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Biography & Autobiography. History. Nonfiction. HTML:"A vital, inspiring book" (O, The Oprah Magazine): a ferociously intimate memoir by a devout woman from a modest family in Saudi Arabia who became the unexpected leader of the courageous movement that won Saudi women the right to drive. Manal al-Sharif grew up in Mecca the second daughter of a taxi driver, born the year strict fundamentalism took hold. In her adolescence, she was a religious radical, melting her brother's boy band cassettes in the oven because music was haram: forbidden by Islamic law. But what a difference an education can make. By her twenties Manal was a computer security engineer, one of few women working in a desert compound built to resemble suburban America. That's when the Saudi kingdom's contradictions became too much to bear: she was labeled a slut for chatting with male colleagues, her school-age brother chaperoned her on a business trip, and while she kept a car in the garage, she was forbidden from driving on Saudi streets. Manal al-Sharif's memoir is an "eye-opening" (The Christian Science Monitor) account of the making of an accidental activist, a vivid story of a young Muslim woman who stood up to a kingdom of menâ??and won. Daring to Drive is "a brave, extraordinary, heartbreakingly personal" (Associated Press) celebration of resilience in the face of tyranny and "a testament to how women in Muslim countries are helping change their culture, one step at a time" (New York Journal of Books… (more)
User reviews
Will show how the younger generation is being radicalized​, and the basis for the commitment in Sharia law by this younger group. Some of this I knew but never in such detail. It is almost unbelievable some of the things that are both allowed, and I know most readers will find some of these events shocking. The bravery and the honesty, of this young woman who no longer lives in this county though still maintains close ties there, is awe inspiring. Things are changing, but so very slowly and due to woman such as these who put their lives and happiness on the line for others. A very profound telling, written in a very personal way, I came away with so much admiration for this woman and her strength. A book that makes me realize that no matter how unhappy I am with what is going on in the political arena and onslaught​s on woman's rights, I am still lucky to live in the country I do. It also showed me the importance of defending what we do have and standing up for what we believe.
This book had my emotions everywhere. It is sad, heartbreaking, full of
Her bravery and her courage is to be commended esp. in a society that treats women with such contempt. A wonderful book. All women should read this!
This is an important book both from a feminist and a world perspective and I think every woman should read it.
For the full review check out my blog: Engrossed in a Good Book
The book opens with Manal's arrest for "driving while female", then backtracks to tell the full story of her life up until that moment. The writing is beautiful and the story is very compelling.