Welcome to Litsy!

I used ground lamb and combined a few recipes, but Kabuli Pulao - was amazingly delicious. https://igotitfrommymaman.com/kabuli-pulao-the-afghan-national-dish/ #foodandlit #foodandlit2022 #afghanistan

Nothing went to plan yesterday but at least I got these books at my local shopping centre‘s new book swap. The markets I walked to were canceled so I was too early for the shops I wanted to go to. I had a chai tea and a piece of pumpkin bread at a cafe until the supermarket opened but they didn‘t have what I‘d come for so I walked home. At least I got a good long walk in for exercise. The Ivy and Bean books are for my niece Lila who loves to read.

I am glad I finally read this title. It‘s been on my TBR for so long I don‘t remember when I got it; probably a decade ago. Had I been choosing just for the country I probably could have found a more authentic voice. But I learned a bit and I am glad that I am meeting this challenge with books I already owned. Now to find the food. If I go by the book that would be kebab or “Kabul burgers” #foodandlit #foodandlit2022 #afghanistan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ November 2021. Conversing with my aunt this summer about our perceived loss of rights here in🇨🇦 vs what we saw on the news in Afghanistan; living there vs here and the desire as always to understand better- this memoir was excellent at painting a little bit of a better picture of what the realities are like especially as women in Afghanistan. I really appreciated gaining more cultural understanding and appreciation.

I had really enjoyed #thelittlecoffeeshopinkabul and wanted to read more of #deborahrodriguez. This #autobiography #biography did not disappoint. A window into #afghanistan and especially in the life of Afghan #women. Can't wait to read or listen to another book by this author. #audiobook

As a Fusion Bellydancer, I have a deep interest in the cultures my dance draws from, and I love reading about the lands and lives of the people.

This memoir about an American woman who opens a beauty school in Kabul in order to help the women there earn a good living and in many cases turn their lives around was entertaining and inspiring.

I especially loved the stories of the parties, as I‘d love to see the dancing in person!

While this look at life in Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban was fascinating, there has been a lot of controversy about the author endangering the women she wrote about. My problem was her wanting Afghanistan to bend to her way of life. She complains that Xmas was just like any other winter day and wants her husband to be more affectionate. She became a 2nd wife, but is hurt when the 1st wife gets pregnant. Sigh. It was still interesting.

This book got very mixed reviews, but I loved it. It's a very personal memoir and not necessarily a deep dive into the culture, but I learned some things and definitely appreciated her perspective. #audiobook #nonfiction

While Debbie Rodriguez seems temperamentally unsuited to life in a repressive society like Afghanistan, she was determined to help Afghan women make better lives for themselves. This is her account of the founding of the Kabul Beauty School, the women she befriended, and the events taking place in Afghanistan during those years. It's often sad and frustrating, but it also gives hope that there are ways life can improve against the odds.

Working my way though the #LitsyAtoZ challenge. This makes 19 completed. Woot!

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And back to Kabul. I napped the evening away so I can read for a couple more hours. Whee!

I picked this up right after the "so-called" travel ban of 2017 in solidarity with refugees and immigrants. I'm so glad I did. It's fun, educational, and made me growling angry at the everyday chauvinism. No matter how culturally approved that behavior is, it harms women. These women fight back with kohl eyeliner and foiled highlights!

Longer review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1777569218

#nonfictionchallenge17 #neverthelessshepersisted

Loving this book so far!

I rest my book or ereader on this pillow, but I wanted you to see it so it's not covered. 😀 Then a pillow under my knees and my awesome slippers. Then I'm all set for reading while Mr. B watches sports or movies. #BRAINFUEL

This and Jean Sasson were the first non-fiction I've read. Opened a new view to the world for me and made me a bit more feminist than before. I've been lucky to be raised in Scandinavia. We tend to take equality and human rights for granted. Books like this made me think of equality in a new way. I think paid parental leave, free education and health care are very important parts of being equal That's what I learned to value from books like these.

Started this at the gym this morning