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A review by drbooknerd
We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders: A Memoir of Love and Resistance by Linda Sarsour
5.0
I've been following Linda for over 10 years - I was immediately drawn to her efforts, her cause, both as an American Muslim, a Palestinian woman that was unashamed about her beliefs as she fought for and continues to fight for the oppressed, the under-served in her community as well as those outside it's borders, across the nation and world.
This first-hand account of her humble beginnings, her early childhood, her marriage and raising her family, while rising up to become a national leader, is one that is so very inspiring as our nation endured low points as far as the rights and lives of African Americans, Muslims and so many others.
One thing that I have always loved about Linda, is that she is unapologetic about who she is - something she states at the outset of the book and is one of her motto's to this day- and this has driven her to do whatever it takes in standing up for those who have been otherwise neglected, stepped on and oppressed. Unless you were living under a rock in recent years, you know of the threats against her, the false accusations and hate-filled campaigns against her by those seeking to tear her down without merit.
Hearing it directly from her, you will realize, those attacking her failed to keep her down for any significant period. Though she endured hit after hit, she always found a second wind, be it from her supportive family (especially her first-born son, who is the second star of this book in my eyes) or those she was fighting with - from Ferguson to the Women's March on Washington and each one of these obstacles or challenges, provides something we can all be inspired by as we fight to help amplify the voices that need to be heard and lifted up.
I cannot recommend this book enough - having been a young and then full grown adult during much of what Linda encounters more directly - be it the tragedy of 9/11, the Black Lives Matter movement - or even the behind the scenes of the long march to Washington from Brooklyn leading up to the Women's March - her narrative voice brings it all to life on an entirely different level that truly shakes the heart.
Learning more about her early upbringing and seeing where she is now, by the end of this book - it's so moving to "witness"that journey in her own words - including threats to her life and those close to her - and realizing that her battle continues everyday - that while big, important strides have been made, but there is still much to be done.
This first-hand account of her humble beginnings, her early childhood, her marriage and raising her family, while rising up to become a national leader, is one that is so very inspiring as our nation endured low points as far as the rights and lives of African Americans, Muslims and so many others.
One thing that I have always loved about Linda, is that she is unapologetic about who she is - something she states at the outset of the book and is one of her motto's to this day- and this has driven her to do whatever it takes in standing up for those who have been otherwise neglected, stepped on and oppressed. Unless you were living under a rock in recent years, you know of the threats against her, the false accusations and hate-filled campaigns against her by those seeking to tear her down without merit.
Hearing it directly from her, you will realize, those attacking her failed to keep her down for any significant period. Though she endured hit after hit, she always found a second wind, be it from her supportive family (especially her first-born son, who is the second star of this book in my eyes) or those she was fighting with - from Ferguson to the Women's March on Washington and each one of these obstacles or challenges, provides something we can all be inspired by as we fight to help amplify the voices that need to be heard and lifted up.
I cannot recommend this book enough - having been a young and then full grown adult during much of what Linda encounters more directly - be it the tragedy of 9/11, the Black Lives Matter movement - or even the behind the scenes of the long march to Washington from Brooklyn leading up to the Women's March - her narrative voice brings it all to life on an entirely different level that truly shakes the heart.
Learning more about her early upbringing and seeing where she is now, by the end of this book - it's so moving to "witness"that journey in her own words - including threats to her life and those close to her - and realizing that her battle continues everyday - that while big, important strides have been made, but there is still much to be done.