Jeffrey E. Stern

Stern makes a compelling argument for why the U.S. should retain a military presence in Afghanistan. He spent time in that country as a reporter and gives the reader a look at not only the history of that region, but how people really feel having Americans there, especially at how our presence changed education in that part of the world. He became friends with the Teacher, a man who started a school there that grew quickly. It is a school where both boys and girls attend, where girls have been given confidence and opportunities other than marriage and families for the first time. This is an amazing look at life there and how it is changing due to the U.S. withdrawal. It is also an example of how one person can change things for the better and why education is so important. This is a great book for anyone who truly wants to understand this country and its history.… (meer)

The inspiring story of Afghanistan's Marefat School. Built in the slums of Kabul, Marefat is a labor of love for its founder, Teacher Aziz, who wanted to provide gender-equal, secular-based education to minority Hazara children. Determined to help his students learn to think and question, not just learn by rote, Teacher Aziz struggles to find a balance that allows his students to learn while keeping them safe, particularly once the US troops start to leave the country.

The author provides historical and political context but it is the stories of Marefat's students, teachers and staff that illustrate the school's importance. Compelling, passionate, and insightful, I highly recommend this book.

Note: thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC… (meer)