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booksandbecoming's review against another edition
3.0
The story of a survivor and activist who works to fight trafficking and help sex workers in her home country and neighboring countries.
necessitteem's review against another edition
2.0
If this book was literary fiction, it’d be five stars. However because the author claims it was all true and later her stories were found to be untrue, I can’t rate it higher than two. One star is for the story and one star is for the very valid issues of sex and human trafficking that is raised.
mjreading's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible testimony, and powerful perspective into the world of human trafficking.
laurennmiller's review against another edition
3.0
This book was just a nonstop battery of unimaginable cruelty, it was difficult just to read it, let alone survive it. So much awe and respect to Sonaly Mam who not only lived through it but continues to immerse herself in that world in order to help others.
sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
5.0
This is a relatively short book but one that should be read. It is shocking to read what still to this day goes on in our world. The levels of violence and abuse that children and women in this book have endured is a disgrace. I'm glad the author has written this book so that people know what evil still goes on in the world and will hopefully raise more awareness so that one day there will be an end to it.
tkadlec's review against another edition
5.0
I can't remember a more gut-wrenching, heart-breaking book. Some parts made me cry, others made me overcome by rage—this is not an easy book to get through and I imagine that many people won't be able too. It's simply too intense. This isn't to say that there's not hope in here as well. Somaly's rise from the conditions she was forced into, and her efforts to help others in the same situation, are deeply moving and powerful.
I do have to note that after reading the book, I saw that there was a report that Somaly fabricated much of her story. There are also conflicting reports that are just as compelling. Somaly has maintained that she has told the truth throughout. In some ways, I almost hope she isn't. I want to be able to believe that we aren't capable of the cruelties she and the other girls she mentions had to live through.
However, perhaps it is my naivety and desire for her to be genuine, but given the significance of what she is trying to accomplish I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see people trying to discredit her. So, I'm choosing to believe her. If you can stomach it, I highly recommend the book—it's a powerful reminder of our remarkable ability to overcome even the worst conditions. It's also a great reminder that we can make an impact:
I do have to note that after reading the book, I saw that there was a report that Somaly fabricated much of her story. There are also conflicting reports that are just as compelling. Somaly has maintained that she has told the truth throughout. In some ways, I almost hope she isn't. I want to be able to believe that we aren't capable of the cruelties she and the other girls she mentions had to live through.
However, perhaps it is my naivety and desire for her to be genuine, but given the significance of what she is trying to accomplish I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see people trying to discredit her. So, I'm choosing to believe her. If you can stomach it, I highly recommend the book—it's a powerful reminder of our remarkable ability to overcome even the worst conditions. It's also a great reminder that we can make an impact:
I don't feel like I can change the world. I don't even try. I only want to change this small life that I see standing in front of me, which is suffering. I want to change this small real thing that is the destiny of one little girl. And then another, and another, because if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to live with myself or sleep at night.
schmidt05's review against another edition
1.0
Just found out this book was a lie. I was so moved and now so sad. What a disservice to an important human rights concern.
lizlogan's review against another edition
4.0
Difficult to read due to its extreme detail but very interesting. Hard to get past the random point of view changes that seem like they should have been edited out.