The Other Side of the Sky: A Memoir by Farah Ahmedi (1-Jul-2006) Paperback

by Farah Ahmedi

Farah Ahmedi recounts her heartbreaking journey from war-torn Kabul to America in her New York Times bestselling inspirational memoir.

Farah Ahmedi's "poignant tale of survival" ( Chicago Tribune ) chronicles her journey from war to peace. Equal parts tragedy and hope, determination and daring, Ahmedi's memoir delivers a remarkably vivid portrait of her girlhood in Kabul, where the sound of gunfire and the sight of falling bombs shaped her life and stole her family. She herself narrowly escapes death when she steps on a land mine. Eventually the war forces her to flee, first over the mountains to refugee camps across the border, and finally to America. Ahmedi proves that even in the direst circumstances, not only can the human heart endure, it can thrive. The Other Side of the Sky is "a remarkable journey" ( Chicago Sun-Times ), and Farah Ahmedi inspires us all.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Middle East, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Book Club

Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

https://linktr.ee/farahahmedi

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for all High Schoolers and those of us lucky to live comfortable lives in suburban America. Once you have read this book you will never again look at someone obviously from a different culture from you in the same light.
I picked it up by chance while browsing at the bookstore and read it easily in a couple of hours. It is written in the transparent style and emotional clarity of a child. You can almost sense the translation of language and culture as Farah's limited life of simple happiness in Afghanistan is abruptly terminated and new lives are veiled and unveiled as her childhood is lost.
Through determination that most adults would not have, she finds herself in suburban Chicago (Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream) where she grows into a young woman and into a new culture.
I gave this book 5 stars as it is suitable for kids, teens and adults and gives an objective perspective into two different cultures and religions in a way that sometimes only the innocence of a child can bring.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a riveting story that served as a window into a world I have no experience with. The number and magnitude of obstacles the author faced in her childhood was stunning.

[Johna Thaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! In some ways I was shocked that I enjoyed this book so much, because non-fiction books usually don't appeal to me. I typically look for books that have to do with things like ghosts or mysteries. This book was not something that I planned on enjoying, because it wasn't my typical reading style. To my surprise, this book introduced me to a new kind of writing that I enjoy.
I think that I loved this book so much because the events that took place in the book usually aren't events that happen in the typical person's life. Especially not things that have happened to me. It really opened my eyes not to just a new reading material that I enjoy, but to the rest of the world and how good of a life I have. Losing a leg isn’t something that I would find possible for me, but it showed me that tragic events like that do happen to people all around the world. It wasn't something that I could personally relate to or understand, but it was something that I was interested in learning about. Farah was so strong to be able to live her life and go to school and start walking again after she lost her leg, and it made me wonder if I would be that strong. I couldn't even imagine having to go through such a traumatic event at such a young age, and then losing family members and moving to new places as well. It was interesting to read about a real person's life that is so much different from mine.
But not only was it things that were shocking that I enjoyed, I also enjoyed that I could relate to parts of the story. The whole story wasn't things that I have never gone through. The traumatic events, I can't say I have experienced. But, the problems that teenagers in America face every single day are things that I can relate to. When Farah and her mother arrive in America, I could relate a lot more to Farah and the book seemed a lot less shocking but yet it still kept me interested. When she described her feelings, I knew what she was talking about because I too have felt them. The fact that someone who has such a different life from mine still has felt the way I have is what kept me interested. Not being accepted at school isn't something that only Farah experienced. Not being as smart as the rest of the kids is a challenge that I also felt in my younger years. I understand that the circumstances were much different for Farah, but it's interesting to know that I can relate to her in some ways.
As you can see, this book has opened my eyes to new things. It has made me more thankful and more aware. I know that have taken my life for granted, and I see that not everyone is so lucky to have everything handed to them. But what I also learned was that no matter how different someone's life is, you can still have certain things in common with that person. This book gave me more than a new reading style to enjoy, it taught me lessons. Just by telling her story, the author got through to me, and you could even say changed my life.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful memoir. At the tender age of seven, Farah Ahmedi stepped on a land mine, and she was put in the hospital. The hospital did not have the resources to deal with her injuries so she was flown to Germany, where she had multiple surgeries. She lived in Germany for two years without any family members (remember she was seven). She was sent back to her family, but the wars in her country were escalating. Farah and her mother were forced to flee Afghanistan when the Taliban invaded Kabul, her father and sisters were killed by a bomb. Her brothers had to flee to Pakistan because the Taliban were forcing all the males (as young as 12) into the army. Farah and her mother make their way to Pakistan, and eventually to the U.S.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book on CD. The story itself was very interesting. The things that happen are not even things I could imagine. However, once the author comes to America, she is, at times, almost ungrateful about the support given to her. This kind of turned me off to her.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was seriously amazing and I am not kidding. It is about a afghan girl. The main Character Farah. Something horrible happens to her and she learns how to be responsible and control her life. She learns how to make her life the best it can be. The book tells how she gets threw her life and makes it how she wants it to be.
The main thing that got me was how dirty they keep everything over there. Her main goal is to get to America so her and her mom can live peacfully. This in non-fiction and 100% true, the girl wrote it herself. She got it published by winning a contest on Good Morning America.
This book was nicely written,it kept me interested the whole time. The book is very depresing at parts but it si also happy.The book has a strong tone. It shows what Farah wants and how she feels. Farah is someone you can relate to even though what happened to her will never happen to one of us ( I don't think it will).
Anybody would like this book. It may be about a girl but it is an amazing story. It tells how the other side of the world works. If you like reading about other countries you should definitly read this book. Also with the war going on right now it could in a way explain how those people over there are feeling. You know it is a good book because it was voted America's #1 book.

[Naomi R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about an Islamic Afghan girl called Farah Ahmedi. The first part of the book is about her younger days in Afghanistan then specifically her 2 years in Germany. After that it talks about her short return home and moving to a near by country. The entire book was written in Farah's point of view. This story is enticing and will keep you at the verge of tears the whole time.
When Farah was 7 she was running late to school so she foolishly decided to go on a shortcut that would take her there faster. After only a few steps she steps on a land mind and suddenly her life is changed forever. A kind neighbor quickly took her to the hospital but there wasn't much that they could do there, because they had no medication, no real bandages, nothing because of the war. After 3 months there they barely kept her alive and her right leg got infected. She was then transported to Germany where she stayed for 2 years to heal. They ended up taking the infected knee and part of the bone and replacing it with steel rods in her right leg. She also had to have her left leg from the knee down amputated. This is also where she learned to speak German.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a true story and a real eye opener for me. I never knew that all of this stuff was really happening! It truly touched my heart

[Sandy Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This girl was the same age as one of my sons and it just seemed to make it personal. I saw the contrast to the lives they both had lived, just because she happened to be born in a war torn country where life and limb were both disposable. Her siblings were killed, her father was killed and her mother lost her ability to cope.
It was very moving and inspirational to see how she managed to make a new life for herself.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farah's story is both harrowing - in all that she has been through, all she has suffered and lost - and inspiring - in how she persevered and despite all the hardships and obstacles in her way found a way to forge a new life for her mother and herself. Especially in today's climate of demonizing refugees, this should be required reading in schools.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a special bias for biographies, especially for those about people different from me, who suffer though life, and their story educate. This is one of those books.

[Eryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very inspiring. It makes you think about what other people are going through in other countries and how spoiled (some of) us Americans are.

[anotherfungurl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best non-fiction I have ever read. I really felt sad for Farah. She had a very sad story, but her life was getting better and better. I would say it was a success story.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a book that I’d normally pick up but I enjoyed it very much! The writing style is easy to understand and shows the childlike innocence the author had while navigating the traumatic experiences of her childhood. It’s very inspiring to hear all that she has accomplished after only a few years in America, I’ve lived here my whole life and still can’t figure out algebra, makes me look like a fool! I think more people need to read this book as it comes as a reality check to most people that we don’t all live luxury. I think this is a must read for all people of America, especially the suburban folk. I am one and I take it as an opportunity to thank God and be grateful.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farah was seven-years-old and had overslept one morning. Worried that she was late for school she decided to take a short cut through a field, saving her two or three minutes but little did Farah know that decision would turn out to be the worst of her life. Sadly, Farah stepped on a land mine! Quickly a crowd gathered around her but no one seemed to know what to do until a neighbour came along, hailed a taxi and put Farah onto the back seat and delivered her to the hospital. Farah was in so much pain that every time they had to move her legs or change bandages, she would scream. The pain, needless to say, was excruciating.

The hospital in Afghanistan was ill-equipped to deal with injuries as devastating as Farah’s and all they could offer her were bandage changes and most of the time didn’t even have them at the hospital, it was up to her family to run around the city buying bandages from wherever they could.

Once a month a group of doctors came from Germany to choose the most seriously injured children to fly back to Germany for treatment. Thankfully, Farah was chosen to go but at seven years of age, she had to go alone, no family or friends would be allowed to travel with her.

Once in the German hospital where Farah remained for two years, she learned she lost her right knee and “...some of the bone just above and below that joint, and they fused my thighbone to my shinbone, holding them together with a metal rod that extends six or seven inches into both bones.” Farah can no longer bend her right knee as she doesn’t have one and can only move her foot up and down as her ankle joints are intact. Sadly, her entire left leg was amputated.

At age twelve, Farah and her mother were living in a refugee camp in Quetta, Pakistan. It is now winter and Farah’s mother is suffering frequent bouts with her asthma from living in an unheated tent in the cold and wind. Farah has become her mother’s caretaker at the age of twelve!

Farah exhibits such maturity beyond her years in age. She is a studious and intelligent girl who stood up for her and her mother’s rights. In dealing with some under-handed people, they thought Farah, at age thirteen, was too young and ignorant to know any better about adult decisions, but they were sadly mistaken.

Farah is an inspiration to all of us that even in the direst of circumstances and pain that we can survive and endure. It takes a deep faith and commitment to deal with what Farah did but she is now a beacon of light for many.

This was an amazing memoir which I would recommend to anyone and you’ll be amazed at what Farah and her mother went through after Farah’s two year hospital stay in Germany.

[Särah Nour · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have our war epics—Gone With the Wind, War and Peace, Dr. Zhivago—that serve to entertain and educate us about a particular time in history. However, sometimes the value of a war epic is not in its ability to entertain or its historical accuracy. Although a mere 256 pages compared to Gone With the Wind’s 1,000-plus, The Story of my Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky is a deeply moving firsthand account of growing up in war-torn Afghanistan, powerfully told by Farah Ahmedi, who was just seventeen at the time of its publication.

Born in Kabul during the war between the Mujahedeen and the Soviet Union, Farah grows up accustomed to the sounds of gunfire and fighter planes. She attends a school with limited resources: no books, more students than seats and frequent school cancellations due to rockets and bombings; nonetheless, she is a spirited girl with a passion for learning. One day, seven-year-old Farah steps on a landmine in a rush to get to school on time, and only then does the warfare and international relations of her home country become all too real to her.

In addition to the loss of her leg, Farah eventually suffers the loss of most of her immediate family, until she is left with only her mother to travel with as a refugee throughout Pakistan. The two endure harsh conditions in refugee camps, as well as the trials of slave labor, until they are rescued by World Relief and moved to Chicago, where they begin their lives anew.

Farah is a pleasant and perceptive narrator, able to objectively analyze the differences between the Afghan and American cultures. Her adjustment to life in the United States is poignantly portrayed, as she struggles to come to terms with her past and outright refuses special treatment for her having a prosthetic leg. Her strength of will in the face of unimaginable obstacles drives the narrative and inspires readers to wish her well throughout her journey.

Currently Farah serves as a United Nations ambassador for the Adopt-a-Minefield program, as well as founder of her own charitable program, Farah’s Wings of Hope. Her story of survival and perseverance serves as an inspirational coming-of-age portrait of a girl of indomitable spirit and endurance. Needless to say, her book is highly recommended.

[Ana Farida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judul : The Afghanistan Girl
Penulis : Farah Ahmedi dan Tamim Ansary
Penerbit : Imania
Tebal Buku : 334 halaman

Farah adalah tugu keteguhan. Dia tidak pernah berputus asa dengan segala musibah yang telah menimpanya di saat usianya baru menginjak 9 tahun. Meskipun dia kehilangan kedua tungkai kakinya, dia tetap semangat dalam menjalani hidup. Perang saudara di Afghanistan menyebabkan ayah, kakak dan adik perempuannya meninggal karena sebuah rudal meluncur dan menghancurkan sebagian rumah Farah. Ketika ia, ibu, kakak dan adik laki-lakinya pergi ke pasar untuk membeli kain.
Dia rindu dengan kehidupan di Jerman selama 1,5 tahun menjalani perawatan karena menginjak ranjau darat ketika ia hendak berangkat ke sekolah melewati tanah kosong di daerah Kabul, Afghanistan. Akhirnya perang memaksanya untuk pergi, pertama kali melewati pegunungan menuju sebuah kampung pengungsian di seberang perbatasan.
Perjuangan Farah menuju impiannya mulai mencapai titik pucak ketika ia pindah ke Chichago, Amerika. Berkat bantuan Organisasi World Relief. Hanya dia dan ibunya yang tinggal di Amerika. Karena kakak dan adik laki-lakinya harus mengungsi ke Pakistan dan entah bagaimana kabar mereka.
Di Amerika Farah bisa melanjutkan sekolah dan ia juga mempunyai mobil. Karena Alice dan John Litz telah membantunya dan menganggap Farah seperti anak mereka sendiri. Dan di Amerika Farah juga mendapat kaki palsu yang lebih bagus dan lebih baik, karena kaki palsu yang ia dapatkan dari Jerman sudah mulai retak.
Dia yakin bisa mengendarai mobil setelah ia meihat wanita yang menggunakan kaki palsu dan mengemudi mobilnya sendiri. Dan karena semua itu, Farah yakin bahwa semua penderitaanya pasti akan berakhir.
Kelebihan dari buku ini adalah dapat memberi memotivasi jika kita hidup di dunia harus yakin dengan diri sendiri dan selalu memandang kehidupan uneuk menuju masa depan yang lebih baik meski dengan kekurangan yang kita miliki. Dan kelemahan dari buku ini menurut saya masih ada beberapa kata yang sedikit sulit difahami.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story of my Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky is a very emotional and compelling book. This book is definitely one of my favorite books I have read throughout the course of the semester and provided me with a new perspective on issues brought up in this book. As a future teacher, I found this book to be very relevant because with the increase of diverse students that will be in my future classrooms, it's essential to be aware of the struggles that ELL students face when adapting to a new language and culture. I also think that as a teacher, I would require all of my middle school or high school aged students to read this book because I think it would provide them with a better understanding of classmates or people in general that immigrated from another country to The United States. I think that this book would lead to more empathy in society and also bring the ignorance and intolerance that some people have towards foreigners in this country to an end, resulting in a more peaceful and accepting society. I really enjoyed how this book was an easy read which would be of interest to a lot of readers. I also think that the way the book was formatted in a sequential way as opposed to jumping around in time added to this component of it being an easy read and added to the overall quality of the book. The biggest positive trait about this book however is its ability to evoke emotional responses out of the reader because of it being based upon a true story. The plot of the book is very engrossing and since the story is told by Farah herself, her voice authentically shines through. This makes the book so much more relatable in comparison to reading a textbook about the war going on in Afghanistan and still educates the reader on the war and what goes on in other countries through using heavy themes such as war, loss, struggles, family, friends, and adapting to change. I really have no negative criticism towards this book because I consider it to be one of my favorite overall books and a life changing read.

[Kate HT · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5

Such a beautifully written book!

Favorite Quotes:

“I have seen my dreams crushed, but new ones have sprouted in their places, and some of those dreams have even come true. I have lost loved ones, but no love itself.” p2

“Again and again—even though this world is filled with such indifference and so much random cruelty—at a crucial moment some good person has crossed my path and taken the trouble to care about me.” p62

“Meeting Christina was a turning point for me, because I had somebody now. I had somebody. That makes all the difference, you know. Even if your body is whole, your spirit can wilt. You suffer if no one knows you exist.”

“For the first time, truly and totally, I was surrendering to Allah. And with that surrender, a change began. I felt it in that moment. I felt it every increasingly in the days that followed. What was this change? My attention turned toward God. And the more I attended to God, the more I discover how to be patient and tolerant and how to relax. When that girl snapped her orders at me, I let it wash away, let it go, and I absorbed none of her spite and hatred, and so she failed to plant any seeds of bitterness inside me. Negativity stopped sprouting in my heart.” p 132

“I still feel how important it is to pay attention to God, to recognize God, to believe in God, to live with a pure heart and let only purity and truth come pouring from one’s soul: That’s the way to live.” p165

“I don’t think of her as an American or a foreigner or this or that nationality. It never crosses my mind that she’s an adult woman, so much older than me. Different ages, different religions, different nationalities—none of that matters. She’s my friend.” p213

Language: none
Sexual Content: none
Violence: some gore from the aftermath of explosions but not detailed

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Farah was born in Afghanistan and was fairly happy there with her family. But, one day while on her way to school, she stepped on a landmine and she lost a leg. She was lucky enough to be chosen to go to Germany, but while she was gone for nearly two years the war had gotten worse in her home country.

After losing her father, sisters and eventually brothers, Farah does the work she is able to support herself and her mother.

When Farah hears some group is taking widows and children to America, she feels that it may be the chance for her to have the life she's always wanted.

I found this book while looking around my library and I'm glad to have read it. It is a true story of a girl who lived in Afghanistan and was eventually able to find a way to America.

I do feel bad for Farah; a lot has happened in her life and she had to grow up so fast. After it was just her and her mom, Farah basically became the parent. It seems that now life is better for her here and she has made some friends. I am happy for her. This was book and one I think everyone should read. It really shows how a person from another country feels when they come here. They are just looking for a better life and want to feel welcomed, not singled out because they weren't born in America.

Farah is a brave woman and I hope life has continued to give her good things.

[G Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got Farad's audio book because we have been working in relief and development in Afganistan since 1984. It is a well narrated book, an uplifting account the suffering of a child and of people who come into our lives and believe in us, love us and walk with us through the difficulties of life in Afghanistan, Pakistan and in America.

Farad, a young, Hazara girl, has lived an unbelievable life before reaching the age of 15. Her story is a first hand picture of the devastation of a beautiful country destroyed by war and ethnic conflict. She and her family were caught in the middle. She stepped on a landmine as she was going to school in Kabul. She was in the second grade and things went downhill from there.

This is a story of suffering and pain but finding strength to respond when it seemed impossible. This is a story of faith and people practically living out their faith. It is the story of a young girl who has a dream and who is on her way to fulfilling it.

[Booknblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that immigration and claiming asylum is a big issue in politics these days. I also know that there are currently over 6.5 million people living in refugee camps world wide, over 2 million people who are food insecure, and 2 billion people live in places affected by conflict. This is why I keep reading about immigration and refugees. It is a huge issue and there is no one easy answer.

The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky is the story of one such girl, but it is also a story of Afghanistan until the Taliban took over in 1996 through the eyes of a young girl.

Farah started life in an upper middle class Afghani family until things went sideways for her. She is a child with incredible strength and fortitude.

[Victoria Poerll · Rating 2 out of 5]

How this author got a book deal is possibly the best set-up for a crappy book that I've heard so far. She won a contest to tell her story that was voted on by the public. Guaranteed to be a best seller, yes, but does it have any content?

The story isn't particularly poorly written, but it does read like a long, extended livejournal entry. But by her telling the story of her life in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, how she stepped on a land mine and went to Germany to get treated, and the problems she now faces learning English and fitting in to American culture, you really can't help but feel like your problems are pretty small. And people love that.

One particularly interesting highlight of the book: Apparently in some parts of Pakistan people still think Americans have slaves and that anyone going to America that wasn't born there is destined to be one.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story. Reading about Farah's life in Afghanistan---wow, I've never been so grateful for my country, my way of life, the health care system, and the protection I'm able to give my children. Imagine your nine-year-old stepping on a land mine on the way to school, and then imagine sending that child to a "hospital" that doesn't have any sanitation, any medicine, or even any bandages to wrap around her destroyed legs. Then imagine waiting in agony for forty days either for her to die or for a charity group from another country to rescue her. And that's just the beginning of Farah's story. This is one amazing read.

[Rajeshree Vejasegaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Side on The Sky , a memoir by Farah Ahmedi is an inspiring story of an Afghan girl who had suffered disability when she stepped on the land mine. Unfortunately,she also had lost her family and homeland due to war in Kabul. Farah is a woman who has so much self-will planted in her and indeed a remarkable individual. Despite being a victim to cruel circumstances of fate, she never gives up and thrive to survive the painful experience and also takes care of her mum.

"With a life like mine, surviving itself is an achievement - just surviving.

[Tara Ethridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking, albeit hopeful, memoir written by an Afghani teen who has lived so much hardship in her short life. From stepping on a land mine at the age of seven and losing a leg to living in a refugee camp in Pakistan to finally being able to move to the United States as a refugee, her story is an important one to read. Most especially during this time of so many refugees needing the opportunity for a new life. To have a deeper understanding of even how difficult that process of assimilating to the American culture is so interesting. Lots of tears shed in this book, but I love how Farah is so resilient and hopeful.

[Max Ostrovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that, unfortunately, is becoming more and more familiar. It's a story of an injured girl who becomes a refugee and how she adjusts to a completely different society.
Too often, and too easily, people are willing to divide human beings as being on one side or another, forgetting that we're all human beings. Sure, some have different view points, but ultimately, what individual doesn't? We're all unique, yet we are all part of what humanity is.

If this book can do anything for its mostly young adult audience is to show just how similar we all are in our hopes, desires, dreams and what it takes to belong, no matter what society.

[Aya El Kerdany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveeeeeee this book with all my heart. It was a reread from grade 8 and let’s just say I was too stupid and young to understand it back then. Farah’s connection to Allah and her journey really touches your soul. I love how us as the readers get to learn so much about Afghan culture and customs, it’s so refreshing to read about and I got so absorbed in it I could not put the book down. Even if it’s filled with darkness it left me with a sense of refreshment. I really respect the author’s connection from page 52 to the end when she finally gets to seem like a Princess in heels 😭😭🤍 I would so read this again 🕺

[mana · Rating 3 out of 5]

an unique memoir of the experiences of an afghan girl fleeing to find a future elsewhere.

a summary of the book:
𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩. 𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙝. 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣. 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙢.

𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙚, 𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩, 𝙤𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙞 𝙖𝙢. 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙞 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙖𝙢 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙛𝙜𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣. 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I randomly picked up at the library. Not having had anyone recommend it to me, I really had no idea what to expect. But to my surprise, it was a very enjoyable read. This is about a young girl who was born in Afghanistan and when she was just 7 years old she stepped on a land-mine that left her without a leg. It is her story of dealing with this life altering event, along with the war that was brewing in the Middle East and her journey to America. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story of a young girl who loses her leg to a land mine, and all of her family, except her mom to the Taliban. Farah's strength and spirit enable her to save their lives and World Relief brings them to the U.S.

Farah is only a junior in high school and she has an honest voice that is very moving. I learned so much about the immigrant experience. I want everyone to read this book. This book is the result of her winning first place in a Good Morning America essay contest. Most inspiring!