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Bookseller of Kabul
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
An international phenomenon translated into 17 languages, The Bookseller of Kabul has become not only the bestselling nonfiction book ever published in the author's native Norway, but also a tremendous success throughout Europe and around the world.
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CRR
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

Interesting story of a family in Kabul. I was especially intrigued by the different layers of the family. It was interesting to see a more personal look into daily life in Afghanistan. The book came out in 2002 so it is fairly old now, but I doubt life has changed a whole lot there.

30 likes1 stack add
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iread2much
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

This is a very sad book, but it‘s so well written that it was hard to put it down. It‘s really hard to read about how women are treated in the family, and more generally, but it is very well written.
It follows the family of a man who managed to keep a book store open in Kabul for years and who had big dreams for Afghanistan once the Americans came.
3/5 stars, read for a well written, enraging, and poignant story of a family in Afghanistan.

iread2much @Sleepswithbooks thank you! Happy holidays to you as well 😊 2y
20 likes1 stack add2 comments
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DivineDiana
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

This book tells the story of an Afghan man who devoted his life to books. The author is a journalist who lived with his family to write the book. While it was about books,the subject of women in Afghanistan was in the forefront. The time is 2001, and the Taliban had recently lost power. It is told without judgment, but I felt an overwhelming sadness for the plight of the women and children. And now the Taliban have returned. #foodandlit

65 likes2 stack adds
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DivineDiana
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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So glad to find a book in my stacks for #foodandlit #afghanistan ! #mttbr

AnneCecilie She is back in Kabul now writing a sequel following women who are fighting the oppression. 2y
TheBookHippie Just finished this last night! 2y
See All 12 Comments
DivineDiana @AnneCecilie That is a book that I should like to read! 2y
DivineDiana @TheBookHippie What a coincidence! I have only read a few chapters. Interested in your thoughts. 2y
TheBookHippie https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/13/bookseller-of-kabul-author-cleared I‘m glad I read it. It reminded me of my Bubbe telling me good things can come from people who aren‘t necessarily bad, but whom you don‘t like very much or approve of. Sometimes there‘s a fine line between good/evil right/wrong . If that makes sense. 2y
DivineDiana It makes perfect sense! Thank you for your response and the article! 2y
Tamra I have got to get to this book! It is still sitting on my shelf. 🙃 (edited) 2y
DivineDiana @tamra Well, it was only through the Litsy challenge that it finally moved from mine! 😂 2y
BarbaraBB @AnneCecilie I didn't know. She will have a lot to tell... I can't wait to read it. 2y
Dilara That book made me so uncomfortable! The author wrote about the most dysfunctional, awful family ever, and I‘m sad that for many Western readers, that will be their only - or one of very few - window into Afghan life. 2y
DivineDiana @Dilara Thank you for your comment. I just finished it, and I too felt very uncomfortable and sad. Now the Taliban have returned, and women‘s freedom is again denied. 2y
58 likes3 stack adds12 comments
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BarbaraBB
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Mehso-so

I am very interested in #Afghanistan and normally love a journalistic approach to read about a country. This book however, didn‘t quite work for me. It can be because the book is from 2002 and brought little that I didn‘t already know of Afghanistan‘s 20th century history, Islam or family life. I‘m not sure, but I was bored a bit.

#ReadingAsia2021 🇦🇫 #FoodAndLit #NorwegianAuthor

Librarybelle I think I read this one years ago, though I don‘t have it tagged on Litsy or on GoodReads, which means it was YEARS ago! I remember liking it, though I was not familiar with Afghan culture when I read it. 3y
BarbaraBB @Librarybelle I bought my copy ten years ago. I should have read it back then I think now. 3y
AnneCecilie This book caused quite a stir when it sold as much as it did, not only in Norway but internationally too. The bookseller actually sued Seierstad and this boo has been through several court decisions in Norway. 3y
BarbaraBB @AnneCecilie Really? He sued her? I can imagine he was not really happy about the way she portrayed him but then again, he invited her. I hope he didn‘t blame the women in his house for sharing too much with her. I will Google it! Thanks! 3y
78 likes4 comments
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BarbaraBB
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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#WeeklyForecast 19/21

The tagged book is for #FoodAndLit as well as #ReadingAsia2021. All Things has been on my shelves for years but since @Megabooks rated it with 5 stars it‘s been eyeing me incessantly! Migrations too, which I couldn‘t resist after your review Cindy!

It‘s an ambitious forecast but we‘re having a holiday later this week and I‘ll be spending it in my parent‘s beach cabin again so here‘s to plenty of reading 🤞🏽

Megabooks You have two books I have given 5⭐️ to on there: All Things and Everything Inside. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. Have a wonderful time at the beach!! 💕💕 3y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks I am so obedient 😉, your five stars mean a lot. Didn‘t you also enjoy (edited) 3y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks And so far I am LOVING 3y
See All 9 Comments
TrishB Enjoy your break time ♥️ 3y
Megabooks I have not read Migrations yet. Looking forward to your review! 3y
squirrelbrain Have a lovely break at the beach! 3y
Leftcoastzen Enjoy your getaway! 3y
Kalalalatja Enjoy your holiday! 🌞 3y
KarenUK Happy holiday! 💕😎 3y
65 likes9 comments
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bookishbitch
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I enjoy reading about other book lovers, where ever they may live or how they share that book love. This book was originally published in Norwegian. It also resulted in the bookshop owner seeking asylum in Norway and Sweden because the book made things dangerous for him and his family in Afghanistan, which I find very sad. There was also a lawsuit against the author for defamation. #tbrpile

BestDogDad That is very sad. Grateful to live in a free country. 4y
16 likes2 comments
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Billypar
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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No one should have to fear for their safety when attending school or a university book fair. My thoughts are with the students of Kabul University and their loved ones in the wake of today's terror attack 💙

Leftcoastzen I heard about this , just awful. 4y
LeahBergen 💔💔 4y
S3V3N 💔 4y
36 likes3 comments
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Dirk777
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

I expected more around the literatures of Afghanistan and of the challenges to obtaining/reading/selling books in the country. However, the storyline provids an insightful look into the experiences of afghan families and the daily challenges and struggles of life. The author really brings this to life during her time living with the Khan family and at times I found myself enthralled in the character‘s adventures.

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Kpiper
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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June Challenge: Book with a place in the title. This one has been on my shelf for years. I‘m finally digging in.

3 likes1 stack add
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HannaPolkadots
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Panpan

Did not really enjoy this, which was a bit surprising, since I tend to like Seierstad's writing. But it was too similar to other, better, stories I've read from and about Afghanistan, both fiction and non-fiction, and it did not really give me much.

hilded Hmm, I remember liking it, but it‘s probably been 10-15 years since I read it! 5y
25 likes1 comment
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HannaPolkadots
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I finally have a day off from remote teaching 😅 Going to do housework, read and drink coffee.

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REPollock
The Bookseller of Kabul | sne Seierstad
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@Kaila-ann I mailed this #LPMBC book to you today! Look for it by Friday, according to the USPS. ❤️

Kaila-ann Yay ❤️! 5y
20 likes1 comment
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REPollock
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I‘m finding this hard to read. The wholesale oppression and abuse of women under the Taliban regime is tough going. #lmpbc

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REPollock
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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1. Tagged book for #LPMBC & an ebook about the history of social media called Lurking.

2. Gardening (herbs) & completing the unfinished sewing projects of dead people (mostly quilts).

3. Probably A Gentleman in Moscow.

@rachelsbrittain #weekendreads

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REPollock
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Starting this #LPMBC book! Super excited.

Eggs Those socks!! 5y
24 likes1 stack add1 comment
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REPollock
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I got it, @jb72 ! Can‘t wait to get started! #LPMBC

jb72 Yay! I‘m glad it arrives so quickly. 5y
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jb72
The Bookseller of Kabul | sne Seierstad
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#LMPBC

I am headed to the post office now. The book is headed to Rachel. Also, I sent you both an email this morning as well. Thank you both so much for your patience.

REPollock Yay! I can‘t wait to read this one! 5y
jb72 @REPollock The post office assured me it will arrive no later than Thursday. 🤞🏻 5y
20 likes2 comments
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jb72
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Mehso-so

#LMPBC #24B4Monday

I‘ll just leave my review at so-so since this is a LMPBC pick. The writing did feel a bit journalistic and almost unfeeling. It‘s hard to believe a woman writer could write those words without outrage and anger. I am truly grateful for living in a country where women are provided equal rights and opportunities.

Readathon time : 2 hours

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jb72
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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#Two4Tuesday

1. No I‘m trying to be “responsible” with my finances. 🙄

2. No...responsibility 😔

ShananigansReads Responsibility is the worst. 5y
jb72 @Bookjunkie57 Yes it is! I want to live on the beach with my books and pets and no responsibilities. That‘s not too much to ask. 5y
ShananigansReads @jb72 Not at all. I want to be a few umbrellas over. (Gotta allow introvert spacing😂) (edited) 5y
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Lauraandherbooks About 6 the last week !!! 😁 5y
jb72 @Bookjunkie57 Definitely need an umbrella. I burn like an unattended steak. Plus a sign that says do not disturb unless you are bringing a margarita. 😅 5y
jb72 @Lauraandherbooks Jealous! I hope you enjoy them all! 5y
Lauraandherbooks @jb72 yes already through one almost finished another 5y
TheSpineView Good luck with being responsible. It does suck though! Happy Tuesday! 😊 5y
ShananigansReads @jb72 the sign is a great addition. 5y
ljuliel Maybe someday you‘ll get your wish. About 20 years ago, we stayed at a campground at Myrtle Beach. A lady there turned her little patio- thing into a Big Little free library( before that was a thing. She put heavy plastic all around it, with seashells and dolphins ,etc painted on it, then put shelves of books all around. No charge. Bring a book, take a book. That can be you someday when you‘re old and grey. Don‘t give up on your dreams. (edited) 5y
jb72 @ljuliel Wow that‘s a great story! I‘d be willing to share books in exchange for a spot on the beach. The LFL are such an amazing idea. I‘d like to put one up someday. Thanks for the story and encouragement! I needed it today. 5y
ljuliel Better days ahead. We all need to think that sometimes to get through rough patches. You can do it. (edited) 5y
JaclynW @jb72 I hope you get your beach dream someday! Sounds lovely! I would love to see your Little Free Library if you make one! 5y
jb72 @ljuliel Thank you so much for the much needed encouragement. 5y
jb72 @JaclynW It‘s on my bucket list to someday do. And when I do I‘ll let you know. There are none near where I live. 5y
JaclynW @jb72 Definitely do! We have so many LFL popping up everywhere here. Unfortunately, I don't think many are kept well stocked. I've seen some cool ones on my travels too. One in New Orleans was made out of an old casket.😳😄 5y
jb72 @JaclynW Wow that‘s cool 😎 I‘m thinking of going thrifting in March and I will incorporate finding LFL too. 5y
JaclynW @jb72 Good luck! 5y
23 likes18 comments
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jb72
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Sometimes I have the TV on or music. Sometimes I don‘t.

I have two dogs (Scout and Jack) and my Mallie cat. I also have four turtles and 14 chickens. Mallie loves to sit on the books while I attempt to read.

My favorite beverage is Dr. Pepper, but I had to give it up. Now I drink water. Normally I have chips in a bowl.

Thanks for the tag @JaclynW sorry I‘m a day late.

#selfcaresaturday

dylanisreading I love your dogs‘ names! I‘m sorry you had to give up Dr. P. Thank you for sharing! 5y
JaclynW I love that you have so many pets. 🙂 Dr. Pepper is one of my favorites too. I also am drinking more water than soda nowadays. 5y
jb72 @JaclynW 😊 Yeah I‘m sad about giving up Dr. Pepper. 5y
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JaclynW @jb72 Have you ever tried the Lip Smackers Dr. Pepper chapstick? It's my favorite. I've had one in my purse since high school (not the same tube😄). 5y
jb72 @JaclynW LOL no I haven‘t tried that. It may make my cravings worse. 😱 5y
JaclynW @jb72 It's the best chapstick! It has a slight red tinted so it makes you feel glamorous. And delicious. 😄 5y
jb72 @JaclynW LOL I may have to try it out the 5y
18 likes7 comments
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jb72
The Bookseller of Kabul | sne Seierstad
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#thoughtfulthursday

I‘d say the best thing was I found a sketch book at hobby lobby that I want to turn into a reading journal.

Weekend plans - just to read

Currently I‘m finishing up The Bookseller of Kabul for #LMPBC

Thanks for tagging me @TheSpineView I forgot to post yesterday.

TheSpineView You're welcome! 5y
MoonWitch94 Thanks for playing ☺️ 5y
26 likes2 comments
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jb72
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Hello! Here is our end of month (and year) readathon schedule! We will be taking it to the end of the year this time. Please join us. It‘s all for fun and any excuse to get some extra read time in for the end of the year. I‘ll be reading the tagged book. What are your plans? Are you gonna push hard or relax a bit?

#24B42020 #24B4MONDAY

jb72 @Bookjunkie57 Here you go! 5y
ShananigansReads Thanks 😊 5y
See All 14 Comments
jb72 @TheReadingMermaid Thanks. I added the hashtags. Sorry about that. 5y
jb72 @Bookjunkie57 So glad to have you aboard! 5y
Soubhiville Oooo, I‘m participating in this! What a great way to spend the end of the year! 5y
jb72 @Soubhiville Glad to have you join us! And I agree...great way to relax at the end of the year. 5y
AceOnRoam I'm not sure what we will be up to on these dates @jb72 but I will keep the dates in the diary! 5y
jb72 @AceOnRoam I‘m sure you are super busy dealing with your boat issue. I hope all turns out good. If you can join, great, but if not I totally understand. 5y
JacqMac It‘s such a busy time. But with so many days, it just might work. I‘ll see what I can do. Lol 5y
DebReads4fun I am joining in! Hoping to get in at least 24 hours of reading. 5y
jb72 @JacqMac I hope you find plenty of time to read! 5y
jb72 @DebReads4fun Glad to have you join us. 5y
PaperbackPirate Thanks for hosting. I would love to join in! 5y
37 likes14 comments
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Kaila-ann
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

I don‘t want to say too much, this is my pick for round 7 of #lmpbc. Between pick and so-so. It‘s an important story to tell but I felt overwhelmed by it at the same time. I also felt like the writing was a little stiff and journalistic at times but considering the subject material, maybe that was the best way the author knew how to get the message out there without being completely overwhelmed herself. Again, a tough but necessary read overall.

Kaila-ann #nfnov #TIL: I wouldn‘t make it half an hour as a woman in Afghanistan. And my heartbreaks for all of the woman that are denied basic opportunities that it is so easy to take for granted here such as going to school and choosing who to spend my life with. 5y
20 likes1 comment
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Kaila-ann
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Starting this tonight for #round7 of #lmpbc. #nfnov

jb72 Cool 😎 I‘m starting my book this weekend. 5y
Kaila-ann @jb72 yay 😊! I‘m definitely excited for this round! 5y
Princess-Kingofkings I really liked this one. 5y
See All 6 Comments
Clwojick 1 pt 5y
jb72 @Kaila-ann Me too! 5y
Kaila-ann @Princess-Kingofkings I didn‘t get very far before my eyes started to close but I already have a feeling that it‘s going to be interesting 😊. 5y
22 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Kaila-ann
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Alright #groupN of #lmpbc round 7 - does this look like our lineup for the round?? If so, I‘m pretty excited 😍😍.

TheShaggyShepherd That looks awesome! 5y
Sbk89 Yay! 5y
REPollock Super excited!!! 5y
24 likes3 comments
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LaraReads
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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#brunchandabook Brunch, now an afternoon full of volleyball! 💜🏐💜🏐 The place we ate brunch uses books to deliver the check. How perfect is that?

swishandflick That looks delicious! 6y
LaraReads @swishandflick It really was! And makes me wish I had the slightest idea how to poach an egg on my own! 🤣🤣🥚🍳 6y
36 likes2 comments
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Parvez
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

The pathos in this book lies in the hopes and aspirations of the members of the Khan family living in a post-Taliban Afghanistan.This book draws a very humane picture of an obscure society, a picture that very often fails to filter through the coloured glasses of mainstream media.

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Caroline2
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Today‘s charity shop book haul! 😍

Velvetfur Oohh I'm terrible for charity shop books! You got a good haul there 😀👍 6y
SW-T Good haul 😊 6y
TrishB Cool 👍🏻 I loved the Deborah Harkness books and am looking forward to her new one. #litsypenpal letter on the way today!! 6y
See All 8 Comments
MeganAnn Deborah Harkness‘s All Souls Trilogy is one of my favorites! Can‘t wait to see the tv series based on this trilogy and to read her new book 😍 Stacked the tagged book - it looks interesting. 6y
rachaich @MeganAnn when is the series due out? I adored the boojs :) 6y
MeganAnn @rachaich it airs in the UK on Sky One September 14th. It‘ll be available in the US on Sundance Now and Shudder in early 2019 but they haven‘t released an air date for that yet. If you haven‘t seen the trailer yet, check it out: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sy9Jzd5lU8 6y
CarolynM @MeganAnn @rachaich All Souls books were great, I'm looking forward to the TV version too. 6y
rachaich @MeganAnn thank you xx 6y
100 likes2 stack adds8 comments
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Lcsmcat
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I read this years ago, and what I remember most strongly is the author‘s description of how stifling it felt to bear the restrictions of a woman in #Afghanistan. #augustisatrip @vkois88 @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

vkois88 😢 6y
58 likes1 comment
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bookishbitch
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I may have hit a book sale for a local libray today. #notsorry

Soubhiville Wow, I‘d like to see more pics of those old fairy tales! Nice haul! 6y
bookishbitch @Soubhiville I'm sure I'll post some. 6y
11 likes2 comments
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WhiskeyMistress
The Bookseller of Kabul | sne Seierstad
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Chose this for today‘s #readingresolutions prompt #bookstore. I know this book has had some mixed reviews, but I enjoyed it. @Jess7

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Jinjer
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

Like the author, I really wanted to punch these men in the face the way they treat women. 😡

The author lived in the house with this family so we learn what daily life is like for them. Made my problems and complaints seem pretty ridiculous. Also made me really grateful for modern conveniences such as air conditioning, hot running water, washing machines, and refrigerators.

Read this book if you‘re interested in daily lives of real people.

33 likes3 stack adds
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Martta
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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I went to look for a new bike. I saw a lot of nice bikes but came home with these. Maybe I'll find the perfect bike next week. 🚲😁

19 likes1 stack add
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Dorien
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Just finished this one...

16 likes1 stack add
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TheCanuckReader
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Mehso-so

This one gives an intimate look into a traditional post-Taliban Afghan family. There's a bit about books, but more about the bookseller. It taught me that I'd last about 1 min as a woman in a traditional Afghan family as I wouldn't take kindly to the treatment of women and would prob punch most men in this book in the head...including the bookseller. #notyourbiatch #respectmeorbitemedude

Hooked_on_books I've often said I would have been stoned to death years ago in that type of culture. 7y
44 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Lcsmcat
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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HannaPolkadots Reading Lolita in Teheran is so great! I've bought it for myself many times but every time I end up giving it to one of my students 7y
28 likes2 comments
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Lcsmcat
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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One year my book group read only books #setintheMiddleEast. Here are four of the ones we read. #Maybookflowers @RealLifeReading

CouronneDhiver Of those ones, I've only read Three Cups, but I remember liking it 🙂 7y
ValerieAndBooks That's really interesting, reading only one theme throughout a year. Is that something you do every year? 7y
Lcsmcat @Valerie and Books This was my old book group (we've moved across the country since then) and we didn't do it every year, maybe about half the time. This started by accident. We just happened to pick 2 or 3 books set in the Middle East, and decided to run with it. It was during Bush II so it seemed important. Other themes were more vague like, characters overcoming obstacles. 7y
34 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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sunflowers
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Pickpick

The book is well written. The storyline keeps your attention; but the heart of the story keeps you asking the tough, sometimes unanswerable questions long after you put the book down...an excellent read.

Jinjer Just finished it and totally agree. 6y
17 likes1 stack add1 comment
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sunflowers
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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Loving this book so far! It's well written and every page continues to keep my attention. I don't want to put it down! Thank you again, @bookish_wookish

bookish_wookish Im so glad youre enjoying it! 😄 8y
9 likes1 comment
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BooksRockMyWorld
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
Pickpick

I did expect a bit more, perhaps more beauty and attention to writing. It is a very journalistic and somewhat objective approuch to the subject. Still, once I shifted my expectations I really enjoyed it. People should read this book.

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BooksRockMyWorld
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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A good point. 😂

Varshitha I can never do it but I have a friend who reads the last few pages of every new book I get to know how it ends and holds it over my head like one superpower she has over me 😄 8y
BooksRockMyWorld @Varshitha haha that's sweet! I used to do it all the time, but dropped out of the habit since I started using Kindle. :) 8y
JoeStalksBeck Haha great movie! 8y
23 likes3 comments
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BooksRockMyWorld
Bookseller of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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BooksRockMyWorld
The Bookseller Of Kabul | Asne Seierstad
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What to read next? Please help! Conflicted between Picoult's "Sing You Home", Seierstad's "The Bookseller of Kabul" and "I let you go" by C. Mackintosh.
Thanks you, littens! ❤

erzascarletbookgasm I've only read I Let You Go, and I recommend it! 8y
BooksRockMyWorld @erzascarletbookgasm thank you! It really sounds great. :) 8y
18 likes1 stack add2 comments