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Saved by Her Enemy: An Iraqi woman's journey from the heart of war to the heartland of America
For her entire life, Rafraf, a devout Muslim, had been told that Americans were the enemy. Her understanding of the world, of her place in it, and of the United States had been steeped in the culture of Iraq under the rule of Saddam Hussein. Yet, in the midst of insurgents attempting to kidnap and kill her, she found herself on the receiving end of lifesaving help from those she considered her enemies.
Rafraf suddenly finds herself living with a Christian family in the Bible Belt of America. Nothing had prepared her for this new reality—the life of a college student in a vastly foreign culture, in a community as far from her expectations as she could have imagined, and in a family that opens their hearts to enfold her.
Saved by Her Enemy is a riveting journey of two very different people from opposite sides of the world, of faith, of experience, and of expectations. The dramatic intersection of their lives and their journey together is an inspiration to those who have ever felt there was more to life than the world they knew.
A young Iraqi woman, an American war correspondent, and a true tale of friendship, faith, and family against the backdrop of war and the collision of cultures
This is a story of a very unlikely friendship—between American war correspondent Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak, an Iraqi college girl who won a job as a translator for NBC during the early months of violence in the wake of the American invasion of Iraq.
While covering a story together, the two were nearly killed by a bomb, an experience that created a bond between them that led them down a path neither could have imagined.
What follows is a story of transformation, as Rafraf—from a devout Muslim family—becomes the target of terrorist threats to kidnap and murder her. Don and his fellow correspondents mobilize to help save her life and suddenly Rafraf finds herself on the receiving end of an offer for safety and a new life in the United States.
Dramatically transplanted from the streets of Iraq to the Bible Belt of middle America, Rafraf finds everything that she knew—or thought she knew—about herself, her values, her world, even faith and family, turned upside down. Meanwhile, Don; his wife, Kiki; and their children discover they’ve embarked on an adventure with Rafraf that reshapes their lives.
This captivating story inspires us all to join Don and Rafraf in discovering that there is far more to life than the world we know.
Rafraf suddenly finds herself living with a Christian family in the Bible Belt of America. Nothing had prepared her for this new reality—the life of a college student in a vastly foreign culture, in a community as far from her expectations as she could have imagined, and in a family that opens their hearts to enfold her.
Saved by Her Enemy is a riveting journey of two very different people from opposite sides of the world, of faith, of experience, and of expectations. The dramatic intersection of their lives and their journey together is an inspiration to those who have ever felt there was more to life than the world they knew.
A young Iraqi woman, an American war correspondent, and a true tale of friendship, faith, and family against the backdrop of war and the collision of cultures
This is a story of a very unlikely friendship—between American war correspondent Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak, an Iraqi college girl who won a job as a translator for NBC during the early months of violence in the wake of the American invasion of Iraq.
While covering a story together, the two were nearly killed by a bomb, an experience that created a bond between them that led them down a path neither could have imagined.
What follows is a story of transformation, as Rafraf—from a devout Muslim family—becomes the target of terrorist threats to kidnap and murder her. Don and his fellow correspondents mobilize to help save her life and suddenly Rafraf finds herself on the receiving end of an offer for safety and a new life in the United States.
Dramatically transplanted from the streets of Iraq to the Bible Belt of middle America, Rafraf finds everything that she knew—or thought she knew—about herself, her values, her world, even faith and family, turned upside down. Meanwhile, Don; his wife, Kiki; and their children discover they’ve embarked on an adventure with Rafraf that reshapes their lives.
This captivating story inspires us all to join Don and Rafraf in discovering that there is far more to life than the world we know.
321 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
9 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 7, 2018
This was good, but it didn't quite tell the story that I was expecting. I thought this book would be more Rafraf's story, but it turned out to be Don's story of his experience as the media in Iraq during the war and his story of Rafraf and getting her to America. Once Rafraf did finally get to America, I was looking forward to hearing from her and what she was feeling as she tried to adjust to living in America and how it compared to what she thought it would be when living in Iraq, but instead it was completely rushed and what we did hear was from Don's perspective and not Rafraf's. So not a bad book at all, in fact it was quite interesting, but just not what I was hoping for or expecting.
January 15, 2020
The portrayal of this young girl’s life touched me to the core as she escaped death multiple times. Kept me captivated till the very end. Every girl needs to read this to know that her life is hers and hers only. She makes the decisions and she is the owner of her destiny. Also, makes one very thankful for all the luxuries that we take for granted on a daily basis.
December 5, 2011
Seems to be a little high-horsey-"America, fuck yeah!" so far, but I'm enjoying the perspective of an Iraqi woman from the onset of the Bush Jr.'s war.
Post-script: While it was a quick and easy read, it was heavy on Christian God speak. The author strained to credit God for his own good deeds, but the self-congratulatory undertones were a bit much.
Post-script: While it was a quick and easy read, it was heavy on Christian God speak. The author strained to credit God for his own good deeds, but the self-congratulatory undertones were a bit much.
July 24, 2018
This was a fast read and see interesting story. However it felt like it was missing something. I'm not quite sure what that was. I thinking I'd have actually like to hear some of the story told with Rafraf's voice.
July 4, 2016
Breezed through this book in a day! I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it.
September 9, 2017
Four stars for the story, three stars for the writing. I found the shifting view thing didn't really work because Farfraf really has no voice. I don't know if that is down to disparate writing abilities or what but dichotomy between the story telling styles, one supposedly representing Rafraf and the other obviously the journalist, was distracting, almost jarring. This is a pretty good view into life in Iraq and explains the views and actions of some Iraqis with a side of politics without bogging down too much or being too graphic. I think my favorite take away from this was when Rafraf sees a US made map of the world and sees that Iraqi is not front and center, it having never occurred to her that the rest of the world might not view Iraq as the center of all things. A good lesson to remember.
PS some will be irritated by the Christian religious references, which I didn't mind but they surprised.
PS some will be irritated by the Christian religious references, which I didn't mind but they surprised.
February 7, 2011
"Suddenly, I realized why I was in Baghdad. My purpose was to get Rafraf out"
NOTE: I received this book as part of the Amazon Vine Program
Don Teague was an American NBC correspondent on assignment in Baghdad, February 2004. Rafraf Barrack was an Iraqi translator working for NBC. When a bomb explodes a school that both happen to be reporting at, Don realizes that he needs to get Rafraf, an intelligent young woman, out of Iraq.
I Liked:
The first thing that really impressed me was how Teague wrote in a very objective manner. He had no problems relaying his beliefs, his political viewpoints, and more, but he didn't make the story a platform for his view of the war in Iraq, President Bush, and Islam. I really appreciated this, as others might be inclined to spend more time about what they think of the situation, than the actual event they are trying to relay.
Which brings me to the actual story: wow! Talk about uplifting! In this day and age where kidnappings, murders, embezzlements and more are the news, it's nice to see such an inspiring story. Also, it was nice to see A) that all Americans aren't bad and B) that all Iraqis aren't bad. I know, I know, it's obvious that there are good and bad people of each and every nation, but sometimes I feel that too many movies, stories, and news reports draw lines. This one is not one of them.
My favorite scenes were those with Rafraf. Even though they are written in third person, I grew very close to her. The stories she told were eye-opening and honest, a window into a world I've never seen. As she grew throughout the story, I grew alongside her and cheered her on.
I Didn't Like:
Don Teague's sections, while important for the overall story and to show where our other "main character" was at the time, tended to be boring. Let's face it, Don is an average American. Other than being a reporter and going all over the world, there isn't much from him that differs from most other Americans.
But the more critical component, and the reason that I removed a star from the rating, was the enormous leap that happens from the last chapter to the epilogue. Don't worry, there aren't any spoilers, but I can say that A) the time jumps from 2005 to 2008, a whopping three years and B) Rafraf makes a HUGE change of character that I had almost no basis for. While the conclusion was fairly good at wrapping things up, it definitely felt like almost 100 pages were missing. I would have loved to see more of Rafraf integrating into American society and growing to the point where the epilogue would have been poignant instead of making me go, "Whoa, where did that come from?"
I know this is an ARC, so maybe it got corrected in the final version, but I noted several misspellings, grammatical errors, and tense shifts. Also, I wasn't impressed with how you would be reading about Rafraf in current time then suddenly, the next paragraph would take you to when she was a kid, and then the paragraph after that is back to present. My advice? Section breaks!
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
Mild profanity, such as da** and he**.
Rafraf has several boyfriends at one time.
Nothing graphic, but people (and these are real people) die in the course of the novel.
Overall:
The Iraq War has been filled with so much heated debate, it's hard to see the good things that have come from it. Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak use their story to show the world how one man was able to make a difference in a woman's life. It's an inspiring tale, a reminder that not everything is so bad after all.
NOTE: I received this book as part of the Amazon Vine Program
Don Teague was an American NBC correspondent on assignment in Baghdad, February 2004. Rafraf Barrack was an Iraqi translator working for NBC. When a bomb explodes a school that both happen to be reporting at, Don realizes that he needs to get Rafraf, an intelligent young woman, out of Iraq.
I Liked:
The first thing that really impressed me was how Teague wrote in a very objective manner. He had no problems relaying his beliefs, his political viewpoints, and more, but he didn't make the story a platform for his view of the war in Iraq, President Bush, and Islam. I really appreciated this, as others might be inclined to spend more time about what they think of the situation, than the actual event they are trying to relay.
Which brings me to the actual story: wow! Talk about uplifting! In this day and age where kidnappings, murders, embezzlements and more are the news, it's nice to see such an inspiring story. Also, it was nice to see A) that all Americans aren't bad and B) that all Iraqis aren't bad. I know, I know, it's obvious that there are good and bad people of each and every nation, but sometimes I feel that too many movies, stories, and news reports draw lines. This one is not one of them.
My favorite scenes were those with Rafraf. Even though they are written in third person, I grew very close to her. The stories she told were eye-opening and honest, a window into a world I've never seen. As she grew throughout the story, I grew alongside her and cheered her on.
I Didn't Like:
Don Teague's sections, while important for the overall story and to show where our other "main character" was at the time, tended to be boring. Let's face it, Don is an average American. Other than being a reporter and going all over the world, there isn't much from him that differs from most other Americans.
But the more critical component, and the reason that I removed a star from the rating, was the enormous leap that happens from the last chapter to the epilogue. Don't worry, there aren't any spoilers, but I can say that A) the time jumps from 2005 to 2008, a whopping three years and B) Rafraf makes a HUGE change of character that I had almost no basis for. While the conclusion was fairly good at wrapping things up, it definitely felt like almost 100 pages were missing. I would have loved to see more of Rafraf integrating into American society and growing to the point where the epilogue would have been poignant instead of making me go, "Whoa, where did that come from?"
I know this is an ARC, so maybe it got corrected in the final version, but I noted several misspellings, grammatical errors, and tense shifts. Also, I wasn't impressed with how you would be reading about Rafraf in current time then suddenly, the next paragraph would take you to when she was a kid, and then the paragraph after that is back to present. My advice? Section breaks!
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
Mild profanity, such as da** and he**.
Rafraf has several boyfriends at one time.
Nothing graphic, but people (and these are real people) die in the course of the novel.
Overall:
The Iraq War has been filled with so much heated debate, it's hard to see the good things that have come from it. Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak use their story to show the world how one man was able to make a difference in a woman's life. It's an inspiring tale, a reminder that not everything is so bad after all.
August 25, 2011
I didn't like this book as much as I liked 'Son of Hamas', but it was super interesting to get the journalists point of view. Highly educational in learning about the Iraqi war. Very interesting and heart breaking at times. I found the bits about being in Iraq and the cultural differences much more interesting than when the book took the sharp turn of Rafraf being in America.
August 18, 2017
I liked the book a lot, but I felt like it was almost too easy for Rafraf to make it to America. MAybe it was easier in those days; today it would be almost impossible. Or maybe it was divine intervention for her to get here. She was very brave and deserved to have a better life!
April 21, 2010
This was interesting, but not fascinating and compelling like "Infidel" and not as good as "Son of Hamas."
April 27, 2010
Fast easy read. Insight into the life of an Iraqi woman. Their culture is so different from ours. I saw the author as a guest on Morning Joe on MSNBC. Hence, I found her book.
May 11, 2019
The first half was interesting, the second half was the embodiment of the “White Savior” trope.
June 18, 2017
This book chronicles the true story of an Iraqi woman, Rafraf Barrak, who grew up in Baghdad and her first encounters with Americans during the early part of the U.S. involvement in her country in 2003. As she meets more and more Americans she goes through a process of discovering the truth and separating it from the propaganda that the Hussein regime had propagated.
Barrak eventually meets news correspondent, Don Teague, when she takes a job with the news network as a translator. When things get too dangerous for her in Iraq, Don begins the long process of helping her immigrate to the USA.
The book is a simply fascinating, real-life story. It does a great job depicting the contrasts between life in Iraq and the US. Teague and Barrak chronicle the challenges and victories that they each face throughout the process of adjusting to American life. A great story that I highly recommend.
For my in depth audio podcast review: http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/2017/0...
Barrak eventually meets news correspondent, Don Teague, when she takes a job with the news network as a translator. When things get too dangerous for her in Iraq, Don begins the long process of helping her immigrate to the USA.
The book is a simply fascinating, real-life story. It does a great job depicting the contrasts between life in Iraq and the US. Teague and Barrak chronicle the challenges and victories that they each face throughout the process of adjusting to American life. A great story that I highly recommend.
For my in depth audio podcast review: http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/2017/0...
December 20, 2023
This was intriguing and well written. The book follows the story of a NBC news correspondent and his connection to Rafraf, an Muslim woman acting as a translator for NBC during the time period near the beginning of the Iraq war.
This book sheds light on some important topics. I'll admit that I knew very little about the Iraq war; this book gave me a small peak into the early events and has inspired me to learn more. It also showcases the difficulty of entering into a culture different than your own and navigating religious preferences versus religious foundational principles.
The theology in this book is somewhat hazy for me, though I understand that this wasn't really the sole focus. It is interesting to consider how you can be serving a cause, a mission, or a being without having a name for that entity, and what that entails for future belief.
Overall, very compelling and engaging.
This book sheds light on some important topics. I'll admit that I knew very little about the Iraq war; this book gave me a small peak into the early events and has inspired me to learn more. It also showcases the difficulty of entering into a culture different than your own and navigating religious preferences versus religious foundational principles.
The theology in this book is somewhat hazy for me, though I understand that this wasn't really the sole focus. It is interesting to consider how you can be serving a cause, a mission, or a being without having a name for that entity, and what that entails for future belief.
Overall, very compelling and engaging.
February 19, 2023
An amazing read of Gods work in one young Iraqi girl’s life to save her physically and spiritually. The author is a national news correspondent who also is a Believer. I wish he had been more outspoken in the book about God at work, but it was very evident in subtle ways that he and his wife had a burden and God given love for Rafraf. And Gods evident presence in every area of both author Don’s life and Rafraf’s circumstances to protect, provide and save was amazing. As Isaiah says, “Every valley shall be exalted And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together.” This is what happened in her life. The last chapter made the whole book worth the read.
March 24, 2024
This book is the incredible story of an NBC correspondent who went to Iraq in 2004 and worked to bring back one of NBC’s young translators.
The book’s perspective is split between Don (correspondent) and Rafraf (translator). As such, you get an intimate look at life as a war correspondent and as a young woman who has spent her whole life in Baghdad and risks her life for a better future. We really get to understand things from Rafraf’s perspective, and Don does a good job of honoring the reasons for her perspective.
Don is open about his faith, but he mostly talks about it in terms of the amazing things God did for him and for Rafraf. It generally flows naturally from the events of the story, so you don’t feel like you’re being preached at. And the story itself is just amazing!
The book’s perspective is split between Don (correspondent) and Rafraf (translator). As such, you get an intimate look at life as a war correspondent and as a young woman who has spent her whole life in Baghdad and risks her life for a better future. We really get to understand things from Rafraf’s perspective, and Don does a good job of honoring the reasons for her perspective.
Don is open about his faith, but he mostly talks about it in terms of the amazing things God did for him and for Rafraf. It generally flows naturally from the events of the story, so you don’t feel like you’re being preached at. And the story itself is just amazing!
June 4, 2024
This book was a good read. It is amazing what Rafraf went through in her life & job in Iraq.
I was surprised though that the book wasn't totally about her & her experiences though. It was also about Don Teague (her co-worker in Iraq) and his story. Although both stories related with each other & blended well, I felt mislead by the book title & description of the book.
With that said, I thought the book was very well written & brought back a lot of memories I'd forgotten about that time in world history.
I would recommend this book to anyone - especially those curious about life in the Middle East.
I was surprised though that the book wasn't totally about her & her experiences though. It was also about Don Teague (her co-worker in Iraq) and his story. Although both stories related with each other & blended well, I felt mislead by the book title & description of the book.
With that said, I thought the book was very well written & brought back a lot of memories I'd forgotten about that time in world history.
I would recommend this book to anyone - especially those curious about life in the Middle East.
March 10, 2018
This was an enjoyable read.
July 10, 2020
Beautiful memoir co written by an NBC journalist and an Iraqi woman he helped to start a new life in the U.S. I loved the strong gospel message in this book!
July 23, 2020
A well written true story of what one woman can impact another nation. What she goes through and her accomplishments are encouraging. She never believed a closed door could not be opened. Amazing
March 14, 2024
Well written and engaging story with elements of humor, humility and humanity. An involved and engaging look into another world and the challenges faced and conquered. A+, highly recommend.
August 17, 2019
Loved this book. Found it interesting from the very beginning to the end. If you get the chance to read this book, take it you won’t be sorry!
July 13, 2015
I have a passion for literature and take pleasure in reading all the different writing styles which to me translate into the writer's personality as they write. I myself, having written many pieces which I doubt I will ever publish for many reasons, know that the personality of the book is not always the personality of the writer, kind of like acting in a movie role. To me there is a distinct voice to each and every character, either fictional or real. It is very easy for me to write fictional stories because each character speaks to me from his/her own voice and I fully understand them because they are in my head (Call me crazy- I don't care). But I have been trying to write a non-fiction book in order to share my testimony and help young women who have been through different struggles as I have, and that is where this book has been God sent.
This book is written in such a way that I feel like there is a true connection with the characters, even though I have never experienced the same situation. I was able to read this book without having to drink a single glass of vodka (straight with only 3 ice cubes) to endure the difficult parts- I am a big baby when it comes to hard stuff. In fact, this book was like a breath of fresh air which helped me understand the way Rafraf was raised and how certain things made sense to her which I never understood, and that was so new to me. The strict Muslim upbringing of a girl in Iraq, the expectation society places on their man and women, the restriction women have when it comes to socializing, but most of all what is fed to them on a daily basis regarding their government and ours. At the same time I was able to enjoy giggles and shake my head many times at some of the things Don wrote in there which were funny to my very strange sense of humor. I don't think I have read many books with the same sense of humor which is very weird but very real to the situation at hand. I tend to transport myself into the stories I read seeing them as movies playing in my head, and as I was following Don and Rafraf around I would feel safe simply because Don's words and “jokes” made me feel like everything was going to be ok and it wasn't that bad. I'm sure at the time it was really bad, but for that short moment when Don would say things which would amuse me, everything would just feel better inside my little heart. The war stories described would usually seem to me so very hard to digest being that I see them in my head and they tend to be 10 times worst due to my very vivid imagination, they were bearable to me all because of the set tone and Don’s writing style.
In addition to this there is the story itself, the two very different friends who change each other’s life and inspire people like me to never lose faith in people. No matter what their background is, our job is to love each other and never give up on our mission to save lives, but most importantly- save souls. They exemplify one of my favorite teachings of Jesus Christ:
Matthew 12:28-34
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
This book is written in such a way that I feel like there is a true connection with the characters, even though I have never experienced the same situation. I was able to read this book without having to drink a single glass of vodka (straight with only 3 ice cubes) to endure the difficult parts- I am a big baby when it comes to hard stuff. In fact, this book was like a breath of fresh air which helped me understand the way Rafraf was raised and how certain things made sense to her which I never understood, and that was so new to me. The strict Muslim upbringing of a girl in Iraq, the expectation society places on their man and women, the restriction women have when it comes to socializing, but most of all what is fed to them on a daily basis regarding their government and ours. At the same time I was able to enjoy giggles and shake my head many times at some of the things Don wrote in there which were funny to my very strange sense of humor. I don't think I have read many books with the same sense of humor which is very weird but very real to the situation at hand. I tend to transport myself into the stories I read seeing them as movies playing in my head, and as I was following Don and Rafraf around I would feel safe simply because Don's words and “jokes” made me feel like everything was going to be ok and it wasn't that bad. I'm sure at the time it was really bad, but for that short moment when Don would say things which would amuse me, everything would just feel better inside my little heart. The war stories described would usually seem to me so very hard to digest being that I see them in my head and they tend to be 10 times worst due to my very vivid imagination, they were bearable to me all because of the set tone and Don’s writing style.
In addition to this there is the story itself, the two very different friends who change each other’s life and inspire people like me to never lose faith in people. No matter what their background is, our job is to love each other and never give up on our mission to save lives, but most importantly- save souls. They exemplify one of my favorite teachings of Jesus Christ:
Matthew 12:28-34
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
March 22, 2011
This is a wonderful sharing of experiences by Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak as they recount the history of their first meeting to their journey together in Iraq and later in the United States. It is an improbably journey for Rafraf was a Muslim who grew up knowing they were her enemy yet forced to work for them to help feed her family and Don Teague was a noted CBS reporter who has regularly appeared on Katie Couric's CBS Evening News.
Working together in Iraq, they became friends, but the bond was formed when both narrowly escaped death due to a malfunctioning bomb. Teague was eventually sent home but Rafraf continued to skirt danger until those she had considered her enemies arranged for her to fly to the United States and stay with Teague and his family.
An unfamiliar and sometimes terrifying yet exciting time awaited the young woman who had grown up steeped in the culture of an Iraq under dictator Saddam Hussein but who possesses both intelligence and a rebellious streak. Her awakening to the very different customs and freedoms of America are poignantly told in this story .
Teague writes in first person, Rafraf (named by her father from a word in the Koran meaning Freedom) in third person. Both styles are interestingly told and draw in the reader to learn about two very likable people. Teague is upfront about his faith, something unusual in journalists today and completely refreshing. The examples set by the Teague family begin Rafraf's transformation from wary Muslim to curious guest. Along the journey the reader is treated to numerous-and sometimes humorous-episodes of Rafraf's settling in to the American way of life.
Her first "date", met online to the wearing of the scarf dilemma and learning to ride a bicycle are some of Rafraf's struggles, all charmingly told. Other serious issues are related: how she is going to stay in the US and get a master's degree when her visa is set to expire.
All along the journey, this interesting Iraqi woman meets challenges and overcomes them: at first the homesickness for family and Iraq-the only stability she has known.
The Teagues set out to show by example but never to shove their religion down her throat, but their example and God's plan for Rafraf bears fruit when a vastly more assured and confidant Rafraf takes her biggest step in becoming a Christian.
I had seen this book on the Internet and wanted to purchase it for some time. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review it. It's a wonderful story, well told.
Working together in Iraq, they became friends, but the bond was formed when both narrowly escaped death due to a malfunctioning bomb. Teague was eventually sent home but Rafraf continued to skirt danger until those she had considered her enemies arranged for her to fly to the United States and stay with Teague and his family.
An unfamiliar and sometimes terrifying yet exciting time awaited the young woman who had grown up steeped in the culture of an Iraq under dictator Saddam Hussein but who possesses both intelligence and a rebellious streak. Her awakening to the very different customs and freedoms of America are poignantly told in this story .
Teague writes in first person, Rafraf (named by her father from a word in the Koran meaning Freedom) in third person. Both styles are interestingly told and draw in the reader to learn about two very likable people. Teague is upfront about his faith, something unusual in journalists today and completely refreshing. The examples set by the Teague family begin Rafraf's transformation from wary Muslim to curious guest. Along the journey the reader is treated to numerous-and sometimes humorous-episodes of Rafraf's settling in to the American way of life.
Her first "date", met online to the wearing of the scarf dilemma and learning to ride a bicycle are some of Rafraf's struggles, all charmingly told. Other serious issues are related: how she is going to stay in the US and get a master's degree when her visa is set to expire.
All along the journey, this interesting Iraqi woman meets challenges and overcomes them: at first the homesickness for family and Iraq-the only stability she has known.
The Teagues set out to show by example but never to shove their religion down her throat, but their example and God's plan for Rafraf bears fruit when a vastly more assured and confidant Rafraf takes her biggest step in becoming a Christian.
I had seen this book on the Internet and wanted to purchase it for some time. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review it. It's a wonderful story, well told.
February 3, 2012
While a war correspondent for NBC in Iraq, Don Teague came in regular conact with a young Iraqi woman, Rafraf Barrak, who worked as a translator for the network. As violence escalates in her country, Barrak's life is endangered and her death becomes almost a matter of time. Teague begins a herculean effort to get her out of the country and safely to the United States.
This book is a neatly told account of the mounting climate of danger and oppression in Saddam Hussein's Iraq. While Barrak is devoted to Islam, she also chafes under the limitations her country and her religion impose on women in general and her life in particular. She is smart enough to know how to sidestep the dangers that face her, but also smart enough to know that her time is running out. She has been told all her life that Americans are her enemy; now she must decide whether to entrust herself to the enemy.
Teague has written a compelling tale of her life, as well as his own. He had the courage to put his faith into action, yet the humility to allow Barrak to set the terms of her life once she gets to America. He and his wife go out of their way to help her practice her faith, yet she grows increasingly curious about Christianity. Finally, one Sunday when it is clear that Barrak is eager to go to church with Teague's family, he invites her to come along. So begins her investigation of the faith that motivated her colleague, friend and rescuer. I admire both Teague's actions and his restraint. This is a finely told story.
This book is a neatly told account of the mounting climate of danger and oppression in Saddam Hussein's Iraq. While Barrak is devoted to Islam, she also chafes under the limitations her country and her religion impose on women in general and her life in particular. She is smart enough to know how to sidestep the dangers that face her, but also smart enough to know that her time is running out. She has been told all her life that Americans are her enemy; now she must decide whether to entrust herself to the enemy.
Teague has written a compelling tale of her life, as well as his own. He had the courage to put his faith into action, yet the humility to allow Barrak to set the terms of her life once she gets to America. He and his wife go out of their way to help her practice her faith, yet she grows increasingly curious about Christianity. Finally, one Sunday when it is clear that Barrak is eager to go to church with Teague's family, he invites her to come along. So begins her investigation of the faith that motivated her colleague, friend and rescuer. I admire both Teague's actions and his restraint. This is a finely told story.
December 9, 2014
A Fascinating Look at the Iraq War
Don Teague was an NBC correspondent assigned to Iraq twice - once during the invasion and once during February 2004, the beginning of the insurgent bombing spree that was finally ended by the famous "surge." His translator during this one month hitch was a beautiful and rebellious young Iraqi woman named Rafraf Barrak.
Teague is an 11 year veteran of the National Guard (helicopter pilot) and knows enough about fighting and war to be very respectful of the dangers of it all (unlike some of his more fearless, less experienced colleagues). Rafraf is one of 10 children - but a handful. Smart enough to know better, Rafraf often flouts the rules dares to do things like eat lunch with boys she meets at her university and express what should be carefully guarded opinions to foreign reporters.
As the situation in Iraq grows worse and worse, Teague realizes that Rafraf will become a target of the insurgents or simply die as a victim of the mayhem of Baghdad. He decides that he has been sent to Baghdad to save Rafraf by helping her escape to America (legally).
Teague's descriptions of the violence and chaos of post-war Iraq...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/...
Don Teague was an NBC correspondent assigned to Iraq twice - once during the invasion and once during February 2004, the beginning of the insurgent bombing spree that was finally ended by the famous "surge." His translator during this one month hitch was a beautiful and rebellious young Iraqi woman named Rafraf Barrak.
Teague is an 11 year veteran of the National Guard (helicopter pilot) and knows enough about fighting and war to be very respectful of the dangers of it all (unlike some of his more fearless, less experienced colleagues). Rafraf is one of 10 children - but a handful. Smart enough to know better, Rafraf often flouts the rules dares to do things like eat lunch with boys she meets at her university and express what should be carefully guarded opinions to foreign reporters.
As the situation in Iraq grows worse and worse, Teague realizes that Rafraf will become a target of the insurgents or simply die as a victim of the mayhem of Baghdad. He decides that he has been sent to Baghdad to save Rafraf by helping her escape to America (legally).
Teague's descriptions of the violence and chaos of post-war Iraq...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/...
February 18, 2012
I decided to read this book after hearing Don Teague (the author) on the radio. This book was outside my normal areas of interest and I never would have picked it up had I not heard the author describe his experiences. That said, I'm glad I read the book. The story reminds me a little bit of the guy on the beach picking up starfish that have washed up and are now dying in the sun. He's picking them up one by one and throwing them back in the sea. Someone approaches him and asks why he would bother throwing a few starfist back into the sea when there are thousands laying on the sand - he can't possibly save them all. So he picks up one starfish, holds it up, and says - you see this starfish, what I'm doing sure makes a difference to him. The book sort of follows that theme. Iraq is a disaster and there are people dying every day - and many people who will never have much of a future. But Don Teague could make a difference in the life of one girl with potential but not much hope. It's a great story. I won't spoil the ending, but it reminds us that we can make a big difference in individual lives if we're willing to step in and invest in relationships.
August 30, 2012
I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars on this book. I'd definitely recommend it to a friend but I don't think it fell into my 'best book I've ever read' category which is reserved for 5 stars only. It was a very good, well written, true story and a pretty amazing one at that. I think the book moved at a good pace so not too much time was spent telling one particular part of Rafraf and Don's story. It was told without digging into political and social motivations for the war in Iraq but rather narrated a story of a couple of lives that were involved. I'm grateful for the epilogue because the story would not have properly concluded without it. I think Rafraf could have gone into a little more details as to what she emotionally/mentally went through when arriving in the US and what went through her mind as she was adapting to American culture however, I'm sure she could write a completely separate book on that topic. I would have also liked to hear more on her views of Christianity and how those thoughts transpired before the book concluded. Overall, very excellent book and great story telling!
August 12, 2016
This is a wonderful sharing of experiences by Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak as they recount the history of their first meeting to their journey together in Iraq and later in the United States. It is an improbably journey for Rafraf was a Muslim who grew up knowing they were her enemy yet forced to work for them to help feed her family and Don Teague was a noted CBS reporter.
Working together in Iraq, they became friends, but the bond was formed when both narrowly escaped death due to a malfunctioning bomb. Teague was eventually sent home but Rafraf continued to skirt danger until those she had considered her enemies arranged for her to fly to the United States and stay with Teague and his family.
An unfamiliar and sometimes terrifying yet exciting time awaited the young woman who had grown up steeped in the culture of an Iraq under dictator Saddam Hussein but who possesses both intelligence and a rebellious streak. Her awakening to the very different customs and freedoms of America are poignantly told in this story, though it is a bit steeped in the "transformation" to Christianity.
Working together in Iraq, they became friends, but the bond was formed when both narrowly escaped death due to a malfunctioning bomb. Teague was eventually sent home but Rafraf continued to skirt danger until those she had considered her enemies arranged for her to fly to the United States and stay with Teague and his family.
An unfamiliar and sometimes terrifying yet exciting time awaited the young woman who had grown up steeped in the culture of an Iraq under dictator Saddam Hussein but who possesses both intelligence and a rebellious streak. Her awakening to the very different customs and freedoms of America are poignantly told in this story, though it is a bit steeped in the "transformation" to Christianity.
April 5, 2013
Transformative memoir, written mostly in Don Teague's journalistic tone. Teague was a foreign correspondent sent on an assignment to Baghdad in 2004. During post 911, at a time when Baghdad was chaotic and the division between Americans and Iraqis was very clear. He met Rafraf, the young translator assigned to his team. Meanwhile, Rafraf was faced with a conflict: continue to be threatened by her community because she worked for Americans, or keep the paycheck that helped support her family and would perhaps be her plane ticket out of Iraq? Once their lives are intertwined, Don realized that he had to do something to help her. The story thickens as Rafraf joins Don's family in America and learns that there is a lot she must do to fit in. She also starts to question her religion. Although the book reads a little fuzzy at times because Don is telling Rafraf’s story and because sometimes it seems as if you’re being told what to feel, it is an inspiring read about interconnectedness, integrity, and hope.
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