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Summary: From CBA Book Club: "Our Passion"
Review: "Do They Hear You When You Cry" is an excellent novel on the struggles that woman had to face. It was very insightful into the Afican culture and the Muslim faith of that particular tribe. Most people see America as a "justice for all" type of country, but this surely opened my eyes to the struggles that people have to go through to escape any kind of unfair and unjust treatment in their own countries. Tina Duke
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" is a gripping account of human suffering. Fauziya Kassinga's candid style gives life to not only her own story, but to the story of millions of women around the globe. On cannot read this book without feeling the horror of genital mutilation and its impact on the lives of so many women. But you also close the pages with an incredible sense of being blessed to be whole both in body and in spirit. This is a story that must be told! Leone Samuels
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It brought about many different emotions. I was sad, happy, angry, and anxious. It really demonstrated the strength of a woman despite some very difficult times. It also demonstrated the commitment to a cause and despite all the setbacks perseverance prevailed in the end. Tammy Richardson
Extremely thought provoking. I found myself making comparisons to the way black families in the western hemisphere still have traces of their African roots in the way they raise their families today, and this is what has made us the people of strength we are today. Lisa DeSilva
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" had me spellbound for hours. It was difficult to put down as I prayed for Fauziya's release and the end of her torture. I find it difficult to believe that as recent as 1995 something so horrendous could happen to people seeking asylum. What was even more amazing are the statistics on ethnic groups who are imprisoned for their desire to live in what is considered the greatest and freest country in the world, as they attempt to seek freedom from persecution. This novel gave an insight into African culture, that in some aspects was frightening, but at the same time demonstrated a familial tie that many of African descent should aspire to. Female Genital Mutilation is a horrendous act against all women. If one woman suffers, all women must fight against it. Gina E.E. Davis
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an easy smooth read. I really felt for Fauziya and tried to picture myself having to go through something like that and wondering if would I have the strength to do it. The book held my attention. I initially thought that I would find it difficult to read because I wasn't in the mood to read anything too heavy. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the book so much, that I gave one to a friend as a Christmas present. She too, is enjoying the book. Lisa Dailey
This was an excellent and inspiring book. It determined that if you have enough faith, and if it is the Lord's will, he will see you through the most difficult times. Fauziya was courageous and indeed faithful. The family was close knit, but what I liked most, was the relationship that Fauziya had with her father. They had a bond that was so special, not even her mother could come between. Mrs. Wonderful Wade
Thus far, I although have not finished the book; the little I have completed has been touching, horrifying, loving and eye opener for respecting and believing in God. Also, it is allowing me to appreciate all that I have. Certain family aspects are very close to my heart...of course; I was a little emotional with all the wedding stuff, because I soon will legally (marraige) be leaving my family; with whom, I am very close. Nicole Douglas
A fascinating story about a young woman's strength and endurance to acquire freedom in American. Neecheka Trott
"Simply incredulous and inhumane." How hypocritical of us to view America as a place of freedom. The same opportunites given to America's forefathers should have been afforded to Fauziya. A heart-wrenching story from start to finish. Fauziya teaches us the real meaning of faith and courage.
Shernette Wolffe
I am interested in the book and enjoying learning more about African Muslim culture. I was very anxious to read on. Wendisha Phillips
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" is an eye opener to the realities of the world. You can't help but feel her pain, sorrow and suffering. It almost felt like you were living with her during her period of adversities There is no place like home... Bermuda! (I think that statement says it all.) Kim Lightbourne
Rating: 
Summary: I can't even imagine
Review: I'm appalled by the readers of this woman's story who have the nerve to "rate" another persons horrifying ordeal with one, two and three stars. It's not a fiction, it's someone's life, no matter how it is written. You might not like the way it's written, but that's not the point in this book. I find it horrifying what still goes on and is allowed to go on in this world in the name of religion, God, and love. This book had my crying, it took me a year to finish because of it. Her story is a heartbreaker to say the least. I can't even imagine trying to live through what she escaped, and what she went through to escape it. Read the book. Please. And pray for those who didn't escape it, those who lived through it, and those yet to live it.
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Summary: Do They Hear You When You Cry?
Review: One of the best works I have ever read. I must read for all women of compassion and for all skeptics of the justice system. This book will makea significant impact on the lives of all those who read it.
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Summary: I can't even imagine
Review: I'm appalled by the readers of this woman's story who have the nerve to "rate" another persons horrifying ordeal with one, two and three stars. It's not a fiction, it's someone's life, no matter how it is written. You might not like the way it's written, but that's not the point in this book. I find it horrifying what still goes on and is allowed to go on in this world in the name of religion, God, and love. This book had my crying, it took me a year to finish because of it. Her story is a heartbreaker to say the least. I can't even imagine trying to live through what she escaped, and what she went through to escape it. Read the book. Please. And pray for those who didn't escape it, those who lived through it, and those yet to live it.
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Summary: Unexpected Outcome
Review: Let me start by saying that this book, being one that is non-fiction, is not the type of book that I generally read. Though this is true, I do try to make a point of reading any book that I have heard to be someone's "favorite." That is how I came to embark on Fauziya's eye-opening and truly inspiring story. I must also admit that at some point during my reading I found myself thinking, "I guess it's a good book, but this is someone's favorite?!" Yet somehow I have come to give it a four-star rating. I think part of the problem I had earlier on was that I felt like I knew what was going to happen in the end, so why put myself through reading each detail? What I found later was that there is no way that I could have truly known the outcome without knowing each piece that came before it. Even knowing "what was going to happen" all along, when Fauziya's suffering finally came to an end, I couldn't help openly crying. Causing even more tears was the realization that this was a true story. All-in-all, though the writing is a little simplistic, it's message is not. And even if you think you know what that message is before reading to the end, you may not. So what could it hurt to get the whole story?
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Summary: A very fair assessment of her trials
Review: I'm rating this book higher than I thought I would simply because it was better written than I expected. Many times I find these true books about trials and hardship to be very one sided. I was so pleased to find while reading this book that the author was very fair in her portrayal of all of the events that took place. One reviewer stated that most of the book was about her experiences in American prisons and that is true. This is not a book that is going to give you any in-depth understanding about FGM. It definately touches it but primarily focuses on her personal experiences. The author(s) also provide a very interesting look into our legal system concerning immigrants. I found that part fascinating and educational. This book also provides good insight into the tribal customs of the author's home country. Very interesting. Personally, I never would have selected this book to read. Someone in my book group did so I was obligated to read it. I'm happy to say that I would definately recommend it - especially for a book group. The story is so well laid out for the reader that it has to spark great discussion.
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Summary: It was alright
Review: I have to admit I wanted to read this book to learn more about female circumcision. I wondered what could possibly be going through a person's mind to even come up with such a barbaric tradition. Do these men really prefer going to bed with women that feel nothing but pain from them. Are they so afraid of a women's sexuality that they have to rip it from her. And what kind of brain washing does it take to get these women to go along with this. Etc. None of the questions that would come to mind when talking about this issue were answered. 95% of this book dealt with the US legal system and how they treat imagrants applying for assylum. I was really disappointed and had a hard time finishing this book.
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Summary: This book will remind you of the things we take for granted!
Review: This book is a reminder to those of us who take this country for granted and the fact that we take freedom for granted--Those of us born here often don't appreciate the gift of freedom that others have to earn when they seek asylum in this country. This book gives us a good look at both sides of the picture. It makes us aware of our weaknesses and our strengths as a country, and made me understand that because I was born here I gain freedoms that others have to spend years fighting for.The difference is they come here seeking political asylum only to be jailed worse than some of our hardened criminals while suffering though the horrible INS bureaucracy. As Fauziya demonstrates in this book,good things come to those who wait.Even though her story brings some of our weakness as a country to light, she remains grateful to be here every day.
Rating:
Summary: very moving and inspiring
Review: I would recommend it to anyone who believes in women's rights. shocking at times, with the details of FGM - not for the squeamish- very heart warming and moving at others.
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Summary: Everyone should read this book
Review: Most of what I have to say has been said by others but I wanted to show my support for the book. If no one told me this book was non-fiction I would have surely thought it a figment of someone's imagination. "Something this horrific couldn't be true" I kept telling myself. But it is! I think that more teachers should make it a required text, we need to know that our perfect society isn't always perfect. We need to know so we can be there for the people like Fauziya; the people who are still in OUR prisons! Perhaps if more people knew this story our society would be that much more open minded.
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