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They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom
"What would you do if you grew up repeatedly seeing your home raided? Your parents arrested? Your mother shot? Your uncle killed? Try, if just for a moment, to imagine this was your life. How would you want the world to react?" Ahed Tamimi's father was born in 1967, the year that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank began, and every aspect of their family's life has been touched by it. One of Ahed's earliest memories is visiting her father in prison, poking her three-year-old fingers through the fence to touch his hand. The ubiquitous security checkpoints and armed guards even found their way into her childhood fairytales and playdates. Her grandmother regaled her not with nursery rhymes, but with the sage of her family and its tragedies. Instead of cops and robbers, there was Jaysh o 'Arab, or "Army and Arabs," where children roleplayed as Israeli soldiers opposing a community of Palestinians. She recounts all of this and more in her vivid and riveting memoir, one of the first to deal directly with what life in occupation actually means for the people in it, beyond geography or policy. It brings readers into the daily life of the young woman seen as a freedom-fighting hero by some and a na�ive agitator by others. Beyond recounting her well-publicized interactions with Israeli soldiers, there is her unwavering commitment to family and her fearless command of her own voice, despite threats, intimidation, and even incarceration"--
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
571 people are currently reading
17906 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 946 reviews
November 21, 2023
They Called Me A Lioness is a must-read for people attempting to make sense of recent events in Israel and Gaza.
June 4, 2023
I listened to Ahed Tamimi's memoir, They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom and it's fascinating, terrifying, and inspirational.
Tamimi is a Palestinian activist who was arrested and imprisoned at age 16 for slapping an Israeli soldier. Tamimi and her family live in Area 3 of the occupied West Bank in Palestine which is run by the Israeli government and military.
The daily atrocities inflicted on Palestinians is indescribable as well as Tamimi's experience while imprisoned.
Tamimi is a Palestinian activist who was arrested and imprisoned at age 16 for slapping an Israeli soldier. Tamimi and her family live in Area 3 of the occupied West Bank in Palestine which is run by the Israeli government and military.
The daily atrocities inflicted on Palestinians is indescribable as well as Tamimi's experience while imprisoned.
January 11, 2025
Powerful, raw memoir about Ahed Tamimi’s girlhood living under illegal Israeli occupation as well as her imprisonment for her activism. Her commitment to Palestinian resistance and freedom is unwavering. The writing in this memoir is simple and clear, though the events portrayed are disturbing, traumatic, and highlight the necessity of a free Palestine. Appreciate her for using her voice and sharing her story, though in an ideal world she wouldn’t have had to.
August 30, 2022
I was so excited to read Ahed's memoir after following her story closely in the news and on social media. What an incredibly brave young woman with a story that everyone needs to hear. She does a great job of explaining Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine and the history behind it, so this is also a great book for anyone looking to learn more about Palestine. She holds such tenacity and optimism even in the face of the many injustices she's been through, most of which are unimaginable horrors for the majority of us. Highly recommended reading.
October 23, 2024
Should be required reading for everyone
February 21, 2024
"I’m a firm believer that the international community must boycott Israel and pursue it for war crimes in the international courts. I also believe that the only possible and acceptable resolution at this point is a one-state solution. My vision is for us to live in a single democratic state where everyone is equal, Muslim, Christian, and Jew."
"Zionism has taken our country, where Jews, Christians, and Muslims have lived for centuries, and made it a country that is ruled by and for Jews alone. Zionists’ ideology claims that they have the right to take other people’s land, to push them out."
"Imagine that my story is yours and that all this has happened to your family, on your land. What would you do if your country, the only place your family has known for generations, were occupied by a foreign military? How would you respond if your land were continually being stolen? What would you do if you grew up repeatedly seeing your home raided? Your parents arrested? Your mother shot? Your uncle killed? Try, for just a moment, to imagine that this was your life. How would you want the world to react?"
seriously please read this book.
FREE PALESTINE
"Zionism has taken our country, where Jews, Christians, and Muslims have lived for centuries, and made it a country that is ruled by and for Jews alone. Zionists’ ideology claims that they have the right to take other people’s land, to push them out."
"Imagine that my story is yours and that all this has happened to your family, on your land. What would you do if your country, the only place your family has known for generations, were occupied by a foreign military? How would you respond if your land were continually being stolen? What would you do if you grew up repeatedly seeing your home raided? Your parents arrested? Your mother shot? Your uncle killed? Try, for just a moment, to imagine that this was your life. How would you want the world to react?"
seriously please read this book.
FREE PALESTINE
December 13, 2023
A worthwhile read for anyone who is trying to “both sides” this conversation. Free Palestine.
September 4, 2022
There were multiple times I found myself closing this book & thinking back to some moments I remember reading about in the news or some moments from my own personal life. There were also times I had to stop reading because I couldn’t help but cry. This is a must read book to anyone who wants a glimpse about Palestine through the eyes of a Palestinian child/young adult. It’s powerful and it’s an important narrative.
October 10, 2022
The writing style makes this book easy reading, but the content contained is absolutely horrific, heart breaking, and hard to truly comprehend. If this was fiction it would be overkill, barbaric, cruel; the fact that it is factual, current, and ongoing is inexcusable. There is no humanely possible way that we can still be ignorant or apathetic to the plight of the Palestinians. It is an occupation. It is apartheid. It is oppression. I often don't review adult non fiction, but because this is ongoing and we have the power to do something, BDS, I'm reviewing this book. The book describes torture, death, abuse, cruelty, you name it, but I think mature young adult readers can and should read it, along with every adult. A history of major events in Palestine interwoven with Ahed Tamimi's own experiences in the last few years, she was 16 when imprisoned, so the recent past, as lived by her and understood by her, is powerful, moving, and inspiring.
SYNOPSIS:
The book shares a lot of facts, but because the facts are contextualized you feel yourself absorbed by what it means to have your land taken, your home bulldozed. It isn't just statistics of growing settlements, it is being cutoff from the Mediterranean Sea that you can see from the hills in your village, but cannot access because of checkpoints and armed guards, and walls. It is understanding why throwing a rock, or slapping and kicking are a form of defiance, not terrorism. It is truly seeing the situation from someone living it every day. There is nothing for me to critique or opine about in her story, nor in the book and presentation. It is hard to read, it is harder yet to know that it still persists.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that I sobbed and clenched my fist and Googled again what companies and organizations to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS). That is what the book is asking those of us who support the Palestinian cause to do. She says they don't want our pity, they want our action. They want us to look at South Africa and realize the power of economic efforts by the global community on an issue. They want us to be educated about what they endure and educate others. They want us to help stop the erasure of Palestine and Palestinians. I'm so grateful that the book pointed out the direction we should take, a bleeding heart is not enough.
I love that Ahed owns her own learning and growth as she got to know Israeli Jews sympathetic to the right of Palestinians, that protested with her and her village, that fought the legal battles using their privilege to help the oppressed. I love that the book is personal and that she doesn't apologies, that she addresses the criticisms against her, that she calls on her own people to unify, and that she is so so fierce.
I can't imagine what her life is like, and it is truly humbling to imagine yourself in her shoes, in her mother's shoes, her father's. It isn't a life anyone would chose, it isn't a spotlight you would want. No parent would willingly push their child to this, so that she at such a young age had to endure and become what she is today, is humbling.
Islam is not a big part of the book, but Ramadan, and jummah prayers, janaza and praying salat are occasionally included.
SYNOPSIS:
The book shares a lot of facts, but because the facts are contextualized you feel yourself absorbed by what it means to have your land taken, your home bulldozed. It isn't just statistics of growing settlements, it is being cutoff from the Mediterranean Sea that you can see from the hills in your village, but cannot access because of checkpoints and armed guards, and walls. It is understanding why throwing a rock, or slapping and kicking are a form of defiance, not terrorism. It is truly seeing the situation from someone living it every day. There is nothing for me to critique or opine about in her story, nor in the book and presentation. It is hard to read, it is harder yet to know that it still persists.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that I sobbed and clenched my fist and Googled again what companies and organizations to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS). That is what the book is asking those of us who support the Palestinian cause to do. She says they don't want our pity, they want our action. They want us to look at South Africa and realize the power of economic efforts by the global community on an issue. They want us to be educated about what they endure and educate others. They want us to help stop the erasure of Palestine and Palestinians. I'm so grateful that the book pointed out the direction we should take, a bleeding heart is not enough.
I love that Ahed owns her own learning and growth as she got to know Israeli Jews sympathetic to the right of Palestinians, that protested with her and her village, that fought the legal battles using their privilege to help the oppressed. I love that the book is personal and that she doesn't apologies, that she addresses the criticisms against her, that she calls on her own people to unify, and that she is so so fierce.
I can't imagine what her life is like, and it is truly humbling to imagine yourself in her shoes, in her mother's shoes, her father's. It isn't a life anyone would chose, it isn't a spotlight you would want. No parent would willingly push their child to this, so that she at such a young age had to endure and become what she is today, is humbling.
Islam is not a big part of the book, but Ramadan, and jummah prayers, janaza and praying salat are occasionally included.
December 16, 2023
The easiest five stars I’ve ever given. Read this book and let it anger you. Read, reread and print off chapter 8, one of the best hope poems of all times.
September 30, 2025
If you read one book this year, make it this. Ahed Tamimi is a Palestinian woman who famously raised her fist at an IDF soldier as a child, which was captured via photo and shared with the world. Tirelessly dedicated to a Free Palestine, Ahed organized and protested in Palestine as a child. She was jailed as a teenager. Her story is one of a moral conviction I can only hope to one day carry in myself. This is a story of occupation, of hope, of girlhood, of oppression, and resilience.
This book brought me to tears more than once — the reality of the occupation is an unimaginable horror on the lives of Palestinians. Despite everything, they maintain hope, love, and conviction for a better world. Tamimi is an inspiration to all women in the world!
This book brought me to tears more than once — the reality of the occupation is an unimaginable horror on the lives of Palestinians. Despite everything, they maintain hope, love, and conviction for a better world. Tamimi is an inspiration to all women in the world!
January 1, 2025
At this stage, we all know what Israel is. However, reading a first-hand account by a young woman is incredibly emotional.
We hear on the news that Isreal controls the water but reading how that affects everyday life hurts my heart.
We know Israelis steal homes, imprison minors, and happily fires at children, but reading it up close is maddening.
We know Israel had no respect for human life.
We know the difference between a Jew and a Zionist. The cost has been horrendous, but you've exposed yourself Israel and the world sees who you are.
I'm glad we have so many resources to continue to educate ourselves, and the message is getting out, and eyes are being opened.
Five stars - it's short. It's to the point, and it's another voice we need to amplify.
We hear on the news that Isreal controls the water but reading how that affects everyday life hurts my heart.
We know Israelis steal homes, imprison minors, and happily fires at children, but reading it up close is maddening.
We know Israel had no respect for human life.
We know the difference between a Jew and a Zionist. The cost has been horrendous, but you've exposed yourself Israel and the world sees who you are.
I'm glad we have so many resources to continue to educate ourselves, and the message is getting out, and eyes are being opened.
Five stars - it's short. It's to the point, and it's another voice we need to amplify.
September 23, 2024
For those who said that this was a tangible, approachable way to learn more about Palestinian history, struggle, and resistance, THANK YOU!
I really learned a lot from this book and found all of it really impactful to how I think about Palestinian history and our collective fight against colonialism. I think it gave me a WAY better picture than half of the other books I've read really breaking down the history. I had no idea about so much!
I really learned a lot from this book and found all of it really impactful to how I think about Palestinian history and our collective fight against colonialism. I think it gave me a WAY better picture than half of the other books I've read really breaking down the history. I had no idea about so much!
December 16, 2023
I don’t have enough words to describe how devastated I’ve been over the past 68/69 days.
May I always carry this devastation and anger with me until we’re all free.
May my beloved Ahed see her beautiful people free.
May I always carry this devastation and anger with me until we’re all free.
May my beloved Ahed see her beautiful people free.
September 25, 2022
This girl is a terrorist. The publisher is being not only irresponsible but downright harmful by amplifying her hateful message.
January 9, 2023
EVERYBODH NEEDS TO READ THIS. AMAZING
November 20, 2023
“My vision is for us to live in a single democratic state where everyone is equal, Muslim, Christian, and Jew.”
“May we all one day break free from oppression and imprisonment.”
“May we all one day break free from oppression and imprisonment.”
July 17, 2023
Ahed Tamimi is someone that often comes to mind when I think of indigenous resistance against colonizing occupations. I was really excited when I saw that she had written an autobiography and wanted to hear her story in her own words. I loved Ahed's vulnerability, strength, and her being unapologetically Palestinian. I'm definitely going to add this to the list of books about Palestine I recommend to people who are uniformed about the occupation, ongoing Nakba, and Palestine in general.
Free Palestine from the river to the sea.
Free Palestine from the river to the sea.
October 31, 2023
Never read a book that twisted the reality so much ! Shame that someone published that rubbish
Read
March 28, 2024A week ago today, Ahed was, once again, taken hostage by Israeli occupation forces. May she stay strong and be released soon.
June 28, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 thanks to book club discussion. This reads more like manifesto than memoir due to some biased, honestly dry journalism and murky goals. There are some truly devastating scenes comparing Palestine and Israel's divergent (lack of) freedoms, along with some heartfelt messages of making soul sister friends in prison and facing the responsibility of her platform. This is due in part to the media making an example out of young Ahed. While I don't know the full extent of her very real trauma, she doesn't fit the stereotypes, and that's an important road to empathy. However, her maturity and opinions aren't fully actualized yet, and so this feels unfinished.
August 6, 2024
A history-memoir hybrid, Ahed Tamimi's story will stick with me forever. I've read a few books surrounding Palestine in the past year, but I think this is the best one yet.
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April 1, 20242024 reads: 81/250
2024 tbr: 42/120
this memoir follows the story of ahed tamimi, a palestinian activist first arrested at sixteen. this book taught me a lot about the history and ongoing situation of palestine and i’m glad i read it. i think this is a great start for those wanting to learn more about palestine.
2024 tbr: 42/120
this memoir follows the story of ahed tamimi, a palestinian activist first arrested at sixteen. this book taught me a lot about the history and ongoing situation of palestine and i’m glad i read it. i think this is a great start for those wanting to learn more about palestine.
December 13, 2023
The fact that this was published only a year ago 💔💔💔 it was horrifying then, but now…
For whatever it’s worth, Ahed Tamimi’s name will go down in history alongside the likes of Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela.
For whatever it’s worth, Ahed Tamimi’s name will go down in history alongside the likes of Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela.
December 5, 2023
Required reading.
December 7, 2023
Ahed’s story both filled me with rage at the injustice she and all Palestinians have experienced for years, and an incredible sense of awe at the solidarity and resilience among them. The horrors she and all Palestinians continually endure are things I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
In the midst of trying to survive in prison Ahed called on the memories and advice of her loved ones, who had also been arrested and imprisoned, to bring her strength and courage. Her and the other girls imprisoned also fought to educate themselves and bolster morale, despite the obstacles thrown their way. A particularly jarring moment to read, was when Ahed and the other girls in the cell made a makeshift book club and began swooning over a romance novel Ahed was obsessed with. It was a stark reminder of just how young she and other girls were.
P. S. It is worth noting that Ahed befriended many Israelis. Those who left because they didn’t want to fight in the army and those who protested for Palestine’s freedom alongside her. She expresses the hope she felt meeting and befriending all of the Israelis who support a free Palestine and stand with Palestinians.
In the midst of trying to survive in prison Ahed called on the memories and advice of her loved ones, who had also been arrested and imprisoned, to bring her strength and courage. Her and the other girls imprisoned also fought to educate themselves and bolster morale, despite the obstacles thrown their way. A particularly jarring moment to read, was when Ahed and the other girls in the cell made a makeshift book club and began swooning over a romance novel Ahed was obsessed with. It was a stark reminder of just how young she and other girls were.
P. S. It is worth noting that Ahed befriended many Israelis. Those who left because they didn’t want to fight in the army and those who protested for Palestine’s freedom alongside her. She expresses the hope she felt meeting and befriending all of the Israelis who support a free Palestine and stand with Palestinians.
October 28, 2023
I read this book given the current massacre taking place of Palestinians in Gaza. The book is the true story of Ahed Tamimi, a young Palestinian girl (now, woman) and her life living in occupation as well as being a child prisoner in an Israeli prison. Though I am well versed on the history of the region, this book is an excellent gateway for those with little or no knowledge of Palestine’s history with Israel, to gain some basic knowledge. More importantly, it’s an incredibly powerful and moving perspective on what it is like to be a young child and teenager suffering at the hands of the IDF. Ahed recounts traumatic events and pivotal points in history with a gentleness that spares the reader the true horrific details yet still perfectly communicates how damaging and cruel life under illegal occupation has been for Palestinians. I am glad to see she is still alive and wish her nothing but success and for her dreams of freedom to come true. If you’re remotely interested in understanding and building empathy for these people, I implore you to read this as a starting point. 🇵🇸
December 17, 2023
An incredible story about an amazing person. Since this book was written Ahed was imprisoned again and released. A true Freedom Fighter, may Palestinians someday live as they deserve in a free Palestine.
March 3, 2024
Buddy read with Christina!
January 8, 2024
Free Palestine
Displaying 1 - 30 of 946 reviews