Manal Omar

I read this book a while back and have started to write a review a few times, but always ended up not finishing. Why? I don’t really know, maybe it’s because the book didn’t grab me the way I thought it would.

The author didn’t flesh out what was going on like I wanted. I wanted more of what was happening to the people, and less of the government/organizations. I wanted to get to know her better and find out what she was thinking and going through on a deeper level. That never happened. I still don’t think I “know” much about the emotions the author had while there.

I was left feeling underwhelmed. With all the turmoil, heartache, killings etc. , I thought I should have felt so much more deeply touched than I did.… (mehr)

I finished the book last night and feel as if I had a very very light meal. The book is similar to reading a 237 newspaper article. It was interesting, informative, contained likeable characters, but it lacked a grab your guts story line. Yes the woman moved from America to do wonderful world changing selfless work, and she did experience many near misses and suffer the deaths of many of her friends and colleagues, BUT I didn't really get to know her down deep, and without that, the book just went on until it ended. If you enjoy reading historical or news items about the middle east you may find this pleasant reading, but I love to sink into a book and this one was in shallow water.… (mehr)

Although at times I had difficulty following the chronology of this book, overall it was a very easy read. The author has a conversational style to her writing that pulls you in and keeps you going. I actually read this in two days! I couldn't put it down. I found myself very emotionally involved in the story, and my initial concerns that it would be either overly analytical or overly author-centric proved unfounded. Omar maintains the delicate balance between her story and the story of the women of Iraq with poise and grace. I don't know how much longer my excessive notice of all things Muslim or Middle Eastern will continue, but I welcome it for as long as it stays. If you are or have ever loved a strong woman, or had even a vague passing interest in areas political, this one is well worth getting your hands on.… (mehr)

I enjoy memoirs and enjoy reading about the Middle East, so I was excited to read this book. I was particularly interested in hearing about the work Omar does with women in Iraq.

As I read, I was mildly intrigued by some of her experiences but nothing really grabbed me and demanded my undivided attention. Her day-to-day experiences are interesting to read, but I kept waiting for some hugely compelling climax that never arrived. I didn't find the author's writing style to be quite as lackluster as some of my fellow reviewers did, but I didn't find it to be particularly engaging, either.

Overall this book was a worthwhile read because of the insight it provides into one woman's work to help "rebuild" that which cannot be easily rebuilt, but I would rank it in the bottom fourth of the dozen or so memoirs I've read about women who have experiences living and working in both the U.S and Middle East.… (mehr)