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rennajenna's review
5.0
Very interesting study into the benefits of education women globally. It has some difficult passages due to the emotional shock of the stories some of these women have to tell, but overall a very insightful read.
tyk314's review
4.0
I have to agree with Kit Bakke on this book. It is heartbreaking to know what women go through in developing nations, but it is that much more impressive and inspiring when they open up hospitals, start successful businesses, and earn doctoral degrees in their 40s. Feminism is not dead, and in truth, the strides these women make help all human beings.
When Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, I was baffled. For one, he is commanding two very unpopular wars at this moment. For another, these women who have started grassroots movements in their home villages have had to do it with many more obstacles. I understand getting policy passed through Congress is not easy, but politicians are not facing the same dangers as women in war stricken nations trying to go to school, leave abusive families, and vote. I know that the US is not perfect, but I am thankful that I have the right to get an education, to choose a domestic partner who doesn't beat me, and to vote. It is strange to think that suffrage for women is not even 100 years old yet.
There is a portion of the book with which I do not agree and cannot easily comprehend Kristof's and WuDunn's view. The Axis of Equality chapter suggests that supporting sweatshop labor is a necessity to help developing nations. Perhaps this is how western nations developed during movements like the Industrial Revolution, but the problem is that the US is losing so many job opportunities to India, China, and South America. I understand the need to support rural labor, but I believe that the US is in dire need of job creation and exports.
Unrelated, but I was very happy to have him sign my book.
When Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, I was baffled. For one, he is commanding two very unpopular wars at this moment. For another, these women who have started grassroots movements in their home villages have had to do it with many more obstacles. I understand getting policy passed through Congress is not easy, but politicians are not facing the same dangers as women in war stricken nations trying to go to school, leave abusive families, and vote. I know that the US is not perfect, but I am thankful that I have the right to get an education, to choose a domestic partner who doesn't beat me, and to vote. It is strange to think that suffrage for women is not even 100 years old yet.
There is a portion of the book with which I do not agree and cannot easily comprehend Kristof's and WuDunn's view. The Axis of Equality chapter suggests that supporting sweatshop labor is a necessity to help developing nations. Perhaps this is how western nations developed during movements like the Industrial Revolution, but the problem is that the US is losing so many job opportunities to India, China, and South America. I understand the need to support rural labor, but I believe that the US is in dire need of job creation and exports.
Unrelated, but I was very happy to have him sign my book.
vickisni's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written. Very inspiring. I need to add this to my book shelf.
marianbarlage's review
5.0
This is one of those books that people don't want to read but really should. It is a sad reminder how many women out there live in a world with no control over their owns lives, and how many of them would benefit from the schooling and healthcare that we so often take for granted.
The part I liked best about this book were the stories of hope from women who could have so easily resigned themselves to a life of misery. It also showed that no matter how could the intentions are from outsiders, you really have to start at a grassroots level and understand a problem intimately if you want to see positive changes.
The part I liked best about this book were the stories of hope from women who could have so easily resigned themselves to a life of misery. It also showed that no matter how could the intentions are from outsiders, you really have to start at a grassroots level and understand a problem intimately if you want to see positive changes.
alhaider's review
5.0
Loved this book. I think this should be a must read for all college freshmen.
The statistics even though outdated at this time were staggering and the stories were hard to read. Definitely-- fired me up again about the causes that I believe in.
The statistics even though outdated at this time were staggering and the stories were hard to read. Definitely-- fired me up again about the causes that I believe in.
jorwilsch's review
5.0
It’s impossible to fathom the systems of evil in the world and the horrific realities they create for billions of people. It should be even more impossible to say or do nothing after hearing their stories.
laurenjo23's review
4.0
Normally, i hate nonfiction and books that aren't fun or uplifting overall but i had to read this in english and was SO moved by the topics addressed and immediately after reading, decided to sponsor a child from another country. the book is a hard read—very hard—but definitely worth it. everyone should be a little bit more educated on the realities of third world countries.
sdlindakim's review
5.0
This is a must read for every woman and man looking to fight for the injustice and oppression of women around the world. I was deeply moved by the resiliency of women worldwide as well as touched by the hope they can have when given a chance to overcome their circumstances.