Manal al-Sharif

Not all superheros wear capes -- some wear headscarves.

One need not turn to [b:The Handmaid's Tale|38447|The Handmaid's Tale|Margaret Atwood|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498057733s/38447.jpg|1119185] in order to read a story about female oppression. Manal Al-Sharif's book "Daring to Drive" provides outsiders an inside look at life in one of the world's most repressive countries -- Saudi Arabia.

Manal's story begins almost at the end, when she is taken from her home under cover of show more darkness by unidentified authorities because she has been seen driving (while technically not illegal in Saudi Arabia, Saudi custom forbids women from driving and anyone caught in defiance of the custom is treated as a criminal).

Manal then goes "back to the beginning" and takes readers on a journey through her life -- her own fundamentalism and subsequent conversion to questioner; her awful marriage; her education and career experience; and finally her work in challenging the status quo that forbids women from driving.

The story is riveting and eye-opening. Although I would consider myself to be a person who has fairly good general knowledge of current world affairs, I was shocked in reading the details about life under the Saudi regime.

This book is heartily recommended for those wanting to know more about Saudi Arabia and women who are working to improve the standing of other women.

4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less

Growing up in conservative Saudi Arabia and adhering to strict, Muslim doctrines as a teenager and young adult, Manal al-Sharif undoubtedly never imagined that in a few short years she would be leading a campaign supporting Saudi women's right to drive cars. This endeavor would ultimately land her in jail, despite there being no laws on the books forbidding Saudi women from driving.

Sharif's story was fascinating, not only due to the sheer amount I learned about Saudi culture, but also her show more remarkable personal achievements. In addition to her women's rights campaign, she was among the first Saudi women to work in the field of information security. A truly brave woman! show less

This first-person account of growing up in Saudi Arabia was really wrenching, but ultimately hopeful.

The book opens with Manal's arrest for "driving while female", then backtracks to tell the full story of her life up until that moment. The writing is beautiful and the story is very compelling.

A comprehensive and honest rendering of a woman's life in Saudi Arabia. For any curious about if what you hear and see on the television is true, this book will astonish, fill in many blanks about living in a country ruled by Sharia law. A country where the religious police are given even more power than the law. The author takes us through her childhood, living in Mecca, her parents, a sister she was often at odds with and her beloved brother. Where a woman is allowed to do so little on her show more own, where a male family member or guardian must intercede and give approval for the smallest thing, even medical care.

Will show how the younger generation is being radicalized​, and the basis for the commitment in Sharia law by this younger group. Some of this I knew but never in such detail. It is almost unbelievable some of the things that are both allowed, and I know most readers will find some of these events shocking. The bravery and the honesty, of this young woman who no longer lives in this county though still maintains close ties there, is awe inspiring. Things are changing, but so very slowly and due to woman such as these who put their lives and happiness on the line for others. A very profound telling, written in a very personal way, I came away with so much admiration for this woman and her strength. A book that makes me realize that no matter how unhappy I am with what is going on in the political arena and onslaught​s on woman's rights, I am still lucky to live in the country I do. It also showed me the importance of defending what we do have and standing up for what we believe. show less