Third Place Books welcomes local author Shama Shams to our Seward Park store for a presentation of her new memoir, She Called Me Throwaway, the true story of what happens when a young girl must fight for her life and confront her family and past to find the truth. This event is free and open to the public.

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About She Called Me Throwaway. . .

A story of secrets, survival, and strength. Shama Shams spent her childhood in her native land of Bangladesh during a time of political turmoil, economic instability, and daily violence. Born the third daughter to her parents, when everyone’s hope was for a son, a namesake, her father loved her unconditionally when her mother did not. When her father had to flee to the United States to save his life during the Bangladesh War for Independence in the early 1970s, Shama’s mother turned to extreme religion that changed her daughter’s life forever. What followed next, when Shama was six years old, was hell on earth that no child should have to endure. She lived with her mother at a religious compound under the rule of a cruel, abusive, and heartless leader. Shama survived physical, mental, and sexual abuse until she was finally rescued by her grandmother. As Shama waited to be reunited with her sisters who lived with their aunt, she was still not safe in her grandmother’s home. When she was ten, Shama’s father returned to move his family to the U.S., and her grandmother swore her to secrecy to keep the stories of her abuse to herself and never tell anyone, especially her father. Shama didn’t understand, but she loved her grandmother and made the promise. In the U.S., it seemed that every time Shama thought life would be okay, she had to survive another tragedy while living with the shame and guilt sexual abuse survivors often do. This is the true story of what happens when a young girl must fight for her life and confront her family and past to find the truth and to learn about happiness and acceptance as an adult. Now, she’s ready to share her story and help others in She Called Me Throwaway.

Shama Shams, a Seattle-based scholar with a master’s degree in religion specializing in Islam from Florida State University, boasts a rich literary portfolio featured in prestigious publications like Palooka and Fiction Fix, culminating in her recognition as a finalist at the Black Warrior Review. Notable for participating in the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, she mesmerized audiences with her readings at renowned venues such as the Dallas Museum of Arts. Currently immersed in crafting her next book, From the Promise to the Pursuit: The American Dream, Shama’s literary journey is complemented by over two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her recent book, Nonprofit Fundraising: Lessons from the Trenches, attests to her expertise in this domain. Actively engaged in community service, Shama serves on the Board of Directors at Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum and the Association of Professional Fundraisers.

About Third Place Books

Founded in 1998 in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Third Place Books is dedicated to the creation of a community around books and the ideas inside them. With locations in Lake Forest Park and Seattle’s Ravenna and Seward Park neighborhoods, Third Place Books is proud to serve the entire Seattle metro area. Learn more about their event series at thirdplacebooks.com/events.