this man, and today there is scarcely a Turk alive who doesn't know dozens of them by heart. Barbara Walker has put together only a sampling of the hundreds of Hoca tales that exist. She has captured in English the same directness typical of a Turkish storyteller as he relates one of the well-known, well-loved stories of the wisdom or foolishness of Nasreddin Hoca.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 71 pages
• Publisher: Texas Tech University Press (January 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896722546
• ISBN-13: 978-0896722545
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,015,368 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an highly memorable, enjoyable book for all ages., January 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Watermelons, Walnuts, and the Wisdom of Allah: And Other Tales of the Hoca (Hardcover)

I read the original edition of this book nearly 30 years ago, and keep buying it for friends, and my own daughter - it is a sensitive, whimsical and accessibly deep look at Islam, the nature of life, the Turkish culture, and simple, transcendent morals. The humor, and the points of the fables are all gently made, with a great deal of charm and simple eloquence. One of my favorite books of all time. Great for anything from laughter, to learning about another culture, to simple and timeless morals, to an understanding of the common ground we share with Islam

5.0 out of 5 stars An AWAIR Pick!!!, May 16, 2011

By 

AWAIR Reviews (Berkeley, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Watermelons, Walnuts, and the Wisdom of Allah: And Other Tales of the Hoca (Hardcover)

Timeless folktales (originally Sufi teaching tales) of Nasreddin Hoca (or Hodja) - also known as Mullah Nasreddin and even as the Arabs' Joha. Here retold in Turkish settings are tales full of charm and humor and enhanced by sweet illustrations by Harold Berson!

Teachers/Librarians: Kindergarten - 7th grade. Even upper elementary and middle school students like "picture storybooks" when they are read aloud!

5.0 out of 5 stars Childhood Favorite, December 15, 2006

By 

M. Schreiber "TV-free, Battery-operated-toy-s... (TinyTown, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Watermelons, Walnuts, and the Wisdom of Allah: And Other Tales of the Hoca (Hardcover)

I had this book as a child 30 years ago and loved it. From age five to age ten, it was one of my most requested bedtime books. My mother never understood why, as the illustrations were not vibrant as with other children's books, but the stories and far-away setting just entranced me. I still have my copy and will read it to my own daughter when she is old enough for stories. Highly recommend.