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Being Reshma: The Extraordinary Story of an Acid-Attack Survivor who Took the World by Storm

Reshma Qureshi,

Tania Singh (Goodreads Author)

4.59 · Rating details · 162 ratings · 52 reviews

On 19 May 2014, as seventeen-year-old Reshma Qureshi left home for the examination centre, wearing her sister’s niqab, everything happened in a flash. The men rushed towards her. Grabbed her. Tugged at her hair. Poured acid on her face. Soon she started to burn like a living corpse. The acid ate through her skin and aimed for her bones, but it could not quell the fire in h ...more

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Hardcover, 248 pages

Published December 14th 2018 by Pan Macmillan India

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Start your review of Being Reshma: The Extraordinary Story of an Acid-Attack Survivor who Took the World by Storm

Dec 13, 2018 Nandakishore Varma rated it it was amazing

Acid attacks are rather common in India (yes, shocking, but true!) – and they are mostly carried out against young women. In most cases, the perpetrators are spurned suitors, jilted lovers or ex-husbands; because in a society where woman is objectified to the extreme, her physical beauty is seen to personify her in toto. Destroy it, without killing the person: and condemn her to a life of misery as a living corpse. In an impossibly male chauvinist society such as in India, this would be deemed j ...more

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Dec 16, 2018 Apoorva rated it it was amazing

Shelves: tear-jerking, non-fiction, indian, life-changing, autobios-bios-memoirs

'Being Reshma’ is an incredibly powerful and eye-opening account of the life of Reshma Qureshi, an acid attack survivor who’s now a model, a vlogger, and an anti-acid activist.

I did not know about Reshma before I came across this book but I’m glad I got to read her story. It was really hard for me to get through this book as it was heart-wrenching but it was also beautiful and motivating.

In our world, where the future is unreservedly considered to be as grim as the past (if not more), we obse ...more

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Dec 30, 2018 Bharath rated it it was amazing

Reshma’s is an amazing story, of finding purpose in life after suffering cruelty of the kind one would not imagine for anyone. Somehow, I had not followed her story before, though now I can see it was widely known and circulated.

Reshma Qureshi is one of five children born to a family in Mumbai who just about are able to make ends meet and struggle to educate the children. Her father, was a taxi driver who owned two taxis, one of which he drove himself. He is keen that his children get educated a Reshma’s is an amazing story, of finding purpose in life after suffering cruelty of the kind one would not imagine for anyone. Somehow, I had not followed her story before, though now I can see it was widely known and circulated.

Reshma Qureshi is one of five children born to a family in Mumbai who just about are able to make ends meet and struggle to educate the children. Her father, was a taxi driver who owned two taxis, one of which he drove himself. He is keen that his children get educated and find good jobs – which gets them more respect, money and satisfaction.

The family’s troubles start when after marriage, Reshma’s sister Gulshan suffers terrible abuse from her husband. It reaches a point when she has to return to her parents – and her husband announces a divorce shortly after. It gets worse from this point on – Gulshan’s son is kidnapped. What follows is even more horrific – with an acid attack led by Gulshan’s ex husband on her and Reshma. Reshma bears the full brunt of the attack, with the gang pouring acid on her face and body. Subsequent events make for tragic reading – a family struggling financially now trying to get around insensitive law enforcement, a tottering healthcare system, other than general apathy (Efficient & fair law enforcement, timely justice and medical care for all are key issues which sadly do not see enough public visibility or discourse).

There are nevertheless shining examples of selflessness – a cloth retailer who gifts a dress without payment, a local political leader who comes to family’s aid, some relatives and friends who stand by Reshma for months after the episode. Reshma’s life changes once she comes into contact with Ria Sharma who is just setting up her NGO “Make Love Not Scars (MLNS)”. Ria and the MLNS team stand by Reshma - they crowdsource funding so that she gets good medical care. Reshma gets over periods of depression and hopelessness to emerge stronger than ever before, and becomes the voice for women who have suffered abuse. She walks the ramp at a fashion show at New York, and has been the face of MLNS since years.

This book is very inspiring – both for Reshma’s strength & resolve, as also for the people who stood by her (her family, friends and the team at MLNS). Many parts of the book make for painful reading, and yet – if the issues highlighted in the book gain prominence in discussions, hopefully change will come, even if gradually. The book is also very honest such as covering Reshma’s bitterness in the initial months at everyone – even her own family.

This is a book I strongly recommend for reading. I received a free ebook copy of this book from the co-author Tania Singh for providing an honest review.
...more

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Nov 27, 2019 Aakanksha rated it liked it

Shelves: biography

It is a story of Reshma Qureshi, an acid attack survivor written by Tania Singh. In 2014, Reshma was attacked by her elder sister Gulshan's husband, Jamaluddin, and his two acquaintances. She was seventeen years old at that time and going to the exam center. Little did he know that that day will gonna change her life forever.

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Reshma lives in a chawl with his parents, two elder brothers, Riyaz, Aizaz, and sisters, Gulshan, and Nargis. Being the youngest child, she w It is a story of Reshma Qureshi, an acid attack survivor written by Tania Singh. In 2014, Reshma was attacked by her elder sister Gulshan's husband, Jamaluddin, and his two acquaintances. She was seventeen years old at that time and going to the exam center. Little did he know that that day will gonna change her life forever.

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Reshma lives in a chawl with his parents, two elder brothers, Riyaz, Aizaz, and sisters, Gulshan, and Nargis. Being the youngest child, she was everyone's favorite. When their mother diagnosed with a fatal disease, they all made sacrifices so that everything went smoothly, including Reshma's education. Her childhood memories were filled with good and bad recollections, but she was able to find happiness in little things.

When she was twelve, her sister Gulshan got married to Jamaluddin, they didn't know that he and his family is a narrow-minded, greedy, and abusive. Soon Gulshan was blessed with a boy, Saufi. After a few years, she gives birth to a girl, Riza. But the demand for dowry is increasing day by day. Gulshan suffers domestic violence, and at last, her parents decide that Gulshan and her children will live with them. Things were falling into the right place, but ten days before the acid attack, Jamaluddin kidnap Saufi. The family was devastated, and Jamaluddin plans an attack on Gulshan, but Reshma caught between all these.

One cannot describe the pain and suffering she endures. She didn't get the treatment for hours. The inhumane nature of doctors, nurses, and police officers disturb me. The lack of facilities, money, and laws will stand in front of Reshma, she thinks of suicide; try it on numerous occasions. She deals with PTSD and depression, in all the chaos; she finds hope and purpose through Make Love Not Scars organization. The founder of the organization Ria Sharma crowdfunded money for Reshma's treatment. A long-drawn but meaningful journey begins for Reshma; when she became the face of the #endacidsale campaign.

Although, I didn't feel that Tania Singh did justice with the novel. She wrote all about the organization's feats, but being a reader, I want to know about Reshma's family reaction when she did a ramp walk in New York. How their lives change after Reshma got global recognization?

On the day of the attack, Gulshan's hand came in the contact with acid, but no one paid any heed to her. Whether she received the treatment at all? The author didn't mention a single time; about the courtroom proceedings. Did they file a report against Jamaluddin? What was the police doing? Did they catch him or not? Did Saufi return to her mother? Did Reshma get justice? All the important questions were left unanswered like it doesn't matter.

Reading her story gives me chill, and I appreciate how brave she is. She is a courageous woman who definitely has a long way to go. I have my questions and issues with the narration, but I still think that you read this book. There are very few people who work to make a change in the world. She is one of them, she is a survivor. Her story moves my soul, and I hope she achieves everything she wants in her life.

Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/ ...more

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Dec 15, 2018 Grady rated it it was amazing

‘Perhaps if I had done all those things, I would never have been attacked with acid.’

Tania Singh has provided a history for the public of both a horrible deed as related by the victim and a paean to the courage and strength of the victim of a dastardly crime.

This is the story of Reshma Qureshi who suffered an acid attack and lived to not only share the crime but to become a spokesperson for others who undergo mutilated victims of crime. Reshma relates her history form her family and her birth t ‘Perhaps if I had done all those things, I would never have been attacked with acid.’

Tania Singh has provided a history for the public of both a horrible deed as related by the victim and a paean to the courage and strength of the victim of a dastardly crime.

This is the story of Reshma Qureshi who suffered an acid attack and lived to not only share the crime but to become a spokesperson for others who undergo mutilated victims of crime. Reshma relates her history form her family and her birth through the incident that initiate this book. It is a finely tuned description of life in Mumbai and India in general – of the disparities of treatment and rights of women are shared.

The immediacy of the attack is written as follows: ‘The panic, uncertainty and shock had made me lose precious moments. Jamaluddin’s nephew and cousin grabbed me from behind, tugging at my hair through my niqab and pulled me to the ground. The men were heavy and I attempted to fight them off, attempted to claw them with my hands but my strength were at most, a feeble shadow against that of those monsters. I was, after all, only 17. At first, I opened my mouth and took in a few gasps of breath, attempting to scream but was unable to produce a sound. I believe that was my body’s way of telling me that I needed to save all my strength for the screams that would soon traumatize me for endless nights. The men got on top of me, as Jamaluddin’s cousin grabbed my hands and pulled them over my head, restraining me from fighting. Without even removing my niqab, Jamaluddin’s cousin emptied the contents of a flask he had been carrying with him all over my face. I remember wondering why they would throw warm water on my face, but that thought only lasted for a heavenly second. I wish that the embarrassment of being treated like an animal, pushed to the ground, straddled like a caged animal and having an offensive liquid thrown on my face was all I had to deal with. But within three seconds, I heard a strange, terrified, unnatural and desperate person screaming from a distance. I was on fire, and the haunting screams were erupting from my being. Even if I practiced hard, I could never again scream the way I did that day. Even the devil would cover his ears if he had had the chance to hear me. I later wondered if I should have slept in for five more minutes, worn my new burka, stayed back with my mother, turned around for my cell phone, stopped and bought the shoes or bargained for an apple. Perhaps if I had done all those things, I would never have been attacked with acid. They never even removed my niqab to look at my face.’

For an overview of the book’s tone, the synopsis helps us understand – ‘On 19 May 2014, as seventeen-year-old Reshma Qureshi left home for the examination centre, everything happened in a flash. The men rushed towards her. Grabbed her. Tugged at her hair. Poured acid on her face. Soon she started to burn like a living corpse. The acid ate through her skin and aimed for her bones, but it could not quell the fire in her heart. Rising from tragedy and suffering, Reshma soon made global headlines by becoming the first acid-attack survivor to walk the runway at the New York Fashion Week. Now an international anti-acid-sale activist, vlogger, model, and the face of Make Love Not Scars, Reshma works tirelessly towards empowering other acid-attack survivors like herself and has become a beacon of hope for millions. Inspiring and life-affirming, BEING RESHMA is the extraordinary story of this young girl from the slums of Mumbai, who overcame insurmountable odds in an unjust world and dared to change it.’

One comes away from this book educated and ready to join Reshma’s mission. This book will live in your mind. ...more

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Aug 23, 2020 Krutika Puranik rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. • r e v i e w •
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"As for those television journalists who called me inspiring yet blurred my face... Rather than accepting me for who I am, they have reinforced that I have a face I should be hiding." - Reshma Qureshi.
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It's appalling how our laws work. After years of struggle, finally in 2013, India banned over-the-counter sale of acid but the authorities are still very lenient in keeping a check on the same. Acid is still very easily available and it is still claiming the lives of many girls and • r e v i e w •
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"As for those television journalists who called me inspiring yet blurred my face... Rather than accepting me for who I am, they have reinforced that I have a face I should be hiding." - Reshma Qureshi.
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It's appalling how our laws work. After years of struggle, finally in 2013, India banned over-the-counter sale of acid but the authorities are still very lenient in keeping a check on the same. Acid is still very easily available and it is still claiming the lives of many girls and women. Reshma Qureshi was not the first girl to be doused in acid and she certainly wasn't the last one either. Reshma's memoir brought out an array of emotions ranging from shock to fury to pride. The first time I ever had the chance to read about acid attack survivors and their lives post the harrowing incidents was through Ria's book which was named after her NGO, Make Love Not Scars. It moved me deeply but reading from a survivor's point of view affected me even more. Reshma is inspiring but beyond all that, she's an epitome of courage.
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On May 19th, 2004 Reshma and her sister, Gulshan were attacked by her brother-in-law, Jamaluddin (Gulshan's husband) and two of his cousins. They were overpowered and while Gulshan was able to dodge the acid that was aimed at her face, Reshma wasn't so lucky. While the cousins pinned her to the ground, Jamaluddin poured a stream of acid into her face without even moving the niqab. As the sisters called for help, Reshma recalls how not a single person helped them for a long time. She narrates the pain that spread across her face. First like ice and then like hellfire. Upon reaching the hospital, she was treated indifferently by the nurses who in turn sent her to the police station. The cops were no different than the doctors as they took their time in making Gulshan narrate the incident to them over and over again. Amidst all this, Reshma prayed for death to arrive.
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Reshma who was just seventeen at the time of the attack fell into a deep abyss of depression. Her family's financial condition wasn't strong enough but everyone made sacrifices to get her treated. Luckily, Reshma came in contact with Ria and the burden of her treatment was lifted off of her shoulders. The recovery phase was a long one but Reshma was incredibly fortunate to have the support of her siblings and parents and also of her uncles and aunts. Although she encountered unpleasant people during her journey, she focused on the good samaritans who unconditionally backed her up. Through Make Love Not Scars, she met many other survivors like her which helped her in picking herself up and in turning a new leaf. Soon, she was the face of #endacidsale initiative and was recognised globally. She was interviewed internationally and even had the chance to walk the ramp for New York Fashion Week. Life didn't go according to the plan for this brave woman but she did turn it around to work in her favour. She's unapologetically bold in her memoir, calling out the system and the doctors who were negligent when it came to handling human lives and for this, I applaud her.
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Being Reshma is the story of a young girl who is now a woman of substance and strength. Her involvement in banning acid was significant and her love for life is abundant. Not only did she escape from the jaws of death but she also managed to show the world that acid cannot erase the shine that she carries within herself. I highly recommend this. A tale of inspiration and humanity.
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Rating : 4.8/5. ...more

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Dec 21, 2018 Samita Kaur Mangat Bal rated it it was amazing

Journey of Reshma from a carefree child to an acid attack survivor and then working as a crusader and spreading awareness for the cause. Well written book by Tania. Wish you all the best with your organisation Make love not scars.

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Dec 25, 2019 Devika Suresh rated it it was amazing

It requires some courage to read this book top to bottom. To be honest I didn't had that courage at some pages or other

Hats off to Reshma and her will power ...more

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Dec 18, 2018 Amanjyot Bains rated it it was amazing

Reshma's story is heart wrenching yet inspirational. Very well written.. ...more

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Aug 02, 2019 Miina Saarna rated it liked it

Shelves: reading2019

Definitely an interesting, inspiring as well as eye opening read. I just wish that the author would have dedicated some pages to explaining what happened to her attackers.

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Jul 12, 2020 Rhea (Rufus Reads) added it

Shelves: nonfiction

Made me cry. Tugged at all the last shreds of my humanity. But left me feeling so hopeful, and so resolute. Cannot rate this book as one cannot really rate Reshma's life story. What an inspiring warrior. ...more

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Jan 20, 2019 Suprama Singh rated it it was amazing

"Finding the right shade of lipstick is harder than finding concentrated acid."
"Why is a litre of concentrated acid sold cheaper than a 9 ml eyeliner?"
"It takes 2 minutes to put on blush but only 3 seconds to scar a face."

Being Reshma is a heart-wrenching, powerful account of a 19-year-old acid attack survivor. Whilst I was reading it, I did experience a journey of conflicting emotions. This book is an extraordinary memoir of a girl who had once considered killing herself but took the world by s ...more

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Dec 26, 2018 Piyusha Vir rated it it was amazing

An acid attack is, in my opinion, one of the most heinous and damaging crimes against women.

This book impacted me deeply, and I am glad I got the chance to read it.
It is an extremely personal narrative of Reshma’s growing up years. The conversational tone helps keep it light and friendly – as if you’re chatting with her over the phone or messenger. I gather this is the outcome of her comfort level and interactions with Tania Singh, her co-writer for this book. Full kudos to both Reshma and Tani ...more

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Dec 23, 2018 Sanika rated it really liked it

This is an honest account of acid attack survivor - Reshma. She was unfortunately at the wrong place at the wrong time, and inspite of being innocent, she had to suffer.
The book portrays her journey from being a young 17 years old carefree girl to an acid attack survivor. I cried alot while reading.

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Feb 01, 2019 Prakhar Sachdeo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: memoir-biographies-autobiographie, self-improvement

Trust me, I will take the story and the book to as many people as possible! Fellow readers if you have come to this space so i am sure you would have been as moved as I am by the story. Let us all give the book the highest ratings and make this the book of the year.

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Mar 09, 2019 Reshma rated it it was amazing

A very inspiring read.

The account of the road to survival is harrowing but at the same time how Reshma fights back and finds a purpose in her life is very inspiring.

A must read

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Apr 05, 2019 Ms Rawat rated it liked it

A heart-touching real life story of an acid attack survivor in India. The simple and candid writing makes it a quick read. Finished reading this book in one day.

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Jul 25, 2019 Ayush Bhattal rated it it was amazing

Must read for indians. An emotional journey of a fighter

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Jan 30, 2020 Arunayan Sharma rated it liked it

Narrative story of acid attacked survivor is very very heart touching.

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Nov 08, 2020 Sonali Dabade rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020-reads

4.25 stars!

I'm rather speechless at the moment after reading this book, of Reshma's ordeal and of her rising back up and gloriously so. I liked the narration and appreciate the way Tania Singh is generous with the details where it needs to be and not much so where it isn't required.

I appreciate that it might be the family's decision to step back but a couple of things I'd have loved to read about: What was her family's reaction when all the adulation came her way? How did Gulshan cope with it, s ...more

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Jun 07, 2020 Akshaya Thulasi rated it it was amazing

"Being Reshma" is a incredibly emotional and powerfully eye-opening story of Reshma Qureshi, an acid attack survivor who's now a Model, a Vlogger and an Anti-Acid Sale Activist.

This book lets us know Reshma Qureshi from the time of her early youth to how Reshma overcame her struggles to become a powerful voice for several acid survivors and an inspiration for many.

Reshma is the youngest girl in her family. She grew up with her brothers and sisters in a conservative household in Mumbai.

When her ...more

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Mar 13, 2020 Vishnu Baher rated it it was amazing

"Being Reshma"
Author:- Reshma Qureshi and Tania Singh
Genre:- Non-Fiction
Page:- 230
Format:- Paperback
Publication:- Pan Macmillan
Rating:- 5/5 🌟

It's a Acid attack survivor Biography and this is really harsh and hit read for us as a society.
Reshma Qureshi a 17 year old girl going for the exam. But destiny have some other plans for her, yaa she is the first Acid attack survivor to walk the runway at the New-York Fashion week.
She is the core reason who force government to stop open acid sale in india. ...more

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May 05, 2019 Anna rated it it was amazing

Reshma Bano Qureshi is an Indian model, vlogger, and anti-acid activist. She was only 17 when she was attacked with acid by her brother in law. Being Reshma is her story. It's a hauntingly heart-wrenching account of a woman who managed to survive and thrive despite all odds.

Reshma's story includes devastating accounts of medical negligence, mental health issues like PTSD and depression, surgical ordeals and a general lack of apathy amongst masses and professionals both.
It also talks of hope, per ...more

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Jan 06, 2019 Rituparna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: people above the age of 10

Recommended to Rituparna by: Father

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 01, 2019 Prerna Mishra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A story of indomitable spirit

I cannot review this book, because her life cannot and should not be reviewed.

I am not sure if I should applause or abhor the duplicity of human nature. We can find the demon in us to throw acid on someone. We can also find the strength in us to rise above such atrocities to help ourselves and others recover. Healers can be demons and strangers can be angels.

What is commendable is human spirit. It has the capacity to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. It has the ...more

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Jul 19, 2019 AKHIL S rated it it was amazing

this is not a book, its the display of shocking facts about Indian society in 2014. This is a must-read one which will definitely bring tears in your eyes. actually, books like these is a realization of how brutally women are treated in our country. but such books are rarely happening or the majority of the victims of the social atrocities are not in a state to write one. Reshma's will power is s stepping stone which will bring many women to stand on their feet. the support by her family, and th ...more

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Aug 18, 2019 Yash Sharma rated it it was amazing

An epitome of strength : Reshma Qureshi
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"Each time a woman stands for herself, she stands up for all women".

- Maya Angelou

Being reshma, the extraordinary story of an acid attack survivor who took the world by storm is a book which deserves to be read multiple times because other than the inspirational side of this strong woman, this book will make you think about the lethargic and the irresponsible system of our nation.

For the de ...more

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Jan 21, 2019 Vandana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I think everyone must read this truly inspiring book that makes you realise how life can change in a second ,and thus how we as human beings must be grateful and appreciate every living moment .I salute all the acid attack survivors as it takes tremendous courage to go through this horrific ordeal and survive to share your ordeal with the world .The #endacidsale is a brilliant advert with a strong message . I would like to say that Reshma you truly are a beacon of hope for all people who have lo ...more

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Aug 15, 2019 Siddharrth Jain rated it really liked it

Sometimes, the bravest of characters are born out of the gravest tragedies. While some live to share their experience, most cave in to death or to the pressure of societal shame / disownment.

'Being Reshma' is a heart wrenching account of an acid survivor in Reshma Qureshi. Reading her battle got me welled up but left with so many questions, unanswered.

Please do not shy away from reading this haunted yet a triumphant account of a braveheart. She got up when she couldn't! 📚 ...more

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Sep 17, 2019 Priyanka rated it it was amazing

I was already reading another book when I purchased this book from a store. But couldn't resist the urge of starting today book - Being Reshma - because I knew it was true and it would be intense. Once I started reading it, I continued non-stop.
I can't express in words how deeply I'm touched by every incident narrated in this book. I feel extremely proud of Reshma for everything that she has achieved since then. It gave me inspiration and hope.
Please give it a read ...more

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