I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

By: Nujood Ali

Narrated by: Meera Simhan

“I’m a simple village girl who has always obeyed the orders of my father and brothers. Since forever, I have learned to say yes to everything. Today I have decided to say no.”

Nujood Ali's childhood came to an abrupt end in 2008 when her father arranged for her to be married to a man three times her age. With harrowing directness, Nujood tells of abuse at her husband's hands and of her daring escape. With the help of local advocates and the press, Nujood obtained her freedom—an extraordinary achievement in Yemen, where almost half of all girls are married under the legal age. Nujood's courageous defiance of both Yemeni customs and her own family has inspired other young girls in the Middle East to challenge their marriages.

Hers is an unforgettable story of tragedy, triumph, and courage.

Critic reviews

“A powerful new autobiography...It’s hard to imagine that there have been many younger divorcées—or braver ones—than a pint-size third grader named Nujood Ali.”
—Nicholas Kristof, New York Times

“Shocking...captures the social challenges facing Yemen better than any scholarly work could hope to do.”
—Washington Post

“Her case has brought international exposure to the archaic practice of robbing girls of their youth.”
—People (Four Stars)

“An international icon of tenacity and courage.”
—New Yorker

“One of the greatest women I have ever seen . . . She set an example with her courage.”
—Hillary Clinton

“This book took my breath away. It broke my heart but put it back together again with a renewed hope in the staggering power of the human spirit. What Nujood did to save her life was a miracle; that she did it as a ten-year-old child is, quite simply, astounding.”
—Carolyn Jessop, author of Escape and Triumph

“Nujood and all other girls like her who are traded like objects deserve to be heard. This important book gives them a voice and sheds light on an ugly secret that has destroyed the lives of children for centuries.”
—Marina Nemat, author of Prisoner of Tehran

“Simple and straightforward in its telling, this is an informative and thoroughly engaging narrative.”
—Publishers Weekly

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.

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.

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.