Nicholas D. Kristof

turning oppression to opportunity for women worldwide

Half the sky

maitha mana

Was kind of skeptical on whether or not this one counts since it was for research purposes, but a book is a book regardless of its purpose.

Erin 

I am marking this as read even though I didn't actually finish it. It's a very powerful book with lots of important stories, and I think it is incredibly important that these girls with horrid lives have their story heard so that we as a society can do something more about eradicating the horrible things that happen to them. That being said, I could not bring myself to even get halfway through the book. The stories told were pretty graphic, and while I understand this is the dark reality of some women, I cannot subject myself to even reading about it. It was actually painful to read about the things that happen to girls and women just like me. I still will recommend this book to others who wish to have more knowledge of the dire situations around the world, but I will warn that it is a very difficult read and not for everyone.

Caitlin Berger

What can I say about this book other than it is imperative that everyone read it?

I saw the documentary that was made after this book was written, and it prompted me to read the book. It covers women's issues around the globe, such as sexual violence/abuse, sex trafficking/slavery, female genital cutting, poverty, women's health, maternal mortality, etc. etc.

What I loved about it was that the journalists who wrote it included the stories of women they've met around the world. It wasn't just a book of facts and numbers; it showed how these facts and numbers play out in the real world. What I liked even more was that for each problem they wrote about, they included the women and men in the world who are making a difference and slowly eradicating the problems.

The writers also showed both sides of the story; when they spoke about NGOs who help women, they also mention times when people have tried to help and failed. They speak about the strengths but also the weaknesses of some strategies of helping people, which I find makes this book more well-rounded. They didn't just say "Oh look this organization is perfect, go give money to it!" They analyzed and got information and got people's stories and came up with a book that will change your life.

People need to realize that women's issues are human issues, and that this world cannot progress without eradicating the oppression and discrimination of women worldwide.

PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!

Half the sky turning oppression to opportunity for women worldwide

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