Unveiled Truth: Lessons I Learned Leading the International School of Kabul Paperback – November 6, 2019

In 2005, Gail Goolsby reluctantly found herself the founding principal of the International School of Kabul in Afghanistan. Though at first, she is reluctant to move to Kabul considering the political turmoil prevalent in Afghanistan, the call to impart knowledge and education to children lures her to accept the position of a principal and to change the lives of these children.Unveiled Truth portrays the diverse culture of Afghanistan in a light which is distinct from the one we know, which is tainted with stories of war and unrest. Gail shares incidents from the seven years she lived in Kabul and devoted to the school in Kabul and also shares the wisdom, courage and strength she acquired during this time.Despite the campus lockdowns, bombings, work disputes, cultural restrictions, and a lack of daily subsistences which Gail (and all of us) take for granted, Gail works extremely hard to run the school, establish the school and also help children learn which is worthy of praise.Though her time in Afghanistan was tough with difficult and life-threatening circumstances, Gail chose to stay, portraying the bravery in order to improve the lives of young people caught up in a treacherous world, which would have led them to the doors of war and trauma.I loved how Gail ended each chapter with a summary of the lesson she wished to impart to readers as well as questions to help us reflect on our life and apply what we have learnt in our lives.

What a great book! It caused me to think at every turn of the page. I chuckled, and cried several times, at picturing these loving people in an all-too-real-life situation. Her words are heart-hitting yet beautifully described - painfully honest, purely sincere and always looking for the good. What love! What endurance it had to take.A couple of my favorite phrases will always stay with me:“We don’t have to feel safe to thrive”.“Person-to-person impact is worth the extra time.”“The Unveiled Truth” at the end of each chapter unexpectedly helped me with some hurdles that I am going through in my own life. ...So I bought more copies to give as gifts. :-)Gail Goolsby, please write another book!!!

As a Christian and retired teacher whose son did a tour of duty in Afghanistan , I found this memoir fascinating. The challenges the author would face leading a school in a foreign country compelled me to begin reading, but her ability to use her counseling insight to examine difficult situations and accept blame when warranted kept me turning pages. Goolsby honestly shared her human weaknesses throughout her journey, but she consistently turned to her faith in God when she forgave herself and others. I highly recommend this book.

Gail is a gifted writer and as a retired teacher I found her story applicable to schools and teachers around the world. Her experiences in Afghanistan are eye opening and a way to understand cultural differences. So glad she found the courage to share her story.

Gail Goolsby's account of the efforts to bring quality, co-ed education to the people of Afghanistan in the post 9/11 era is both inspiring and heartbreaking. It made me appreciate teachers-- everywhere-- all the more. Overlapping the story is the familiar tale of the painful obstacles women in leadership often face, both overseas and in the United States. Gail Goolsby's personal commitment to healing and living a happy, productive life after the traumatic events she encountered offers an example of hope and courage that is much needed today.

We read the book in bookclub and then the author joined us to tell us about her experiences in Kabul.Learned a lot about how difficult it can be to be a woman in a country run by the Taliban. I liked the authenticity of the novel. Very worthwhile and enjoyable.Sue

As a new school administrator in an international setting, I appreciated Gail's insights and honesty. Read during the 2021 Afghan crisis, the book gave me a chance to consider real people who are involved.

Inspiring book and great read! As a strong woman in a leadership role, I really appreciated how open Gail was as she worked to influence those around her and openly shared her struggles.Gail coaches me in each chapter, as I read this book while making some life decisions. I was educated, challenged and blessed!Love the open, honest and courageous writing about this amazing journey.