Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Synopsis: The personal story of a Somalian humanitarian advocate.

Writing Style: Passionate. Clear. To the Point. Organized.

Pacing: Fast.

Personal Highlights: First of all, I opened the book and was unable to put it down. The storytelling is exceptionally engaging, and deeply fierce. Although I’m constantly learning, and enshrine procuring new bits of information, it’s not often to come by revelations ‘as positioned’ in these type memoirs. 

Too many details to count kept the pages turning...nicely; from the customs…Somalia children being taught to memorize their lineage…often dating back 800 years…to the geographies covered. Ayaan’s family moved from Mogadishu, Somalia to Saudi Arabia, to Ethiopia, to Kenya/Nairobi. By the time she was 10 she lived through three different political systems, where and how she picks up the fluent ability to articulate a kaleidoscope of customs and cultures…and religions. It’s also what led to her humanity crusade, from a respectable political position after seeking asylum in the Netherlands. 

Overall, Ayaan’s life story is hard…and touching, and without doubt both informative and memorable. Not one page is wasted. Women who deeply care about women’s issues will want to read this book. People who care about the quality of human life on earth, as well will get a lot out of reading this memoir. Highly recommended.