Tag: book review

I Am More Than Just a Girl Book

Prose and Poetry Empowers

Impower You

I am so honored to be a part of this post on the Somkritya blog.

Why are we teaching children to be so awful to one another and to judge so harshly based on appearances or economic status? I think it is mostly laziness and fear of anything different. I suppose that since I grew up in a multicultural and racially diverse family that is something I cannot understand. Doesn’t everybody realize how awesome it is to have family and friends who are different, but still love you?

I was that girl and young woman that was scared, picked on and assaulted at such a young age that my self esteem was dropped on the floor of my room every time I left the house. Not until I was about 28 did I start realizing that all this negativity I was living in and telling myself was not my only choice.

Even though I grew up with a very independent, feminist, loving supportive mom and family, the outside influences of my peers and assorted adults had as much impact. At home I was told how beautiful, smart, and funny I was and I could feel the love. Despite this, I had no confidence when I met obstacles like bullies, oppression, and hatred for just being me. I just hope that the young women who read his book feel empowered and informed. I want young women to feel confident at any age and not wait so long like I did. My book is not the only answer, but it is a start and a ripple that I believe can really create a positive difference.

Read the blog here: http://somkritya.wordpress.com/2012/05/18/just-a-woman/

Book Reviews

Review: The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

Impower You

I love a good story and especially a true story of people who beat the odds, but I get tired of ones that are so sad I don’t even want to finish it.  I can only read about so many victims. I want survivors and adventure in the face of danger or personal growth.  “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana” by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, is not a story of victims. It is a inspiring tale weaving together the power of family, friendship, neighbors, luck, determination and entrepreneurship. All of this happened in the midst of a war. As someone who has never lived in a war zone I cannot begin to relate to hardships that must bring.  I LOVED this book.

Set in Afghanistan during their latest war, the dressmaker is a young women who was determined to provide for her family and keep her sisters from the boredom of no longer being able to go to school or leave their home. Her father and mother were living in another area of the country and the streets were dangerous with no thanks to war. She worried for her family and was at the same time bored. Her sisters and her were not allowed to leave home without a chaperon, and even then were threatened when they went out. So she and her sisters (including a brother who was a stellar beader) started sewing and selling dresses and pant suits to local tailors. She eventually expanded enough to operate a school in her home to teach young women how to be tailors.

A real perk about this book is the men who were supportive and lent a hand.  From her brothers who accompanied her as she walked the city and also assisted with beading to the neighbors who kept her school secret and the tailors who supported her work, there is no lack of men who were not just in the story as oppressors and warriors.  This book is just the write length and is an enjoyable read. It is also a good business book if you are considering the path of self employed life.

What is your favorite book about overcoming the odds to succeeed?