Ruth Group discussion

In chapter 16 Zoya and the RAWA workers are trying to get the girls to go to school but many of the fathers do not want their daughters to attend. Should parents have the final say in their children's lives- education. When does the state or church or another group have the right and/or responsibility to override a parent's wishes for their children?

In chapter 17 Zoya writes, "I am frightened of dying, but only for one reason. I am afraid that I could die without helping my people or leaving some kind of mark." Have you ever felt lie you want to leave "some kind of mark?" What kind of mark do you want to leave?

Chapter 18 talks about 9/11 from Zoya's perspective. She felt a solidarity with those in America who suffered for they had suffered under the hand of the same people. She describes how the innocent suffer as the powers fight for control. What might we do to help the plight of those civilians caught in warfare and violence.

Zoya ends her book with the image of kite flying. Why do you think she does? What does it represent to her? What in your life is like her kite flying?

Any final thoughts? I found Zoya's courage inspirational and it was challenging to remember that there are people who are living very different lives from mine. At the very least I need to pray more for those suffering throughout the world.