The Bookseller of Kabul in Read a book from each country

Jan 18, 2009 Jenny (Reading Envy) rated it liked it

Shelves: read2005, location-afghanistan

This was interesting, because it is written by a journalist who actually lived with the family of the bookseller of kabul, but you never feel as if she is there while the events she describes are occuring. The story jumps around at times, but was overall an interesting portrayal of life in Afghanistan post- 9/11 and post-Taliban rule.

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Apr 10, 2009 Tracy rated it liked it

Shelves: for-fun

I kept wishing things would work our for certain "characters," but since this is based on real life I was heartbroken for them at the end. What struck me about everyone in the bookseller's family is the lack of contentment from both male and female. Obviously, you would expect women to be frustrated by the patriarchal society rules. The men also had to deal with disappointments and frustrations.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I had conflicting responses to the main character. I give kudos for his ...more

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Oct 07, 2008 Jodi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, book-club-books, books-set-in-asia

When I read the blurb on this book, I was excited to read about a man in Afghanistan risking everything to preserve books and get them into the hands of people who want them. Brave, but other than that, there wasn't much to like about this man. He is not too nice to his wives (yes - two of them) and his daughters' lives are so sad - especially the youngest who is not much more than a slave in her own home. Yes, this is how women are treated in this country and it makes me mad! The sons lives are ...more

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Jun 23, 2008 Nadra rated it liked it

Having been on a bit of an Afghanistan streak of late. I find this book a bit more interesting to me than the others as it is more current and a little less catastrophic ...

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