Customer Reviews

The Other Side of the Sky: A Memoir

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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."

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.

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!

I just came back from the bookstore - after seeing the spot on Good Morning America this morning I ran out and got the book. It's an absolute sob story. I haven't finished it yet - but it's something... This girl has been through SO much. Her strength is amazing. I'm ordering one for my sister!

A great idea and book. Ms Ahmedi's story gives a face to the events and history which are shaping all of our lives.

I found this story touching, moving and harrowing all at once. It's been a long time since I've read a book that has stayed with me as much as this one has. Farah's journey from the streets of Kabul to Chicago, IL is a wrenching one, full of twists and turns, hope and despair. The way in which Farah is able to overcome what seem like hopeless odds and to keep on persevering in search for a better life for herself and her mother, is truly inspiring and I do not type those words lightly. Drawing courage from an early childhood experience of Germany (brought about, tragically, when she was airlifted there for medical care after stepping on a landmine as a child), Farah finds the courage as a young adolescent to leave behind the world she knows and, with her mother in tow, attempt the leap across the ocean to the US--and all this before she is fifteen years old.

I can't find enough words to say about Farah's strength, her determination, her resourcefulness. All I can say is, wow. This book made me realize just how petty and insignificant my own problems are--and wonder if, were I in her place, I would have found Farah's strength and resourcefulness.

This book's moving first person story helps us to see the horror behind the reality of land mines and why we should care so deeply about doing something about clearing them and stopping their use. It gives a face to war, and a young person's innocent yet brave perspective. I think those who read it will laugh and cry and gain a wider perspective of the world and the people in it who are really all so similar to ourselves in their hopes for a peaceful and productive life. You might also try reading the co-writer, Tamim Ansary's own memoir, West of Kabul East of New York to learn even more about Afghanistan and our relationship to that part of the world.

I randomly picked this book up because I do not travel and love to read stories from other lands and different cultures. I took this book to work with me to read on break time. I did not put it down for two days until I was done. I thank Farah from the bottom of my heart for sharing her story with me. This story touched me on so many levels: the obvious, of course, is we Americans have no idea how lucky and blessed we are. But this book hit me on a very personal level. Farah still suffers from things that would have driven many into despair and a loss of belief in God, and yet her faith and drive to get to America, against all odds, moved me more than all the classics I have ever read. I am being treated for post traumatic stress disorder and Ms Farah Ahmedi has given me more strenth and has restored my faith in God more than therapy or other religious avenues. Allah has a great purpose for Ms Ahmedi, for her story shows us that there is good in the world and there are no excuses for any of us not to do our best.

I had recently read and loved The Kite Runner (5 stars plus) and was hungry for anything Afghani. I picked up this gem of a little book and quickly read it. It is a complex story very simply and sincerely told. Yes, Farrah is so inspiring. For me the book really took off in the last 80 pages or so as she describes her American experience and how, as a Muslim immigrant, post 9/11 with an artificial leg she was treated at her American high school. Basically she was ignored as if she didn't exist. Reading about Farrah and her mother's fears and trying to picture them adjusting to our culture here (night and day from their life in Afghanistan!!) was such an eye opener. I think this would be excellent required reading for high school students.

As an English as a Second Language Teacher (ESL), I immediately identified with the main character in this book. A recent graduate of mine came to the US with similar experiences. The perseverence and faith of people such as these throughout history has made America the strong nation it is today.

It is a shame that a few Americans have lost sight of the struggles their ancestors experienced prior to coming to this wonderful country of ours.

So many of my international students excel through hard work, study, and respect for elders. They outshine many mainstream students who have become complacent.

I recommend this book to anyone of any age. 10 stars!