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Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse: The True Story of a Woman Who Risked Everything to Bring Hope to Afghanistan
From her first humanitarian visit to Afghanistan in 1994, Suraya Sadeed has been personally delivering relief and hope to Afghan orphans and refugees, to women and girls in inhuman situations deemed too dangerous for other aid workers or for journalists. Her memoir of these missions, "Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse," is as unconventional as the woman who has lived...more
Hardcover, 281 pages
Published
June 21st 2011
by Voice
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The journey back is always difficult. No one knows that better than Suraya Sadeed who returns ‘home’.
The founder of the charity Help the Afghan Children (HTAC), Suraya Sadeed chronicles her long, arduous journey from a penniless Afghan refugee to the US in 1982 to organiser of semblance and hope in her war-torn country. In 1993, she enjoyed a successful run, married to a man she loved, reaping the benefits of real estate and family life, until a personal tragedy forces her to look homewards. Sh...more
The founder of the charity Help the Afghan Children (HTAC), Suraya Sadeed chronicles her long, arduous journey from a penniless Afghan refugee to the US in 1982 to organiser of semblance and hope in her war-torn country. In 1993, she enjoyed a successful run, married to a man she loved, reaping the benefits of real estate and family life, until a personal tragedy forces her to look homewards. Sh...more
I was drawn to this book because I have done volunteer work in a third world country and appreciate hearing about others who have done the same. While I enjoyed reading about the nuts and bolts of the work Suraya Sadeed has done and continues to do, I was less impressed with the narrative of her conversations. It seems unlikely this woman would be using the word "reckon" in her conversation with others, yet she did several times in the book. I also had to scratch my head when she is describing t...more
My favourite quote in the book & also one of my constant self reminder "while we may think we are the masters of our universe, there will always come a time when our lives will fall apart & we need to be lifted up again. All things happen for a reason, even the harshest & most traumatic events in our lives. Even our loved one's dying."
For the last 18 years, Suraya Sadeed has been bringing aid to the refugees and schoolchildren of Afghanistan. She has done some amazing things, but her memoir focuses less on what she has done and more on the conditions she encountered in Afghanistan during its civil war.
As you might expect, those were horrifying. You can actually understand why the Afghanis accepted Taliban rule, because the anarchy they were coming out of was worse than the Taliban's oppression. (That said, Sadeed presents an...more
As you might expect, those were horrifying. You can actually understand why the Afghanis accepted Taliban rule, because the anarchy they were coming out of was worse than the Taliban's oppression. (That said, Sadeed presents an...more
This book is a trip both from and to Afghanistan with a woman who was born there, became a successful US citizen and ultimately returned time and time again to help the ordinary Afghanis who had been caught up in a war not of their own making. How easy it is to forget that ordinary people, like most of us, can get caught up in a political power struggle that dominates and controls our lives. How easy it is to think of “them”, whoever they may be, as being part of the problem, when they, like us,...more
An amazing book by an amazing woman, but hits book covered some of the same ground as ground as The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe especially how tough it was for woman with the Taliban in charge. I did like how at the end she tells of some of the impact the US has had in 2001 and how things have changed, at least in Kabul.
This book has given me a new understanding to the many challenges being faced in Afghan society. I highly appreciate this first-hand account of Afghanistan before, during and after the Taliban and Suraya Sadeed's accomplishments in raising up a NGO aid organization. Her accounts are unique in that she went where other organizations didn't dare to go. I am still haunted by her description of the orphanages and the "widow camps" where evil men were given open access to force their will on girls, b...more
story of a Afghan humanitarian bringing aid to her people in the refugee camps and otherwise. Accurate accounts of Afghanistan through their defeat of the Soviets, followed by instability and emergence of Taliban. Very horrific accounts from the Taliban imposed on the Afghanis. Memoir leads into US invasion post 9/11 and her struggles of brining aid to all those that desperately need it. From building clinics, schools and even brining basic necessities she was at the fore front of it all. The bi...more
Well-written and fluid account of an afghan-American lady's experience of the atrocities in Afghanistan and her efforts to set up an aid organization. Her efforts involve her traveling to the most destitute villages across rough terrains under hazardous conditions. Still she sees amazing strength in the local people who have survived through decades of conflict. Her encounter with some mujahideens and talibs is particularly interesting as she manages to connect with some as individuals, not bere...more
A bit of an education, a bit of an inspiration, and a bit of self-promotion. A quick, engaging read that shares the struggles of the Afghan people and what the author experienced as a humanitarian there. What sticks with me the most is one line she wrote about how the cost of just ONE of the bombings in the beginning of our invasion of Afghanistan could have paid for schools for so many children previously banned from being educated by the Taliban. And that educations would have done way more to...more
Suraya Sadeed is a spitfire of a woman. What an inspirational and enthralling story of humanitarian efforts in the direst of places. I hope the Afghan people find peace, and amazing people like Mrs. Sadeed have worked towards that goal. Mrs. Sadeed has done so much to reduce the suffering of Afghans. Most American readers will identify with her rebelliousness, gumption and relentless spirit. Perhaps her efforts will spark more action towards stability and peace. Above all, supporting education a...more
An incredible book about an incredible woman. Suraya Sadeed has an amazing story to share with the world. Her bravery in the face of danger is incredible. Her ability to get help to some needy children. Additionally, her insight into what will make this world a better place is from her first-hand knowledge of the world in which we live. I would love to hear more from Suraya as she continues to build schools and help the children of her home country. What a testament to the American spirit and th...more
I thought this book was really interesting. It talked about an American woman's push to educate Afghani girls during Taliban rule and the risks she took to make it happen. If you like the book, Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil by Deborah Rodriguez, you should enjoy this one..although it is written a bit more dryly.
Suraya Sadeed's journey from successful American businesswoman to compassionate volunteer gives readers an inside look at how the average Afghan community struggles with the reality of what is happening in that country. Her efforts to bring basic necessities into refugee camps is constantly frustrated by corrupt gangs and government officials, but Sadeed's determination is practically a revolution of itself.
As I read this book, by turns I felt sad, disgusted, and hopeful about Afghanistan and its future. But this is the true story of one Afghan-American woman's crusade to bring aid, clinics, and schools to the most desperate people in Afghanistan, and she tells her story like it happened. I can't applaud her incredible courage enough. An emotional roller-coaster; well worth reading.
The title led me to believe this book was about the goings-on in an clandestine Afghan school. It wasn't. Instead, this is a chronicle of Sadeed's (an Afghan-American) travels to Afghanistan following the death of her husband. She was so moved by the displaced people that she formed her own charity. What is amazing is how she managed to travel within a country in so much turmoil. She carried large sums of cash to distribute as well as humanitarian aid. Her stories are amusing. I was fascinated b...more
This was not literature. It was not well-written by any means and sometimes the author's voice was incredibly tedious and agenda-pushing.
That said, it was supremely educational in the history and situation in Afghanistan--well worth the read for that information.
That said, it was supremely educational in the history and situation in Afghanistan--well worth the read for that information.
I read this book in less than a day. I was so captivated by the author's story and her mission to help Afghans - staring pre-/11 - it was incredibly inspiring. It's a courageous story I would recommend to loves a good, challenging adventure with an admirable mission.
Loved this book. I thought that she did a fabulous job of giving a fair view of Afghanistan without all of the hype. She's an Afghan-American who decided to bring aid into the country after the death of her husband. I loved her writing and how unbelievably brave she is. Loved her story.
I appreciated an inside look to the struggles of the survivors in Afghanistan, but Suraya Sadeed seem a little too amazed and in love with herself. Her constant need to toot her own horn takes away from the tragic story to be told of the people she helped.
Very serious story, but gripping. The author comes across as a true personality, writing from the heart.
As an American, this book helped me see the other side of war and the importance of education. It made me reevaluate my stance on a few issues as well see the ability we all have to make a difference. -Drop by drop a river is formed.-
I must be on an Afghanistan kick of late. This book was well written and easy to follow. A good recap of all Suraya has done to help the people living there. would have liked to see a little more on what's currently happening. Perhaps she will write a follow up.
Really easy to read and very informative about Afghanistan's history. Can tell a little bit written by a ghost writer though, but nothing too distracting. Highly recommend. Looks long, but goes quickly. Very engaging.
My absolute favorite book!!
This book was about an inspirational Humanitarian who touched the lives of countless people in Afghanistan. Throughout the book I kept thanking that her life's quest was to help her birth county and it's people. This is an important book to read for an appreciation of what this woman did and all that she had been through. It is also eye opening of our advantaged American life to that of others.
I would have given this book five stars however I didnt like the inferiority complex this woman suffered from..for all her hype of being a strong willed woman she is actually very insecure about who she is..anyway a good book overall..
I did like this poem from it which reminds me so much about Peshawar:
Oh, my Kabul,
Every part of you burned,
Your people roasted like coals,
No moon or stars in the sky,
Tears of my eyes fall,
My heart pains and weeps,
For you,oh my Kabul-jan.
I did like this poem from it which reminds me so much about Peshawar:
Oh, my Kabul,
Every part of you burned,
Your people roasted like coals,
No moon or stars in the sky,
Tears of my eyes fall,
My heart pains and weeps,
For you,oh my Kabul-jan.
I liked it. I wanted to love it. She is an extraordinary woman, but the narrative is a bit without feeling and occasionally reads like a list - I did this, then I did this, maybe will do this next time - all pretty much about collecting money in the US and then handing it out in Afghanistan. The last 1/4 of the book becomes a little more interesting and thought provoking.
I so deeply admire suraya sadeed's courage, perseverance, hope and compassion. If only our world were full of more people like her. I have a much better understanding of the reality and plight of the afghan people after reading this book.
Quick read. Suraya is an inspiration. Her tenacity and can do spirit empowers. Impossibilities do not exist in her world. She pushes forward change bit by bit overcoming challenges along the way.
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Apr 08, 2012 07:17pm