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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Pacific Destiny : Rise of the East - Thryft
Robert S. Elegant | Hamish Hamilton

Pacific Destiny : Rise of the East

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Goodreads rating: 2.0

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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.
Violent Borders : Refugees and the Right to Move - Thryft
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Reece Jones | Verso

Violent Borders : Refugees and the Right to Move

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Goodreads rating: 4.02

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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.
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom
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Yeonmi Park | Penguin

In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom

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Goodreads rating: 4.49

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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.
The Daughters Of Kobani - A Story Of Rebellion, Courage, And Justice - Thryft
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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.
Human Cargo - A Journey Among Refugees - Thryft
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Caroline Moorehead | Vintage Books

Human Cargo - A Journey Among Refugees

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Goodreads rating: 4.06

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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.
With Their Backs To The World : Portraits from Serbia - from the bestselling author of the Bookseller of Kabul - Thryft
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This book offers a unique perspective on daily life under the Milosevic regime and in post-Milosevic Serbia. It focuses on the individual stories of Serbs from various walks of life, giving readers a glimpse into the complex hopes, dreams, and viewpoints of a nation in transition. If you're interested in understanding the human impact of political turmoil, this book is for you.
Mayada: Daughter Of Iraq - Thryft
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Jean Sasson | Transworld Publishers

Mayada: Daughter Of Iraq

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Goodreads rating: 4.03

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Mayada: Daughter of Iraq is a powerful memoir that details the life of a privileged Iraqi woman who finds herself in a notorious prison, falsely accused of printing anti-government propaganda. The book offers a unique perspective on the terror and horror brought by Saddam Hussein's regime upon the lives and souls of ordinary citizens. This book would be a great read for those interested in memoirs, stories of survival, and the power of sisterhood in the face of adversity.
The Seasons of Trouble : Life Amid the Ruins of Sri Lanka's Civil War - Thryft
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The Seasons of Trouble is a vivid and heart-wrenching account of the devastating effects of war on ordinary citizens. Through the personal stories of Sarva, Indra, and Mugil, the reader gains a deeper understanding of the complexities and turmoil of Sri Lanka's civil war. This book is highly recommended for those interested in gaining insight into the impact of conflict on individuals, families, and communities. Rohini Mohan's writing is both honest and empathetic, offering a raw and nuanced view of life amid the ruins of war.