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Don't Be Afraid of the Bullets: An Accidental War Correspondent in Yemen
Laura Kasinof studied Arabic in college and moved to Yemen a few years later—after a friend at a late-night party in Washington, DC, recommended the country as a good place to work as a freelance journalist. When she first moved to Sanaa in 2009, she was the only American reporter based in the country. She quickly fell in love with Yemen’s people and culture, in addition to finding herself the star of a local TV soap opera.
When antigovernment protests broke out in Yemen, part of the revolts sweeping the Arab world at the time, she contacted the New York Times to see if she could cover the rapidly unfolding events for the newspaper. Laura never planned to be a war correspondent, but found herself in the middle of brutal government attacks on peaceful protesters. As foreign reporters were rounded up and shipped out of the country, Laura managed to elude the authorities but found herself increasingly isolated—and even more determined to report on what she saw.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Bullets is a fascinating and important debut by a talented young journalist.
When antigovernment protests broke out in Yemen, part of the revolts sweeping the Arab world at the time, she contacted the New York Times to see if she could cover the rapidly unfolding events for the newspaper. Laura never planned to be a war correspondent, but found herself in the middle of brutal government attacks on peaceful protesters. As foreign reporters were rounded up and shipped out of the country, Laura managed to elude the authorities but found herself increasingly isolated—and even more determined to report on what she saw.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Bullets is a fascinating and important debut by a talented young journalist.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
27 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Laura Kasinof
2 books15 followersLaura is an independent journalist whose reporting focuses on migration, religion, and life after war. Her first book, Don't Be Afraid of the Bullets: An Accidental War Correspondent in Yemen, chronicles her time reporting for the New York Times in Yemen during the Arab Spring.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 9, 2016
Astonishingly naive? Or unflinchingly candid? Yes, to both. Add a knowledgeable and sharp-witted insight into a culture and an oligarchy that few of us in the USA know anything about (yes, in a spirit of naïveté and unflinching candour I admit I had to look up Yemen to make sure it was in Asia and not in Africa) and you have that rare book that is a memoir, a young adult's diary, and a powerful (though not comprehensive) examination of a lesser-known Arab spring.
Kasinof bounds into Yemen like an eager puppy, almost fresh from a degree in Arabic, and seeking to avoid the perplexing question of what to do next. In an effort to inject some grown-up meaning into her life, she spins story ideas to a few Western news outlets, and is soon a freelance journalist for the New York Times. When the anti- government protests break out in early 2011, she is there at a time when foreign journalists are barred from Yemen by the ruling family. What she lacks in experience she makes up for with an absence of preconceptions on how the story should be structured and a hard-worn ability to overcome fear of danger in her pursuit of it.
Even the reader lacking an interest in Yemen will find a compelling look at the practise of journalism on a shoe-string in the 2010's. Ever-changing router passwords, unreliable laptop power sources and stories posted on websites when they'e not quite confirmed are everyday details that fascinate almost as much as the facets of the Yemeni revolution.
As others have noted, the book is poorly edited. I'm increasingly resigned to this as an artifact of publishing in the 2010's. It's distracting, but it doesn't overwhelm Kasnof's fresh new voice.
Kasinof bounds into Yemen like an eager puppy, almost fresh from a degree in Arabic, and seeking to avoid the perplexing question of what to do next. In an effort to inject some grown-up meaning into her life, she spins story ideas to a few Western news outlets, and is soon a freelance journalist for the New York Times. When the anti- government protests break out in early 2011, she is there at a time when foreign journalists are barred from Yemen by the ruling family. What she lacks in experience she makes up for with an absence of preconceptions on how the story should be structured and a hard-worn ability to overcome fear of danger in her pursuit of it.
Even the reader lacking an interest in Yemen will find a compelling look at the practise of journalism on a shoe-string in the 2010's. Ever-changing router passwords, unreliable laptop power sources and stories posted on websites when they'e not quite confirmed are everyday details that fascinate almost as much as the facets of the Yemeni revolution.
As others have noted, the book is poorly edited. I'm increasingly resigned to this as an artifact of publishing in the 2010's. It's distracting, but it doesn't overwhelm Kasnof's fresh new voice.
April 11, 2018
This book has a lot of information about Yemen especially the last years of Saleh's reign but is not that well written.The text seems more like diary entries of the time spent by the author in Yemen as the text is loosely in chronological order.Further,the author has significantly glorified herself as a freelance journalist in Yemen.Another problem is lack of photographs which is essential for books like these.Its just a good book for anyone interested in the Saleh regime,Yemeni version of Arab Spring and life of Laura Kasinof in general.Otherwise just give a pass.
February 16, 2015
Laura Kasinov's book is very readable, informative and timely! I have a much better grasp of the culture and crisis in Yemen having read it. I also find myself caring deeply about what happens in Yemen. Though I am not sure whether we have helped or hurt the situation in Yemen, I was still sad to hear of the closing of the embassy there.
June 2, 2016
Very enjoyable memoir -- not comprehensive, but doesn't present itself as such. I really appreciated that Kasinof didn't try to come off knowing more than she did, but nor did she go the other way and spend chapters in look-at-me clueless wonder. The feel of her slice of Yemeni life is great, and the book is worth the read for that alone.
August 1, 2015
The author does a wonderful job taking us into a part of the world, a culture, and a political landscape many of us born and raised in the US have never experienced. At the time I'm writing this review, there is fighting in Aden, Sana, and Taiz. This book provides some personalized context for what is happening.
This book is also part coming-of-age story. When I was in my mid-20s, I didn't jet off to live in a country I had never been to. But I wonder what if I had. Would I have found myself as a war correspondent for the New York Times? Would I, too, have become a local TV star?
In the interest of full disclosure, in my mid-20s I did move to New Mexico - a state and a climate I had never been to. A war of sorts was starting to be waged in Cuidad Juarez, but the Rio Grande created an invisible force field against the violence. Definitely not similar to being in the middle of protests, bullets, and grenades. Safer, certainly, but not similar.
This book is also part coming-of-age story. When I was in my mid-20s, I didn't jet off to live in a country I had never been to. But I wonder what if I had. Would I have found myself as a war correspondent for the New York Times? Would I, too, have become a local TV star?
In the interest of full disclosure, in my mid-20s I did move to New Mexico - a state and a climate I had never been to. A war of sorts was starting to be waged in Cuidad Juarez, but the Rio Grande created an invisible force field against the violence. Definitely not similar to being in the middle of protests, bullets, and grenades. Safer, certainly, but not similar.
January 26, 2016
This book was both poignant and hilarious. I wish I could meet Laura in real life. I would love to visit Yemen someday, as well as Egypt. She is a true journalist. I wish I could meet all of her friends in the book! This book is a very readable memoir and I recommend it for everyone.
October 5, 2020
The audible version of this book seems actually quite racist in its depiction of Arab accents.
June 21, 2024
I like the idea of this memoir, but I found the execution so poor. A young journalist making a start, when the Arab Spring triggers unrest in her current home of Yemen, putting her in the position to report on things she doesn't have the maturity or experience to really grasp.
The writing is frustrating. We expect stumbles, that's life, and she was young during the events so maybe ignorance in her actions. This is where I would expect the reflection part of the memoir, but we don't get it. Her style of retelling events sometimes leaves an insincere impression. It seems to the reader that she doesn't love or respect the culture and people as much as she proclaims.
Without time and distance from events (the book was written shortly after) the story has very few meaningful reflections and becomes repetitive. It may have been better as a shorter book to avoid that repetition.
I would have been more interested to see how these experiences shape her later in her life and how it affects her journalism.
Overall, I found it a shallow memoir, though an interesting story.
The writing is frustrating. We expect stumbles, that's life, and she was young during the events so maybe ignorance in her actions. This is where I would expect the reflection part of the memoir, but we don't get it. Her style of retelling events sometimes leaves an insincere impression. It seems to the reader that she doesn't love or respect the culture and people as much as she proclaims.
Without time and distance from events (the book was written shortly after) the story has very few meaningful reflections and becomes repetitive. It may have been better as a shorter book to avoid that repetition.
I would have been more interested to see how these experiences shape her later in her life and how it affects her journalism.
Overall, I found it a shallow memoir, though an interesting story.
May 31, 2018
Don’t Be Afraid of the Bullets: An Accidental War Correspondent in Yemen is as much a coming of age story as it is a chronicle of a journalist’s experiences in Yemen as it began the descent into the hell it remains today. This is not to say that Laura Kasinof’s analysis is superficial. Quite the contrary. Kasinof proved to be a sensitive and sophisticated observer of the immensely complex political, cultural, and religious threads that constituted Yemen society in the turbulent years around 2011. So this book is wonderful on several levels. It’s instructive on deciphering what went wrong with Yemen’s Arab Spring; it’s a page-turner on the adventures of a foreign correspondent working a tough beat; and it’s a personal diary of Kasinof’s inner thoughts & fears & loves – most notably her love for the people of the country she readily called her home.
July 14, 2017
I originally got this book when I was on a trip, it was around the time I'd started to want to dive into middle eastern politics. Which required background information, Yemen was one of the only nations of the region I knew absolutely nothing about. So I got this book with the intention of learning about the country, and what appeared to be a story about one of it's civil wars.
Key portions of a nation's history that would give a good idea of how the future politics will play out. This book, did not turn out to be what I had expected, which admittedly was disappointing. The author portrays herself as a western women who has no concept of the customs of conservative Yemen through out the book.
That despite learning about them, decides to take advantage of their customs for kindness to foreigners and high trust community by bringing her way of life and flaunting it. A common theme is the only reason she stays in Yemen and pretends to care is the adrenaline high of doing things she's not supposed to.
Followed by the ego boost of residing during a war zone, also a love for the conservative customs she often tramples over. When I learned just how off base the book was from what I thought it would be originally, I didn't think I'd ever finish it. In spite of the writing style, and author herself, the interest I had for learning about Yemen helped me finish it and provide motivation to read better books on the topic in the future.
The book is not a history book, it is not a politics book, which to be fair she sets out in a disclaimer near the start. The book is sort of a 'tell all' biography/this was my story and views on it kind of thing. About as close to those gossip/self interest books which for God knows why get 'New York best seller' titles I've ever read.
What she does write about Yemen, regardless of her views inserted, kept me interested though.
Key portions of a nation's history that would give a good idea of how the future politics will play out. This book, did not turn out to be what I had expected, which admittedly was disappointing. The author portrays herself as a western women who has no concept of the customs of conservative Yemen through out the book.
That despite learning about them, decides to take advantage of their customs for kindness to foreigners and high trust community by bringing her way of life and flaunting it. A common theme is the only reason she stays in Yemen and pretends to care is the adrenaline high of doing things she's not supposed to.
Followed by the ego boost of residing during a war zone, also a love for the conservative customs she often tramples over. When I learned just how off base the book was from what I thought it would be originally, I didn't think I'd ever finish it. In spite of the writing style, and author herself, the interest I had for learning about Yemen helped me finish it and provide motivation to read better books on the topic in the future.
The book is not a history book, it is not a politics book, which to be fair she sets out in a disclaimer near the start. The book is sort of a 'tell all' biography/this was my story and views on it kind of thing. About as close to those gossip/self interest books which for God knows why get 'New York best seller' titles I've ever read.
What she does write about Yemen, regardless of her views inserted, kept me interested though.
January 8, 2017
This was a wonderfully written, and insightful account of not just the revolution and war in Yemen, but in Laura's personal experience with it. I could see myself in her adventure, her fear, and her questions. If only all reporters could have such a depth of knowledge of the language and culture when they begin their reporting. Well done Laura.
September 7, 2015
Really disappointed. Heard her speak so intelligently and thouroughly about the conflict on Fresh Air. The book needs much better editing, it is very choppy. Also, she comes across very naiive and much less intelligent than I'm sure she is.
June 28, 2015
This was an excellent book, but I expected better grammar from a NY Times correspondent.
January 27, 2022
Podcast episodes with author: https://youtu.be/-H3n569kWeU
https://youtu.be/ZvT5ZuxdCcU
https://youtu.be/ZvT5ZuxdCcU
January 8, 2022
Just finished this last night and not sure what i think yet..
In some ways it seems simplistic, even egotistic in how Laura wanted to stay in Yemen just to be part of something big when it was so tragic. At different times in the book, i felt this way, but then it was also an eye opening question to ask, "would i do different?"
I also struggled to understand the timeline and a glossary with various definitions for terms would have been helpful to keep things straight, but in no way was it a requirement.
Yet the book itself was very informative to me of Yemen and it's people and the complexities involved there--culturally, religiously, and politically. It made me hurt for those caught in the middle.
It also made me more appreciative of what journalists go through to keep others informed and will hopefully make me more thoughtful and slower to speak my own opinion when there are many things i don't understand and more quick to listen rather than assume i would have solutions.
I also read some of Laura's articles and appreciated her work. In all, it was an insightful read for me and introduced me to a lot of history and culture I didn't and still don't know much about.
In some ways it seems simplistic, even egotistic in how Laura wanted to stay in Yemen just to be part of something big when it was so tragic. At different times in the book, i felt this way, but then it was also an eye opening question to ask, "would i do different?"
I also struggled to understand the timeline and a glossary with various definitions for terms would have been helpful to keep things straight, but in no way was it a requirement.
Yet the book itself was very informative to me of Yemen and it's people and the complexities involved there--culturally, religiously, and politically. It made me hurt for those caught in the middle.
It also made me more appreciative of what journalists go through to keep others informed and will hopefully make me more thoughtful and slower to speak my own opinion when there are many things i don't understand and more quick to listen rather than assume i would have solutions.
I also read some of Laura's articles and appreciated her work. In all, it was an insightful read for me and introduced me to a lot of history and culture I didn't and still don't know much about.
June 1, 2022
I think this book was more about covering the experiences of the author as a journalist rather than a dry recounting of the war in Yemen. I found that quite refreshing. The war in Yemen was discussed and all the major players introduced and their hand/position discussed, but always in relation to the protagonist, the author.
It also really highlighted the dichotomy between the elite in Yemen and their lives and interests compared with the protestors on the ground who saw their hopes and dreams manipulated to serve different interests.
It also really highlighted the dichotomy between the elite in Yemen and their lives and interests compared with the protestors on the ground who saw their hopes and dreams manipulated to serve different interests.
July 14, 2022
Though an Arab, I know very little about Yemen and I’m ashamed of it. So it has been very informative for me reading this book. It is now possible that I take it from here to learn about Yemen now and before.
Laura Kasinof’s book has touched me, given me company, and well-informed me. It is not a book of political history though about it, it’s a memoir. The author shares of her internal thoughts and believes, and her personal development and interactions side by side to what she has witnessed during her time there.
However, it must be noted how confusingly abrupt the ending of the book is. One would be expecting an explanation of the terminal scene and more closure.
Laura Kasinof’s book has touched me, given me company, and well-informed me. It is not a book of political history though about it, it’s a memoir. The author shares of her internal thoughts and believes, and her personal development and interactions side by side to what she has witnessed during her time there.
However, it must be noted how confusingly abrupt the ending of the book is. One would be expecting an explanation of the terminal scene and more closure.
November 2, 2017
It is an excellent introduction into Yemen’s uprising and the culture of the whole country including tribesmen, powerful politicians and ordinary people. It is also heartbreaking how the revolution was stolen from poor activists who had no idea what has been cooking around them. Highly recommend for anyone who is interested in the middle east and the arab spring.
November 2, 2017
Takes a lot of guts to live and work in Yemen during a volatile and dangerous time. Her courage is admirable and her empathy with the people of Yemen is touching. Looking forward to more reporting and books from her.
November 17, 2020
This is a good read, but I am more into the style of Ryszard Kapuscinski. Kasinof gives some insight into Yemeni culture and recent history that I found to be important.
April 21, 2021
Good book. Its always refreshing to read journalistic works, i feel like they are easier to digest.
March 17, 2025
Compelling account of the author's time in Yemen. Well written, accurate and still timely!
March 15, 2017
This book grew on me. I completely enjoy reading about international journalists and their work. As I didn't know much about Yemen prior to reading this, I found it to be informative but not dry. The memoir takes place in the Arab Spring and the author's experience in Yemen.
This book was featured on Book Riot's antiTrump travel ban reading lists. It was well deserved pick. Other than teaching, it's my way of being a part of the resistance!
This book was featured on Book Riot's antiTrump travel ban reading lists. It was well deserved pick. Other than teaching, it's my way of being a part of the resistance!
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January 11, 2016This is a good book where the author went to cover the Arab Spring which was surely a dangerous thing to do. The culture over there is very different from ours.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews