A Thousand Sisters: My Journey into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman [Hardcover]

Lisa Shannon (Author), Zainab Salbi (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 16, 2010

Lisa J. Shannon had a good life—a successful business, a fiancé, a home, and security. Then, one day in 2005, an episode of Oprah changed all that. The show focused on women in Congo, the worst place on earth to be a woman. She was awakened to the atrocities there—millions dead, women raped and tortured daily, and children dying in shocking numbers. Shannon felt called to do something. And she did. A Thousand Sisters is her inspiring memoir. She raised money to sponsor Congolese women, beginning with one solo 30-mile run, and then founded a national organization, Run for Congo Women. The book chronicles her journey to the Congo to meet the women her run sponsored, and shares their incredible stories. What begins as grassroots activism forces Shannon to confront herself and her life, and learn lessons of survival, fear, gratitude, and immense love from the women of Africa.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The subject of a recent New York Times column by Nicholas Kristof, Shannon details how she left her comfortable life in Portland, Ore., to aid women in the Democratic Republic of Congo suffering abuse and death in what has been termed Africa's First World War. Running a successful business with her fiancée (who would leave her), Shannon is still hungry for something all [her] own and after seeing a show on Oprah about Congolese women, she establishes the Run for Congo Women to raise money to help those suffering. From meeting Congolese women she's sponsored to learning that 90% of the women in one village have been raped, Shannon is exposed to a world remote from her own affluent life. Her painful firsthand accounts of the violence inflicted upon Congolese women by Hutu militants will most interest readers, but the book lacks a detailed overview of the political circumstances surrounding this long war. Shannon provides a much-needed view of how one inspired American can act with hope, drive, and courage to aid women in a part of the world too often overlooked. (Apr.)
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Review

“I can't imagine a more perfect book for arousing the power of American women (or women and men everywhere) to rush to the defense of our Congolese sisters. Lisa Shannon, runner extraordinaire, has with this forthright and readable book, crossed the finish line into the way of life the remainder of our time on this planet demands: she has entered the land of courage, compassion, and a fierce determination to stand by those who need us, where everyone understands they must be—our lives depend on it—a citizen of the world.
—Alice Walker

“While reporting for the Oprah Show , I called the Democratic Republic of the Congo the ‘worst place on earth.’ When Lisa Shannon saw my report, rather than turn her back, she took it on. Her commitment to the victims of one of the world's greatest tragedies exemplifies the best in humanity. Her powerful story is an inspiration to all of those who think their voice is too small to change lives.”
—Lisa Ling, journalist


"Congo is usually portrayed as hopeless and its women as victims. Lisa Shannon shines a spotlight on the hope that emanates so stubbornly from this complex country, primarily through her loving portrayal of her Congolese sisters. Instead of victims, these women are determined survivors, three-dimensional human beings who deserve our respect and solidarity."
—John Prendergast, co-founder of The Enough Project, and co-author of Not On Our Watch with Don Cheadle

“As global consumers we all share some responsibility for the tragedy in the Congo. Lisa Shannon's riveting, personal narrative lays bare the human cost of that relationship, through a personal journey like no other into the heart of the Congo.”
—Robin Wright, actress and activist

“I wish that every woman and man in America were as stirred to outrage and action as Lisa Shannon by what is happening in today’s Congo. In her heartfelt and very personal way, she shines some light on a place of great suffering that the world has too long ignored.”
—Adam Hochschild, author, iKing Leopold’s Ghost and iBury the Chains

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press (March 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580052967
• ISBN-13: 978-1580052962
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #596,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > History > Africa > Democratic Republic of Congo

More About the Author

Lisa Shannon founded the first national grassroots effort to raise awareness and funds for women in the DR Congo through her project Run for Congo Women. They have sponsored more than a thousand war-affected Congolese women through Women for Women International. These women are raising more than 5000 children. She traveled solo into Eastern Congo's South Kivu province for five and half weeks in January- February 2007, and again in May 2008. Prior to Lisa's travels through Congo, was named a "2006 Hero of Running" by Runner's World Magazine and O, The Oprah Magazine wrote, "Lisa Shannon read our report--and started a movement." Lisa presently serves as an ambassador for Women for Women International. She previously owned a photography production company, where she served as art director and producer. She lives in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. A Thousand Sisters is her first book.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 123 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint of heart March 5, 2010

By LMS

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Before reviewing this book let me say that this book is not for people with weak stomachs. The atrocities the woman of the Congo face are described in graphic detail. Things like rape, torture, murder, and arson are common place. This book is based on the true stories of real women. It is not fiction. The horrors described in this book are all too real.

This is definitely not a book you read for pleasure. Honestly, there were times when I wondered if I would be able to make it through the entire book. But I toughed it out and am very glad I did. The Congolese women are amazing. They have such resilience and courage. As an American woman, I cannot even begin to imagine what it must be like to live as these women do. Congo truly is one of the worst places in the world to be a woman. Danger and death are every day occurrences. The author doesn't just throw her money at the problem and keep a distance. She goes right in there and witnesses the atrocities first hand. She gets a much deeper understanding of what Congolese women live with every day. You can tell that she truly wants to make a difference in the lives of these women. Her interactions with them are inspiring. But Lisa also wrestles with intense feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even anger at times. She is very generous with both her time and money, but sometimes, the women seem ungrateful and try to take advantage of her. In one situation, Lisa offers to help a woman pay for food and medical care. Her children are clearly starving and her son needs medical attention. But the woman also asks Lisa for money to buy sugar for her tea. She asks Lisa for this several times. Finally Lisa answers "You can go without sugar in your tea." There are several other instances like this in the book as well....

Here in America we are conditioned to believe that the solution to over problem is money. Are financial donations needed. Of course! But if that is the only help we are willing to give, then we fall far short. This book clearly illustrates that money is not the only solution to this problem. In fact, money often causes more problems than it solves. We need more people who are willing to get dirty and to really spend time, with no agenda with these women. Time to learn their stories and get to know them as people. These women have been victimized in horrific ways, but there is more to them than that. This is a book that will definitely make you think. It will also make you much for thankful for the lives we have in America. This book is well-written, but the subject matter makes it a difficult read nonetheless.

I approached this book the same way I watched the movie "Hotel Rwanda" which deals with the atrocities of the Rwandan Genocide and how the international community chose to look the other way at not get involved. This book and that movie are not intended to be entertaining. Their real intent is to inform and educate. You cannot read a book or watch a movie like that and not be touched. You will be changed. Hotel Rwanda and this book forever strip away the claim of ignorance. They will stay with you long after the film ends and long after the last page is turned. Reading and watching things like this is not pleasant. But films and books like this are important.

If this book were a movie, it would definitely be rated R. For that reason, I would not recommend this book for young teens or adults who scare easily. This is a book that could give you nightmares. But if you are able to handle the subject matter, this book is definitely a recommended read. But again, it is not for everyone. Some people can handle things like this, others can't. For myself, I am very glad I read this book. Read more ›

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, gut-wrenching, and thoroughly inspiring. February 13, 2010

By Adam Khan VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Lisa Shannon tells her story from start to finish in chronological order -- how she first heard about Congo's plight, how she figured out what to do about it, how she trained for her first run, her eventual "adventures" in Congo -- and she weaves other nuggets of information into the narrative seamlessly, keeping it non-stop interesting.

For example, as she flies to Rwanda, she tells some essential Rwandan history. It fits perfectly at that place in the story, making it effortless to read. A real pleasure to read.

The writing is good, very free-flowing. The story moves along at a good pace.

Shannon is an inspiration. She has no experience in any of this, but she does it anyway because it needs to be done. When she started out, she knew nothing about starting a movement, fundraising, long-distance running, lobbying senators, or doing interviews. But she has a goal, a worthy purpose, and moves toward her goal, learning as she goes.

"It's raining? I run anyway," she writes. "I'm in pain? I run anyway. I'm tired? I run anyway. I'm busy? I run anyway." And then she gives an insight into how she stays motivated -- an insight we can apply to our own worthy purposes. "When it all seems too much, I try to picture the women living in eastern Congo. Their faces are always a blank, but I try to imagine what they are doing right now. They can't pick up a cell phone and call a cab to take them out of the war zone. So I keep going."

She didn't try to learn it all first. She just got out there and started making something happen, doing what she could where she was with what she had.

It seems to me the only thing that really means anything is making a difference to other people. With her hard work and courage, Shannon makes a difference.... This book will inspire others to follow that path.

So I hope A Thousand Sisters becomes a runaway bestseller. The more hearts it reaches, the better. Read more ›

54 of 60 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars what the author has done is amazing. the book is not. August 28, 2010

By julie

Format:Hardcover

I was really excited to read this book having lived in east africa for a few years and having close friends who have spent thier lives there. I found it very very hard to finish. What the author did is wonderful. To raise so much money for the Congolese women is completely selfless. But the book itself seemed almost self serving. I felt like not much was told about the women, it was more about her. I was also VERY put off by how she seemed to say something negative about every other person who was trying to help. She seemed to come across as if she was the only person with the right attitude. It just wasn't for me.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Self-absorbed, whiney, ignorant, cruel... July 6, 2011

By Zip

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was expecting a book about the women of the Congo. Instead, I got a book about a white, middle class, American woman with no understanding of her own privilege, and no compassion for the plight of others. Here's some specific reasons why you absolutely should not waste your time reading this book:

(1) When I finished the book, I knew more about the author's failed relationship and taste in men than about the Congo. This was rectified by a 30 minute Google search (seriously, 30 minutes on the internet and you will know more about the plight of Congolese women than after finishing the entire book, hands down).

(2) The author has no cultural sensitivity or understanding of how to deal with her Congolese "sisters," so I spent most of the book thinking "she didn't - oh no, she wouldn't - not even she could be so stupid - no, no no..." When she asked a room full of traumatized women who didn't know her or each other, in front of a camera, to raise their hands if they'd been raped, that was bad. But then when she endangered her entire entourage by missing a boat because she wanted a woman (who was clearly traumatized and didn't want to) to list the names of her ten dead children for the camera, that was worse. Then, when she spent a day trying to track down three children who'd been raped by the army so they could talk about it in front of the camera, that was pretty bad, and trying to send away "the men"," including their father and brother but not her male translator, made it worse. The list of thoughtlessly cruel incidents is endless.... She spent her whole five weeks in the Congo voyeuristically tracking down the "worst," "most traumatic" stories she could find, and then trying to film sound clips from the women who suffered through them, WITHOUT EVEN ONCE asking herself how that made them feel.

(3) The author is seriously self-absorbed about it. Some women were willing to talk to her, generally because they thought she'd give them something for it - money, help - and she was offended by this. She wanted them to talk to her out of friendship. When she'd never met them, and just waltzed into their country and war zone without doing enough basic research to figure out how to ask them politely.

(4) The author was terribly entitled about everything. She wanted tours of NGOs, busy people's time and resources, and a lot of them gave it to her - but a lot of them didn't. She didn't thank the first, and she was offended by the second. It was like she didn't understand that everyone wasn't a tourist - that most people in the Congo are busy working.

I could go on forever, but I won't bother. I'm sorry I bought this book, and I rarely say that, even about a bad read. At the least, do yourself a favor and get it out of the library so you won't regret the $10 later. Read more ›