Ruth Group discussion

As I read Chapter 5 I was reminded of the things I heard about the Nazis in WWII. Have any of you read "The Diary of Ann Frank?" The hiding in the cellar and the stories of atrocities reminded me of that.

In Chapter 6 Zoya confronts the death of her parents. She describes a lot of the things that people go through when they grieve. I guess grief is one of the common human experiences that bind all people together. She also has to deal with her Grandmother's explanation of heaven, hell and judgment, basically that if you are good enough you go to heaven and if not then hell. Is this what Christians believe too?

I think that's what a lot of people believe, not just Christians. But I also try really hard when reading about people from different cultures not to place my understanding onto them. It's hard trying to let myself dwell in their perspective, but if I don't, how am I going to "get" what they're trying to say? I may even miss the whole point of their story.

Yes, Alaina, I too have difficulty crossing these cultural divides. I think that is one of the great things about this book, seeing how we are similar yet so different. In Chapter 7 Zoya leaves Kabul and goes to school in Pakistan even being separated from her Grandmother. Have you ever had an experience when you felt this alone?

Interested on what the women out there think of her view of western sexuality.

In chapter 9 Zoya is offered the chance to flee to Canada and refuses. What do you think of her decision?

Playing catch up. I was trying to finish another book before starting this one. I'll post about the book soon. :)

I couldn't believe she didn't go to Canada! I mean, obviously she thought she could do more good where she was, but I don't know if I could have made the same decision.

then in chapter 10 she describes how at 16 she leaves school and goes to work for RAWA noting the ways other members had been persecuted. What decisions were you making at 16? The one thing that resonates with me is that on one level I do think I was looking for something meaningful to do with my life.

I have to admit, at 16 all I cared about was boys, clothes, and hanging out with my friends. The whole college and "the future" still seemed so far away. It wasn't until my senior year in college that I realized there must be something more meaningful than the life I was living.

I was a little disappointed when Zoya left school to work for RAWA. I mean, obviously the cause was good, but I couldn't help thinking that she needed her education first. But maybe that's just my western way of looking at things.