Taking Sides

by Sherine Tadros

The deeply moving memoir of an award-winning war correspondent turned activist — and her rousing defence of human rights in times of resurgent authoritarianism.As a broadcast journalist for Sky News and Al Jazeera, Sherine Tadros was trained to tell only the facts, as dispassionately as possible. But how can you remain neutral when reporting from war zones, or witnessing brutal state repression?For twenty-six years, Tadros grew up in the quiet surroundings of her family’s London home, and yet injustice was something her Egyptian immigrant parents could never shelter her from. From her first journalistic assignment trapped inside a war zone in the Gaza Strip, to covering the Arab uprisings that changed the course of history, Tadros searched for ways to make a difference in people’s lives. But it wasn’t until her fiancé left her on their wedding day, and her life fell apart, that she found the courage to pursue her true purpose. It was the beginning of a journey leading to her current work for Amnesty International at the United Nations, where she lobbies governments to ensure that human rights are protected around the world.With the compassion and verve of a clear-sighted campaigner and a natural storyteller, Tadros shares her remarkable journey from witnessing injustice to fighting it head-on in the corridors of power.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Journalism, Politics, Middle East, Biography

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 9, 2023

Reviews

[Tim Null · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since October 7th, I've relied on Ayman Mohyeldin for accurate and informative information about Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. Both on his MSNBC show and his Instagram account. Ayman is a good friend and former colleague of Sherine Tadros. On his Instagram account, Ayman recommended Sherine Tadros's memoir, Taking Sides.

In her memoir, Tadros discusses her professional life, where she had a front row seat to history in the making. One of my history professors in college defined current events as the history that happens in our lifetime. So, for me, everything that has happened in the last 75 years is a current event. So, for me, everything described in Taking Sides is a current event.

I don't normally think of memoirs when I list my favorite genres, but since joining Goodreads, I've added 24 memoirs to my Read list. Off the top of my head, I can easily think of a half dozen memoirs and autobiographies I've read prior to joining Goodreads. Also, I've got several memoirs in my read-next stack of books at home. Taking Sides makes an excellent addition to my Goodreads list. It helps expand one's understanding of current and past events.

This book doesn't cover events directly related to October 7, 2023, but it does include events around the time of the Arab Spring in 2010. An equally fascinating and dangerous period. Portions of Syria were as completely destroyed then as Gaza has been today. In both cases, no distinction has been made between soldiers and civilians.

The book focuses on Egypt, Gaza, Al Jazeera English, and the United Nations.

"Israel has successfully influenced much of the terminology the English-language media uses to describe the conflict, dominating the narrative and trying to advance the idea that their occupation of the Palestinians is both necessary and legal."

Rating = 4.4

[Tim Null · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow this book ended up in my Read list and my Want To Read list. Since I definitely have read it, I've moved both copies to my Read list. And I definitely recommend it.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

With my sincere thanks to Marina @scribepub for my copy to read and review, I have been able to learn so much from this book and this is one of the reasons I love to read.

Having read In Extremis: The Life of War Correspondent Marie Colvin recently, I feel this is an important topic. I was busy raising my children therefore never really took proper heed of world politics and war, these two books have filled in much of the blanks.

The author hails from a privileged background, much shielded her from the racism their family faced having grown up in London of Egyptian heritage. They are consistently worried about the path their headstrong daughter chooses, which was of course an obvious deviation from the expectations of an immigrant family. Sherine chose to study Middle Eastern politics then deviating to journalism.

This was challenging on the ground work reporting from the front lines during the Gaza wars. Her mum needed constant reassurance she was safe and this was sometimes impossible to do in sketchy areas of phone service and simply not having time to text. She had a warmth to be able to interview civilians and blend in during dangerous situations.

Her family was awfully close, so close in fact this impacted on a life changing moment for Sherine and her family, I find it hard to read stories where families involve themselves in relationships when in comes to religion. The constant involvement from the author’s family seemed stifling.

The book dragged a little for me in the thorough recounting of the wars, but I enjoyed her story of leaving journalism - interestingly days before Peter Greste's arrest. She and her colleagues worked tirelessly to help free their friend and raise awareness. It very easily could have been her.

The author explains in detail her move to the other side, using her firsthand knowledge of the horrors of war on civilians, to then be a powerhouse for advocacy at Amnesty International where she learns very quickly the need to understand the system to bypass useless formalities between diplomats and process. Who to learn from and how to use her wealth of knowledge. It was scary to learn how little certain high ranking American officials (representing Trump) had little knowledge of world politics when trying to get their way.

She highlights her worry of the real toll on the human rights situations where world leaders may meet to discuss with time wasting, formality and no real headway, but she is adamant she loves her new role and progress will always be in small steps. She is a smart woman and I believe she will get things done.

I really enjoyed this well written and easy to absorb memoir, it was quick to pick up and put down. Such an interesting woman.

[Ksen Tsuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel bad for giving this book only 5 stars.
Sherine Tadros, marry me!

[Harriet Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I went to your London book opening after randomly finding the event online, and I'm really thankful I did. I found it enlightening how you normalize making mistakes at work. It's really daunting starting your career, and you feel like everyone remembers your mistakes. I laughed out loud at your first tv appearance and your mum's comments. I'm also glad you discussed your traumatic experience and the feelings of not reacting the right or normal way. As it really resonated with me. Finally, thank you for inspiring me to continue searching for a career path that makes change. 😊

[Cherine Helmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and deeply emotive memoir. Sherine Tadros relays her challenging journey from journalism to activism against the backdrop of Middle East turbulence to which she had a front row seat. Through her candid narrative she humanises the suffering of victims of war and conflict and details the essential work activists provide on a daily basis.

[Anibal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into the experiences of foreign correspondence reporting and media in the 2010s and the Middle East.

[Malika · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading Sherine Tadros’s memoir, I was always thinking “I wanna be her when I grow up!” even though I’m almost 30.

I really enjoyed this memoir and I’m happy I now know about this wonderful human.

[Fleeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherine Tadros grew up in London, the daughter of Egyptian migrants. She studied Middle Eastern politics before moving to journalism and eventually went on to work for Al Jazeera English and Sky news, covering news in the middle east. After growing frustrated by the lack of change and empty promises from governments, Tadros changed career paths to advocacy work. She is now deputy director of advocacy and representative to the United Nations for Amnesty International. This book is the story of her career, the stories she covered, and how politics and advocacy really work (or in some cases, dont). Her story is interesting and this read was timely. While Tadros is open about the frustrations of reporting and advocacy work - especially when you're trying to negotiate with people who are pretty thick - she also talks about wins they have had and the importance of continuing to hope and work for a better future.

[Eman A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly exceptional read!

I loved the parts that showed individual efforts do make a difference, even if it seemed small or indifferential at the time, small actions do make a difference.


I was thinking what if Sherine didn't get into journalism? It would've been one decision for her but the butterfly effect would've affected so many stories that did make a difference in the trajectory of multiple international conflicts. When she started interning as a journalist no one could've known what change she will affect in the future. I got to thinking what decisions can each of us make that might have a huge effect in the future of our communities? We never know unless we take the leap of faith.

Thank you Sherine for the inspiration ❤️

[Gila · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book unapologetically takes a side - leans into a specific narrative, aligning closely with the style and perspective often associated with Al Jazeera’s so-called reporting. While the book provides insight into her experiences, it often feels more like an extended opinion piece than an objective account. The tone comes across as heavily biased, offering criticism that fits neatly into a pre-constructed framework, leaving little room for nuance or differing perspectives. If you rely on the reports of Hamas, then maybe this book will strike a chord with you.

[Mai Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book and I'm glad I managed to get a hold of a copy. I had never heard of Sherine Tadros, however I felt in reading her biography of her life to date, I want to know more about her. Her life as a journalist in war-torn / civil unrest countries implores readers to learn more about how a person navigates personal vs professional life in these contexts. A quick read, yet covers a lot of ground.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible perspective, this book is beautifully intertwined with Sherine's personal life and political (humanity) events. To me it highlighted how history continues to repeat itself but that fortunately there are incredible journalists and activists that continue to fight for freedom and the respect of human rights. Personally, this book also encourages me to continue with my own journey in activism, and shows how important it is to bear witness and demand to be heard.

[Jill Wilson]

A thought provoking book by a journalist who begins this memoir with her assignments in the Middle East twenty years ago and I was astounded and saddened that here we are in 2023 and nothing has changed.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving honest memoir. A journalist turned activist this is an interesting journey through very difficult war torn places. I’m light if what’s happening now in Israel & Gaza it was even more interesting.

[Courtney Kleftis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning more about human rights activists and their quest to fight back against the Western imperialist stain of violence throughout the Middle East, including, but not limited to Palestine. A timely and important read.

[Ruairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really moving, fast paced, inspiring.

[Alex F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling book written by an extraordinary woman.

A solid contribution to current conversations about privilege and consensus building for international crisis.

[Aaron Dorfman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. So well written, I couldn’t put it down.

[Lauren Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read based on what is happening between Israel and Gaza now.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thanks to Sherine Tadros for writing this memoir. Sadly, her descriptions of Gaza in 2008 ring true today.

[Liam J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherine wrote well about her experience in finding her path to journalism and on to activism. It was interesting to read her reflections from her background (which is so different to mine) and a reminder that the people we see reporting on TV have so much else going on in their lives. I do wish that there was more about her experience as an activist but I appreciate that wasn’t the main purpose for the book

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best thing I've read all year.