I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

By: Nujood Ali

Narrated by: Meera Simhan

Forced by her father to marry a man three times her age, young Nujood Ali was sent away from her parents and beloved sisters and made to live with her husband and his family in an isolated village in rural Yemen. There she suffered daily from physical and emotional abuse by her mother-in-law and nightly at the rough hands of her spouse. Flouting his oath to wait to have sexual relations with Nujood until she was no longer a child, he took her virginity on their wedding night. She was only 10 years old.

Unable to endure the pain and distress any longer, Nujood fled, not for home, but to the courthouse of the capital, paying for a taxi ride with a few precious coins of bread money. When a renowned Yemeni lawyer heard about the young victim, she took on Nujood's case and fought the archaic system in a country where almost half the girls are married while still under the legal age. Since their unprecedented victory in April 2008, Nujood's courageous defiance of both Yemeni customs and her own family has attracted a storm of international attention. Her story even incited change in Yemen and other Middle Eastern countries, where underage marriage laws are being increasingly enforced and other child brides have been granted divorces.

Recently honored alongside Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice as one of Glamour magazine's women of the year, Nujood now tells her full story for the first time. As she guides us from the magical, fragrant streets of the Old City of Sanaa to the cement-block slums and rural villages of this ancient land, her unflinching look at an injustice suffered by all too many girls around the world is at once shocking, inspiring, and utterly unforgettable.

©2010 Nujood Ali (P)2010 Random House

Outraged & heartbroken

It's no surprise that such a disguesting practice is being done as often as does the simple act of sleep and wake. But to hear first hand how the males view women like cattle and how the women not only have learned to conform for their own protection and sanity, but some have even grown to encourage such behavoirs. This story of the trials of a ten year old little girl who was forced into voilence and sickness is heartbreaking yet uplifting. A true underdog story that although is often gutrenching must be told & read. I pray for you little brave Nujood.

Short but worth it

For just a few hours I was wondering how this would be. But I listened to it in one streght. I was shocking and eye opening. Some of your money goes to help support this young lady in this purchase, plus you get a audio book. I learned something new, got an audio and helped support Nujood. It was worth the few dollars for me.

painfully necessary

This story is a painful but crucial portrayal of the plight of many women and children in the Middle East. May we all be inspired to remember and protect these humans whose unheard voices dream of a decent and hopeful life.

was OK.... perf. of reading distracting

took a long time to make the point. performance of reading distracting and hard to follow at times.

Informative Book & Important Topic

The story and information is important and should be shared with all who want to understand global women’s issues.

Incredible tale of courage

If you could sum up I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced in three words, what would they be?

There is hope.

What did you like best about this story?

Nujood's courage and determination. I used this book as a companion to the text in an Intensive Reading course I teach and the voice helped keep the students engaged and interested. The story exposes one of the greatest middle eastern tragedies: the injustice and inequity for girls and women. Nujood's hope through the most horrifying circumstances encourages listeners to persevere.

What about Meera Simhan’s performance did you like?

You could actually hear Nujood through her voice.

Enlightening

Very good listen. Cultural enlightenment. Provides insight of different cultural struggles. Amazed at the treatment and "selling" that occurs with youth of Middle Eastern Cultures.

Amazing Little Girl

Although there are some things I would have elaborated on, this book is amazing. For someone of her talents she needs to continue to prod the world to see things through her eyes.

Good read

Very informational, it proves the point that “you” have to fight for your own life. I’m glad her story was seen by millions. I pray that more is done regarding this practice world wide.

Harrowing yet nonexploitive

I was concerned when my 15 year old told me this book was required for ELA class at school. So I listened in order to get a feel for what she would be reading. I was unsure about how explicit this book would be. It was difficult to hear the abuse Nujood suffered at the hands of her husband, however, it was written in non exploitive ways. I am so impressed by this young girls courage and am amazed by her strength. She is an incredible role model for our girls!