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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.
Divorce Lawyer Singapore says
Yes, This story will definitely encourage our youth population specially young girls. There are many countries in the world which enforces girl child marriage to a man who is 3 or 4 times older than that girl. I want to tell you that child marriage is illegal in all countries. It’s a crime to do such type of offence. Stop doing this type of nonsense with your children. They are very small for marriage. This kind of illegal marriage also affecting their mind’s thinking. Thanks for sharing such social article with us.
Cristal says
I’d love to read this book.
Suzette says
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!!!
Amy says
I’d love to read this book!
Angie P says
I’d like to read this book~ thank you 🙂
cass says
Would like to win this for my friend Laura who likes to read
Angela Winesburg says
I’d love to read this, thanks for the chance!
Chrysa says
Looks really interesting! Thanks for the giveaway!
Lex says
I would like a chance to win.
Susan Smith says
Sounds like a great book.
Ed Nemmers says
Yes, please enter me!
Lisa Williams says
Sounds like a very interesting book.
Amanda Barnes says
This sounds like a great book! I’d love to be able to read this story.
Kate says
I would love to win a copy of this!
bkwrm333 {AT} yahoo.com
carol ~ says
Oh my gosh. How awful. This is great to get this stroy out there!
jessica says
This sounds so interesting! Please enter me:)
Petula says
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.
Bebemiqui says
Sounds like an interesting read, count me in.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Benita G . says
What a remarkable yet unthinkable story. I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the possibility.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Mariag says
I would love to read this book. Please enter me to win.
Katie says
What a courageous little girl, she should be playing with dolls and drawing pictures not having to deal with this.
Melanie says
Thanks for the giveaway! Sounds like a really eye-opening book!
Marc Kelly says
This looks like it could be a deep read and very thought provoking.
Melissa says
Sounds like a great book!
Sarah says
Sounds like an interesting book to read.
Becca Huben says
This looks like a fascinating read – I would love to win!
Tawnya Ruby says
WOuld love to read this. Thanks!
marci says
Wow–this would be an eye opening book to read. Count me in!
Winning Readings says
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
Wani says
wow! What a powerful story!
Tara says
I would love to read this book. It reminds me (generally) of A Thousand Splendid Suns. I’m so glad she freed herself.
Wendy says
Please enter me. Thanks for the chance.
chris says
We have issues similar to this in our school district (different country, same type of abuse). I’d love to win a copy.
Rachel says
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.
Nancy S. says
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!
Katie Talbott says
Sounds like a sad yet good read.
Barb S. says
It sounds sad and interesting at the same time!!! I would like to win this book!!!
The Diaper Diaries says
Please enter me, this book sounds amazing.
Angela Bailey says
I would love to read this. I find myself complaining about my life so much and why won’t my boyfriend marry me already so this would be an eye opener.
Jen B says
Would love to read this. Thanks.
Stacy says
I subscribe via google reader.
Stephanie says
The premise of the story makes my heart ache. And…it makes me angry and sad that a little girl could be treated that way. I sincerely hope she finds hope, healing, strength, and opportunity in the years ahead.
Stacy says
This looks like it would be a very interesting read.
Jen says
This looks like a fascinating book.
Mari says
I would love to read this thank you for the chance to win
[email protected]
Sarah says
Sounds like a moving book, I’d love to win it.
Sarah
SeekingHim @ gmail dot com
Myra says
I would love to win this book!
clenna in NH says
This culture is fascinating how it treats its young girls. I’d love to read it.
clena at aol dot com
Lisa says
I would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance!
hippie4ever says
I would love to read this book thanks
Anna McMullen says
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
Melissa Nunley says
This sounds like a great read :0 Thanks for the chance
LaVonne says
Wow! What a difficult story to read, I think. But it would be interesting and eye opening. Thanks for the chance to win.
katklaw777 says
I’d like to read this amazing story, thanks.
Ellen C. says
I’d like to read this book. Thanks for the chance.
mary says
Please enter me into the book give-away. I never read books unless it’s a good story. I think this is a book I would not put down until I finish reading it. I will be praying for all the children in the world. Thanks for opening my eyes.
Tracey says
As a woman and mother to two daughters (one due on April 1st) I would love to read this book. Thank you.
Angie says
I definitely would love to read this. It will probably make me cry!
Monika says
Wow, very interesting book. I would like to win and read it 🙂
Nicole C. says
I would love to read this book!!
Michele Anne says
would love to read this….will suggest it my book discussion group…sign me up to win
Paula Kiger says
I’d love to read this, and possibly to recommend it to my book club! Please include me in the drawing for the free book. Thanks for making us aware of it!
Kristenkj says
Sounds very interesting. I have a 9 year old, I can’t even imagine giving her in marriage next year.
Eva SB says
This sounds like an inspiring, though not easy, read.
It anyone is looking for something similar I would recommend Infidel.
DuongSheahan says
This is shocking, and unfathomable!
I would love to read this story.
Jody says
I would love to read this book. It isdefinately one I would enjoy and share with my other family members. Fingers crossed on this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Upstatemomof3 says
Oh I would absolutely love to read this book. I read a book called Princess about a Saudi Arabian princess a few years ago. It was eye opening, heart wrenching and phenomenal!
Eos Mom says
Sounds fascinating, count me in. Thanks!
Hannah says
Looks interesting. I’d like to read it.
Tracy says
Would very much like to read this book!
erin says
this sounds like a very heart wrenching but good book
Aura says
I just read the kite runner and really enjoyed learning about other cultures I would really like to read this book
Christine says
Wow, what an amazing story. I’m glad that because of her book, other girls are speaking out.
Nadia says
Wow, sounds like an incredible story written by an amazing woman. Would love to win!
Danielle Crown says
this book looks great! i just read precious the book (saphire) and i want to read this one now too!
Jaclyn says
Wow. Sounds like an amazing story.
susan varney says
i love to read [email protected]
Bay says
Thanks for the entry. Would definitely be eye-opening for me.
veterankindergartenteacher says
What a touching story! I am going to have to buy this book. Thanks so much for sharing.
www.fromdiaperstodorms.com says
We would be very interested in receiving a copy of this book to read. I am sure our friends would value the opportunity to read it as well, so if we win, we’ll probably pass it on to them after we’re done too. Thanks for the chance to win.
Wanda says
I would absolutely love to be entered in your draw for this remarkable book. Thanks!
* TONYA * says
What a courageous girl. I cannot even begin to fathom what she went through at such a young age. She is such an inspiration.
brooke says
Sounds fascinating! Please enter me!
Ema says
oh, I would love to get my hands on a copy of this book.
What a brave and intelligent girl!
Renee' says
This sounds like an intense book ~ I can’t imagine being 10 and having to face what she has!
Lena says
I would love to read this book!
Kristen Gleason says
I also love to use books as a window to another world. I hope I win! 🙂
Sarah E says
Please enter me in this giveaway!
Lisa B. says
I would like to read this. Thank you!
Just Mom says
This book sounds like an eye-opener and perfect for the Women Unbound challenge. Please enter me.
Linda Kish says
I would like to read this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Beth says
Please enter me for this book. Sounds so interesting.
Sharazad says
I definitely love to use books as a window. I want to read this.
Karna says
She certainly had courage — so many hard, hard things happening to children.
Cee says
I would be interested to read this book, as I know nothing of the culture in which this woman was raised. Thank you for this opportunity.
edj says
I used to live in Mauritania, where child marriage isn’t as common as in Afghanistan and Yemen, but still happens. My daughter got many marriage proposals while she was between the ages of 4 and 10. A friend told of her aunt and uncle, who married off her 11 year old cousin without telling the girl, just let the man in one night. When the child screamed, he said, “I’m your husband.”
Shocking right? But what was interesting was that my friend was shocked too. Things are changing, but these things take time.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read this book!!!
Some Lucky Dog says
I’d be really interested in reading her story, how sad…
cher says
I too use books a window and love to get lost in them and read about basically everything. I would love to read this book and learn more.
ckachelmuss at gmail.com
Amy from Occupation: Mommy says
This sounds really interesting, I would love to read it!
Annette W says
This looks amazingly eye-opening. I’d like to win it!
StacyH says
Would love to read this. Thanks!
Renee C says
I would like to read this.
Jo says
Would like to win this book
[email protected]
Jen says
Very interesting… unimaginable to me thankfully!
Milcah says
This sounds like a very interesting read.
Stacey says
Wow – I can’t imagine. Sounds like an intriguing read.
Shannon Baas says
Looks like it would be interesting.
SANDY says
would love this
Joan says
This is hard to fathom in our part of the world, so Nujood’s story should speak to many. Although, I’m sure victims of child abuse could relate to her story.
Michelle Pixie says
This is a book I would definitely be interested in reading!
Kim says
This seems like an amazing book! If I don’t win I’m going to get it.
What a great giveaway!
Kim
The Misplaced Midwesterner
<a href="http://themisplacedmidwesterner.blogspot.com"
Mel H says
This sounds interesting and I’d love a chance to read this
Alicia The Snowflake says
Sounds like a great book. I would love to win. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
Andria says
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
Marilyn says
Your summary really caught my interest! I have a daughter who has worked in 5 different African countries and women are treated so differently there. I love to read and this book looks like one I would like to read
Hailey says
Very interesting! I’d love to read this book.
Magi says
I would love to win a copy for my classroom. I teach at a high school.
Julia says
I love learning about the Middle East and women’s plight in particular.
julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
Sarah at themommylogues says
This would be a very good book!
Tina says
I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Jennifer says
I would love to read this book. It reminds me of work by Nawal El Saadawi. If you are not familiar with her, she is another great author to investigate who speaks out on this important topic.
monica says
this looks like an important book
Kati says
This would be an interesting book to see other parts of how the world works.
Donna C. says
I would like to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Fabian-Christopher says
Hi Janice & susan, i trekked all the way over to your site, from a recent link from Chris Brogan. That book does seem interesting ( yes, i know,i know (lol) some guys do actually read stuff like that 🙂 ).
Love your site,
Fabes
Kirsten T. says
Wow, powerful!! Definitely will read regardless if I win! Thanks.
se7en says
Oh I just have to read that book… Looks like a really important read!
Anjie says
I would like to win this book. Thank you for this giveaway.
Kerry Ellington says
I would most definitely love a copy of this book. I can’t imagine having to go through what this young lady went through at such a young age.
Thanks for this post.
Mary M. says
I am beginning to work on a project that deals with a somewhat similar kind of child abuse, so this would be a fascinating read.
Miki says
I would like to read this book and learn more about this courageous girl’s story. Miki
stephanie myers says
i’d love to read this book; i did hear about her divorce when it made headlines a while back…
Lorri says
This would be a very interesting and eye opening read. Thanks for the giveaway!
Barbie says
WOW, I would love to read this book. Thank you!
phyllis says
I would very much like to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity.