Title: A Thousand Sisters: The Worst Place on Earth to be a Woman
Author: Lisa Shannon
Length: 344 Pages
Copyright: 2010
Rating: Loved it! Instant favorite.
I will admit it (not with any pride), I’m one of those people who exposes myself to articles and literature on a lot of the atrocities that happen in our world on a daily basis, become so emotionally moved by it that I feel like I absolutely have to do something, think about it, plan for it, and… then nothing really happens. A Thousand Sisters details what one woman, Lisa Shannon, did after discovering the plight of the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike me, and so many other people, Shannon felt a response, reacted, stuck with it, and took it to the next level.
It begins with an episode of Oprah. Next, it progresses with running, organizing, and raising money. Eventually, Shannon actually travels to the Democratic Republic of Congo and meets countless women whose lives are forever altered because of the injustices they have suffered. Rape. Abuse. Forced to watch family members killed and/or tortured before their eyes. It’s impossible to not be immediately moved not only by their stories, but by their incredible strength and courage.
Shannon is working to make a real difference and encourages others to do the same. She provides information in her book, and online, for how to organize and fundraise on your own. She empowers every individual who reads her book. I, for one, can no longer leverage the excuse of not knowing what to do to make a difference. Now I know. Now it’s just a matter of doing it.
I read this book a year ago and the stories, the inspiration, and the pain have stuck with me. So, this is yet another book that I highly, highly recommend. Just be prepared that it isn’t going to be a light-hearted beach read for the summer.
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Shannon/e/B0030HCMCO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
No Other Appetite 