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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A Thousand Splendid Suns - Thryft
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Khaled Hosseini | Bloomsbury Publishing

A Thousand Splendid Suns

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Goodreads rating: 4.43

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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.
The Orchard Of Lost Souls - Thryft
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Nadifa Mohamed | Simon & Schuster

The Orchard Of Lost Souls

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Goodreads rating: 3.85

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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.
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.
Fives and Twenty-Fives - Thryft
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Michael Pitre | Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Fives and Twenty-Fives

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Goodreads rating: 4.06

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Fives and Twenty Fives
A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea : One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival - Thryft
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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.
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.
Sea Prayer : The Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller - Thryft
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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.
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.