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shannanh's review against another edition
4.0
I've heard of the movie, "Not without my Daughter" but never seen it. It was interesting to read the daughter's perspective.
joannelw's review against another edition
2.0
Zoals bijna altijd wel met waargebeurde verhalen......het verhaal is interessant, maar het leest gewoon niet lekker. Dat bewijst maar weer dat niet iedereen een goed boek kan schrijven.
Ik hoop in ieder geval dat het leven van Mahtob én haar moeder zich in rustiger vaarwater bevindt!
Ik hoop in ieder geval dat het leven van Mahtob én haar moeder zich in rustiger vaarwater bevindt!
lilopalu's review against another edition
4.25
I read "Not Without My Daughter" back when and also watched the movie even though I was on the younger side for such a story then since, as I realised while reading this book now, Mahtob Mahmoody and I are pretty much the same age. So, when I stumbled accross this book, I was intrigued and it was a really interesting memoir to read. I really like that this book focusses mostly on what came after their escape from Iran. I didn't know that they lived in fear so long and I am amazed how they managed to cope with everything.
The religious references where sometimes a bit much for my taste but it made sense to me why religion has played such an integral part in her life and that this is relfected in the memoir. Overall, the story was well written and a good an interesting read.
The religious references where sometimes a bit much for my taste but it made sense to me why religion has played such an integral part in her life and that this is relfected in the memoir. Overall, the story was well written and a good an interesting read.
skigirl1689's review against another edition
4.0
I am a bit biased as I read this wanting to know of her experiences in my church's synod's schools, one of which many of my relatives went to, plus she is from my home state. I have not read her mother's book, but this book made me consider how I would have handled life if I had been in her shoes. I am unsure I would have had the grace to forgive as she did her father, especially after the hell he put her through not only as a child but also as a college student trying to establish a life for herself.
I think what I took from her memoir is the importance of our attitude when confronting the horrible things we may face in this life, and forgiveness does not have to mean reconciliation in certain circumstances as sometimes it is more important to protect one's own well-being.
I think what I took from her memoir is the importance of our attitude when confronting the horrible things we may face in this life, and forgiveness does not have to mean reconciliation in certain circumstances as sometimes it is more important to protect one's own well-being.
thuglibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Remember the book "Not Without My Daughter" by Betty Mahmoody? This new book is written by Betty's daughter Mahtob, and is the recounting of their escape from Iran after being taken there under false pretenses by Betty's husband Sayyed Mahmoody. This is a very quick read, but don't discount quick as being fluff. Mahtob's emotional journey did not end when her and her mother came home to America. They were constantly on guard against being re-abducted and the fear was real. She was followed, had her several of her homes broken into and went so far as to register at Michigan State University under an assumed name. Who knew that reading a memoir could be so suspenseful.
diannel_04's review against another edition
4.0
I remember the movie so well. The idea of what happened to Mahtob and her mother was so horrifying. I did wonder what happened after their escape and now I know.
The story starts with Mahtob cleaning out boxes in her basement and finding one full of photos and memories. She vividly remembers her life before and after she was taken to Iran. It was a harrowing section to read. Their escape was mind boggling and their return to America joyous.
Mahtob acknowledges the fear she and her mother had of her father returning and kidnapping or killing her but she doesn't dwell on it. Her faith in god (something I can't relate to) clearly helped her through difficult times. Also, the fact that she was surrounded by a loving family and friends while her mother worked to help others in their situation was heartwarming. The fact that her mother never bad mouthed her father and tried to have her remember the good times is remarkable, I personally, don't know if I could do that.
The hardest part for me to read was the end where Mahtob is reading an email exchange between her father and an old friend of theirs. He distorts what happened, in fact he outright lies and plays the victim. Fortunately, the friend calls him on his b-s.
The fact that Mahtob has become a successful, well adjusted woman speaks volumes about her mother and the rest of the people around her as well as about her strength.
Anyone who remembers the movie should read the book.
The story starts with Mahtob cleaning out boxes in her basement and finding one full of photos and memories. She vividly remembers her life before and after she was taken to Iran. It was a harrowing section to read. Their escape was mind boggling and their return to America joyous.
Mahtob acknowledges the fear she and her mother had of her father returning and kidnapping or killing her but she doesn't dwell on it. Her faith in god (something I can't relate to) clearly helped her through difficult times. Also, the fact that she was surrounded by a loving family and friends while her mother worked to help others in their situation was heartwarming. The fact that her mother never bad mouthed her father and tried to have her remember the good times is remarkable, I personally, don't know if I could do that.
The hardest part for me to read was the end where Mahtob is reading an email exchange between her father and an old friend of theirs. He distorts what happened, in fact he outright lies and plays the victim. Fortunately, the friend calls him on his b-s.
The fact that Mahtob has become a successful, well adjusted woman speaks volumes about her mother and the rest of the people around her as well as about her strength.
Anyone who remembers the movie should read the book.
brittsbooknook's review against another edition
4.0
I remember watching the movie "Not Without My Daughter" as a kid and l'll still think about it today. I really enjoyed this memoir as it was told from what the experience was like through the daughter's eyes as well as how it affected her growing up and adult life.
ashleydwilliamson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.5
debng's review against another edition
2.0
I just didn’t find her life (or this book) very interesting. It mostly disused her health and religion.