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Summary: A heart-wrenching but heart-warming story of survival!!
Review: I bought the book but I took my time actually getting around to read it. Once I started, though, I couldn't put it down!! What Fauzy went through and what she endured touched my heart! Her story is a testament to women and the strength we all have inside. She is a woman to be truly admired.
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Summary: A MUST read picture of asylum procedure in the US.
Review: As a law student, I studied the process of refugees applying for asylum in the United States, but this autobiographical story added a much-needed human dimension to the process. The picture offered by Ms. Kassindja shamed me as a citizen of the United States. This is supposed to be a country that offers refuge to the tired, oppressed and persecuted, but the "Welcome" Ms. Kassindja recieved, and her subsequent detention, shows the callous disregard for humanity that has grown in U.S. Immigration policy. This story offers a day-by-day look at the process of U.S. Immigration policy, its political nature and one woman's struggle to gain her freedom from Female Genital Mutilation and an arranged marriage to a man who already had 3 wives. I immediately felt a bond to Fauzy and wept at the treatment our country gave her. The judges and processes portrayed are a realistic and tragic picture of U.S. Immigration processes here in Pennsylvania. This is not a look at a trajedy from a far away place that took place a long time ago - this is STILL happening to detainees in the U.S.
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Summary: A powerful lesson on the human spirit
Review: This era of globalization will test many of our beliefs, traditions and ideas. It will demand a deeper level of consciousness about women's rights, human rights, culture, faith, benevolence, individuality, power, etc. We certainly need new voices and this book brings to the forefront one that is rarely heard - a young, black woman's. In many ways, Fauziya's story of triumph over persecution transcends borders and barriers because it speaks to the power and necessity of the human spirit. Yes, Fauziya, we hear you.
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Summary: I couldn't put this book down!
Review: I picked this book off the shelf by chance and I finished it in about 3 days. I couldn't put it down. I did not think it was too long at all. I liked reading all about the family life in Togo. I live about 15 minutes from the Elizabeth Detention Center where Fauziya was first brought. And I did not even know that this place existed! I was horrified by the treatment Fauziya received by the American system. I recommend this book to anyone.
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Summary: We Loved It! Thanks for sharing this story.
Review: On behalf of the Gateway Book Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania thank you so much for sharing this story. All of our book club members read the book, and eight members were present for the discussion and review. The member names are Joyce Bryce, Evelyn Bullock, Carolyn Crumbley, Fannie Howell, Constance Lyons, Brenda Perryman, Lynda Rice, and Yvonne Savior. Our comments ranged from "very descriptive, but would love to see a picture of the wedding art work" to, "how can we assist others seek asylum in our country?" Please let us know if and when you will visit Philadelphia. We would love to invite you to a book signing and lecture. During our group discussion, we unanimously agreed this book deserves five stars!
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Summary: Thank you so very much for writing this book!
Review: I disagree with the reviewer who felt this book was too long. I finished it in five days and didn't what to put it down even to sleep. I also feel as though I've been living under a "rock" because I was not aware of this story, the suffering of refugees, nor the work of so many organizations fighting to rectify these horrendous situations. You have opened my eyes, and I will do everything I can to make a difference. Thank you and may God continue to bless and keep you safe.
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Summary: WONDERFUL !! The best book on reality and women's issues
Review: This book showed what courage a women can have and how people do help you out. It was so touching to have read about someone who was going to go through FGM it was heart-breaking yet brought you back to reality of how good most American people have it !
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Summary: Inspirational, Thought provoking, and Empowering!
Review: As a woman, a feminist, an attorney, and an alum from the law school whose clinic ultimately took the case, I was transfixed by reading this book. As an American, I was ashamed to see how my country treated Fauziya. Though I knew the outcome of the story, I rooted for her and her supporters on every page. I had trouble putting this book down--I was drawn to Fauziya, her cellmates, her lawyers, and her many supporters. This book eloquently demonstrates how single individuals can change the world, one person at a time. After reading Fauziya's story I have been inspired to focus my professional career on helping women and children. More people need to read this book as I am sure they, too, will be similarly moved.
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Summary: Powerful and thrilling
Review: This is a very good book since it informs the world about the horrors of circomcision, refugees, womens place in tradition and a society gouverened by patriarchy. But it is also the very intriguing tale of a young girl fighting the world on her own without family or friends. The young lawyer has done a remarkable job as well. I very much enjoyed this book even though the literary quality maybe isn't the best. THANKYOU AUTHORS, for a wonderful book! AND GOOD LUCK FAUZIYA IN YOUR NEW LIFE OF FREEDOM.
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Summary: I feel for her BUT...
Review: I really feel for her situation. I was very interested in finding out all that I could about her ordeal since I am hearing more and more about FGM. This book was way too long! I believe that what she wrote could have been cut down at least 250 pages. There were several times when I was tempted not to finish it. I don't know how much more detailed she could have gotten about the actual mutilation but I wish she would have tried. More than the brief explanation in the very beginning and the shower scene much later. I really appreciate her putting her story out but a little shorter would have been just fine.
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