Hidden Girl

The True Story of a Modern-Day Child Slave

By: Shyima Hall, Lisa Wysocky

Narrated by: Robin Eller

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Shyima Hall was born in Egypt on September 29, 1989, the seventh child of desperately poor parents. When she was eight, her parents sold her into slavery. Shyima then moved two hours away to Egypt's capitol city of Cairo to live with a wealthy family and serve them eighteen hours a day, seven days a week. When she was ten, her captors moved to Orange County, California, and smuggled Shyima with them. Two years later, an anonymous call from a neighbor brought about the end of Shyima's servitude - but her journey to true freedom was far from over.

A volunteer at her local police department since she was a teenager, Shyima is passionate about helping to rescue others who are in bondage. Now a U.S. citizen, she regularly speaks out about human trafficking and intends to one day become an immigration officer. In Hidden Girl, Shyima candidly reveals how she overcame her harrowing circumstances and brings vital awareness to a timely and relevant topic.

©2014 Shyima Hall (P)2014 Tantor

Unexpected

What made the experience of listening to Hidden Girl the most enjoyable?

It was simple and to the point. This is not a book to be read for entertainment. It is for enlightenment and that's what I got.

What did you like best about this story?

That it wasn't sleazy, violent and not too descriptive. I could see clearly in my mind the places and people without dragging it out. It was so plainly written yet broke my heart. There is a lot to be said about such ability to bring her story to life in such an uncomplicated way. Her emotions came through clearly and embedded them in my soul.

Which character – as performed by Robin Eller – was your favorite?

This was a narrative. It was done very well. The concise pronunciation and lack of any attempt at accent made it feel as though Robin's first language was not English, giving the effect that Shyima could have been the reader.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

While there was nothing horrific physically, on an emotional level I was horrified. I did drop a few tears.

Any additional comments?

This book should be read by everyone for a small insight into a crime which has been ongoing since the beginning of mankind. It would also be a fabulous book to give to a child who is forever complaining about how unfair things are in their life.

Opened my eyes

I was aware of the term "human trafficking, but this book opened my eyes to the implications of what that meant for one person and, as I now understand, many thousands. Before I happened upon this book, I interpreted human trafficking to mainly refer to people held for sexual purposes, but I now understand more fully what the term implies.

This story is told in a simple and relatable manner. It reveals an indomitable human spirit which I truly found uplifting. It left me hoping that if I ever encounter an individual in that circumstance, I might be able to recognize it and help that person. Shyima, I wish you the very best. You deserve it.

Wow. Absolutely riveting - and chilling.

Only TWO percent make it out of slavery. 17 thousand new slaves are brought to the U.S. each year. These two details from the book were new for me. I wish her all the best in life.

I think this is a great book so empowering

I loved this book it was so empowering for women of all ages and it really gives you a great idea of what it was like I would recommend this book to anyone who is having a rough time and
it was so amazing to learn how she overcame everything

Her situation was terrible

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was good that I listened because I think it opened my eyes to problems that I knew about but did not fully comprehend. I think the tale was only "OK" as far as the way it was written. It was very matter of fact and much more of a documentary type book than a story which is what I generally listen to. Towards the end she kind of lost my attention. I know this needs to be said and I am really glad that her situation ended as it did.

Would you be willing to try another book from Shyima Hall and Lisa Wysocky ? Why or why not?

Probably not another one, I have heard her story and the writing was not something that grabbed me. Definitely worth the listen just not something I would listen to again.

Was Hidden Girl worth the listening time?

Definitely. I think everyone needs to be aware of what is going on.

The book was longer than the story.

They could have shortened the book by at least 3 chapters. The beginning and middle were interesting but too much was written about her life after her rescue which was more if a normal happy life and not so unusual. I was reading the book to learn more about human trafficking and found the end too slow to listen too so I fast forwarded through the end. It was good to learn that not all trafficking is for sex. This book was about slave labor in one household.

great story.

what a remarkable story! it was great to hear, but horrible that this continues to occur today.

Modern Slavery - who knew?

What made the experience of listening to Hidden Girl the most enjoyable?

True story of a young girl sold into slavery, with all it's hidden, dark and dirty aspects. A not too much talked about subject matter, yet, a true story. I was beguiled by the story and wanted to know what was going to happen next. Cannot and actually refuse to understand parent that sell their children - and in this case - WHY THIS particular one?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Shyima is my favorite character, only she can tell it the way she felt it.

What about Robin Eller’s performance did you like?

Great narration, warm voice and clearly spoken.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend the book, even for young adults.

Hero

She is an amazing woman! She is an inspiration to so many. Such a touching story.

Wow!

I could not stop listening to this book, it was addicting. Such an eye opener. I highly recommend this book.