The Other Side of the Sky: A Memoir

I got Farad's audio book because we have been working in relief and development in Afganistan since 1984. It is a well narrated book, an uplifting account the suffering of a child and of people who come into our lives and believe in us, love us and walk with us through the difficulties of life in Afghanistan, Pakistan and in America.Farad, a young, Hazara girl, has lived an unbelievable life before reaching the age of 15. Her story is a first hand picture of the devastation of a beautiful country destroyed by war and ethnic conflict. She and her family were caught in the middle. She stepped on a landmine as she was going to school in Kabul. She was in the second grade and things went downhill from there.This is a story of suffering and pain but finding strength to respond when it seemed impossible. This is a story of faith and people practically living out their faith. It is the story of a young girl who has a dream.

Best book ever for third culture kids or adults. Helps others understand pressures felt by those moving to new cultures. Gives good pictures of their fears and loneliness in USA and the importance of Americans saying hi and being a friend.

Although I enjoyed "The Other Side of the Sky", it was different than I expected. It is a very interesting and inspiring story but it was written by the author when she was a 17 year old high school student, still learning the intricacies of the english language and adapting to American culture. It was more like reading a high schooler's essay than a "standard" autobiography. I applaud the author's courage and strength to deal with all of the hard ships she faced while growing up and making her journey to the US and I understand that through much hard work and perseverance, she has gone on to accomplish wonderful things since then. All in all, I would say it was a good, but "simple" read.

This is an extraordinary book. It is the first one I have found, written by an Afghan person, telling of life there. Her life is important to be told, and she does it extremely well. I had no idea what suffering our fellow humans endure on the other side of the world - or sky, as Farah sweetly viewed it as a little girl! Also, I had no idea how hideous it can be for immigrants coming here, even though the experience is viewed as a great blessing. Farah has more wisdom as a teenager, than most of our citizens have at any age; and shares her life openly and honestly. She has amazing faith in God, which was a surprise to me. Ah, I am so ignorant... that's why I want to learn. This is a book everyone should read. I deeply admire you, Farah, for giving our country this gift!

Excellent memoir - it was one of our summer reading choices for English I PAP and nearly every student chose it because it was just that engaging. Word spread quickly! I found the author's willingness to share every internal struggle she faced very compelling and her resilience had us all cheering for her. What an inspiration!

The story of my life is a gripping and powerful book about a young Afghan girl that eventually finds her way to America. Her life is turned upside down at an early age but some how she manages to keep moving forward. She travels alone to Germany for medical reasons at a very young age. After she returns to Afghanistan she and her mother travel to Pakistan to get away from the war torn city of Kabul. Finally she and her mother make it to America and adjust to life there. Numerous tragedies befall this young girl and her family but she overcomes them and perseveres. The book is a must read. You can't help but admire this young girl.

Showed the effects of culture shock and how difficult and tragic people's lives can be. It also shows how resilient and strong many refugees are.

Certainly the tale of a very brave, strong girl. She endured incredible hardship & pain, both physically and psychologically, at the hands of radicals including the taliban. The story is very much told from a completely different perspective than westerners recognize. I was pained throughout at the repression of girls & women. Girls not allowed outside their compound walls, child marriage, girls and women being required to cover up, to not go out without a male escort, then fleeing alone after the men have been killed or gone missing, having to fear for their lives simply because they are women traveling without men. (Very minor spoilers ahead.) Then just when we think we may be coming to the happy ending, reaching America, we see fear and isolation due to the total unfamiliarity with our culture. The lack of understanding of the extent of freedom they had upon arriving really hits you. It makes you really appreciate the freedoms we all have regardless of race, sex, or religion. To see a young person assimilate enough to be able to take full advantage of her American dream, with so much hard work, was truly inspiring after the horrid hell she had to fight through. I suggest if discussing this book with young people to focus on not only the hero's triumph through sheer determination and hard work, but also the aspect of taking advantage of the chance each person has to succeed in America.

Great book

hi - i cannot find any other way to let you know that this kindle book was accidentally ordered and i would like a refund please. I already read this book before I had a kindle and it was sensational.

Very nice story

Amazing book this guy is a fab writer the marriage bureau was just as good

Good read, very interesting and well written, recommended. Four star because I thought it should have finished sooner than it did, a bit padded towards the end.