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abaugher's review against another edition
5.0
There is a life that women in Congo live that is so horrific, I'm still numb from reading about it, and I haven't been able to even partially fathom what i read about. Rape is a cultural norm in Congo. Rape, and murder. I thought about this while i was in the process reading the book, as I drove my car down a safe street late at night, as I rode my bike down a safe path in the middle of the day, as I sat in my living room and felt secure that my house would not be stormed, I would not be dragged out and kidnapped as a sex slave, nor would my loved ones be tortured and murdered right in front of me.
I could not cry during the reading of it; I'm not sure I would have been able to stop.
I am deeply disappointed that all the footage that the author took on her visits to Congo did not get used in a documentary. This story, as horrific as it is, needs to be--MUST be--told. However, there is the documentary, The Greatest Silence: Rape in Congo. I think I should combine the information from that with what the book provided and try for a less numb and shocked response, and more of a active and helpful one.
I could not cry during the reading of it; I'm not sure I would have been able to stop.
I am deeply disappointed that all the footage that the author took on her visits to Congo did not get used in a documentary. This story, as horrific as it is, needs to be--MUST be--told. However, there is the documentary, The Greatest Silence: Rape in Congo. I think I should combine the information from that with what the book provided and try for a less numb and shocked response, and more of a active and helpful one.
justicepirate's review against another edition
3.0
This is a review of the audible version.
I believe the story was heartfelt and real. It showed a lot about what the author was going through at the time of her discovery of what others were going through, which was far worse than she could ever imagine. She found a way to help others best that she could and was able to meet many women and learn their stories for herself.
It reminds me of Passport through Darkness by Kimberely Smith. She also went to Africa to an area where children hid in fear of being killed and where women were being raped. It was a story about human trafficking and war as well and her personal progress of going there. I liked that one more though....
It was good that the author read her book, but she sounded monotone and as if she had to clear her throat the whole time but didn't. I had a really ahrd time adjusting to her voice. She had a lack of expression in how she read it. I didn't feel the emotion that she said she had there because her voice just stayed the same the whole time. I believe I would have enjoyed this more if I read it instead of listened to it.
It actually has inspired me to want to run. I already sponsor a child in the Congo and have for a couple years and I also work for an anti-trafficking organization that talks about the Congo and other places. I really was inspired though that she wasn't really much of a runner and used it for a big difference. I wonder if in time I could do something like that for trafficking victims.
It is very important to try to seek out news of oppression around the world that the media barely mentions. Do some research and continue to help others.
I believe the story was heartfelt and real. It showed a lot about what the author was going through at the time of her discovery of what others were going through, which was far worse than she could ever imagine. She found a way to help others best that she could and was able to meet many women and learn their stories for herself.
It reminds me of Passport through Darkness by Kimberely Smith. She also went to Africa to an area where children hid in fear of being killed and where women were being raped. It was a story about human trafficking and war as well and her personal progress of going there. I liked that one more though....
It was good that the author read her book, but she sounded monotone and as if she had to clear her throat the whole time but didn't. I had a really ahrd time adjusting to her voice. She had a lack of expression in how she read it. I didn't feel the emotion that she said she had there because her voice just stayed the same the whole time. I believe I would have enjoyed this more if I read it instead of listened to it.
It actually has inspired me to want to run. I already sponsor a child in the Congo and have for a couple years and I also work for an anti-trafficking organization that talks about the Congo and other places. I really was inspired though that she wasn't really much of a runner and used it for a big difference. I wonder if in time I could do something like that for trafficking victims.
It is very important to try to seek out news of oppression around the world that the media barely mentions. Do some research and continue to help others.
kmcclellan220's review against another edition
3.0
A well written and engaging account of women in Congo. At times it felt a bit exploitative, but for the most part Lisa Shannon gave a strong voice to the often voiceless survivors of rape in war zones.
onomatopoeia320's review against another edition
3.0
This is pretty good if you're looking for a crash course on the tragedy in the DRC. It is informative, but it seems to me like those parts were plagiarized from another, more scholarly source. The rest of it was dripping with the author's emotion and naivete. After a while, it got old. But emotional or not, the author, Lisa Shannon, has done great work for Congolese women and it came at great personal cost.
taracanread's review against another edition
5.0
Not sure that I agree with her approach to working in the Congo but it was very interesting to learn what is going on there and how desperately the people need someone to intervene
davehershey's review against another edition
3.0
This book is worth reading simply to get educated on the horrors happening in the Congo. For some reason it seems like the Congo, which has been called the worst place on earth to be a woman, does not get the publicity that Sudan or other places get. There are very visible movements working to fight AIDS and human trafficking but Congo's needs have not been as visible. Thus we should be grateful to Lisa Shannon for reporting on the Congo. The stories she tells are heart-wrenching.
The only flaw is that at times the book is not as tightly written as it could be. I wish Lisa had taken some of the stories the women told her and translated them into a narrative instead of merely reporting the conversations verbatim. I think of authors like David Batstone and Kevin Bales who have written on human trafficking and their skill in writing. Lisa's passion is clear and I feel like this is such a nitpicky point on a book about such a horrible issue. Yet the book itself could do for some editing (and after reading reviews, it seems this is a common critique).
That aside, I highly recommend this book and websites of organizations (Raise Hope for Congo) to learn what is going on and what we can do.
The only flaw is that at times the book is not as tightly written as it could be. I wish Lisa had taken some of the stories the women told her and translated them into a narrative instead of merely reporting the conversations verbatim. I think of authors like David Batstone and Kevin Bales who have written on human trafficking and their skill in writing. Lisa's passion is clear and I feel like this is such a nitpicky point on a book about such a horrible issue. Yet the book itself could do for some editing (and after reading reviews, it seems this is a common critique).
That aside, I highly recommend this book and websites of organizations (Raise Hope for Congo) to learn what is going on and what we can do.
laurashavers's review against another edition
2.0
Yes, it's a great story. Yes, she is going further than most of us. So, kudos for that. However.... this book seemed extremely self centered. It was more about the author than it was about the Congo women. Based off of the title, that is what I expected the book to be focused on.
madae's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book! Lisa Shannon's journey to the Congo is powerful and inspirational. After hearing about the plight of Congolese women on Oprah, Shannon organizes a run to raise money to support them. She later travels to the Congo to meet her sisters, learn their stories and raise awareness of the horrific violence that occurs there.
readingwith_meliss's review against another edition
4.0
The way this book was written is different. It definitely wasn't the best written book that I've read. However, the content in the book was very eye opening and really makes you feel for the Congolese. Lisa has a heart of gold and has helped countless women and their families and brings to light the tragedies these people face every day.