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Prisoners of Hope: The Story of Our Captivity and Escape in Afghanistan
The gripping and inspiring story of two extraordinary women--from their imprisonment by the Taliban to their rescue by U.S. Special Forces.
When Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer arrived in Afghanistan, they had come to help bring a better life and a little hope to some of the poorest and most oppressed people in the world. Within a few months, their lives were thrown into chaos as they became pawns in historic international events. They were arrested by the ruling Taliban government for teaching about Christianity to the people with whom they worked. In the middle of their trial, the events of September 11, 2001, led to the international war on terrorism, with the Taliban a primary target. While many feared Curry and Mercer could not survive in the midst of war, Americans nonetheless prayed for their safe return, and in November their prayers were answered.
In Prisoners of Hope, Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer tell the story of their work in Afghanistan, their love for the people they served, their arrest, trial, and imprisonment by the Taliban, and their rescue by U.S. Special Forces. The heart of the book will discuss how two middle-class American women decided to leave the comforts of home in exchange for the opportunity to serve the disadvantaged, and how their faith motivated them and sustained them through the events that followed. Their story is a magnificent narrative of ordinary women caught in extraordinary circumstances as a result of their commitment to serve the poorest and most oppressed women and children in the world. This book will be inspiring to those who seek a purpose greater than themselves.
When Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer arrived in Afghanistan, they had come to help bring a better life and a little hope to some of the poorest and most oppressed people in the world. Within a few months, their lives were thrown into chaos as they became pawns in historic international events. They were arrested by the ruling Taliban government for teaching about Christianity to the people with whom they worked. In the middle of their trial, the events of September 11, 2001, led to the international war on terrorism, with the Taliban a primary target. While many feared Curry and Mercer could not survive in the midst of war, Americans nonetheless prayed for their safe return, and in November their prayers were answered.
In Prisoners of Hope, Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer tell the story of their work in Afghanistan, their love for the people they served, their arrest, trial, and imprisonment by the Taliban, and their rescue by U.S. Special Forces. The heart of the book will discuss how two middle-class American women decided to leave the comforts of home in exchange for the opportunity to serve the disadvantaged, and how their faith motivated them and sustained them through the events that followed. Their story is a magnificent narrative of ordinary women caught in extraordinary circumstances as a result of their commitment to serve the poorest and most oppressed women and children in the world. This book will be inspiring to those who seek a purpose greater than themselves.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2002
45 people are currently reading
1632 people want to read
About the author
Dayna Curry
2 books6 followersDayna Curry Grew up just outside Nashville Tennessee. She majored in social work at Baylor University in Texas and has done humanitarian work in several countries. Such countries include Uzbekistan.
Her first book was a non-fiction recount of her imprisonment in Afghanistan and release in 2001, co-written with Heather Mercer and Stacy Mattingly, called Prisoners of Hope. They are sending all proceeds from this book towards their organization, Hope Afghanistan.
Her first book was a non-fiction recount of her imprisonment in Afghanistan and release in 2001, co-written with Heather Mercer and Stacy Mattingly, called Prisoners of Hope. They are sending all proceeds from this book towards their organization, Hope Afghanistan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
July 6, 2018
Good read! An honest,heartfelt,warm,forthright and a wonderful story....(paperback!)
January 18, 2008
The vicious attacks by some of these reviewers is truly frightening. No matter what someone may think of the particular beliefs of these two young woman, who can doubt that they are especially virtuous people? They are attractive, educated, talented women who freely chose to live in a hostile and poor country to minister to the people's phsyical and spiritual needs.
The writing is fair. Their story is pretty interesting. They give us a decent window into a world that all Americans need to better understand. But the best part of the book to me is their deep love and respect for the Afghani people. These are pretty rough people that very few Westerners would dare visit, never mind live among. But these two women clearly fell in love with the Afghanis. Really interesting to see how this happens.
The writing is fair. Their story is pretty interesting. They give us a decent window into a world that all Americans need to better understand. But the best part of the book to me is their deep love and respect for the Afghani people. These are pretty rough people that very few Westerners would dare visit, never mind live among. But these two women clearly fell in love with the Afghanis. Really interesting to see how this happens.
August 4, 2013
This is a story of Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer. These two ladies traveled from the US to minister in Afghanistan. The first part of the book tells of their lives before salvation and how the Lord led them to travel overseas. The middle part of the book deatils there service and ministry in Afghanistan. The later part of the book tells of their imprisonment in Afghnistan because of their willingness to share their faith with the people of that nation. These two ladies were in Afghanistan during the "911" crisis in the United States. These two ladies endured much but were rescued by the Navy Seals. I really enjoyed reading about how these two allowed God's love to flow through their lives. If you like to read about courage or if you have interest in Afghanistan you will enjoy this book. The following quote from the book speaks for itself:
I came to see that God did not need someone with extraordinary gifts and achievements. He just needed someone who could love, share her life, and feel for others as He did. God was looking for compassion, not commendations. He was looking for faithfulness, not fame. God assured me that if I would be committed to loving and serving with a soft heart, then even if my life seemed small in the eyes of the world, before God it would be great. ~Heather Mercer
I came to see that God did not need someone with extraordinary gifts and achievements. He just needed someone who could love, share her life, and feel for others as He did. God was looking for compassion, not commendations. He was looking for faithfulness, not fame. God assured me that if I would be committed to loving and serving with a soft heart, then even if my life seemed small in the eyes of the world, before God it would be great. ~Heather Mercer
July 10, 2008
I randomly picked this up at the library...I'd heard a little about their story, so I thought it'd be a really good book. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, it was a good book! It just felt like there was something lacking in the story (I know it was a real life story, but something in their way of telling it left a bit to be desired), and I felt a little like they were a bit apologetic about some of their beliefs in one part. I was glad, though, to see how they both struggled through their captivity (I felt like I could relate to them better...like I saw the realities that come along with being imprisoned for Christ, even as much as I love reading stories of extremely strong Christians who never lost hope while they were in prison), yet still praised God daily and gave Him all the glory for their rescue. I was also impressed with their compassion for the Afghani people, and their eagerness to go to help people in a country that is extremely hostile towards believers! Their bravery inspired me! :) They truly took to heart Jesus' command to preach the Gospel to ALL nations!
The information about the Afghan/Islamic culture was very neat to read, and also very sobering. This is the kind of battle we Christians (and the world, really) are up against these days, and we need to know how to fight, how to pray, but more importantly, how to reach the muslims for Christ! :)
I was also glad to see that they shared the Gospel at the end of their book.
Overall their story is inspiring, but the book, the telling of it leaves me doubtful that I'd pick it up again anytime in the near future. ;)
Don't get me wrong, it was a good book! It just felt like there was something lacking in the story (I know it was a real life story, but something in their way of telling it left a bit to be desired), and I felt a little like they were a bit apologetic about some of their beliefs in one part. I was glad, though, to see how they both struggled through their captivity (I felt like I could relate to them better...like I saw the realities that come along with being imprisoned for Christ, even as much as I love reading stories of extremely strong Christians who never lost hope while they were in prison), yet still praised God daily and gave Him all the glory for their rescue. I was also impressed with their compassion for the Afghani people, and their eagerness to go to help people in a country that is extremely hostile towards believers! Their bravery inspired me! :) They truly took to heart Jesus' command to preach the Gospel to ALL nations!
The information about the Afghan/Islamic culture was very neat to read, and also very sobering. This is the kind of battle we Christians (and the world, really) are up against these days, and we need to know how to fight, how to pray, but more importantly, how to reach the muslims for Christ! :)
I was also glad to see that they shared the Gospel at the end of their book.
Overall their story is inspiring, but the book, the telling of it leaves me doubtful that I'd pick it up again anytime in the near future. ;)
May 1, 2011
This book was riveting. I read this 300 page-turner in 2 sittings! I couldn't put it down. Wow. I recently met Heather & Dayna and have known of their story, but wanted to learn more about what they went through.
I am so glad they expounded on their relationships there, their testimonies, the plight of the Afghans, and poured out their hearts in this book. The most exciting thing of all is the miraculous stories of God's divine intervention and protection and the spirit that covered them as they were in the hands of the Taliban.
The story of their escape out of Afghanistan was amazing. I am blown away at the timing of the events. They were captured just a few days before 9/11, they were shaken in prison by the blasts of missiles and gunfire overhead of the Northern Alliance & Taliban at war. America was most likely to soon come into play to retaliate for the attacks on the US, and all as they were held in Kabul, the primary target and capital city of Afghanistan.
They were able to see, just in time before their escape, the answer to their prayers and a world turned upside down before their eyes for the Afghani people. The Northern Alliance had moved in to overtake the Taliban regime.
Here is a beautiful chapter where Heather recounts that moment: "We wended our way into the bazaar area and saw people emerging from their houses. Women stood uncovered in the doorways. Children came out to the street. Men, still holding their weapons, shouted, 'The Taliban just left! We're free! We're free! Drivers in cars honked their horns. We began to hear MUSIC playing. People clapped, waved, and laughed. We waved back at the women SHOWING THEIR FACES. We acknowledged the men- something we could NEVER do under the Taliban.
As we walked down the road, I felt as if we were participants in a parade. I looked around with awe at the scene and wondered if I was seeing the first generation of children in a new Afghanistan to grow up free from the atrocities of war. My heart was moved. We were marching through history. Walking through Ghanzi was like walking in a world turned upside down."
Side note; one of my favorites was when Dayna & Heather were being moved by the Taliban and got in the car and stepped on something. She asked what it was, "a rocket launcher". Never a dull moment.
I am so glad they expounded on their relationships there, their testimonies, the plight of the Afghans, and poured out their hearts in this book. The most exciting thing of all is the miraculous stories of God's divine intervention and protection and the spirit that covered them as they were in the hands of the Taliban.
The story of their escape out of Afghanistan was amazing. I am blown away at the timing of the events. They were captured just a few days before 9/11, they were shaken in prison by the blasts of missiles and gunfire overhead of the Northern Alliance & Taliban at war. America was most likely to soon come into play to retaliate for the attacks on the US, and all as they were held in Kabul, the primary target and capital city of Afghanistan.
They were able to see, just in time before their escape, the answer to their prayers and a world turned upside down before their eyes for the Afghani people. The Northern Alliance had moved in to overtake the Taliban regime.
Here is a beautiful chapter where Heather recounts that moment: "We wended our way into the bazaar area and saw people emerging from their houses. Women stood uncovered in the doorways. Children came out to the street. Men, still holding their weapons, shouted, 'The Taliban just left! We're free! We're free! Drivers in cars honked their horns. We began to hear MUSIC playing. People clapped, waved, and laughed. We waved back at the women SHOWING THEIR FACES. We acknowledged the men- something we could NEVER do under the Taliban.
As we walked down the road, I felt as if we were participants in a parade. I looked around with awe at the scene and wondered if I was seeing the first generation of children in a new Afghanistan to grow up free from the atrocities of war. My heart was moved. We were marching through history. Walking through Ghanzi was like walking in a world turned upside down."
Side note; one of my favorites was when Dayna & Heather were being moved by the Taliban and got in the car and stepped on something. She asked what it was, "a rocket launcher". Never a dull moment.
January 31, 2018
This was given to me by my Second Mom for my birthday, recently. I would give it six stars if I could. It was written by two young missionaries to Afghanistan in 2001. The living conditions, the people who lived there, were so deprived of basic things we take for granted: electricity, running water, enough food, clothing, proper medical care, enough medicine, and adequate housing. The authors and others worked very hard to help these people and make them self-sufficient. They witnessed to them from their sincere love of Jesus, which was a problem because the Taliban forbade that teaching and also, residents could have been killed for converting. We learned much about the changeable rules that restricted the Afghanistani. Mostly, it was a story of faith, of a multitude of events that did seem like an action movie, fitting around the devastating deaths of nine/eleven in the United States, and what happend to Dayna and Heather and their associates as a result. You will not want to put this book down for long. It captivates, stuns and sticks with you for a long time.
I read this a second time, which I hardly ever do but I did it for my spoken book review. I thoroughly enjoyed it again. The first time I entirely missed the back cover comment from President Bush. Wonderful!
I read this a second time, which I hardly ever do but I did it for my spoken book review. I thoroughly enjoyed it again. The first time I entirely missed the back cover comment from President Bush. Wonderful!
February 6, 2016
What a load of self indulgent shite! I was expecting something totally different, but what I got was 2 incredibly annoying women patting themselves on the back for some kind of achievement and preaching like there's no tomorrow.
Apart from being extremely over the top with the evangelising, the book highlights mundane details (like the contents of their 10th care package or the furniture in their house, or the millionth time they prayed) and glosses over things which would have been really interesting like human stories and better descriptions of Afghanistan.
Apart from being extremely over the top with the evangelising, the book highlights mundane details (like the contents of their 10th care package or the furniture in their house, or the millionth time they prayed) and glosses over things which would have been really interesting like human stories and better descriptions of Afghanistan.
March 2, 2025
We had quite the book club discussion. These women were preaching about Christ in a country where it is against the law. Everything happend as a result of this. We were curious why they didn’t just go into the country as disciples of Christ and just serve and love by example. Gods timing for allowing proselyting missionaries doesn’t seem quite yet.
December 18, 2019
A story of robbery, mindless destruction and murder.
Two religious fanatics go to an exotic country to proselytize. Than the bad things start happening. Instead of their family, or church to take care of the situation, the government steps in. The robbery: tax money were spent for the two who have decided to go there. The destruction: the military aren't exactly gentle people, property was destroyed "for the safe" of the two missionaries. And murder, well, should be obvious. Add disrespecting the laws and tribunals of another country.
To make things worse: the supporters of this sort of acts would be very upset if some Muslim country would send commandos to kill left and right in order to save some preacher who's in jail in the US.
Two religious fanatics go to an exotic country to proselytize. Than the bad things start happening. Instead of their family, or church to take care of the situation, the government steps in. The robbery: tax money were spent for the two who have decided to go there. The destruction: the military aren't exactly gentle people, property was destroyed "for the safe" of the two missionaries. And murder, well, should be obvious. Add disrespecting the laws and tribunals of another country.
To make things worse: the supporters of this sort of acts would be very upset if some Muslim country would send commandos to kill left and right in order to save some preacher who's in jail in the US.
November 17, 2008
This book is inspiring to me. These women went through so much and came out stronger because of it. These two women served in Afghanistan during a time of unrest between this country and the United States. These women were imprisoned for sharing materials and beliefs that were focused on Christianity. They also helped families and children who were in poverty and tried to create schooling for them. In particular, they held an underground school for girls. Great read for educators who want to learn more about education restraints outside the U.S. May be interesting for children to learn about during a lesson on the Middle East.
December 2, 2015
The incredible sequence of events from their capture by the Taliban to their rescue over 100 days later. Dayna and Heather were living in Afghanistan working with an NGO serving the local people. They shared about Jesus and it was this which led to their arrest. They share of the harrowing experiences in prison. A U.S. special ops team ultimately got them out.
This book is such an encourager and faith builder. The women are honest about the struggles and fears but also about how they turned to the Lord and the ways He sustained them answered their prayers.
This book is such an encourager and faith builder. The women are honest about the struggles and fears but also about how they turned to the Lord and the ways He sustained them answered their prayers.
March 12, 2012
An interesting account of two volunteers in Afghanistan who are imprisoned for teaching Afghani women and family about the Bible. The writing style could have been more compelling and the ending of the book seemed a bit confusing. However, the faith of these women and their love for the Lord was inspirational.
July 19, 2022
Imagine been kidnapped in a war torn country. Imagine been held and transferred prison to prison. Imagine not communicating to your loved ones and if you do, letters have to be scrutinized. Then comes bombing to avenge the September 11 attacks. All this nasty mess but you hold on to your Faith to get you through. You pray and worship amidst the chaos because you know God got you. I want that kind of Faith when I grow up.
Heather and Dayna made headlines when they went to Afghanistan to preach the Gospel while helping the poor only to land in the hands of the Taliban. Here they talk about their ups and downs, how they held onto Faith, how they met good people who showed them love and hope despite it all to how they were rescued.
It's a book about holding tight to hope.
Heather and Dayna made headlines when they went to Afghanistan to preach the Gospel while helping the poor only to land in the hands of the Taliban. Here they talk about their ups and downs, how they held onto Faith, how they met good people who showed them love and hope despite it all to how they were rescued.
It's a book about holding tight to hope.
July 30, 2011
This story is about two women who volunteered with a Christian international aid organization in Afghanistan. They were arrested by the Taliban for talking to Afghanis about Jesus shortly before September 11th. They were in prison awaiting their trial (which they were pretty nervous about) when the the terrorist attacks on the twin towers happened, after which they were stuck in Kabul while the city was being bombed by American forces. They were moved around by their captors, and finally released when the Taliban was overthrown - then rescued by special forces (including Navy SEALS, my FAVORITE DUDES IN THE WHOLE WORLD) and helicoptered out to Pakistan in the middle of the night. Tuh dud. I spoiled it. They lived to tell their story. (But did I really spoil it? It would be pretty hard to read their book right now if they were dead.)
I don't know why, but the story was not nearly as gripping or exciting as the paragraph I just wrote would lead you to believe. Maybe I should have written the book for them, but maybe it wouldn't have sounded as Christ like as they made it. It's written from these two women's perspectives, but they sounded exactly the same the first half, and I couldn't ever remember who was talking. By the end I could tell they were very different women (who got on each other's nerves at times), but I still couldn't ever remember who was talking. Seriously, the way they talked and wrote was way too similar, and it all sort of blanded the story up for me. You know how some authors can make the most boring stories totally gripping? I think these gals can sort of do the opposite - take the most exciting story and make it sort of a yawn. (Only sort of a yawn - it wasn't like I couldn't finish it, I just took a looong time to get through it.)
Also, I'm torn. You know, I think they were doing amazing things, leaving their homes and going to serve in a foreign, poverty stricken country. Good for them, right? And I have no idea what I would have done in their situation, but I really don't think I would be talking about Jesus (even secretly) when the Taliban said people would be severely punished for listening to me. Maybe that's because I'm Mormon and the LDS church makes a big deal about NOT talking religion in countries where it's against the law, even if the government is corrupt and nobody likes them. These gals weren't openly preaching, but they'd always go and ask people if they could pray for them in the name of Jesus, and when people approached them and questioned them about their beliefs, they told them everything. They gave them materials, and showed movies of Christ's life. When they were caught and arrested (along with 6 other aid workers in connection to them, and I don't remember - maybe 15-20 Afghanis who worked for the organization or were being helped by them), all the other aid organizations were kicked out of the country (or evacuated). Some other Afghani people were beaten and imprisoned for listening to what they were teaching them. Really? They had a lot of faith in God and Jesus - shouldn't they have just helped the people with their physical needs and prayed a lot that someday they'd be able to also teach the people what they believed? I don't know. I'm sure they had the same thoughts after they were arrested. They were really selfless people, so who am I to judge them? I know. I'll stop judging. I wish them good luck with the rest of their lives, because they are good people and I'm glad they wrote the book so that I could read it. I am glad I read it, even though it dragged a little now and then.
On another topic, reading about the women in Afghanistan and the awful oppression they live through made me think a lot about how free I am. I already think (all the time) about how great it is to live now, in America, in freedom and prosperity. This made me add being a woman here and now (as opposed to any other time, and any other place) in the history of the world. Living in other places and times could really suck for anyone, but it all gets worse when you're a woman. Except for here and now, where it's all WONDERFUL. I was outside running in a tank top and shorts next to the road the other morning and actually teared up when I thought about the women in Afghanistan who were forced to wear burqas, and who would be arrested for going in public without a male relative. I could get up at midnight and go outside in a bikini all by myself, and no one would bother me. 99.9% of the time, I will be perfectly safe, even in the dead of night with no protection. If a man drove by and saw me, he'd be much more likely to stop and offer me a ride home than to beat and rape me. On a daily basis I have almost zero fear of someone hurting me or my family. I'm much more concerned that I'll get in a car accident or become obese and die of heart disease. It seems so normal and is so easy to take for granted, but our lives would be AMAZING for 99% of the women in the history of earth. So the next time you wear shorts in public, or go swimming, or take your kids on a walk through some trees - remember you're more blessed than anybody else in the world. (And say thanks to the soldiers who are going to places like Afghanistan to free the people so that their women can wear bikinis at midnight someday too.)
I don't know why, but the story was not nearly as gripping or exciting as the paragraph I just wrote would lead you to believe. Maybe I should have written the book for them, but maybe it wouldn't have sounded as Christ like as they made it. It's written from these two women's perspectives, but they sounded exactly the same the first half, and I couldn't ever remember who was talking. By the end I could tell they were very different women (who got on each other's nerves at times), but I still couldn't ever remember who was talking. Seriously, the way they talked and wrote was way too similar, and it all sort of blanded the story up for me. You know how some authors can make the most boring stories totally gripping? I think these gals can sort of do the opposite - take the most exciting story and make it sort of a yawn. (Only sort of a yawn - it wasn't like I couldn't finish it, I just took a looong time to get through it.)
Also, I'm torn. You know, I think they were doing amazing things, leaving their homes and going to serve in a foreign, poverty stricken country. Good for them, right? And I have no idea what I would have done in their situation, but I really don't think I would be talking about Jesus (even secretly) when the Taliban said people would be severely punished for listening to me. Maybe that's because I'm Mormon and the LDS church makes a big deal about NOT talking religion in countries where it's against the law, even if the government is corrupt and nobody likes them. These gals weren't openly preaching, but they'd always go and ask people if they could pray for them in the name of Jesus, and when people approached them and questioned them about their beliefs, they told them everything. They gave them materials, and showed movies of Christ's life. When they were caught and arrested (along with 6 other aid workers in connection to them, and I don't remember - maybe 15-20 Afghanis who worked for the organization or were being helped by them), all the other aid organizations were kicked out of the country (or evacuated). Some other Afghani people were beaten and imprisoned for listening to what they were teaching them. Really? They had a lot of faith in God and Jesus - shouldn't they have just helped the people with their physical needs and prayed a lot that someday they'd be able to also teach the people what they believed? I don't know. I'm sure they had the same thoughts after they were arrested. They were really selfless people, so who am I to judge them? I know. I'll stop judging. I wish them good luck with the rest of their lives, because they are good people and I'm glad they wrote the book so that I could read it. I am glad I read it, even though it dragged a little now and then.
On another topic, reading about the women in Afghanistan and the awful oppression they live through made me think a lot about how free I am. I already think (all the time) about how great it is to live now, in America, in freedom and prosperity. This made me add being a woman here and now (as opposed to any other time, and any other place) in the history of the world. Living in other places and times could really suck for anyone, but it all gets worse when you're a woman. Except for here and now, where it's all WONDERFUL. I was outside running in a tank top and shorts next to the road the other morning and actually teared up when I thought about the women in Afghanistan who were forced to wear burqas, and who would be arrested for going in public without a male relative. I could get up at midnight and go outside in a bikini all by myself, and no one would bother me. 99.9% of the time, I will be perfectly safe, even in the dead of night with no protection. If a man drove by and saw me, he'd be much more likely to stop and offer me a ride home than to beat and rape me. On a daily basis I have almost zero fear of someone hurting me or my family. I'm much more concerned that I'll get in a car accident or become obese and die of heart disease. It seems so normal and is so easy to take for granted, but our lives would be AMAZING for 99% of the women in the history of earth. So the next time you wear shorts in public, or go swimming, or take your kids on a walk through some trees - remember you're more blessed than anybody else in the world. (And say thanks to the soldiers who are going to places like Afghanistan to free the people so that their women can wear bikinis at midnight someday too.)
July 15, 2017
A wonderful read
September 2, 2018
This was an amazing account of two young aid workers in Afghanistan who were taken by the Taliban and held as prisoners for over 100 days. Dayna and Heather describe their fear and distress, but also God’s goodness and sometimes even the humanity of their Talib guards. Worth a read!!
September 30, 2021
This book kept me captivated the entire time. Even though this took place in 2001, it was interesting to read a first hand account of the lives of the Afghan people, especially now since the US has pulled out. I know it must be a horrible place to live.
June 15, 2008
Their story in itself I found very interesting, but on top of that pleasure the writing didn't suck! I've usually found anyone re-telling their own real life experience can be quite poorly done, thankfully this was not one of those.
The insight into the culture was an added bonus and all their stories/flashbacks/anecdotes and such I found to be well laid out and presented with a lovely mixture of colorful details and good solid facts. Other than the obvious fact that they survived and returned to the U.S. they did not at any point give the ending away or spoil surprises which I truly appreciated!
The narration switches between both of the women, so there was a gain in perspective without their respective personalities blurring together.
It does tend to get a little slow at points, but it soon passes and the story resumes. That's to be expected though, I mean this isn't exactly a perfectly plotted narration, it's an actual account from real life, as such it's bound to have it's slow moments.
The insight into the culture was an added bonus and all their stories/flashbacks/anecdotes and such I found to be well laid out and presented with a lovely mixture of colorful details and good solid facts. Other than the obvious fact that they survived and returned to the U.S. they did not at any point give the ending away or spoil surprises which I truly appreciated!
The narration switches between both of the women, so there was a gain in perspective without their respective personalities blurring together.
It does tend to get a little slow at points, but it soon passes and the story resumes. That's to be expected though, I mean this isn't exactly a perfectly plotted narration, it's an actual account from real life, as such it's bound to have it's slow moments.
April 8, 2013
This book took me on a journey with the prisoners. All through this book I was impressed with the way that they thought about and the way they treated the people of Afghanistan; even while they were in captivity they worried about the people of Afghanistan that they had befriended, they never failed to show love to fellow prisoners. They put others before themselves. Most of us would have worried about getting ourselves out of prison these remarkable women worried about how to help others. One scene that stays with me is when they are allowed to go to their homes to get their personal tems they thought not only about what they needed but what they could bring to the Afghanistan women they were imprisoned with. This is a great book and shows the courage, strength and faith these woman had. These woman are a good example of what a Christian is and what a christian should stand for. Is a must read.
September 6, 2015
Book started off very slow then turned into a real page turner. I was disappointed that the ending didn't give more details after the rescue, but I believe this is what the authors wanted. They provided a website where the reader could get more information about both their journey and post-journey experience. I enjoyed the interweaving of prayer, faith and true life experience. I believe there was a good balance between all 3 aspects. None overpowered the other. Since this is a biography, I appreciated both participants showing their flaws and fears. Neither participant was perfect and they acknowledge their crisis of faith. This is what kept me interested and wanting to know more, especially post-journey. I also found their experience very interesting since it occurred both pre- and post- 09/11, which showed how their treatment changed but not their personal attitude. Overall 4 out of 5 stars.
May 22, 2014
Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer felt called by God to go to Afghanistan and minister to the poor and oppressed. They developed many contacts and friends with the local people in just a short time. Several months after they arrive they are arrested by the Taliban government for telling local natives about their love for Jesus. Their captivity is described in detail with separate accounts from Curry’s and Mercer’s viewpoint throughout their ordeal. The 911 attacks on the United States occurred soon after they were arrested, complicating their release. Their captivity is detailed with many twists and turns, many deprivations and threats. They openly describe their depression and abject fear yet learn to completely trust in God. They are ready to die but are dramatically rescued in the nick of time. I found this book in my church library!
June 7, 2010
A recommended read for another book club that I am in....curious to learn more about Afghanistan.
It was an interesting book, they made it very difficult for a non-Christian to read and hear about their plight. But, I understand that they hope that some people may come to Jesus through their book and their story. It is appalling to think about being in jail, but I have to say that their jails, even the worst one, were better than I imagined. Freedom to walk, talk, sing, eat....I was picturing chained to a wall lying on concrete. They got packages and letters, visits, it was horrible and awful, but I think there are probably tens of thousands of POWS from many past wars whom may have a better story to tell. Why does this one get all the hype?? Hmmmmm
It was an interesting book, they made it very difficult for a non-Christian to read and hear about their plight. But, I understand that they hope that some people may come to Jesus through their book and their story. It is appalling to think about being in jail, but I have to say that their jails, even the worst one, were better than I imagined. Freedom to walk, talk, sing, eat....I was picturing chained to a wall lying on concrete. They got packages and letters, visits, it was horrible and awful, but I think there are probably tens of thousands of POWS from many past wars whom may have a better story to tell. Why does this one get all the hype?? Hmmmmm
September 7, 2013
This book tried a little too hard to toe the line in between mainstream and Christian, in my opinion. I read it quickly and was engaged the whole time, but I constantly felt like too many pieces were missing to be from a Christian perspective, or it should have had more of a focus on afghan life or their life as aid workers. They don't describe fights or challenges beyond their fear, which I think would be helpful for Christians as we all grapple with those issues even outside of being held captive. Yet it doesn't cover news or political events in enough detail to be considered that type of story. It was never explained why they co-wrote it or why the other captives were not involved in the book.
April 14, 2017
A fascinating account of women who went to Afghanistan as aid workers and ended up imprisoned by the Taliban. The first couple chapters discuss their early years and aid work. Most of the book is about their time in prison. I was actually surprised at how well they were treated, and horrified at how the less priviledged prisoners were treated.
I pray the Lord of the harvest raises up workers for Afghanistan.
Favorite Quote:
"We are praying for your country -- that God will restore and rebuild it."
I pray the Lord of the harvest raises up workers for Afghanistan.
Favorite Quote:
"We are praying for your country -- that God will restore and rebuild it."
December 15, 2009
This book was nothing like I originally thought that it would be. I was expecting a story much more dark and violent. I'm thrilled that the girls were treated as well as they were, but I was honestly a little bored, and had a hard time finishing it. But I figured that I owed it to these two brave women to read their story, and I was very glad that I did. I'm a huge fan of non-fiction in general, memoirs, and biographies, and I was able to learn a lot about the Afghan people from it.
September 22, 2007
Wow. Just wow. An incredibly inspirational story of two Christians taken captive in Afghanistan. I actually saw these two women speak at a conference a few years ago, and that was why I picked up their book. I certainly don't regret doing so, and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for hope, inspiration, and encouragement.
March 26, 2008
It was interesting to read about the Afghanistan people, their plight and the groups that reach out to help. It felt to me like the authors were taking their exceptional experience (which I applaud for their courage and faith) and making it into a book that could have explored their story in ½ the amount of pages.
December 27, 2009
Interesting account of 2 American women held by the Taliban in Afghanistan in the days leading up to September 11 and the ensuing War on Terror. A must read for anyone with a heart for the nations or for anyone who needs to understand the hearts of people who take the Good News into these parts of the world.
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January 12, 2011At times it was hard to follow, however, it was an excellent insight of what takes place in Afghanistan. I'm an empathetic person, so I place myself in other people's shoes. And boy is it scary! I'm very inspired and moved by their plight and love for the people in spite of all that Dayna and Heather had to go through. Books like these keep people humble.
March 10, 2011
It was interesting to read about the incredible experiences of these two young ladies. Their candid reflections on what was happening to them and their feelings was enlightening. I did feel parts were very repetitive and didn't particularly care for the style of writing which was used to tell their story.
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