Book Review #76: "Daring to Drive"

Hey Everyone,

     I am going to review the book "Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening," by Manal Al-Sharif. This book is hot off the press as it was published June 13, 2017 by Simon & Schuster. For those of you who would like to purchase a copy of this book CLICK HERE. This is Manal Al-Sharif's story of being a activist for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. This book tells the story of Manal Al-Sharif's childhood to the day she was imprisoned for driving while being female in Saudi Arabia. It is a coming of age story of how Manal grew up in an Islam fundamentalist environment and how she immersed herself into their particular views and lifestyle. She then goes to college where her whole life changes and she is able to see the bigger picture of the country she lives in and changes her lifestyle. She is a very successful woman who stands up for all women's rights in Saudi Arabia, in particular the right for woman to drive.

     Overall I rated this book four stars out of five. This was an excellent book, I am so glad I read it. Reading it was so empowering especially for females. I love reading books of different cultures and learning about different traditions and customs out there. I love reading books that deal with injustice,  and inequality. This book had both so it was the perfect book for me to read. It was a very inspiring book, and well written also. I can't imagine all the obstacles that Manal had to overcome just to write this book and get to where she is today. I find it amazing how education can open a person's world. That Manal's story could have been much different if she did not attend college and receive her education. I like how Manal combined her own personal experiences with facts on Saudi culture and history. It was a really well balanced book. You could definitely tell that Manal Al-Sharif poured her heart and soul and her passion into this book. With all this said I highly recommend reading this book.

     I would like to thank Netgalley, Manal Al-Sharif, and Simon & Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Until the next page,

Jill