Reviews
A Thousand Sisters: My Journey Into the Worst Place on Earth to Be a Woman by Lisa J. Shannon
davehershey's review against another edition
3.0
This book is worth reading simply to get educated on the horrors happening in the Congo. For some reason it seems like the Congo, which has been called the worst place on earth to be a woman, does not get the publicity that Sudan or other places get. There are very visible movements working to fight AIDS and human trafficking but Congo's needs have not been as visible. Thus we should be grateful to Lisa Shannon for reporting on the Congo. The stories she tells are heart-wrenching.
The only flaw is that at times the book is not as tightly written as it could be. I wish Lisa had taken some of the stories the women told her and translated them into a narrative instead of merely reporting the conversations verbatim. I think of authors like David Batstone and Kevin Bales who have written on human trafficking and their skill in writing. Lisa's passion is clear and I feel like this is such a nitpicky point on a book about such a horrible issue. Yet the book itself could do for some editing (and after reading reviews, it seems this is a common critique).
That aside, I highly recommend this book and websites of organizations (Raise Hope for Congo) to learn what is going on and what we can do.
The only flaw is that at times the book is not as tightly written as it could be. I wish Lisa had taken some of the stories the women told her and translated them into a narrative instead of merely reporting the conversations verbatim. I think of authors like David Batstone and Kevin Bales who have written on human trafficking and their skill in writing. Lisa's passion is clear and I feel like this is such a nitpicky point on a book about such a horrible issue. Yet the book itself could do for some editing (and after reading reviews, it seems this is a common critique).
That aside, I highly recommend this book and websites of organizations (Raise Hope for Congo) to learn what is going on and what we can do.
laurashavers's review against another edition
2.0
Yes, it's a great story. Yes, she is going further than most of us. So, kudos for that. However.... this book seemed extremely self centered. It was more about the author than it was about the Congo women. Based off of the title, that is what I expected the book to be focused on.
madae's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book! Lisa Shannon's journey to the Congo is powerful and inspirational. After hearing about the plight of Congolese women on Oprah, Shannon organizes a run to raise money to support them. She later travels to the Congo to meet her sisters, learn their stories and raise awareness of the horrific violence that occurs there.
readingwith_meliss's review
4.0
The way this book was written is different. It definitely wasn't the best written book that I've read. However, the content in the book was very eye opening and really makes you feel for the Congolese. Lisa has a heart of gold and has helped countless women and their families and brings to light the tragedies these people face every day.
knit3314's review
5.0
A call to collective action for women, children, and families in the Congo. Their battle has been long (16yrs) and gruesome, but hope can be and is found in the actions of individuals who desire to make a difference for the victims of this civil war. An inside look of how one woman started a movement to raise awareness and sponsorships in the U.S. Then internationally for women in Congo. To help women there is to help children and families as well. A book everyone should read to learn more about the conflict and how it impacts the daily lives of the Congolese. A story that speaks humanity into consciousness.
I listened to the audible version read by the author which added more authenticity to the story. It's a good read and enlightening.
I listened to the audible version read by the author which added more authenticity to the story. It's a good read and enlightening.
beccaandthegingercat's review
5.0
Wow! Lisa was watching Oprah when she saw a segment on Women in the Congo. She very quickly decided to help and turned her life toward doing so.
amandawoodruff's review
4.0
Intense. Horrific and traumatic, but necessary. Step out of your comfort zone and realize what is going on in the world. I appreciate the honesty in Lisa Shannon's voice. Her inner struggle to be enough for these women of Congo without being patronizing or artificial was heartfelt. Her concern for gathering the stories of these women without becoming a "gore-monger" came across as sincere and a true effort to take the high ground. Makes me wish we could all do a little more.
heykellyjensen's review
Shannon did a really valuable thing, but, I can't help but see how self serving it is. She did pull herself out of a depression by helping others, but the whole fact she keeps emphasizing that it was from Oprah was just weird to me. It never felt authentic in the way that Greg Mortenson was authentic in his quests.
The writing in this book is terribly disorganized and disconnected. A co-writer would have made this a more enjoyable read. As it is, I couldn't even read it through to the end, but instead, I skimmed. I got her points immediately. It's a shame, since I'm sure there's good content buried in there somewhere.
The writing in this book is terribly disorganized and disconnected. A co-writer would have made this a more enjoyable read. As it is, I couldn't even read it through to the end, but instead, I skimmed. I got her points immediately. It's a shame, since I'm sure there's good content buried in there somewhere.