A lot of this book was pretty boring. It was a lot of names and details of people, so I had a hard time keeping track of the larger picture or even which conflict I was listening about. "Trudged through" is probably an accurate description.
I think the take-home message for me is that our current conflict in the Middle East is nothing new. We've been embroiled there since the birth of our country. That somehow makes me feel better about it- like maybe it's not the end of the world.
We've done good and bad, and I don't know what the answer is.

This Somali woman claimed asylum in the Netherlands, learned Dutch, worked at various jobs, gave up Islam and eventually ran for Parliament. Her stance is a bit unusual since she ran for office under the Dutch conservative party, essentially against Islam. She claims that there are reasons why Islamic countries are poor, uneducated, and suffering from political strife. Islam itself creates a culture about submission, no initiative, and repressing women. She goes against western beliefs that it is necessary to respect all other cultures- some actually are abominable.
Her story is very interesting, her political views are very well though-out, and the entire book was compelling. It really made me rethink some of my culturally relativistic values.

a hairdresser from Michigan's contribution to Aghan women's independence and pride- highly recommended. a quick read

I was interested in this autobiography because the author is working to create opportunities for women in Arab countries, working within the confines of traditional Muslim culture while stretching them a bit. She teaches the women about taking responsibility, creativity, and how to run a business. Some women are then kept as teachers, while others go on to open their own salons.
Many of the stories are heartbreaking. Some seem just ridiculous- like the fact that she married an Afghan man without knowing really why or how she was doing it. And she often tries to work against the culture in potentially dangerous ways.
I was disappointed to find that she didn't change the names in her book and now many of the women featured in here are in danger. That seems unnecessarily thoughtless and cruel from someone who purports to want to save these women.
I do like the idea of using traditional cultural values, like women's beauty, to give women power in Muslim culture.

It might be worth reading if only for a small view into cultural insensitivity and the lack of reflection that plagues our society. However, one can only marvel at Rodriguez' inability to reflect on the danger in which she places her former friends in Kabul by publishing this memoir. Her veracity is suspect in many passages (a solitary woman crossing the Hindu Kush without proper documents) and I'm astonished at the author's refusal to reflect on how her beauty school perpetuates the subjugation of women in Afghanistan. Written in a folksy tone that only heightens her cloddish behavior, it's hard to be a patient read.

The book starts out interesting, but very quickly becomes all about the author. Neither the author nor the ghost writer are strong writers. None of the side stories or characters are finished or ever mentioned again.

What do Americans actually know (or not know) about religion, and why is their ignorance bad? Despite being one of the most religious nations on earth, Americans know very little about the Bible, or much about any other religion. This leads to misunderstanding about Christianity and how we interact with other religious nations (particularly Muslim countries).

I learned a lot from this book- the difference between Evangelicals and Fundamentalists, the seven sacraments, the 5 pillars of Islam, etc. More interestingly, I learned about the history of religion in America- how learning was emphasized at one point, but prejudice against the Catholics caused a focus by the Protestants on the things they have in common, rather than their doctrinal differences. I also learned how experiential religion, such as revival culture, focuses more on one's personal relationship with Jesus, with little concern about the actual teachings of the Bible.

Prothero also makes a good case that it's more than just embarrassing and hypocritical for religions to not know their own teachings. Since religion is such an important part of our public debate, to not understand where other groups are coming from, or the teachings of your own group, can cause all kinds of problems.

HIDEOUS KINKY is a very simple book with a very simple story without much plot, but remains enjoyable.

The impressions of life in Morocco is truly fascinating, and the fact the story is told from the pov of a 4y.o justs makes it even more interesting.

Have never seen the film version, although i would very much like to now that i've read the book.

Since the novel can be finished within a matter of hours, i recommend it be read by everyone at least once!