The Other Side of the Sky: A Memoir [Paperback]

Farah Ahmedi (Author), Tamim Ansary (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 20, 2006

Farah Ahmedi's "poignant tale of survival" (Chicago Tribune) chronicles her journey from war to peace. Equal parts tragedy and hope, determination and daring, Ahmedi's memoir delivers a remarkably vivid portrait of her girlhood in Kabul, where the sound of gunfire and the sight of falling bombs shaped her life and stole her family. She herself narrowly escapes death when she steps on a land mine. Eventually the war forces her to flee, first over the mountains to refugee camps across the border, and finally to America. Ahmedi proves that even in the direst circumstances, not only can the human heart endure, it can thrive. The Other Side of the Sky is "a remarkable journey" (Chicago Sun-Times), and Farah Ahmedi inspires us all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Inspiring . . . A wonderful story." -- James McBride, author of The Color of Water

"Very compelling. . . . Here you have a girl, a child, who suffered her own disability, [and] the loss of her family and her homeland. She's taking care of her aging mother and adapting to this new culture, and she's a bright, shining light in the world. . . . Very moving." -- Mary Karr, New York Times bestselling author of The Liar's Club and Cherry

"[The Other Side of the Sky] has that wonderful quality of survival and is most compelling. Seeing Afghanistan from the eyes of this girl provides a deep, rich look that we haven't seen before." -- Mary Higgins Clark, author of thirty-three worldwide bestsellers

"Farah is a tower of strength." -- Heather Mills McCartney

About the Author

Farah Ahmedi is a high school student and an ambassador to the United Nations' Adopt-A-Minefield program.

For more information on Farah and her charitable foundation, Farah's Wings of Hope, visit www.farahsworld.com.

For a reading group guide to The Other Side of the Sky suitable for classroom, library, or reading group use, visit www.SimonSaysTEACH.com.

Tamim Ansary is the author of West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story as well as numerous books for children. A columnist for Encarta, he lives in San Francisco with his wife and their two children.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Gallery Books (June 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141691837X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416918370
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review, November 5, 2007

By 

R. Reviere "IllHaveSomeAdventureWithThat" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky (Hardcover)

My daughter read this book, and this is what she had to say about it:
"This was a very exciting, sorrowful, detailed story. It inspired me. I recommend this book to people of all ages who love non-fiction adventure. This book has almost everything a reader could want. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next in the story. Farah Ahmedi, the writer and main character of this book, detailed the story so much you could picture yourself in her spot; although, you would never WANT to be in her place in real life.

'The Story of my Life' was extemely sad at some points. Losing almost her whole family, getting caught up in the war, losing a leg, escaping from Afgahnistan. Sometimes during the book I almost cried and other times, I laughed in happiness. The book had many different moods.

The message, (or theme) of the book for me was 'Never be afraid of starting again, or beginning a new life'. Of course for everyone this is different, all of us have a different point of view. But this was mine.
But to come to an end with this review, I really enjoyed every word from beginning to end!! Highly Recommended."

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A inspirational story for all ages., May 16, 2005

By 

Kevin C. B. "Opportunistic reader" (Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky (Hardcover)

Ms. Ahmedi is a very strong young lady, and she will be part of the new face of Islam as the century moves forward. Having read the story of her life and her experiences, it seems obvious she has overcome obstacles far in excess of her years, and learned a restraint and serenity in dealing with others, that many people never attain in their life, much less by age 12. Her autobiography is also revealing of the the relative isolation of women in central Asian society in general, even among more "enlightened" families like hers. Most revealing was her yearning for a new life in Germany once she experienced the lack of conflict during her time in treatment there.

There are a lot of cultural gems buried within her story, and her experiences should provide hints as to the differences in perception that Afghanis of all ethnicities will have compared to how a westerner would perceive things in general. It isn't a complete catalouge of course, but it is highly informative nonetheless.

As to the previous reviewer's statements about Ms. Ahmedi being taken advantage of in regards to book royalties. It is a simple matter to write to Simon & Schuster's public relations office, and ask if the claim is true and if so, express public condemnation. I am more than sure many news outlets would love to publicly embarass a major corporation for taking advantage of a former refugee new to the US and unaware of their rights.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An astounding life, well told ..., June 21, 2005

By 

Rosemary Gwaltney (Idaho, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky (Hardcover)

This is an extraordinary book. It is the first one I have found, written by an Afghan person, telling of life there. Her life is important to be told, and she does it extremely well. I had no idea what suffering our fellow humans endure on the other side of the world - or sky, as Farah sweetly viewed it as a little girl! Also, I had no idea how hideous it can be for immigrants coming here, even though the experience is viewed as a great blessing. Farah has more wisdom as a teenager, than most of our citizens have at any age; and shares her life openly and honestly. She has amazing faith in God, which was a surprise to me. Ah, I am so ignorant... that's why I want to learn. This is a book everyone should read. I deeply admire you, Farah, for giving our country this gift!