Journal Entry 1 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Friday, February 15, 2008

I enjoyed reading about how Deborah connected with the women of Afghanistan through the universal desire for beauty. The cultural gaps between US and Afghani culture made for great reading, and it was a story I wanted to continue. This version has an updated afterward written in fall of 2007, so it is a current story offering a window into a place few of us could enter.

I will be sending this out in a bookring. 

Journal Entry 2 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Friday, February 15, 2008

Mailed out to pammykn in today's mail to start up a bookring. The list of readers is over 20, so lets all try to keep this book moving. PM the next reader as soon as you receive this book so you will have an address ready to mail when you are finished reading. It's a fun and fast read, so please try to keep it for no more than 2 weeks. If you need more time, please pm me and keep me updated on the book's status.

I would be happy to adjust shipping order if you are swamped when your turn rolls around. If you see a problem with anyone on the list, please let me know.

I've tried to arrange shipping geographically to minimize the time it spends in the mail. Reading order is as follows:

1. pammykn FL/USA
2. Azuki FL/USA
3. Doveilibri FL/USA
4. Sejent KY/USA
5. Ladybug01 VA/USA
6. MaryZee MD/USA
7. UnwrittenLibra MA/USA
8. Pell Italy
9. Chich France
10. Sobergirl Finland
11. Brunton11 UK
12. AgnesXNitt UK
13. LittleSuz Scotland
14. LyzzyBee UK
15. GrannyAnn NY/USA
16. lexilewords NJ/USA (skipped--not responding to PM's)
17. Spoiledrotten NJ/USA
18. bibliotreker PA/USA
19. ClassicFox OH/USA
20. jmsmom OK/USA
21. Thistle8 TX/USA
22. PaulsBooks UT/USA
23 Try lexilewords NJ/USA again

And home again to Bluestocking88 <--book is here 

Journal Entry 3 by pammykn from Decatur, Alabama USA on Friday, February 22, 2008

Thanks rec'd today & look forward to reading soon. 

Journal Entry 4 by pammykn from Decatur, Alabama USA on Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Thanks so much for sharing this book, very worthwhile read! Will send off to Azuki today.

03/12/08
TITLE/AUTHOR: KABUL BEAUTY SCHOOL by Deborah Rodriguez
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/# OF PGS: Memoir/2007/270 pgs
TIME/PLACE: 2003/Kabul, Afghanistan
FIRST LINES: The women arrive at the salon just before eight in the morning.

COMMENTS: 02/22/08 rec via bookcrossing ring/ray. Loved it! Debbie Rodriguez is a mother of 2 boys and hairdresser living in Holland Michigan. She has just gotten out of a bad marriage and travels to Afghanistan w/ a disaster relief program where she immediately feels a connection. She is not medically trained but does have a cosmetology degree and wants to help women become independent by opening a Beauty School. Really felt like I got an inside view into how some of the women in Afghanistan live. I admired Debbie for starting the Beauty School in Kabul. Can't really say I understand the marriage to Sam... Altho' most of the women had some very sad stories there was the right amount of humor to keep the book lively w/o losing the seriousness of their situations. 

Journal Entry 5 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Sunday, March 16, 2008

This has been on my wishlist so I am really grateful to Bluestocking88 for sharing her copy.
I have a few work related books to read by this weekend but after that would start on this one. 

Journal Entry 6 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Wednesday, March 26, 2008

A very entertaining read with a mix of hilarious moments and sobering sad stories. I cheered for the author when she received an unexpectedly enthusiastic welcome from all the foreign aid workers starving for a highlight and hairdo. I cheered for Nahida who survived like a phoenix and ached for those who succumbed to their circumstances.

For those interested, here's an article with some pictures, including one of the author with her Afghan husband. (I agree with pammykn that it's hard to fanthom how the marriage happened...) It's a funny picture and somehow Sam's scrowl looks more a pout than a threat next to Debbie's laughs.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=454386&in_page_id=1770

Will mail this off to Doveilibri tomorrow.
 

Journal Entry 7 by Dove-i-libri from Fort Myers, Florida USA on Friday, April 11, 2008

Journal Entry 8 by Dove-i-libri at Post Office, was mailed to a fellow book crosser in Fort Myers, Florida USA on Thursday, April 24, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (4/26/2008 UTC) at Post Office, was mailed to a fellow book crosser in Fort Myers, Florida USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Journal Entry 9 by sejent from Louisville, Kentucky USA on Monday, May 05, 2008

Received in the mail while I was on vacation. I have a few bookrings to read before this, but will get to it soon...I'm looking forward to it. 

Journal Entry 10 by sejent from Louisville, Kentucky USA on Wednesday, June 11, 2008

A fascinating memoir.

Sending to Ladybug01 in VA. 

Journal Entry 11 by Ladybug01 on Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Received this book during a busy time - son's graduation, start of summer & packing kids off to camp, etc. I'm traveling (alone!) this weekend to a family reunion and am looking forward to reading this book on the plane! Then next Wed. I ship the hubby & 2 sons off to Philmont NM for their Boy Scout hiking trip & I plan to read from dawn to dusk for many days!
>(:::) 

Journal Entry 12 by Ladybug01 on Wednesday, August 06, 2008

I found the book fascinating and very informative as to life in Afghanistan, especially for the women. I do feel the author pushed some boundaries and was at times snobbish and culturally insensitive. The ending seemed rushed - I was left wondering why she left all her new friends & husband without saying good-bye.

(you might want to wait to read this until after you finish the book.) A recent (June 2008) Chicago Tribune article reports how the story has unfolded since Kabul Beauty School has been published... and it is quite sad.

For a much more uplifting story of how one man can make a difference, I recommend "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time". Since a 1993 climb on Pakistan's K2, the author Greg Mortenson co-founded the Central Asia Institute and Pennies For Peace; he has established over 60 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, bringing education to the poor, especially girls.

Sending KBS to MaryZee. 

Journal Entry 13 by MaryZee from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Friday, August 08, 2008

This arrived safely in the mail today. It's going to be at least a couple of weeks til I can get to it though - a sizeable bookring arrived just a few days ago, and I'm just getting into that one now. I'll update here when I start on Kabul Beauty School.

8/22 update - Finally finished the other bookray and starting this book today. Finished the first chapter, very readable. I doubt this will take more than a week :) 

Journal Entry 14 by MaryZee from Taneytown, Maryland USA on Monday, August 25, 2008

I loved this book. A wonderful, quick read, which I needed after spending 2 1/2 weeks on the last bookring (which seemed as though it took forever to read) - this was a much welcomed change.

Although the stories of the women were sad, Debbie managed to give this book an uplifting, hopeful slant. However, I do feel she kind of jumps into things without knowing what she's getting into. Hence, three disastrous marriages. I think she truly cared about these women while she was there, and did what she could to try to improve their lives and give them hope for the future. Unfortunately, jobs and training can't change decades of mistreatment and prejudice by men. ("Manistan")

But, all in all, a wonderfully written book, which I enjoyed very much. Thanks so much to Bluestocking88 for sharing, and to the others for sending on. I have UnwrittenLibra's address at school in Massachusetts. Since he will be there after Labor Day, I'll be mailing this out later this week.

8/29 update - Mailed to UnwrittenLibra in MA today. 

Journal Entry 15 by UnwrittenLibra from Houston, Texas USA on Saturday, September 06, 2008

Received today here in Amherst, MA...thanks again! 

Journal Entry 16 by UnwrittenLibra from Houston, Texas USA on Saturday, October 04, 2008

Finished this today - just under a month! Phew! With little reading time it feels like I've had it forever!

Rodriguez is an admirable woman and a fun, quirky character - I really loved the book but at times it was hard to follow and it was hard to keep the characters straight. Nonetheless, I kept wanting to hear more about the story - the human interest factor really drew me in and it was hard to let go of once the book ended.

Off to Pell when I get an address. 

Journal Entry 17 by UnwrittenLibra from Houston, Texas USA on Thursday, October 23, 2008

Sent to Pell in Italy last week! Go book go! 

Journal Entry 18 by Pell from Canino, Lazio Italy on Friday, October 31, 2008

Thank you UnwrittenLibra found the book in my postbox this morning, I have just finished my last bookring so will begin reading it tonight, am looking forward to reading it with a glass of wine and some chocki. 

Journal Entry 19 by Pell from Canino, Lazio Italy on Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Really enjoyed this one, sorry it seems to have take longer than usual to read, have posted it on to Chich today from Canino. 

Journal Entry 20 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Sunday, December 14, 2008

Book received today, thanks so much for passing it on Pell! And thanks for starting this ring Bluestocking88 :o) 

Journal Entry 21 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Sunday, December 21, 2008

I'm afraid my review will be the first negative one for this book! I have to say I didn't enjoy reading this book much, mostly because I found the author very annoying and overly naive.

Thanks for sharing anyway Bluestocking88:o)

Journal Entry 22 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Sunday, December 21, 2008

Book sent to sobergirl today, enjoy!



Entry #52 for the 2008 Keep Them Moving Challenge 

Journal Entry 23 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Thursday, January 01, 2009

The bookring is now with me! 

Journal Entry 24 by Sobergirl from Turku, Varsinais-Suomi Finland on Sunday, January 04, 2009

As soon as I opened this book I was hooked.
An intriguing read.

I had a bit of a problem with who's who, and sometimes the author seemed a bit naive, but on the whole an interesting story!
I sincerely hope the political situation in Afghanistan will clear up soon, and that everyone there will be allowed to work freely.

I will mail the book to the next participant tomorrow!

Edit 5th Jan 2009:
Book mailed today via economy mail to brunton11
 

Journal Entry 25 by brunton11 from Salford, Lancashire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 15, 2009

Received safely today. 

Journal Entry 26 by brunton11 from Salford, Lancashire United Kingdom on Sunday, February 15, 2009

The writing style made this book very easy to read (I finished it in 2 days once I got going) though the stories told were a bit of an eye-opener - I never fully appreciated what life could be like for women in Afghanistan. I agree with other journallers that the author's marriage to Sam was a bit of an odd one.

I have an address for AgnesXNitt so will get this book in the post hopefully on Tuesday. Thanks all for sharing. 

Journal Entry 27 by brunton11 from Salford, Lancashire United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Posted today. 

Journal Entry 28 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, February 19, 2009

Yay! It's with me! Okay, looking forward to reading this book, which seems to have the thumbs up from the BXers who have read it on this ring. Thanks for posting on Brunton11, we seem to keep swapping books at the moment don't we ;)
Started immediately and already am charmed by the author's writing style. My only previous experience of the Afghan culture was reading 'My Forbidden Face' which I thoroughly recommend if you haven't already read it.
Thanks for hosting this one Bluestocking88 :) 

Journal Entry 29 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 21, 2009

Oh My Goodness! Thank you so much for hosting this ring Bluestocking88, I have learnt a great deal about Afghani culture as it effect Afghani Woman, and have been shocked as well as educated. I was so engrossed I stayed up way past my bedtime reading it!
I am now even more glad I live in Britain in the 21st Century, have the vote, have a driving licence, and a job. The things those poor women have to do in order to have any kind of life beyond basic survival is shocking, and I applaud both the Author of this particular book and all who do their bit in order to make a war torn country a bit more habitable.
I agree with the previous bookcrosser who called the author 'naive', however I think she is driven from a genuine desire to help, and sometimes she really can't comprehend shes not at home in the States but living in a culture where a female's only worth is the dowry she can claim upon marriage.
Some sad stories - her best friend and her second marriage, her cleaner's messed up existance, the school being taken from her after all she and her staff had done.
Some good stories - saving her best friend's reputation at the 2nd marriage (an extremly brave thing to do), the shipping of supplies out and the things that happen when they are unloaded, the seeing off of the World's Worst Neighbours.
I winced when I read she was falling in love with her 2nd husband, 'Sam', as I could imagine the car wreck of a relationship it is most likely to turn out as, and grimaced when she wrote how Afghani brides used chewing gum to remove all their body hair before they got married. I've had my legs waxed. It hurt. I read the chewing gum story and crossed my legs. A couple of the ladies I work with had the same reaction - and they've both given birth!
A marvellous book, and one I would and have recommended now I have read it.
I will PM LittleSuz waaaaaaaaaaaaaay up there in Scotland and get this tome travelling soonest.
22/02/09 - LittleSuz has dropped out of the ring, so I'll PM LyzzyBee for her addy instead. 

Journal Entry 30 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, February 26, 2009

Received yesterday - sorry for the slight delay in journalling. I have a book to finish then this will be next. 

Journal Entry 31 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Like other readers, I found the narrator a little naive and quick to act without thinking of the consequences for herself or her friends. But it was an interesting read. I was aware of the history and culture of Afghanistan through other books I've read, but this gave a good insight into women's issues and outlets. A lot of the stories were tragic - but there is a good balance of resilience and humour too. A quicker read than I was expecting.

Thanks to the people before me on the list who posted the links to articles written about the book - very interesting.

Will PM GrannyAnn for her address now... 

Journal Entry 32 by LyzzyBee at Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 05, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (3/5/2009 UTC) at Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posting to the next reader today. 

Journal Entry 33 by GrannyAnn from West Henrietta, New York USA on Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Received in the mail today. I'm looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the postcard,LyzzyBee. Your city looks lovely, I'd like to visit someday.

Thanks for offering this book, Bluestocking88. 

Journal Entry 34 by GrannyAnn at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, New York USA on Sunday, April 19, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (4/19/2009 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, New York USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I enjoyed this book very much. I have been reading quite a lot about Afghanistan lately. This tells the story of an American woman who was captivated by the country and its people and tried to do something for the women of Kabul. It's not a good thing to be female in Afghanistan and Deborah takes her experiences in a bad marriage in the US and tries to make a difference in a few lives in Kabul. There are some good endings but many more unhappy ones. When I read a book like this I am thankful for what we have in this country. We are truly blest.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Off to the next reader. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 35 by spoiledrotten from Waldwick, New Jersey USA on Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Received in the mail today. Perfect timing as I just finished and mailed off my latest ring yesterday. Thanks for including me and sending. 

Journal Entry 36 by spoiledrotten from Waldwick, New Jersey USA on Saturday, May 02, 2009

Finished this last night. I agree with most of the others comments. I enjoyed learning about the Afghani culture and women. I found it hard to understand why Debbie would choose to leave her children to help those she didn't know, even though what she did was very admirable. Thanks so much for including me. Will journal again when I have mailed it out. 

Journal Entry 37 by spoiledrotten at Feasterville, Pennsylvania USA on Saturday, May 02, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (5/2/2009 UTC) at Feasterville, Pennsylvania USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book was sent to bibliotreker to continue on its ring. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 38 by bibliotreker from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA on Monday, May 04, 2009

Received today. It's a good thing it was well protected since it was sitting in the mailbox this afternoon out in the rain. Been raining all weekend. The humidity was unsealing some of my other mail. It's getting all soggy around here from all the rain, bt at least the book is fine.

Thanks for forwarding, Spoiledrotten. 

Journal Entry 39 by bibliotreker from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA on Monday, May 18, 2009

This was an interesting and unusual book on author Deborah Rodriguez attempt to start a beauty school in Kabul. Who was to think where women were treated like second-class citizens that this could be a success. Interesting tidbits on the arranged marriages of Afghan couples who were not even allowed to date. I did find it unusual that Deborah would go along with an arranged marriage for herself by friends with an Afghan man she didn't know and who didn't speak English and she didn't speak his language, let alone the vast cultural differences between them. She came from a difficult marriage in the U.S. You would think she would choose a mate more carefully the second time around. I really wonder if this marriage lasted.

It was interesting, though that Afghan women could be trained as beauticians giving them a profession and a way of contributing to their family incomes. Interesing since women were repressed is so many other ways.

This well traveled book is on it's way to Ohio to Classicfox, mailed 5/16/2009
 

Journal Entry 40 by classicfox on Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Arrived safe and sound today. Looks so good I'll put my current book aside and start reading immediately -- thanks for including me, bluestocking88 and for mailing to me, bibliotreker! 

Journal Entry 41 by classicfox on Tuesday, May 26, 2009

For some reason I am just not getting into this book. I pmed jmsmom for her addy and she responded right away. Hope to get this in the mail sometime this week -- thanks for including me! 

Journal Entry 42 by classicfox at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, June 01, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (6/1/2009 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Mailed today to jmsmom, next on list. 

Journal Entry 43 by jmsmom from Newalla, Oklahoma USA on Saturday, June 06, 2009

The book arrived today, thanks so much. I'm reading a book now and this will be next. We're leaving on vacation for a week and a half on Friday and I hope to have it finished and ready to mail by the time we get back. 

Journal Entry 44 by jmsmom from Newalla, Oklahoma USA on Saturday, June 20, 2009

This book arrived just before we left for Florida so I wasn't able to read as quickly as I hoped. I did finally manage to finish it though and very much enjoyed it. We head home tomorrow, a long two day drive, but I'll get it off to the next person as soon as possible once I'm home. Thanks for including me. 

Journal Entry 45 by jmsmom at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 25, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (6/25/2009 UTC) at by mail, a fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Thistle8 asked to be skipped so this book is on its way to PaulsBooks. 

Journal Entry 46 by tostle from Salt Lake City, Utah USA on Sunday, June 28, 2009

(aka PaulsBooks)
I received this book today! Thanks for sharing! It looks great! 

Journal Entry 47 by tostle from Salt Lake City, Utah USA on Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Wow! What a great book! I am so glad to have the opportunity to read this great story! Thanks for sharing. I will pm the next person and either send it on to them or send it back home! 

Journal Entry 48 by Bluestocking88 from -- Wild released somewhere in the state, Washington USA on Monday, July 20, 2009

Another successful bookring finds its way home! Thank you everyone for moving it along. It was a happy surprise to find it in the mailbox this afternoon. 

Journal Entry 49 by Stacers1973 from Gladstone, Oregon USA on Friday, August 14, 2009

Got this well travelled book today during an in person meet, thanks for sharing Bluestocking88 ~ Looking forward to reading this :)