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How the Felafel Did I Get Here?
The warm, funny and insightful story of growing up a brown Muslim girl in suburban Australia by the nation's best-dressed counter-terrorism expert and MP. 'Anne Aly's ... influence will be felt for years to come ... It sinks in how significant she may be to public life as a healthy antidote to the pugnacious Right and the lameduck Left.' - The Good Weekend In 2016, Anne Aly was the first Australian Muslim woman, the first Egyptian-born woman and the first counter-terrorism expert to be elected to Federal Parliament. She was also most probably the first parliamentarian to have seen Zoolander 23 times. 'How the felafel did I get here?' she asked as she was sworn in with her hand on her father's copy of the Quran. It's a question the former professor has raised more than once since she arrived in Australia aged two bearing the name Azza Mahmoud Fawzy El Housseini Ali Al Serougi. The answer is a fascinating and moving story of growing up a brown Muslim girl in suburban Australia in the seventies, when the Brady Bunch appeared to epitomise Western family life and girls like Anne danced the divide between the expectations and values of their parents' culture and that of their adopted land. Told with warmth, humour and insight, Anne's book is an immigrant's story like no other by an Australian woman who has already made her mark internationally and in public life.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 5, 2018
Such a wonderful book by an incredible Australian. Absolutely recommend! Five massive stars.
September 10, 2018
Stories like Anne’s are much needed in Australia. To read of a different perspective and to hear from a woman who’s faces so many challenges head on in this country.
No doubt I related to a lot of the first half of this book, her story growing up Muslim in Australia is.. well not really told enough and especially not from a girls perspective. I enjoyed that, just as I enjoyed her relaxed style of writing, it allowed for personality to seep through and for an enjoyable read.
It’s refreshing to get an Australian story that isn’t the same old white bread.
No doubt I related to a lot of the first half of this book, her story growing up Muslim in Australia is.. well not really told enough and especially not from a girls perspective. I enjoyed that, just as I enjoyed her relaxed style of writing, it allowed for personality to seep through and for an enjoyable read.
It’s refreshing to get an Australian story that isn’t the same old white bread.
September 25, 2018
I listened to this as an audio book and I'm so glad Anne read it herself, I think that makes or breaks an autobiography audio. I found this to be an interesting, eye opening and thought-provoking book about so many topics. Growing up in Australia feeling different to those around you, religion, beliefs, family, racism, politics and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Anne Aly's story. I highly recommend you have a read or a listen.
March 12, 2019
Written with humour, passion and poignancy, but no regrets, this tells of Anne’s struggles to feel accepted throughout her life. But she never let it get her down. She refers to the culture clashes with her parents, her battles with poor body image when young, bullying from fellow students, religious clashes with the uninformed or ignorant.
Despite her remarkable achievements, many only see her differences – her race and/or her gender and/or her religion.
Anne describes her life – being born in Egypt, moving to Brisbane, Sydney, back to Egypt and eventually to Perth. During this time she had a passion for learning, resulting in University Degrees and Masters Degrees in a variety of fields.
Following the terrorist attacks in New York and Bali, Anne’s focus turned to Terrorism and counter terrorism. She was determined to DO something, not just talk about the problem. She wanted to prevent terrorist activities rather than fight wars against the perpetrators. She began programs in de-radicalization with young at-risk males. She researched causes and impacts, earning a PhD in the field.
When Anne was elected to Federal Parliament, it was noted that she was the “first Australian Muslim woman, the first Egyptian born woman and the first counter-terrorism expert” to be elected. However Anne claims she never set out to “make history” by being the first at anything, she rather wanted to “make a difference.”
A very inspiring story of determination, passion, achievement and especially hope for a better future.
Despite her remarkable achievements, many only see her differences – her race and/or her gender and/or her religion.
Anne describes her life – being born in Egypt, moving to Brisbane, Sydney, back to Egypt and eventually to Perth. During this time she had a passion for learning, resulting in University Degrees and Masters Degrees in a variety of fields.
Following the terrorist attacks in New York and Bali, Anne’s focus turned to Terrorism and counter terrorism. She was determined to DO something, not just talk about the problem. She wanted to prevent terrorist activities rather than fight wars against the perpetrators. She began programs in de-radicalization with young at-risk males. She researched causes and impacts, earning a PhD in the field.
When Anne was elected to Federal Parliament, it was noted that she was the “first Australian Muslim woman, the first Egyptian born woman and the first counter-terrorism expert” to be elected. However Anne claims she never set out to “make history” by being the first at anything, she rather wanted to “make a difference.”
A very inspiring story of determination, passion, achievement and especially hope for a better future.
June 6, 2018
I am always a bit dubious about autobiographies, they don't often seem to be written particularly well.
This one fits the mould. I found it hard to be even mildly interested in Anne Aly- basically because the writing was just poor. I am sure she would be an interesting person to talk to, but don't bother with this.
This one fits the mould. I found it hard to be even mildly interested in Anne Aly- basically because the writing was just poor. I am sure she would be an interesting person to talk to, but don't bother with this.
June 4, 2018
A fascinating look at where one of our most unusual politicians came from. Aly tells her story with self-deprecating candour, although her (perfectly justifiable) pride in her accomplishments also shines through. Well worth a read for the #AusPol crowd.
September 26, 2022
What the felafel! You nailed it Anne.
July 20, 2024
“Finding My Place" by Anne Aly is a captivating memoir filled with personal anecdotes and broader social themes, delivered with humour even during challenging moments.
In 2016, Aly became the first Australian Muslim woman, Egyptian-born woman, and counter-terrorism expert elected to federal parliament. She might also be the first parliamentarian to have seen Zoolander 23 times, adding a touch of relatable humour to her story.
Aly's journey starts at age two when she arrived in Australia, originally named Azza Mahmoud Fawzi Hosseini Ali el Serougi. The memoir navigates her cultural divide, balancing her Egyptian heritage with Australian life in the 1970s, using The Brady Bunch as her benchmark for a 'normal' Australian family.
With warmth and insight, Aly recounts her evolution from a young Muslim girl to a respected professor and influential public figure. Her story highlights the resilience needed to balance cultural identity and societal roles.
"Finding My Place" offers a blend of humour and profound insights, showcasing Aly's journey of acceptance and understanding. It's an inspiring read about resilience and finding one's place in the world.
In 2016, Aly became the first Australian Muslim woman, Egyptian-born woman, and counter-terrorism expert elected to federal parliament. She might also be the first parliamentarian to have seen Zoolander 23 times, adding a touch of relatable humour to her story.
Aly's journey starts at age two when she arrived in Australia, originally named Azza Mahmoud Fawzi Hosseini Ali el Serougi. The memoir navigates her cultural divide, balancing her Egyptian heritage with Australian life in the 1970s, using The Brady Bunch as her benchmark for a 'normal' Australian family.
With warmth and insight, Aly recounts her evolution from a young Muslim girl to a respected professor and influential public figure. Her story highlights the resilience needed to balance cultural identity and societal roles.
"Finding My Place" offers a blend of humour and profound insights, showcasing Aly's journey of acceptance and understanding. It's an inspiring read about resilience and finding one's place in the world.
November 9, 2021
She does seem like a super intelligent warm hearted lovely woman but this book meanders to the point of tedium. There is such a thing as too much context. Needed a lot more editing.
February 15, 2020
3.5 stars. Interesting story of a inspiring (and busy!) lady.
October 9, 2020
An interesting autobiography because she has overcome and achieved a lot, and that's inspirational. The writing is a bit self-serving at times and I don't agree with some of her views, but it's still worth reading.
In particular, her view of relationships seems strange. "I don't want to be married to my best friend. I want my best friend to be the one I go to when I need to have a nice long bitch about my husband and his annoying little habits that can sometimes make you rage with anger." WTF? My husband is my best friend and nothing he does could ever make me 'rage with anger'. Aly's version doesn't sound healthy to me.
In particular, her view of relationships seems strange. "I don't want to be married to my best friend. I want my best friend to be the one I go to when I need to have a nice long bitch about my husband and his annoying little habits that can sometimes make you rage with anger." WTF? My husband is my best friend and nothing he does could ever make me 'rage with anger'. Aly's version doesn't sound healthy to me.
August 31, 2018
A great autobiography because of its honesty, real emotion, and its humour. The only things I knew about Anne Aly were that she was an anti-terrorism academic and a Labor politician - this book showed me so much more. Aly outlines the migrant experience of coming to Australia, the pros and cons of parental and cultural expectations, the experience of prejudice against Muslims, the struggles women have in carving out a career, the dangers of working in anti-terrorism, and the challenges of being a politician. Brilliant!
December 10, 2018
In hindsight, Anne Aly's life is quite normal. But that's what makes it extraordinary.
She grew up in Western Sydney, lived and studied in Egypt, came back and settled in Perth where she resigned her life to raising her two boys and despite what she went through, the set-backs, and everything else, she ended up achieving so much. Timing is indeed everything.
A great memoir from an amazing woman.
She grew up in Western Sydney, lived and studied in Egypt, came back and settled in Perth where she resigned her life to raising her two boys and despite what she went through, the set-backs, and everything else, she ended up achieving so much. Timing is indeed everything.
A great memoir from an amazing woman.
October 10, 2021
Love Anne's story - she's had an amazing life, and I'm so glad to see someone like her represent me in Parliament! Like many memoirs, it plods a little bit because of the chronological order, with a little too much emphasis on her childhood and (in my opinion) not enough on some of her amazing achievements in adulthood. More of a narration than a reflection, which isn't my usual vibe, but still enjoyed and know many others will too!
May 30, 2018
I’m such a fan of Anne
September 22, 2019
I had never heard on Anne Aly until I heard her being interviewed on the radio a couple of weeks ago. She's a Muslim woman who was born in Egypt but raised in Australia, who became a global authority on counter-terrorism and is now a Member of Parliament in Australia. This is her life story. It's mostly about her upbringing growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents in Australia and it only covers her move into politics in the final few chapters.
The book reads like a conversation with Anne and it's a good conversation: she is funny and frank and her story is interesting. Growing up as a "brownie" in Australia meant that she was often the subject of racist attitudes. Her parents moved from Egypt to give their children fresh opportunities, but then decided that their daughters should still curtail their academic ambitions and marry Muslim men at young ages. The rise of Al Qaeda and ISIL also meant that being Muslim pigeonholed Anne in ways that she didn't want. To this day she receives abuse and death threats simply because she is a Muslim.
I don't know much about Anne's political views and for that reason this review neither endorses nor condones them, but I found her story really interesting. She's a strong, lively, likeable woman.
The book reads like a conversation with Anne and it's a good conversation: she is funny and frank and her story is interesting. Growing up as a "brownie" in Australia meant that she was often the subject of racist attitudes. Her parents moved from Egypt to give their children fresh opportunities, but then decided that their daughters should still curtail their academic ambitions and marry Muslim men at young ages. The rise of Al Qaeda and ISIL also meant that being Muslim pigeonholed Anne in ways that she didn't want. To this day she receives abuse and death threats simply because she is a Muslim.
I don't know much about Anne's political views and for that reason this review neither endorses nor condones them, but I found her story really interesting. She's a strong, lively, likeable woman.
May 25, 2025
I had no idea what to expect from this book, but I never considered it might be unputdownable. I actually listened to the audio version as Dr Aly narrated her own narrative (it can’t have been easy reading the very words you’ve written!) and it was an enjoyable listen. Her story follows a traditional autobiography: where she was born, her earliest childhood etc, but it became much more than that early on in the book. Ultimately I was impressed at how she successfully (she would argue with me here!) navigated her complex cross-cultures, family, family violence, education, and children, ultimately becoming a politician out of sheer necessity to make a difference. I was moved at times, especially when she spoke of her children and father, and ultimately got to understand why such a highly qualified and passionate professor became a politician. A highly recommended and … I’m gonna say it … surprisingly good read!
November 4, 2019
Anne Aly is the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Australian federal parliament. She delivers an engaging if somewhat high-level outline of her life in this short autobiography. My favourite aspect was probably the view it gave of Australia and Australian life through the decades; what has changed and what hasn't. I've lived in the same country over much the same time period but as a white male my experience is inevitably very different from Aly's (though I do remember being shocked at how openly racist Australians were when we first moved here in the mid-80s).
After reading this, I'm keen to learn more about Aly's work in counter-terrorism, from before her political career.
After reading this, I'm keen to learn more about Aly's work in counter-terrorism, from before her political career.
March 28, 2021
I finished Finding my Place by Dr Anne Aly. It’s written with self-knowledge, humour, a sense of resilience, grace and survival. She has done so much study with the goal of deepening cultural knowledge to prevent harm. She has a deep understanding of others. She has gone beyond roles to welcome and help people in her own home. However she acknowledges her weaknesses too. Big respect for her. An enlightening book about the life of a change-maker. I know that A plus feeling. I give her an A Plus.
May 14, 2022
An amazing woman with an incredible journey in life however I felt the book was a description of her life story but failed to give valuable insight into the real world problems that she has become an expert in. The writing style was ‘overcharged’ with too many add on explanations, afterthoughts and qualifiers, so would have benefited from some good editing. Half the book I heard with her narration which began to really grate on me but the last section, which I read in hard copy, was much more tolerable and enjoyable.
October 11, 2019
I loved this book. Anne Aly is both honest and funny. she's very insightful and her story is one we could all benefit from reading. Totally clear eyed and insightful, she's had a difficult life at times but demonstrates an insuperable strength of purpose and commitment.
The book is well crafted, honest and informative. I learned a lot about the woman, her life and her mission. Can only wish her well in the future.
The book is well crafted, honest and informative. I learned a lot about the woman, her life and her mission. Can only wish her well in the future.
September 10, 2025
Very interesting account of a life lived as a true Aussie!
Anne tells her story, accompanied by some photos, of her life, from being born in Egypt to moving to Australia at age 2, and on up to her election and 3rd marriage.
It was an enjoyable story to read. I was amazed by the prejudice she encountered and a bit surprised (though grateful for) her path to politics.
I missed seeing photos of her 1st & 2nd husbands, though there was one of her in her 1st wedding dress.
Anne tells her story, accompanied by some photos, of her life, from being born in Egypt to moving to Australia at age 2, and on up to her election and 3rd marriage.
It was an enjoyable story to read. I was amazed by the prejudice she encountered and a bit surprised (though grateful for) her path to politics.
I missed seeing photos of her 1st & 2nd husbands, though there was one of her in her 1st wedding dress.
October 5, 2020
An incredible book which I have enjoyed so much. I have cried with Anne, cheered her on and understood a little bit more of myself. A white immigrant to Australia who was asked by my son aged 4 why we had Australian skins not Swazi skins where he was born. a Christian minister, who finds she has more in common with brown immigrants and First Nations people than Australians. I get it Anne.
December 30, 2022
Anne Aly shares her story of growing in many ways. As a child and a adult she works hard. She is admirable. I now follow her on social media as I think she is a real trailblazer for women everywhere. Politics, religion, determination and sheer hard work are some of the things she shares. Well worth a read.
July 30, 2018
Quite enjoyed this political/ academic memoir. I loved the swearing, the character and the spirit that Anne's reading of this ebook brings to the table. I can wait to charge into her other works headfirst and find out more about her research on counter terrorism and human empathy.
November 7, 2021
She’s clearly a great writer and I found the narrative very accessible but unfortunately my two least favourite topics in the world are politics and religion, so I found I had to skim read big portions to get this finished. I’m sure this would be a 5/5 if you enjoy that sorta thing.
May 31, 2018
Very much enjoyed. A book worth reading
November 1, 2018
Great and from the heart read by Anne Aly. Really enjoyed sharing the story for an immigrant to Australia with its ups and downs.
November 5, 2018
I love stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and Finding My Place fits squarely in that genre. Anne Aly's story is a must for those interested in identity or politics.
November 30, 2018
Interesting path to parliament by a strong woman with a distinctive voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews