h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Your mom is a suitcase packer after my own heart! Yes, indeed, why not be comfortable with those little amenities at hand in a rather uncomfortable sort of place. I never go anywhere overnight without a 4 cup vacuum bottle (a genuine "Aladdin" thermos no less!), herb tea and the means to boil water.
She has my prayers and best wishes for a quick and complete recovery.
I find Nafisi to be very witty, even thought her subject matter is pretty serious. She definitely sees the humor in her own situation. I don't think you'd find it depressing, but then perhaps I can't judge what makes you sad. She says some very thought provoking things about what fiction can teach us. She even drags Scheherazade into it.
Translating bibliographies! Horrors! You are the one that needs the
. As Jo Rowling points out, it helps in getting over nasty experiences.