Better Lives: Refugee Stories
This collection of refugee stories is curated by Farzana and Mina, graduates of Open Door Policy, a non-profit that trains and connects qualified, motivated displaced individuals to remote, digital work.
In selecting these titles, Farzana and Mina hope to highlight refugees' struggles in today's world, and their perseverance as they adjust to their new homes. Also, they hope to motivate and inspire refugees out there, in circumstances similar to theirs. Get to know Farzana and Mina in this blog post!
Although certain titles in this curation have sold out, we believe it is meaningful still to include them. This is so Farzana and Mina can raise awareness of sobering, valuable refugee stories, that could otherwise have gone unnoticed!
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Yeonmi Park
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom
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This book is a harrowing and poignant memoir that offers a firsthand account of Yeonmi Park's escape from North Korea's oppressive regime. Through her powerful storytelling, she takes readers on an emotional journey, showcasing the resilience and indomitable spirit of the human soul. Her escape through China's underworld and the Gobi desert to find freedom is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. A must-read for anyone interested in human rights, survival, and the strength of the human spirit.
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N.H. Senzai
Shooting Kabul
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Recommendation: 'Shooting Kabul' is a heart-warming story about a family's immigration journey to America and their struggle to find their place in a new country. This book is perfect for young readers who want to learn about the ups and downs of immigration, family dynamics, and the power of hope. Readers will appreciate the book's vivid descriptions and relatable characters, and will be moved by the family's struggle to reunite with their loved ones. Overall, 'Shooting Kabul' is a must-read for anyone who loves a good, heartfelt story.
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Robert S. Elegant
Pacific Destiny : Rise of the East
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Pacific Destiny: Rise of the East is a must-read for those seeking to understand why Asia has become a major economic powerhouse. Robert S. Elegant, a seasoned journalist, provides a nuanced portrayal of Asia's transformation, taking into account political, social, and economic factors. With extensive interviews and years of personal experience, the author provides a unique, insider perspective of Asian societies. Elegant also has a talent for presenting complex ideas in a clear and concise way, making this book accessible to a broad audience.
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David Kennedy, Doug Mayhew
The Dark Sides of Virtue : Reassessing International Humanitarianism
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"The Dark Sides of Virtue" is a must-read for those interested in humanitarian work. David Kennedy, drawing from his personal experience, outlines the various issues and consequences that can arise from global humanitarianism. He encourages readers to consider these issues pragmatically, making this book a valuable resource for those wishing to engage in international work that is grounded in a deeper understanding of its complexities."
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Zana Fraillon
The Bone Sparrow : shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017
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The Bone Sparrow is a powerful story that highlights the struggles and resilience of refugees. It is a heart-wrenching tale of hope, friendship and the importance of storytelling. Zana Fraillon does a fantastic job of capturing the emotions and experiences of those living in detention centres, and beautifully portrays the unlikely friendship between Subhi and Jimmie in a way that will stay with you long after you finish the book. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the plight of refugees and the importance of compassion and empathy.
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Elizabeth Laird
Kiss the Dust
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Kiss the Dust is a powerful novel that depicts the challenges faced by refugees in a war-torn country. Elizabeth Laird has skillfully woven a tale of resilience and hope amidst unimaginable hardships. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy heart-wrenching stories that inspire us to appreciate the strength of the human spirit.
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Zenith
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"Zenith is a must-read for those who enjoy dystopian fiction with a touch of adventure and hope. Julie Bertagna's ability to create complex characters in a world that is both destroyed and beautiful is truly remarkable. The story follows Mara and her ship of refugees as they search for a new home in a world consumed by the effects of climate change. Along the way, they encounter a floating city and gypsea pirates, bringing both danger and opportunity. Meanwhile, on land, the battle against corrupt forces begins. This book presents an imaginative and thought-provoking depiction of a possible future that is both terrifying and hopeful."
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Deborah Ellis
Parvana's Journey
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Parvana's Journey sheds light on the plight and resilience of vulnerable children who struggle every day to survive in war-torn Afghanistan. Deborah Ellis's portrayal of the characters' struggles and hope-filled journeys is heart-wrenching yet informative. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking, character-driven experience that portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Nadifa Mohamed
The Orchard Of Lost Souls
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The book offers a harrowing account of three women's lives intertwined amidst the civil war in Somalia. It paints an immersive portrait of everyday trials and tribulations in war-torn Somalia, depicting the courage and resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. It is a poignant tale of struggle, love, and hope in the face of unspeakable atrocities. Highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction and stories of resilience in the face of adversity.
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Reece Jones
Violent Borders : Refugees and the Right to Move
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A major new exploration of the refugee crisis, focusing on how borders are formed and policedForty thousand people have died trying to cross between countries in the past decade, and yet international borders only continue to harden. The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union; the United States elected a president who campaigned on building a wall; while elsewhere, the popularity of right-wing antimigrant nationalist political parties is surging.Reece Jones argues that the West has helped bring about the deaths of countless migrants, as states attempt to contain populations and limit access to resources and opportunities. “We may live in an era of globalization,” he writes, “but much of the world is increasingly focused on limiting the free movement of people.”In Violent Borders, Jones crosses the migrant trails of the world, documenting the billions of dollars spent on border security projects and the dire consequences for countless millions. While the poor are restricted by the lottery of birth to slum dwellings in the ailing decolonized world, the wealthy travel without constraint, exploiting pools of cheap labor and lax environmental regulations. With the growth of borders and resource enclosures, the deaths of migrants in search of a better life are intimately connected to climate change, environmental degradation, and the growth of global wealth inequality.Newly updated with a discussion of Brexit and the Trump administration.
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Ruth Gilligan
Nine Folds Make a Paper Swan
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At the start of the twentieth century, a young girl and her family emigrate from Lithuania in search of a better life in America, only to land on the Emerald Isle instead. In 1958, a mute Jewish boy locked away in a mental institution outside of Dublin forms an unlikely friendship with a man consumed by the story of the love he lost nearly two decades earlier. And in present-day London, an Irish journalist is forced to confront her conflicting notions of identity and family when her Jewish boyfriend asks her to make a true leap of faith. These three arcs, which span generations and intertwine in revelatory ways, come together to tell the haunting story of Ireland’s all-but-forgotten Jewish community. Ruth Gilligan’s beautiful and heartbreaking Nine Folds Make a Paper Swan explores the question of just how far we will go to understand who we really are, and to feel at home in the world.
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Joseph Kanon
Istanbul Passage
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Paperback. English Simon & Schuster Ltd How do you do the right thing when there are only bad choices to be made A neutral capital straddling Europe and Asia. Istanbul survived WW2 as a magnet for refugees and spies. trafficking in secrets and lies rather than soldiers. Expatriate American businessman Leon Bauer was drawn into this shadow world. doing undercover odd jobs and courier runs in support of the Allied war effort. Now as the espionage community begins to pack up and an apprehensive city prepares for the grim realities of postwar life. Leon is given one last routine assignment. But when the job goes fatally wrong-an exchange of gunfire. a body left in the street. and a potential war criminal in his hands-Leon is plunged into a nightmarish tangle of intrigue . shifting loyalties and moral uncertainty. Rich with atmosphere and period detail. Istan...
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Sharon Bala
Boat People
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For readers of Khaled Hosseini and Chris Cleave, The Boat People is an extraordinary novel about a group of refugees who survive a perilous ocean voyage only to face the threat of deportation amid accusations of terrorismWhen a rusty cargo ship carrying Mahindan and five hundred fellow refugees from Sri Lanka's bloody civil war reaches Vancouver's shores, the young father thinks he and his six-year-old son can finally start a new life. Instead, the group is thrown into a detention processing center, with government officials and news headlines speculating that among the "boat people" are members of a separatist militant organization responsible for countless suicide attacks—and that these terrorists now pose a threat to Canada's national security. As the refugees become subject to heavy interrogation, Mahindan begins to fear that a desperate act taken in Sri Lanka to fund their escape may now jeopardize his and his son's chance for asylum. Told through the alternating perspectives of Mahindan; his lawyer, Priya, a second-generation Sri Lankan Canadian who reluctantly represents the refugees; and Grace, a third-generation Japanese Canadian adjudicator who must decide Mahindan's fate as evidence mounts against him, The Boat People is a spellbinding and timely novel that provokes a deeply compassionate lens through which to view the current refugee crisis.
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Daniel Nayeri
Everything Sad Is Untrue: (A True Story)
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At the front of a middle school classroom in Oklahoma, a boy named Khosrou (whom everyone calls "Daniel") stands, trying to tell a story. His story. But no one believes a word he says. To them he is a dark-skinned, hairy-armed boy with a big butt whose lunch smells funny; who makes things up and talks about poop too much.But Khosrou's stories, stretching back years, and decades, and centuries, are beautiful, and terrifying, from the moment he, his mother, and sister fled Iran in the middle of the night, stretching all the way back to family tales set in the jasmine-scented city of Isfahan, the palaces of semi-ancient kings, and even the land of stories.We bounce between a school bus of kids armed with paper clip missiles and spitballs, to the heroines and heroes of Kosrou's family's past, who ate pastries that made them weep, and touched carpets woven with precious gems.Like Scheherazade in a hostile classroom, author Daniel Nayeri weaves a tale of Khosrou trying to save his own life: to stake his claim to the truth. And it is (a true story).It is Daniel's.
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Yamen Manai, Lara Vergnaud
The Ardent Swarm - A Novel
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The Ardent Swarm is a captivating novel that skillfully weaves together themes of personal loss, political turmoil, and ecological disaster in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. The main character Sidi's dedication to saving his bees is remarkable, and his journey to uncover the mystery behind the hornets' attack keeps readers on edge until the very end. The author's use of humor and drama in portraying the post-revolutionary reality of Tunisia is remarkable, and provides a unique perspective on a country often overlooked in Western media. For anyone interested in exploring the complexity of North African politics, The Ardent Swarm is a must-read.
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Michael Pitre
Fives and Twenty-Fives
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Fives and Twenty Fives
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Khaled Hosseini
And the Mountains Echoed : A Novel
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Khaled Hosseini's "And the Mountains Echoed" might just tug at your heartstrings the way few books do. It's one of those reads that can make you reflect on your own family dynamics, as it weaves through time and place, connecting lives with lyrical prose and profound empathy. If you've ever felt moved by the intricacies of human relationships and the ripple effects of our choices, this is a book that promises to resonate long after you've turned the last page.
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Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
The Daughters Of Kobani - A Story Of Rebellion, Courage, And Justice
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The Daughters Of Kobani is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power of women in war and who would like to know more about the women's rights movement in the Middle East. This book offers a unique perspective on the bravery and determination of a group of Kurdish women, and how they went from being a local militia in a small town in Syria to playing a crucial role in the fight against ISIS. Gayle Tzemach Lemmon's brilliant writing and in-depth research make this a fascinating and informative read that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
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Melissa Fleming
A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea : One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival
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A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea would be an inspiring read for anyone who wants to understand the human impact of the refugee crisis and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. This true story of Doaa Al Zamel's journey from Syria to Egypt and ultimately to Europe, as well as her harrowing experience of being lost at sea for days with two toddlers, is deeply affecting and will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. Melissa Fleming's gripping and heart-wrenching account of Doaa's story sheds light on the immense challenges faced by refugees and the courage and determination required to overcome them. Readers may appreciate the vividly described human emotions and the vivid portrayal of the refugee crisis that prompts solutions.
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Caroline Moorehead
Human Cargo - A Journey Among Refugees
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Human Cargo could be a good read for someone who wants to explore and better understand the current refugee crisis and the experiences of displaced people around the world. Caroline Moorehead writes in an empathetic and engaging style that helps the reader connect with the stories of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The book does an excellent job of looking at the refugee crisis from multiple angles - from the perspectives of refugees themselves, as well as government officials and aid workers - and offering historical context to current issues. Overall, Human Cargo is both a sobering and inspiring read that will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the courage and resilience of refugees.
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Safa Khaled Algharbawi, Nibal Alalo, Omar Khaled Ahmad
Shatila Stories
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‘This remarkable novel isn’t about the refugee voice; it is born from it and told through it. On every page, the glint of hope for dignity and a better life is heartbreakingly alive.’ Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite RunnerMost novels are written by professional writers using second hand material. Not this one. Peirene commissioned nine refugees to tell their ‘Shatila Stories’. The result is a piece of collaborative fiction unlike any other. If you want to understand the chaos of the Middle East – or you just want to follow the course of a beautiful love story – start here.Adam and his family flee Syria and arrive at the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut. Conditions in this overcrowded Palestinian camp are tough, and violence defines many of the relationships: a father fights to save his daughter, a gang leader plots to expand his influence, and drugs break up a family. Adam struggles to make sense of his refugee experience, but then he meets Shatha and starts to view the camp through her eyes.Why Peirene chose to commission this book:‘I want to hear their stories and see if their imaginations can open up a new path of understanding between us. Collaborative works of literature can achieve what no other literature can do. By pooling our imaginations we are able to access something totally different and new that goes beyond boundaries – that of the individual, of nations, of cultures. It connects us to our common human essence: our creativity. Let’s make stories, not more war.’ Meike Ziervogel
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The Book of Fate
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The Book of Fate is a powerful portrayal of the life of a young girl in pre-revolutionary Iran who fights for her right to love and education. It offers a rare glimpse into Iranian society, as seen through the eyes of a woman who lived through the country's turbulent recent history. Readers looking for a gripping narrative and an insider perspective on Iran will find this book particularly engaging.
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Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns
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"A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of the impact of war on women in Afghanistan. As Mariam and Laila's friendship develops, readers are drawn into their emotional struggles and feel the weight of their sacrifices and courage. Hosseini's writing blends history, human emotion, and storytelling to create a poignant and unforgettable novel that will leave readers thinking long after the final page. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and books that focus on the strength of human relationships.
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Before We Visit the Goddess
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Before We Visit the Goddess is a must-read for those interested in multi-generational family dramas. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni masterfully captures the complex relationships between mothers and daughters while delving into the different kinds of love that bind us across generations. Readers will be taken on an extraordinary journey, sweeping from the countryside of Bengal to Houston, Texas, and will come away with a deeper understanding of the bonds that make families both united and torn apart.
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Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner
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1970s Afghanistan: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what would happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.
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L.S. Matthews
Fish : A refugee's story of hope and survival
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This book is a must-read for those who want to better understand the refugee experience through the perspective of a young child. The journey of Tiger and his family is depicted in a nuanced and delicate manner, highlighting the struggles and the hope that come with being a refugee. The unique feature of this book is the use of a fish as a symbol of survival, providing a poignant and heartwarming perspective on the human desire to keep hope alive in times of crisis.
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Khaled Hosseini
Sea Prayer : The Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller
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A deeply moving, gorgeously illustrated short story for people of all ages from the international bestselling author of The Kite Runner, brought to life by Dan Williams's beautiful illustrations.On a moonlit beach a father cradles his sleeping son as they wait for dawn to break and a boat to arrive. He speaks to his boy of the long summers of his childhood, recalling his grandfather's house in Syria, the stirring of olive trees in the breeze, the bleating of his grandmother's goat, the clanking of her cooking pots. And he remembers, too, the bustling city of Homs with its crowded lanes, its mosque and grand souk, in the days before the sky spat bombs and they had to flee. When the sun rises they and those around them will gather their possessions and embark on a perilous sea journey in search of a new home. Khaled Hosseini is one of the most widely read and beloved authors. His novels The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns and And the Mountains Echoed have sold over 55 million copies all over the world. Hosseini is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the founder of The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and lives in northern California. Dan Williams is a London-based artist whose illustrations accompanied an extract of A Thousand Splendid Suns in the Guardian when it was first published 15 years ago. His work has also appeared in National Geographic, Rolling Stone and the Wall Street Journal, amongst many other publications. dan-williams.
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Frank Huyler
Right of Thirst
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"Right of Thirst" is a poignant novel that explores the moral dilemma of a man who has lost his purpose in life. Charles journeys to an Islamic country to volunteer as a doctor in a refugee camp. The political tension in the region deepens, and the situation deteriorates quickly. This book is perfect for readers who want to explore the complexities of moral decision-making while experiencing the clash between cultures and the East and the West.
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Marly Cornell
Seeds For Change - The Lives And Work Of Suri And Edda Sehgal
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Seeds for Change could be a good read for those interested in learning about the experiences of refugees who become successful and make a meaningful impact on the world. The book is a chronicle of Suri and Edda Sehgal's journey from escaping dangerous circumstances as children to becoming successful business leaders and philanthropists. The book is particularly inspiring because it showcases their commitment to helping others as their life-long legacy.
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