Ordinary Obsessions: This sequel to the authors well received Palpable Passions is a compelling, multi-layered narrative that weaves together various threads of history, culture, politics, and personal relationships in a moving story of conflict and hope. Relational twists within and between two families, one American and one Afghani, along with societal challenges are played out against a background of a struggle against a religious regime in Afghanistan and against the rise of a conservative insurgency in America. This is a story that taps into the most fundamental questions we all must face...who are we, what kind of world do we want, and what are we meant to do in life?