The Story of My Life by Farah Ahmedi

 The Story of My Life by Farah Ahmedi is an autobiography about an Afghan girl's life and struggles.This inspiring and compelling story about survival is mesmerizing. It's a story many people can relate to their own lives and struggles.

I loved this book. I finished it in about five hours, only getting up to eat, drink, or use the bathroom. The Story of My Life is a wonderful and fantastic book to read. It's also a great book to discuss with others. There are two reasons I liked this book so much. First, I felt like I was there with Farah, living her life. Second, because I could relate to her life, even though our lives look so different. I could relate to Farah's difficulties dealing with death, pain, embarrassment, new cultures, traveling to new places and most importantly, not being able to drive. Many people have had similar experiences to Farah.Everyone has problems to face and overcome.

Here is a quick summary of this book: Farah Ahmedi lives in Kabul, Afghanistan, with her mother, father, sister, and brothers. While going to school one day, Farah decided to cut through the corn field to save time, and her life changed forever. Farah stepped on a land mine, and lost the ability to walk on her own two feet.  Farah is sent to Germany, to be treated. Germany is like heaven to Farah. She's given her own plate and silverware to eat with, coloring books, and love. After two years in Germany, Farah is healthy enough to go back to Afghanistan and her family. When life seems to be getting back to normal, a bomb hits Farah's house, killing her father, sister, and brothers. Farah and her mother are left to survive on their own. Her mother's asthma attacks require several trips a week to the hospital. Farah is struggling to walk on her worn down prosthetic leg. The Taliban has invaded their town. Money is dwindling. One day, Farah learns about an organization sending a thousand Afghan refugees to America! Farah and her mother quickly apply, not listening to the rumors they will be treated like slaves. After long weeks of fighting and struggling to get an appointment with the Americans, Farah and her mother are accepted into the program. They're going to America. Unable to speak English, Farah and her mother struggle to make appointments, use phones and communicate with Americans. After the initial settlement period, Farah and her mother are on their own, surviving in a strange but exciting new world. Farah is taking English classes, walking on a new prosthetic leg, going to school, and driving.  For her whole life, Farah has fought and struggled to survive. She wants to forget her past. She realizes though, she can't forget her past, that it is good to remember, because it is a part of who she is: part Afghan, part American, and wondering what her future holds.

I definitely recommend this book to 9th grade and up. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what life changing event, or miracle will happen next.