Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad by Waris DirieMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I started this book when I went to bed last night and finished it around 3:30 this morning. I've owned it for a few months having bought it after seeing something about Waris Dirie on the internet. I am glad she told her story and hope that her allowing the world into her private life will benefit those she told the story for, other women all over the world who not only try to succeed in their lives, but also live where FGM is an "accepted" occurrence, a part of their "religious" beliefs. I say it like that because it is so VERY clear that this is only one of many ways MEN have developed to make sure they are not only the true father of their children, but that they get the most out of sexual experiences regardless of how the damage their women or how their women feel. Waris explains the culture so well that one feels not only her pain, but her sympathy and love for her parents who she views as victims as much as she was/is. I love the rawness of her telling of the story. She doesn't make excuses just tells the story from the only point of view she can, hers. Her story might be unique, but not really if one looks the world over. There are strong, dedicated, vibrant women everywhere and they help this world tick, even if they are mutilated and made to feel inferior. Yep. She really touched me with her passion and real-ness. I recommend this to anyone who wants to better understand the world around them, with all its faults and beauty. Waris Dirie, Cathleen Miller
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