I came into this book not expecting anything and not really knowing what I was getting into. I found this book to be a fascinating expose on gender in Afghanistan. I wish there were more books on this topic, but unfortunately, Jenny Nordberg stands alone in this particular field. As a western woman, I feel this book was a particularly important read. Educating women and girls empowers everyone. Educated countries are less violent countries. Educated girls have fewer children, can be better wives and mothers, and can help build the economy. Educated girls know their worth. Educated girls empower men through stronger households. It is not one gender verses the other, as many feel in the culture these women share. For us westerners, it is not one culture verses the other. We are all in this together and we must help one another. It begins by becoming informed.