Torn Between Two Cultures: An Afghan-American Woman Speaks Out (Capital Currents Book)

Rating:
Summary: I wish she had a talk show
Review: Yes, I wish the author, Maryam Qudrat Aseel, could be on national TV on a regular basis, discussing the ongoing cultural rift between the U.S. and the Middle East. Her book is about the Afghan-American experience. Ironically, I picked up this book looking for experiences of Pakistani-Americans for a research project. I could not find one, but decided to start with this book.

The author relates her experiences growing up in the U.S., visiting Afghanistan, and trying to hold Afghan traditions in a western culture. Being part of both is not an easy thing to do. This even-handed, well-written book clearly explains historical, cultural and present-day aspects of Afghanistan life and of being Afghan-American. I normally read fiction, and skim some nonfiction, but did not with this book. I was pleasantly surprised at her engaging, colorful writing.

I half-expected some propaganda. However, I can honestly say the book seems highly objective. Maryam understands both the U.S. and Afghan side of the issues with an intelligent balance. While I had known some about the Islam faith, I learned a lot more. I also have a much better understanding of the role of women in Middle Eastern culture, the difference between Middle Eastern culture and Muslim beliefs, and the true relationship of the Taliban to the Afghan people.