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scheskie's review against another edition
3.0
Well, I really wanted to like this more than I did. And I think if I would have read it when it first came out I would have found it inspiring and interesting. But times have changed and the book is now kind of dated in its approach to exploring the life of women in countries experiencing violence and persecution. There's a lot of rose-colored glasses approach, simplification for white audience consumption and disregard for the complexities of the history of Afghanistan and its impacts on what was going on. I may not have said that in 2011 but I sure as hell am in 2024. What those women experienced must have been so much more intense, the decisions had to be way more complicated that the author made it out to be. This was a simple, happy little story written by a Westerner for a Western audience. Sounds good and I'm sure it was a great experience for the author to learn about this family and find a way to write about them, but I think this book is a little gratuitious. Nothing about this story helped the women who are now back to living under the Taliban. I would love to see a follow up that looks at more hard truths and is a little harder hitting - not exactly revolutionary journalism here - and maybe written by the women themselves. I didn't love that the book was written in a style to produce quotes for things that happened in the past by just relying on memory. It was a creative choice and I'm sure there was a reason behind it, but it seemed like it was just to make it easier for Westerners to read. Bleh. It isn't quite fair to judge an author over a decade later, but it was this type of approach by Westerners that helped get us to where we are today - we need to let people tell their own stories.
emurph09's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
drusmilford's review against another edition
5.0
True story about Kamila Sidiqi who rose to meet and surpass life's challenges in most difficult circumstances. When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, she supported her family by creating a business which grew to teach, train, and support many women and men. Wonderful story.
hippokly's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
3.75
this book is very good and the story is very inspiring. the writing got a little repetitive at times, but other than that i really liked the book
mcquaden's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This book was incredible - I am really interested in stories that are not usually told, especially those that highlight women. This story was an incredible read. I absolutely loved learning about Kamila and her sisters in their strength, tenacity, and determination to survive under Taliban rule. It was a truly inspiring read, and one that I hope more people (specifically Western people) read. Western societies need to learn more about societies that differ from ours, specifically the Middle East, so that we can stop having so many incorrect notions about them and their culture.
Also people in general need to realize that women of all ages, ethnicities, and means are smart, driven, and talented in various ways - and they should be taken seriously as people, not discarded because of their gender
Also people in general need to realize that women of all ages, ethnicities, and means are smart, driven, and talented in various ways - and they should be taken seriously as people, not discarded because of their gender
drrock's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Narrative is a bit clichéd (in places feels likes it’s written for a school project) and it ends suddenly but is an inspiring story.
aubrey_the_explorer's review against another edition
5.0
This is a truly amazing story. I loved how it focused on the strength of women in rough times, as well as finding peace in your family, country, and purpose. This book has given me a new perspective on the life of women in Afghanistan.
sallyavena's review against another edition
4.0
I found this an insightful book into the role of one young women's courage and survival during the Taliban period of Afghanistan. While I admire the author's thoroughness and research, I felt that it was written more on the middle school level. It was well, but simply written, using an imagined conversation style that I don't think conveyed the depth of what was felt.
lanid's review against another edition
inspiring
tense
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Sexism, and War