Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse has already been honored with
a place in the Library of Congress' permanent collections.
“I watched the documentary, part of which was filmed during the time of the Taliban. I think you’re doing amazing work.
”
Oprah Winfrey
“I highly recommend this book to the International
Community, involved in Afghanistan
”
President Karzai
For years, Suraya Sadeed has worked tirelessly to help the people of her war-scarred homeland. This terrific memoir is the story of her struggles, her sacrifices, and her hopes. It is the moving life story of a remarkable woman who has overcome personal tragedy and has made it her single-minded mission to bring hope, relief, and a measure of happiness to the brutalized women and children of Afghanistan.
Khaled Hosseini – Author of The Kite Runner
“In a well-plotted, fluid narrative … her naiveté and tenacity allow her to bypass the oiliest of administrators in the camps and reach the neediest women and children, start schools and clinics, and despite the enormous personal peril she courted as a woman reviled by the Taliban. Sadeed inserts numerous moving personal stories, such as meeting by chance a women she went to school with, transformed and aged horribly.”
Publishers Weekly
“A eloquent appeal for understanding, compassion and aid … A moving message from a courageous humanitarian, and more timely than ever.”
Kirkus Reviews
“The true story of a truly courageous Afghan woman who returned to Afghanistan to deliver humanitarian aid to her people. Hailed by Oprah Winfrey for her bravery.”
The Telegraph
“Evil confounded by sassy innocence … Suraya Sadeed’s memoir maps … an epic and escalating series of interventions: blankets, clinics, secret schools, earthquake relief … It is also a road to personal redemption. Casting off materialism … she found new love and received the ultimate accolade: a spot on Oprah in 2002: Oprah Winfrey also gave her $1 million for Help the Afghan Children.”
The Guardian
“An inspirational personal journey. The impact of Suraya Sadeed’s work has been far-reaching. Sadeed’s story is gripping … well-told and deeply inspirational. The book is testament to the power of determination, battling extremist with education and investing in human resources, as opposed to military operations.”
The Hindu
“Every so often a rare gem of a book comes along that tells an unforgettable true story of such stalwart humanity that it inspires us to unabashed hope for the future. It can be difficult to imagine that one person can make a difference in the lives of people in need … Suraya Sadeed is such an intrepid person, and her page turning book, Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse, has become a staff favorite at PBC.”
Progressive Book Club
“Sadeed writes in her compelling new memoir, Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse … a onetime political refugee turned estate agent in the United States, she returned to her native country in 1993 to found a charity, Help The Afghan Children. Her mission: to establish health clinics in refugee zones and remote villages; and, in dark basements across Kabul, to set up girls’ schools hidden from the Taliban.”
The National
