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abaugher's review
5.0
WOW. this is an amazing eye-opening book. I devoured it in a few short days, and feel irrevocably changed from having read it. I am astonished at how much misinformation our country's media is feeding us; things that confused me before now begin to make sense. I'm getting the documentary Enemies of Happiness from my library so that my daughter and I can watch it together. It is about Malalai's struggles in her beloved and wartorn home of Afghanistan, as is the book. Why doesn't she just throw up her hands and leave the country? she explains why quite nicvely.
sarahenn's review
3.0
while this is indeed an amazing and eye-opening story, i had some problems with it. the writing isn't always strong, but that's okay to look over, considering english is not her first language. however, there were times when i felt joya was tooting her own horn a little too loudly, and that got on my nerves. yes, i understand she is a powerful voice for the women, the poor, the under-represented and ravaged people of afghanistan, but at the same time, i felt as if she were trying to tell us she is the country's sole messiah, their only hope to a true democratic future. i just felt she was too quick to point out her humility (such as in turning down expensive gifts at her wedding, etc).
but for the sake of showing us what we're missing by relying on reports in our U.S. media, yes, this book is powerful.
but for the sake of showing us what we're missing by relying on reports in our U.S. media, yes, this book is powerful.
misspalah's review against another edition
5.0
Joya is such an inspirational figure with the heart-wrenching story that will drove ur tears flows non stop while reading it. The remarkable journey of a normal individual in saving her country in the same time leading the efforts to empower women in the country who see women as beneath them. Its a tale full of courage and heroic. A must read book, i said.
kitkat2500's review
3.0
Very interesting book with a less-well known version of what's going on in Afghanistan. I've definitely started following the news more closely...I don't think Malalai Joya is happy with the recent developments in her country, though. You can watch some fascinating clips on youtube which show her speeches. She is a very courageous young woman.
ashleysue's review
5.0
Joya is remarkable. This was a very beautiful memoir and it completely changed my outlook on the world. I'm so lucky to be where I am and to have the agency that I do, especially since, a lot of times, we've seen in this book that many Afghan women don't. This book will make you cringe at the cruelties and cry for the all the things these people had to live through, what with all the horrors inflicted by the war criminals and the Taliban. This book will upset you and open your eyes. It's truly beautiful and I highly recommend. In the words of Joya herself, "It is meaningful to me that women who face so many struggles in their own country take time to support the women of Afghanistan. This solidarity is a living example that as long as one of us is not free, none of us is free."
BBC News calls her "the bravest woman in Afghanistan." With having her risk her life and the lives of those she loves for the sake of a better country and women's rights, I'd have to agree.
BBC News calls her "the bravest woman in Afghanistan." With having her risk her life and the lives of those she loves for the sake of a better country and women's rights, I'd have to agree.
razeenrafi's review against another edition
5.0
This book gives a light on how a leader should be ,a woman who voiced against warlords of Afghanistan (who makes most complicated laws in the country in name of Islam and who are doing all haram activities like opium farming, making lavish life by accepting bribes from CIA and making laws which harass woman and child). A woman who raised from a highschool teacher and becomes member of legislation with support of people raises her voice against these warlords and shows world these villians real colour.. Malala Joya shows us how a real leader should be. Her energy made me to read this full book in one sitting
ashsh's review
5.0
Joya is remarkable. This was a very beautiful memoir and it completely changed my outlook on the world. I'm so lucky to be where I am and to have the agency that I do, especially since, a lot of times, we've seen in this book that many Afghan women don't. This book will make you cringe at the cruelties and cry for the all the things these people had to live through, what with all the horrors inflicted by the war criminals and the Taliban. This book will upset you and open your eyes. It's truly beautiful and I highly recommend. In the words of Joya herself, "It is meaningful to me that women who face so many struggles in their own country take time to support the women of Afghanistan. This solidarity is a living example that as long as one of us is not free, none of us is free."
BBC News calls her "the bravest woman in Afghanistan." With having her risk her life and the lives of those she loves for the sake of a better country and women's rights, I'd have to agree.
BBC News calls her "the bravest woman in Afghanistan." With having her risk her life and the lives of those she loves for the sake of a better country and women's rights, I'd have to agree.
maaryaam's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
The only problem I had with it, which was the reason it came down to 4 stars, was the fact that she kept relating freedom with not following the hijab all throughout the book. I'm not sure whether this was intended or just a mistake, but when you read lines like that goes something like "These girls can now study without the hijab/head covering" over and over again it sort of does imply it. This may have not been the intention, but as always when writing books about issues that a place is facing, especially one as serious as Afghanistan, there shouldn't be room for misinterpretation.
This book shared some of the same thoughts I have been thinking, ever since I have tried to become more politically aware. I think the insight from an Afghan on her own country makes a strong point, and is so eye opening. I am glad that the want/need for change that runs through the Afghan people was so clearly demonstrated throughout the book through the intertwining of real life stories, and what others have said to her.
I would really recommend for anyone to read this, I believe that the struggle in Afghanistan is very truly and clearly depicted in this book.
The only problem I had with it, which was the reason it came down to 4 stars, was the fact that she kept relating freedom with not following the hijab all throughout the book. I'm not sure whether this was intended or just a mistake, but when you read lines like that goes something like "These girls can now study without the hijab/head covering" over and over again it sort of does imply it. This may have not been the intention, but as always when writing books about issues that a place is facing, especially one as serious as Afghanistan, there shouldn't be room for misinterpretation.
This book shared some of the same thoughts I have been thinking, ever since I have tried to become more politically aware. I think the insight from an Afghan on her own country makes a strong point, and is so eye opening. I am glad that the want/need for change that runs through the Afghan people was so clearly demonstrated throughout the book through the intertwining of real life stories, and what others have said to her.
I would really recommend for anyone to read this, I believe that the struggle in Afghanistan is very truly and clearly depicted in this book.
tiltingwindward's review
4.0
This should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to understand Afghanistan. Malalai Joya was the youngest member of Afghanistan's first post-Taliban Parliament, and her story is as shocking as it is inspiring. It's not a gentle book; Joya doesn't pull any punches, no matter what aspect of her country's dire situation she's addressing. This can be hard for an American reader, but when you think about the fact that the woman criticizing the NATO operation so mercilessly on paper has also risked her life to criticize brutal warlords to their faces, then it seems only fair to take your lumps. However, I think the best thing about this memoir is the picture it paints of the Afghan people as lovers of true democracy who are willing to risk their stability, their happiness, and their lives to support the democratic dream. It's a pity they can't get access to NATO as easily as the warlords...and a pity that NATO has chosen to ignore Malalai Joya, who is a honest, if abrasive, voice.