Friday, August 21, 2015

The Underground Girls of Kabul In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg


"The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan" by Jenny Nordberg is an enlightening book into the role (singular) of women in Afghanistan. 

By interviewing Afghani women (as well as a few men), the author learned that women are thought by men to be solely for the purpose of bearing male children.  Women are subjected to violence by their husbands and mothers-in-law, are heavily scrutinized by all, and are basically held captive in their own homes. 

Because this mostly illiterate culture still conveniently believes that women determine the sex of a child, a woman who does not have any sons is thought to not be "trying hard enough".  Families that have no sons are looked down on in the general society so some have taken to dressing their young daughters as boys and calling them masculine names.   For some of these girls, they don't want to revert back to their birth gender and lose the freedoms they have enjoyed as being "male".

Although I had an idea how women were treated there, I really didn't.  It is heartbreaking that these women have really no control in their lives.  Other than some educated men that allow their daughters to learn and work, the majority of daughters are solely raised for helping to keep house and for the bride-price they could bring.

If you are interested at all in Afghani culture, I would encourage that this be a book added to your list. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Sunday, August 9, 2015

"Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion" by Gary Chapman

"Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion" by Gary Chapman is a powerful and enlightening book about avery volatile subject. 

Mr. Chapman clears up misconceptions about anger and forgiveness in an easy to read format.  He gives practical examples how to deal with anger that are Biblically sound and dispels incorrect ideas.  He teaches how to handle our own anger and to teach our children about theirs.

I really appreciated this information and learned a lot.  I realized that a considerable amount of the information I had been taught about anger (and forgiveness) actually wasn't right, and was relieved by what I learned.

Thank you, Mr. Chapman, for taking the time to research and teach about anger.  For me, this book is a valuable resource and my husband and I intend to use the tools you have shared in our own family.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Sunday, August 2, 2015

First Family Detail:Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents by Ronald Kessler

My family and I closely follow politics and I like to be "in the know".  So when I had the opportunity to read and review "The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents" by Ronald Kessler, I knew I had to read it.

First of all, this is the first book of its type that I have read.  I understand some say that the author's previous book is strikingly similar.  I cannot attest to that.

What I can say, though, is if these accounts are accurate, I am saddened by how the Secret Service has been treated by so many.  Yes, not all protectees have been rude, crude, or inconsiderate, but it is unfortunate that so many have reportedly been so.  I suppose if the book only included the good stories, it wouldn't have the same appeal.  I was surprised to see so many agents' names that added to the validity of the information  The book also includes a little about the Secret Service and what they must do to protect a traveling dignitary.

If you like politics or political gossip, I would recommend this book.  Adults only, though.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.