Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening

This book is many things. It is an inspiring story of one woman’s journey from an abused and impoverished childhood, through the embrace of religious extremism, to women’s activist and a voice for those who suffer merely because they are different. It is a book that speaks for anyone who has ever felt oppression—women, minorities, foreigners, the illiterate, the downtrodden, those who suffer from mental illness, the abused. Avoids the hateful rhetoric and acidic bitterness that sometimes pervades the literature of social and civil activism. Al-Sharif is remarkably balanced in her portrayal of people and events. She glosses over none of the harsh realities but nonetheless allows her personal sense of conflict to come through.It is also an insightful primer on Saudi Arabia and its culture from the 1990s on. It is a narrative that few Americans have heard before and is, again, as balanced as her portrayal of the people she portrays.Perhaps the most distinguishing quality of the book is the candor and even-handedness with which Al-Sharif presents herself. She is open and candid about who she is and her actions in a way that is difficult for any writer to achieve. That, alone, suggests a very special person.And a very good book.

I heard Manal speak on NPR and she was very professional, interesting and forgiving to those who have caused her great pain. I bought the book to support women in Saudi Arabia achieving independence. Manal's story was interesting, painful but hopeful as well. It's amazing what she has been able to accomplish given her background and culture. She made some mistakes in her life but was able to keep moving forward...growing and evolving. She's faced adversity with grace and courage. I wish her the best and hope the culture changes in Saudi Arabia and other countries so that women have the same rights as men and can overcome the bias against them. Being female should not be a liability!

I couldn't put this book down. This is a smart woman who obviously loves her country but not the system of subjugation of women. She is only fighting to better the lives of women in Saudi Arabia. This is 2017 and still the religious men in that kingdom are scared of giving women the ability to drive. "The rain begins with a single drop" is a line she repeats in the book - so true! When people in history have fought for their rights, it starts with a few leading the way. I admire her greatly. Her life story was very interesting. I wish her the greatest of luck.

That is, one year after this book was published. So Saudi Arabia becomes the final country in the world to allow women to drive. Nice of them to join the modern world, but I think I'll just keep my opinions to myself.I was really interested in the book as I had followed the Women to Drive Movement quite extensively in 2011, and later on again in 2014. I remember all the women that kept getting arrested including Manal-al Sharif, the author. The one I remember the most was Loujain Al-Hathloul back in late 2014. When I read this book in 2018, she was in prison, and as of July 2020, she is still in prison. Goodness.Now, as for the book, it's basically a first-person biography (or autobiography) that is based on al-Sharif's personal recollections. Because most of her life was spent in Saudi Arabia, there is a lot of references to things that many Westerners may not like, including oppression of women and religious ideals. I am not a Muslim, but I am religious myself, and I had no problem reading about Islam and how it affects the author's life growing up in Saudi Arabia and defying the ban on driving. But if you're someone who takes offense at this kind of stuff, I suggest not reading this book then. Just a fair warning.I really enjoyed reading this book, and that's coming from someone who normally doesn't read biographies, autobiographies, or memoirs. I don't really enjoy them too much, but I loved this book. At 305 pages, you could probably read the whole book in 5 to 7 hours, depending on your reading speed. So knock it out in one day if you have the time!

Astounding and astonishing that women continue to be treated as worthless. Shame on Saudi Arabia. A well written account by the author about the struggle that women face as they challenge archaic laws and unenlightened cultures. What was horrifying was learning about the number of foreign women held in Saudi prisons because they dared to object to abuse by their employer (for instance) and there they languish because they have no money to pay for their fare back to their country. Such human rights abuse. The author has shown tremendous courage and bravery to write her story.

This book is about much more than just the author's efforts to break down barriers in Saudi Arabia regarding women driving. Although that is the focus and unifying story throughout the book, the author gives an intimate, firsthand view of the subservient, oppressed role of women in that country. To know that this is occurring in modern times was truly enlightening to me as a US citizen.

A very exciting memoir about a young woman from Mekka in Saudi Arabia who becomes the accidental leader of a wildly subversive movement to put women behind the steering wheel.A must read for everyone who's interested in Middle Eastern culture.

Material de qualidade incomparável.Que história... Estamos longe de sermos uma sociedade evoluída, seja lá o que configure a referida evolução.Entrega rápida. =)

I admire this woman for her guts in wanting to do what she wants rather than what some demented man thinks she should be doing. Her brother was great . Everyone should read this book, it gives a good look at what those women in those countries have to go through just to get some rights.

The book is not only about the struggle for driving rights of the women of Saudi Arabia but also about the atrocities, discrimination, humiliation they have to face right from their birth until their death, dominated by male chauvinism and a patriarchal society. However the world is changing and I hope one day all the countries are on par on rights given to women so that they can live a life with dignity; they can empower themselves, dream and fulfil their desires with absolute liberty.

The courage of this young women to challenge the male dominance of her society is truly inspirational. Sent to a fetid prison and shunned by many of her " friends" she has challenged a society ruled by old men. I loved it. I just hope that many more will have the guts to stand up and be counted and bring a rich country into the 21 st century for their women who have so much to offer.