5 Minutes for Books:
I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
I am Nugood, Age 10 and Divorced is the true story of Nujood Ali (as told to Delphine Minoui).
That’s right, by the age of 10, this young girl from Yemen had been given in marriage by her own father to a man three times her age. He promised not to be with her sexually until after one year after she started her period, but he did not keep this promise. When Nujood tried to resist him, he began beating her.
After a few months, the only refuge she found was on the rare opportunity that her husband let her visit home. It was on one of these visits that she decided to try to get a divorce.
I don’t know if you like using books as I do — like a window — but this book offered a peek into Yemen and a surprising look at practices that I didn’t know still occur today. The story was not told to criticize the culture, but to shine the light on one girl’s sad story. I also appreciated the fact that while this is something that none of us can image happening to our own daughters, it wasn’t told in a sensationalist way. Most importantly, it was an inspiring look at the courage of a young girl to fight against that which she knew was wrong.
Her story has attracted worldwide attention and has been translated into 16 languages. She was named to be a Woman of the Year in 2008 by Glamour magazine, alongside others such as Hillary Clinton.
Because of her courageous act, other young girls are speaking out, and countries are even making laws to protect girls who should never be forced to marry.
In spite of a few difficult passages, this is an inspiring and eye-opening story told in Nujood’s own words. It’s a short easy read that would interest women and teens as well.
Nujood’s proceeds for the book are financing her and her sister’s education, and will hopefully help Nujood achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer so that she can help other girls.
We have three copies to give away . Just leave a comment if you’d like to enter. The winners will be announced in next Monday’s book review column.
We do not have a winner to announce, because last week’s giveaway of the Princess and Pirate Potty books (and a Target gift card!) is still open — so enter now!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
Reviewed by book blogger Jennifer Donovan, managing editor of 5 Minutes for Books and Snapshot blogger.


















133 Comments
The word “divorced” makes me feel heartache but to add “10″ to that!? I don’t know that I’d enjoy reading it but I believe it would be a very grounding book. I am so blessed. I just need to realize it more often.
Please enter me in your giveaway!
I love using books to gain understanding of cultures that are different than the one I am used to. This book sounds so interesting. I haven’t heard of it before but I’m definitely going to check it out.
We have issues similar to this in our school district (different country, same type of abuse). I’d love to win a copy.
Please enter me. Thanks for the chance.
I would love to read this book. It reminds me (generally) of A Thousand Splendid Suns. I’m so glad she freed herself.
wow! What a powerful story!
Sounds like an interesting read!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-am-nujood-age-10-and-divorced.html
Wow–this would be an eye opening book to read. Count me in!
WOuld love to read this. Thanks!
This looks like a fascinating read – I would love to win!
Sounds like an interesting book to read.
Sounds like a great book!
This looks like it could be a deep read and very thought provoking.
Thanks for the giveaway! Sounds like a really eye-opening book!
What a courageous little girl, she should be playing with dolls and drawing pictures not having to deal with this.
I would love to read this book. Please enter me to win.
What a remarkable yet unthinkable story. I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the possibility.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like an interesting read, count me in.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
What an amazing story. So young and so much to have endured. I would love to win a copy of this. It sounds like a great testimony of courage and strength.
This sounds so interesting! Please enter me:)
Oh my gosh. How awful. This is great to get this stroy out there!
I would love to win a copy of this!
bkwrm333 {AT} yahoo.com
This sounds like a great book! I’d love to be able to read this story.
Sounds like a very interesting book.
Yes, please enter me!
Sounds like a great book.
I would like a chance to win.
Looks really interesting! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!
Would like to win this for my friend Laura who likes to read
I’d like to read this book~ thank you
I’d love to read this book!
Hi. I was trying to find an on-line review of this book and came across your web-site. I can’t wait to read this book and would love to win it too!Thanks for the contest.
Cheers!!!
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[...] Her facebook: Debbie Wiener Her Twitter: @debbiewiener The winners of last week’s book I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced are #4 Stephanie Meyers, #128 Chrysa, #25 [...]