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A Different Kind of Daughter

The Girl Who Hid From the Taliban in Plain Sight

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A Different Kind of Daughter

By: Maria Toorpakai, Katharine Holstein
Narrated by: Maria Toorpakai
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'Armed with a squash racket and enormous will, Maria Toorpakai has risen from the turmoil of tribal life in Pakistan to become not only a world-class athlete, but a true inspiration, a pioneer for millions of other women struggling to pave their own paths to autonomy, fulfilment and genuine personhood' Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner

Maria Toorpakai Wazir has lived her life disguised as a boy, defying the Taliban, in order to pursue her love of sport. Coming second in a national junior weightlifting event for boys, Maria decided to put her future in her own hands by going in disguise. When she discovered squash and was easily beating all the boys, life became more dangerous.

Heart-stopping and profoundly moving, Maria shares the story of her long road and eventual triumph, pursuing the sport she loved, defying death threats and following her dream.

 Politicians Politics & Activism Sports Women Heartfelt Middle East Iran
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Critic reviews

It's hard enough to become the best in the world at anything. It's even harder when people want to kill you just for trying.
A vivid personal account of a courageous young woman standing up to one of the world's most oppressive theocracies
Beyond Brave
A remarkably vivid book
All stars
Most relevant
A superb account of life in Pakistan through the eyes of highly perceptive and talented young girl who through the support of a liberated father and family fights through the surrounding oppression of the Taliban to direct her life and reach the pinnacles of her beloved sport. Harrowing at times but brilliant. The Asian narrator brought Maria's thoughts to life and she was Maria to me. Overall a very special book.

Enlightening , gripping and sad

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from beginning to end a fabulous book about beating the odds a very good read well done

an amazing book

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I must ' read ' at least one autobiography a week and have been doing for years ..there aren't many I haven't read but this is the only time I've reviewed one on here's do shared it on Facebook.This is one of the most well written, insightful and fascinating life stories I've ever read.

The best autobiography I've ever read ( and I've read most of them !! )

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