This is a wonderful memoir. At the tender age of seven, Farah Ahmedi stepped on a land mine, and she was put in the hospital. The hospital did not have the resources to deal with her injuries so she was flown to Germany, where she had multiple surgeries. She lived in Germany for two years without any family members (remember she was seven). She was sent back to her family, but the wars in her country were escalating. Farah and her mother were forced to flee Afghanistan when the Taliban invaded Kabul, her father and sisters were killed by a bomb. Her brothers had to flee to Pakistan because the Taliban were forcing all the males (as young as 12) into the army. Farah and her mother make their way to Pakistan, and eventually to the U.S.

Not a literary masterpiece by any stretch, but a good story - an important one for young people in particular to read, but informative and insightful for anyone.

How sad was Farah’s life? Reading about the struggles she had and the daily life that she faced well living in Afghanistan as a child and her positive attitude and what I can only describe as her want for life is inspiring. The terror she lived through gives her a strength most people won’t have in a lifetime.

The reason I gave this book three stars is because I feel sometimes details are lacking and things were omitted that would have enhanced this memoir.

5/5 Stars

With this reread, I fell in love with this story all over again. I loved it, and I think it's such an important story to read at this point. I remembered reading this in eighth grade and loving this story. This girl, woman now, is so strong and has gone through so much.

Very interesting autobiography which elucidates the experience of refugees and immigrants. Might be good for John, too.

This autobiographical journey of Ahmedi when she was merely 17 years or so, talks about her life since she was born in Kabul, Afghanistan to her current life (in 2005). This story was published after it was top voted in the ABC News' Good Morning America program. Farah's life is nothing but an inspiration; a life led by determination and hope to learn and see new things.

Farah was born near the end of the Soviet-Afghan War. 7 years old Farah was fascinated with everything her teacher told them about the outer world. One day while running late for school, she chooses a shortcut and accidentally steps upon a landline and it explodes. While being treated among the worst medical facilities, she got chosen by a program to be treated in Germany. But by the time she reached there, they had to amputate one of her legs and had to put a rod in the other one. After living in Germany for over 18 months alone, she returns to Afghanistan, now taken over by the Taliban. One day a rocket lands on her home killing her father and sisters. Fearing for their lives, her brothers had to flee, and later, Farah and her mother flee to Pakistan too. There they lived as refugees under harsh conditions until World Relief rescued them and provided them a home in Chicago. In the new country too, however, they struggled to keep up with the culture, language and medical bills. But Farah finds her guardian angel Alyce Litz who helped her in every way possible.

Farah's story shows the situation of war-torn countries, the struggles and lives they lose. But Farah also talks about the people who helped her along her journey- the people she would remember and the people who helped her shape the life she is living today. She talks about the time before the Taliban in her country when women were free and used to roam around and dress as per their wishes.

Farah, you brave girl, keep moving ❤️

Every single person in there world should have to read this book! At birth we should be handed this book so when we can read our mind will be filled with a story of bravery, courage, determination and haedship. This book allowed me to glimpse into a life I could not imagine. It goes to show how ignorant some people are but this woman's words show the love other people have. This book (not to be cliché) changed my thought process. Love it everyone needs this book, more now than ever.

I think every high school student should be required to read this book.

Poignant. Moving. Haunting.

I loved reading this with 25 14-20 years old who have a similar story to tell.

This book was required reading for my 7th grade English class but don't let that deter you, I still think about this book 12 years later. I like to take my time reading but at every class check point I found myself a couple of chapters ahead of the class because I simply could not put the book down. With the current state of Afghanistan it is important to read literature about Afghanistan from actual Afghans. I really think this book is something everyone should read at some point in their lifetime. Don't let the fact that it was a required reading for a 7th grade class fool you. This book can easily be enjoyed by all ages.