The JDE Project JDE Project itibaren 02300 Neuflieux, Fransa
The concept of this book is so simple that it almost seems a waste to read an entire book that deals with how the actions you're involved in now are shaping your future destinations in life. In fact, Stanley even mentions a couple times in his book that he hesitated writing sections or the book as a whole for this reason. And yet, I can't escape the fact that I found the book riveting. It was an incredibly challenging message delivered in the easily-accessible style of Andy Stanley. He walks you through the idea in a progression that leaves you at the end of the book (as well as in between) desiring to check yourself and the direction you truly are headed in - not just the one you wish you were.
Emily is forced to move to England for a year while her father is a guest scholar. Her life is over. No malls, no food, weird names of things, and a ghost in her underwear drawer. Then she meets Aidan, who is gorgeous and has a mustache. Things may be looking up, but only if she can overcome the horrible school uniform and being placed back a year!
Nujood, a 10 year old in Yemen, is barely 10 years old when her father tells her she will be married to a man 3 times her age. She has only a few days to cry and plead before it actually happens. She tells her story, how she fought the culture in which she was raised, and what she has learned. In watching her mother grieve for her family, she said, "My heart broke to see her suffer. My divorce had opened my eyes about many things, making me more sensitive to the unhappiness of others." p. 146 Long after the court case has cleared and she has been granted divorce, she finally settles back into a routine in which she feels comfortable and is able to attend school: "With an enthusiasm I haven't dared feel for a very long time, I quickly raise my hand, stretching high so that everyone can see me. It's strange; for once I haven't bothered to think something over before acting. I didn't ask myself what Aba would think, or what people might say behind my back. I, Nujood, ten years old--I have chosen to answer a question. And this choice is mine alone. . .With a smile, I sit down again at my desk. Glancing around me, I can't help heaving a great sigh of relief. In my green and white uniform, I'm only one of fifty girls in this class I am a pupil in the second year of primary school. I have just started classes again, like thousands of other little Yemeni girls. When I go home this afternoon, I will have homework to do, and drawings to make with colored pencils. Today I fianlally feel that I've become a little girl again. A normal little girl. Like before. I'm just me." pp.166-7.
Very cute story with a lot of intriguing twists and turns. It's a bit dated in terms of language, but easy enough to figure out what they mean. I'm a bit disappointed that I never came across this in my childhood, I would have adored it then too! Great for all ages!