How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo and Other Strange and Wonderful Stories

by Shubnum Khan

How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo and Other Strange and Wonderful Stories is part memoir, part travelogue and part love letter.

Shubnum Khan takes the reader on a journey around the world. Whether it is teaching children in a remote village in the Himalayas, attending a writers’ residency where the movie The Blair Witch Project was shot, getting pulled out of the ocean in Turkey or becoming a bride on a rooftop in Shanghai, Shubnum is quirky, moving and vulnerable in what she shares.

Shubnum offers an introspective reflection on what it means to be a woman, particularly a single Muslim woman, trying to find herself in a modern world. The stories are drawn from her life journey, which has been full of unexpected twists and turns, and are interspersed with reflections on culture and religion as well as musings on family, relationships and love.

This is a book about holding onto hope and a reminder that once ‘you step off the edge, anything can happen’.

Genres: Nonfiction, Short Stories, Memoir

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

Shubnum Khan is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years is her international debut and an NYT Editors Pick. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, McSweeney's Quarterly Concern etc. She lives in Durban by the sea.

Reviews

[IMJ282 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the writing seems more urgent and real and wise because the author doesn’t fake their experiences, it’s real and lived and true and sincere. As the author is nothing except real, it makes the read refreshing, unique and special.

I preferred the first half of the book to the second half as it had more evidence of personal growth and journeys, the ending stories seemed more like amusing anecdotes.
Despite that, the book had my attention until the end, so there was still something there that kept me wanting to read.

My favourite part of the book is how it mixes the glamorous with the mundane. The author has lived a special life, and yes, how fabulous it must be to be in residence at the Swatch hotel, but if that chapter is positioned right next to seeing an old crying lady at a fountain at night, and that story comes across as more impactful, the net effect is that the reader starts to change how they view the world and appreciate the irrelevance of glamour and the importance of the everyday.

This is repeated again and again throughout the book and it what makes this book great and why it should be looked at as more than just a throwaway fun read.

[Andy – And The Plot Thickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They're calling you the most interesting girl in the world."

When Shubnum Khan signed up for a free photoshoot, she thought it was for an art project. Years later, when a friend asked if it was her face in a Canadian advert, she realised she'd been duped. In fact, when she did a reverse image search, she found myriad ads from around the world, bearing her face. She'd accidentally become a global stock photo. When she posted about this on social media, it started trending around the world. And before she knew it, she was doing interviews on international news media.

This is just one of the weird and wacky stories that make up the life of Shubnum's life. We all have stories like these, tales of (mis)adventures, laughter, and even melancholy. But what makes this book stand out is the wit and wisdom with which Shubnum relays these events. Like the time 'guardian angels' saved her when she was stuck on a mountain. Or how she became a bride on a rooftop in Shangai.

These short sketches paint a picture of someone who has the courage to follow her dreams, no matter how many doubts she may have. When you step off the edge, she writes, anything can happen, the strangest and most wonderful journeys.

Of course, things don't always go as planned. And Shubnum is a planner (I totally identify with this!). As a child, her love for reading made her believe she could be prepared for anything.

"And that's when I realised reading was a superpower. See, if you could read, you could know what happens next. And if you know what happens, you could be ready for anything."

But life often gives you lemons and if you don't want to make lemonade, you can at least you them as ornaments. The book also highlights the importance of travel in expanding your horizons and how writing connects people.

This book is hilarious, smart and brilliantly entertaining.

[Paige Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you happen to know anyone who works at Pan Macmillan, bribe them for an uncorrected proof copy. Or you could pre-order this book. Or you could wait for it to come out in April and buy it, or hijack the truck as it comes in from the printers some time mid March! Do what you have to do to get your hands on a copy of 'How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo' (and other strange and wonderful stories), by Shubnum Khan.

A collections of stories that range from the author's childhood, growing up in a religious family, with three sisters in Asherville, Durban. '... a suburb of mostly middle-class Indians skirting the edges of gritty Overport...', to her love affair with David Duchovny, the time she spent teaching children in a remote village in the Himalayas, travelling to America as a single muslim woman in 2015 to attend a writer's retreat, and of course, how she accidentally became a global stock photo. And so many more stories.

I read these essays with a smile on my face and charm in my heart. The author just nails it. I haven't ever done any of these things; not been 'Interrogated about my secret marriage' (pg 39), nor had the experience of 'shaving my head bald' (pg46), and yet somehow she is me.

I grew up in an entirely different way and different place and yet with exactly the same feelings and experiences.

I haven't been 'Trapped in Delhi after an earthquake' (pg 82), or 'Shown my jaath in Times Square' (pg110) and yet I have travelled in the exact same way as Shubnum Khan. This book gets me.

So beg, buy or steal it, or figure out how to hijack that truck, cos I'm not parting with my uncorrected proof copy for anything.

[Leena · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so refreshing and fun, i laughed out loud many times even though i was reading this in my office. there are many moments that resonate deeply because this is an honest, introspective book by a brown muslim woman and it touches on many of the thoughts i've had in the last few years.

[Fatima Moosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you know you are going to love a book even before you start reading it and now you’ve read it and you love it even more - that’s me with this book.

Full review loading...

UPDATE: My full review and interview with Shubnum Khan can be found here https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/shubnum...

[Mariam Jhaveri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing, engaging, relatable...a fun read that also inspires reflection on one's own journey through life

[Greg Issac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had the pleasure of following Shubnum's crazy adventures on social media for years and meeting her once (she really does plan her exit routes in case of a sudden zombie apocalypse!) When the opportunity arose to read about some of them again in prose, I jumped at the chance. Definitely a good call! While the start of the book offers some insight into her colourful upbringing and character, it's when she travels when the book simply excels. When the travel bug has all but been squished by Covid-19 and all we have are our memories, Shubnum's stories from America and Asia (shared from the perspective of a single, Muslim, South African woman) are a wonderful escape and a reminder of how lovely the world really is and how magical life can be on the edge (they really are the most crazy and colourful stories but I'd rather not give anything away!) I related to many of her feelings and smiled many times. If anything, the book is too short and ends a little abruptly. The stories are all so magical that I wish she shared more details. If her life so far is anything to go by, I'm willing to bet that her next steps are bound to be as adventurous. If you're looking for a much needed whimsical escape and a simple pleasurable read, I'd recommend this book and rate it 8.5/10 :)

[Krutika · Rating 5 out of 5]

// How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo by @shubnumkhan

Right from the catchy title to Shubnum's witty writing, this book had me hook line and sinker! Shubnum's ordinary life was turned into a tumultuous one because of a single photoshoot. What she thought was for an art project led to her face being printed over hundreds of advertisements without her knowledge. Shubnum was no longer a regular woman but one who was now a familiar face with different names in every country.

Shubnum starts right from the beginning and introduces us to her family. Growing up in a muslim religious family, Shubnum had a fairly normal childhood where she grew up loved and protected in Durban. But soon she feels indefinitely bored about her daily routine and craves to do something different. This feeling slowly grew until she could no longer keep it hidden. Coming from a family in which women never ventured out of a country without being accompanied by a male member, Shubnum makes a life changing decision to live in the Himalayas to teach the village children. This decision sets her life into motion, propelling her further into the real world. From living in a rural area to then moving to China and Seoul, there was no turning back for Shubnum.

What sets this memoir apart from the ones I've read so far is the humour and a sharp wit! I laughed constantly and breezed past the book before I even realised it. Shubnum's life is nothing short of a roller coaster ride and her narration really shines through. What I thought would be an ordinary book turned out to be something spectacular.

This book quietly won my heart. If there's one thing she teaches us through her stories, it is to never stop dreaming and to never settle for anything less.

I most certainly recommend this one.

Thank you for sending this delightful book @panmacmillanindia 💜

[Tahoora Hashmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo and other Strange and Wonderful Stories” is a book that is raw, bold, simple to understand, empowering and ridiculously funny to the point you will find yourself laughing out loud almost every other chapter. A book everyone of you need to read ASAP!

I am in love with how brutally honest the author was about her feelings and experiences around the the world and within her home as a South African Muslim Unmarried Women with an Indian Ethnicity who is also an Author, a profession not really praised or recognized in the Desi Community. She have raised some powerful points that we all need to discuss in our day to day life to reflect on ourselves as a community.

I've never been this inspired or been able to connect to an author on such a level for a good time now and if you are someone desperately wanting to see the light inside the tunnel, feel your dreams are not in your reach or you'll never be able to make it, hate this world time to time...READ THIS BOOK!

I'm probably going to read all her works from now on religiously!

You can find the interview (I got the chance to take) of the author here: https://youtu.be/PcPu2LpUnUM
____

5/5⭐

[Shaakira Osman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chicken biryani for the soul... And I say biryani (which is usually reserved for special occasions) because this book is a celebration of life in all its wonder and glory.

From cover to cover I LOVED it!
Related to so much and there were so many gems throughout the book; filled with humour, wisdom, faith, emotion.. I know Shubnum put her heart and soul into this and it was beautiful to read. I've known her long enough on social media to have heard of most of these stories but she took no shortcuts as most do just republishing posts.. Each and every story had a fresh take on it and she brought so much more to the table.

Also, as someone who's taken an extended hiatus from reading (ie ruined by the internet) I have to add this is very easy on the eyes; the stories just flow, capturing your attention and heart both and of this impressive labour of love, the author can be proud.

[Kalpana Misra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read Shubnum's book, with its arresting cover and whimsical title, as soon as I heard about it. And I wasn't disappointed at all. The idea of this memoir of a young Indian from South Africa was intriguing for me because of the layering of different cultures. But it turned out to be much more than that.
Shubnum is devout, prays five times a day and, at the beginning of her travels, had to be accompanied by her father. Her faith in the goodness of human beings infuses her writing so that she always gives people the benefit of the doubt.
She is rife with contradictions. A travel writer but an introvert she has many fears. She works at overcoming these because the end goal of reaching her destination is worth the car sickness, the fear of strange foods, the inevitable loneliness that comes with travel.
In spite of all her angst Shubnum has a turn of phrase that often has the reader burst out laughing. I think it is this that caused people to suggest she could be a stand-up comedian, which she denied, seemed horrified by the idea of.
Shubnum writes with an honesty and ingenuity that endears her to her reader and make the reader look at her own life or attitude to see where she can do a little more, go a little further.

[Shagufta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as lovely as I imagined it would be. It was hopeful and beautiful and tender and funny and I liked more than I can say.

[Tiah]

~I realised the library was no only a place for dreams but a practical place; a lifeline for a community.~

~My father said in the early days of their marriage my mother once got so angry when he forgot to buy bread she flung open the kitchen cupboard and started throwing glasses to the floor. She first checked to see if each one was chipped because we don't waste perfectly good glasses in our house.~

~I mean I thought I could be famous one day but I didn't know it could happen without me knowing.~

~The thing no one tells you about being hurt is that it provides you with the opportunity to find an empathy within yourself that you've never had before.~

~Language, I've come to realise, plays a key part in understanding how you fit in a place. When you don't know how to communicate, you're like a puzzle piece that just can't fit no matter how hard you fore it...You realise how much you rely on a system of words to make sense of the world.~

~I wish I could walk through South African cities like this; to move through a land means to know it, to understand how it works and to feel connected to it. I think we lose something fundamental about space when we can no longer move through it with ease. . . To know a city is to step in the rhythm of its heartbeat.~

[Tarryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an enjoyable "story-a-day" type of read, even though I wanted to gobble up the whole thing in a weekend. It made me genuinely laugh out loud, shed a tear and just remind myself that this journey of life has so many paths.

[Cindy van Wyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Described as "part memoir, part travelogue and part love letter", Shubnum Khan's 'How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo and Other Strange and Wonderful Stories' is told over 42 essays and takes us from her childhood to adventures during writing residencies to recent travels with her family.

Split into five parts - Childhood, Growing Pains, A Whole New World, On Softness and Be Brave - through this collection, we travel from Durban to New York to a remote village high up in the Himalayas, and Khan writes with so much wonder and humour that you're bound to enjoy her stories, whether you've travelled a lot or not at all.

The essays highlight the road less travelled, even - or maybe especially - when you thought your life would take a completely different path, and as a fellow unmarried, childless brown woman, there was a lot I could relate to.

But Khan is also a Muslim woman, and there's a lot I just couldn't wrap my head around. Like the fact that she's not allowed to travel alone*. (Which she mentions... A LOT.)

(*She needs a mahram - a male family member as a chaperone, basically.)

Her writing is beautiful and often laugh-out-loud funny, but she also veers towards repetition quite often and despite writing about her life so much, she actually shares quite little.

Khan goes into incredible detail about the not travelling alone thing, about being scared and paranoid and anxious about just about everything and about learning to be brave, but completely skims over the cause of a heartbreak she makes mention of several times.

The essays tend to strike only one note, which makes the collection as a whole feel one-dimensional.

There's a very specific audience who will absolutely adore this book, and while I both liked and loved it in parts, I struggled to decide on a final rating. There were a few moments that felt overdone, a few that were absolutely incredible and a few others that felt like using "click bait" titles to make some stories more interesting than they really were, but, ultimately, reading about a brown woman writer living and loving is always wonderful.

[Laila Khalil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Shubnum Khan’s writing through her essay on the Modern Love series of The New York Times. Poignant yet filled with hope and humour, she shared her personal struggle to fulfull the desire of her parents, shared with many other Indian parents, immigrant on a foreign land or not, to see their every child married during their lifetime. This essay spoke about the gifts collected over years of hoarding by her parents for the enjoyment by her and her future-spouse, but were slowly beginning to feel more like a burden with each passing year firmly asserting her “single” status. On the bright side, as the only child living with her parents in their golden years, she cherished their blessings and their unconditional love to support her. There was so much I could relate to in her brief essay, so when I got to know of her latest release I was more than happy to grab a personal copy.
Unfortunately, reading this semi-autobiographical travelogue didn’t seem to sustain that charm for me. While the author is sincere in her attempt in sharing her stories from her childhood to coming-of-age in her mid twenties, exploring distant lands, and winning those little battles with her progressive, albeit conservative and loving parents to think, choose and act independently, the narrative felt contrived, disjointed and even forced to end abruptly. Her stories lacked the emotional depth and nuances I was seeking for her to share from her various new experiences. The writing is fairly simple and can be enjoyed by a wider cross section of readers. I struggled between rating this between 3 and 4 stars, and in the absence of a half star rating, I have decided to go with 3.

[Potassium · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a 4.5 but I read this in one afternoon so this rating might change as I get more time to process everything.

I worked really hard to acquire this book. I had wanted to read it during Ramadan, and of course I finally got my hands on it the day after Eid. Anyway, I am so happy I got a chance to read this eventually.

I like that this book is a memoir/travelogue done in snapshots, starting in Shubnum’s childhood and going through 2019. I like the mystery in what snapshots she chose to share, and I especially liked the chapter on heartbreak where she tells us everything and nothing at the same time. Shubnum’s travel stories don’t have that glorified singsong-y privileged feel to them, which I appreciated. Instead they made me really hungry to put on my hiking boots and go see more of the world.

I loved a lot of her commentary on writing, and as usual I felt seen in the writing of another brown girl. Her candid, self-deprecating jokes about her anxiety were both fun and inspiring, and I appreciated learning about life from a South African perspective. I not-so-secretly want to be her friend now.

[aqeelah ❀༉˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Lost Love of Akbar Manzil so much that I went in search for more books by this author. I came across this book at the library and I am so so SO HAPPY I did! Shubnum's collection of stories are powerful, emotional, raw, inspirational, and so funny they had me literally LAUGHING OUT LOUD 🤣. Not only did I find so much of it relatable, but I found it to be a truly motivating read. Shubnum Khan's vibrantly bright and passion-filled anecdotes gave me the hope that I too can live a full and exciting life despite my chronic anxiety, OCD and introverted nature (we are so alike in so many ways!!!). As a fellow single brown Muslim South African woman, I felt Shubnum's confessions and insights down to my very core. In these stories you will find pain and unfortunate events, but you will also learning all the poignant life lessons discovered along her way. This is a very special book and I can't recommend it enough.

[Maryann Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an achingly sweet book that felt like a warm hug. Part memoir, part travelogue and completely unputdownable. Reading this book felt like striking up a conversation with an amiable stranger you’ve met at an airport bar.

There’s so much I could relate to-Khan’s love for books as a child, making up stories in her head as a little girl, her travels around the world, her many anxieties, being over prepared for everything, and imagining the worst that could happen, but more than all of that her unfailing ability to believe that there’s so much beauty and magic in this world that almost anything is possible if only we’re brave enough to take that leap of faith.

Mild spoiler- Life’s most beautiful experiences happen outside your comfort zone.

Definitely among one of the nicest books I’ve read so far this year. And by now I’m convinced that since Shubnum and I have so much in common we can totally be best friends. 😀

P.S: And oh, what an utterly gorgeous cover! 😍

[Dr Najwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Shubnum Khan tells the story of a Muslim woman who lives in Durban, South Africa (SA). She is the youngest of four siblings and comes from a middle-class home. She discovers that she is a creative person and loves to write. She decided to pursue studies in Media and Communication, which was very different to the expectations of her family and community. Her interest in writing allows her to travel and see the world while she participates in writing residences. She provides insight into her family, culture, and religion. She then takes the reader on a journey to the various countries she visits at the writing residences or working as an English teacher. Her teaching stint on the Himalayan mountains provides insight into a rural, mountainous place we would not usually read about. The book is also filled with funny, quirky accounts of her travels as she comes across exciting places and interesting people.

[Neelanjali । booksmakemewhole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author had signed up for a photoshoot as a part of an art project in college, and imagine her surprise when she found her photographs plastered on billboards and advertisements all over the world!

This book is a memoir cum travelogue wherein the author takes us on interesting journeys from her family home in South Africa to the Himalayas, Turkey, Shanghai, South Korea, New Mexico and many more amazing places. Her personal experiences are quite funny as well as immensely educational.

This book is highly engaging and an uniquely refreshing and light read. It is thoughtful as well as delightful. A must-read memoir through and through!

[Sena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book's cover gives a clue of its contents. The author took it as an antidote to a difficult time, and the beautiful result took some unexpected turns and became a book cover. The stories told are warm, unexpected, and delightful. At times I wanted to reach across the pages to tell Shubnum (whom I've never met) - 'But look! Don't you see how brave you really are?' It's also inspired me to reframe and consider my own life and travels in the light of a series of adventures and beautiful moments, when strung together so clearly make a beautiful life. And she's funny!

[Keshel Kassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Shabnum Khan’s writes about her travel experiences and her journey in her life. She has demonstrated that exploring and experiencing uncomfortable unfamiliar situations are so important for our growth as women. Thanks for sharing your journey with us Shabnum Khan. I read your book every night before I went to sleep. It was the perfect book to end the day with.

[René Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

I am also a brown South African and having lived in New York for a year in my 20's and visiting London on my own during my year abroad, I could relate to so much that Shubnum had experienced.
I could never tell my stories as well as she does!!!!!! At so many points in the book my husband would hear me laugh out loud! I was fascinated by her bravery on all her journeys and her descriptions made me feel as if I myself was journeying with her on all her glorious escapades!

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored these stories! I felt some of then deeply. I went to Italy on my own, much to the surprise of my family and friends. I was a bit older (celebrated my 40th there) and loved it. I made some friends from different parts of the world too. Although I had family and friends who had done this too so I never doubted I could. And I have my stories too. I highly recommend this book to all.

[Marion Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. I had to try and drag myself away from reading this book to do something practical with my day. However, not a successful effort.
The book is funny, inspiring and so much more - an absolute joy to read.
Quote: "You have to find the balance between celebrating your freedom and being practical about safety."

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I enjoyed a book so much. As a South African, it smelled like home. As a fellow INFJ, it was crammed full of "I couldn't have said it better!" moments. Funny, relatable, light, and comfortable reading broken up into bite-sized chunks. Would definitely have benefited from some more editing, though.

[Amelia Diale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I underestimated this book. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. It reminded me of the reason why I loved reading as a child and of the magical place books would transport me to. It reminded me of the magic I wanted to find in the world and the adventures I grew up wanting to embark on.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming stories, honest stories, painful stories, insightful stories. A young woman finding herself within and without her family. Such a great read, and a great book for dipping into for a few stories at a time.

[SimonSaysBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well-written and fun. The author is definitely someone I'd befriend!
I did, however, expect the adventures to be more intense. More of a Bear Grylls style, perhaps?
No complaints about the book though! It was great.