Thank you NetGalley, Pashtana Durrani, Tamara Bralo, and the publisher] for the opportunity to read and review this book. I appreciate your generosity.

Such a great story of people just wanting to better!

The story of Pashtana growing up in Pakistan. She was fortunate to have a family who believed in education. She is the oldest girl in her family which culturally doesn't oblige her to anything. However, at the age of 9 when one of her classmates does not show up to school, she learns that she has been married off to an older man. This gives Pashtana the drive she needs to stay in school.

The story of how she is able to continue her education and then for the education of girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan is motivational and inspiring. Additionally, there is some cultural and global knowledge.

"Last to Eat, Last to Learn" by Pashtana Durrani was a fantastic memoir of the life of a young leader and activist from Afghanistan. It details her life growing up as a refugee in Pakistan, her return to Afghanistan, her work founding an NGO dedicated to educating girls, and other geopolitical and personal events that took place during that time. Pashtana tells her story with passion and, often, humour - even despite the many challenges and traumas she faced in her path. Above all, it's a story about love for one's family, community and country. It's a story from which everyone can learn something.

I am enamoured by the writer's spirit, which never fails to get up and fight against all odds that are thrown at her. It takes no little courage to speak out against what one feels is wrong in a traditional patriarchal society that believes in violence as the solution to all problems. Then, it takes more courage and willpower to follow up those words with actions when the odds seem insurmountable. But it's not just her vision that is depicted in the book. We also get a broad picture of Afghanistan—the society, their traditions, the family, the history, the tribal system, and the values they hold. It is commendable that so many insights are packed into such a short book. The language that the writer uses is very energetic and humorous, but it never makes the reader forget the threat of violence that lurks on the next page.

I feel privileged to have read this woman's sotry, to learn about her experiences of being a lifelong refugee who also finds herself in a leadership position, highly motivated to fight for what's right. Read her words, not mine.

The story of Pashtana Durrani’s journey to bring education to Afghan women. She goes through her education and then the struggles of starting her own NGO.

This was a great read. Pashtana’s story is inspiring, especially in the current world. Definitely a must read!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Pashtana Durrani's memoirs are exactly what you expect the book to be a heart wrenching and eye opening look into the challenges that Afghan women face whether they know it or not. The plot is extremely gripping and I quite grow to like the narrator as well because she seems very self aware. This is one of the few times I think the topic of privilege has been addressed quite well. I cannot fathom what sort of pressures can lead an 18 year old to make the life decisions she did. After reading this book I came out really praying that the Afghan women should liberate themselves from the Taliban.

Inspirational and incredible how this author decides to give girls a chance at an education as she did. We need more strong women role models for young girls in areas where their education is often seen as unimportant. Pashtana has always lived as a refugee, since so much fighting is occurred in Afghanistan. Yet, she declines a scholarship to Oxford, so she can try to figure out a way to bring education to girls in rural areas of Afghanistan. She tries different ideas and ultimately even figures out a way to start a project with Tablets, that don’t require the Internet. She knows this will be important since many girls will not be able to leave their homes to go to a school, even if one existed.

I think what especially stood out about this book is how important is is to have a woman whose native country is Afghanistan. She understands much better how the government, tribes, and clans work or often fail to work. Her insight and perseverance is why she is successful. Her heart is always with her own people and her family. She just wants girls and women to have a say in their own lives. Education is key, but she understands there are many different ways to become educated and uses her resources to give that opportunity.

Thank you NetGalley, Pashtana Durrani, and Kensington Books for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

Pashtana's story was powerful and inspiring, and should be a must-read and shared title. Education really is the most important resource and should be a right regardless of gender. Highly recommend, and hope Pashtana continues the fight and continues to help young girls in Afghanistan access the opportunities they deserve.

Pashtana is an inspiration to all!! With her father, she fought for her right to be educated and for other girls as well!! Pashtana shares how the outside solutions did not work and focused on local real change. The dangerous conditions and genuine fight for education reminds all how valuable education is to changing the world.

Pashtana is still young and has already gone on to start a non-profit and attended Oxford. I hope to hear more about her peace work and advocacy in the coming years. We are the same age and I cannot wait to follow her through the years!

I can wholeheartedly recommend for everyone to read this book, it is important for us all to be reminded of the plight of Afghani women - & hopefully, to then find a way to do our bit to help them. Although I have read other books on the subject, there was still more to learn here (I never visualised palaces in Afghanistan! Or learning Hindi via television...) It is very well-written, & should come with a warning : allow enough time to read it in one sitting, as you will not want to put it down! (I even found myself reading it to my husband - & he listened!!) I don’t know how Pashtana Durrani kept her sense of humour throughout, but she is also a woman of utmost courage – truly her father’s daughter. 5 stars plus, for an exceptional book which really spoke to my heart.

This review will be posted on March 2, 2024 to: https://instagram.com/amandas.bookshelf

This is an amazing memoir of resilience and determination, coupled with an account of growing up a third generation refugee. (Let that sink into your head: three generations of refugees.) Durrani was raised to see her own inherent worth as a girl and woman. Her father was devoted to her and the cause of girls education. This memoir spins a tapestry of childhood reminisces, geopolitics, and Afghan culture. As a teen she turned her back on Oxford so she could start @learn.afg by delivering curriculum to rural girls on tablets. Pashtana Durrani is a remarkable human. (When she virtually met with a cohort of @reeatablishrichmond volunteers that included myself in June 2021, I had no idea she'd recently lost her beloved father to COVID nor that she was in the process of securing herself as the interim khan of her tribe until her bother was of age. She was doing all this while still running LEARN and living in hiding from the Taliban.) Do be sure to add this to your TBR and keep up with her work. (Peep my stories and link in bio to learn how to donate to LEARN's GoFundMe!) #LastToEatLastToLearn Rating: 😍 / loved it
•
This book is scheduled for publication on January 23, 2024. Thank you Citadel and @kensingtonbooks for providing me this digital ARC via @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What amazing story how this woman named pnamed PASHTA. Had to come over a lot of different obstacles in her life. Her father was a tribe leader , but he believed in education for the women in the family.. The girls in Pakistan and the refugee camp from Afghanistan were not allowed to go to school. And what shocked me the most was? There were not even allowed to have food. The men and the boys had to eat first. It was a very hard life for these girls. But her father insisted she would go to school. There came a lot of obstacles and she went to private schools which was very unheard of. She was offered a scholarship to go to oxford and she said no , she wanted to go to afghanistan. She had to get grants and stuff and she started a program for Girls through the digital and help pay for the Teachers To help then learn. This was pretty remarkable especially when her father died. The uncle's came in and took everything but she became the tribal leader through perseverance. This woman showed a lot of courage and helped other girls and women succeed in a very male dominant society. She was also a great letter and complaining as well. And her life sometimes was at risk. This book should be read in schools to show how much education is so important to people. Especially when you cannot go to school because you're a girl. I learned a lot this book about how tribal and how people depend on each other. Her grandmother was very pioneering as well. She left her husband and took the children with her. She had servants and everything, but she became a maid and saved money to send her children to school as well.. These women have a lot of courage to do what they had to do. And this is remarkable in a man's society.

"Last to Eat, Last to Learn: My Life in Afghanistan Fighting to Educate Women" by Pashtana Durrani, with Tamara Bralo, is a powerful and poignant memoir that offers a deeply personal look into the struggles and triumphs of advocating for women's education in Afghanistan. Pashtana Durrani, a relentless advocate for female education, shares her journey with raw honesty and courage, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by women and girls in a country torn by conflict and oppressive regimes.

Durrani's narrative is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, providing insight into the resilience and determination required to pursue the cause of education in the face of overwhelming obstacles. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact that one individual's unwavering commitment can have on their community and beyond. Through her eyes, readers gain a nuanced understanding of the cultural and political complexities of Afghanistan, especially regarding gender roles and education.

Co-author Tamara Bralo plays a crucial role in bringing Durrani's experiences to a broader audience, skillfully weaving together Durrani's personal reflections with broader socio-political context. The collaboration between Durrani and Bralo ensures that the narrative remains accessible without diminishing the gravity of the issues discussed. Their partnership enables the book to resonate with a wide range of readers, from those familiar with the plight of Afghan women to those new to the subject.

"Last to Eat, Last to Learn" does more than just recount Durrani's life story; it serves as a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for support and solidarity with women fighting for their rights and education worldwide. The memoir is not only a personal account but also a critical commentary on the international community's role in advocating for and supporting women's education in conflict zones.

The book's title itself encapsulates the core message: in many societies, women and girls are often the last to receive resources and opportunities, including education. Durrani's work challenges this status quo, advocating for a world where women are given the priority they deserve in all aspects of life, including learning.

In conclusion, "Last to Eat, Last to Learn: My Life in Afghanistan Fighting to Educate Women" is an essential read that sheds light on the courage and perseverance of women in Afghanistan. Pashtana Durrani's story is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights and education in the face of adversity. It is a moving tribute to the spirit of Afghan women and a compelling call for global awareness and action.

Well written about how Pashtana wants to educate and provide women in Afghanistan which always concluded as people who "Last to Eat, Last to Learn". Many sacrifices she made and gone through. I think one of them that brought me into liking this book is the way she wrote her emotions so 'raw'. Also, as a person living in a third world country, I can somehow relate to the situation, although the situation I experienced is nothing compared to what Pashtana's has had experienced.

I was floored by the courage, ingenuity, and huge-hearted action taken by Pashtana Durrani in LAST TO EAT, LAST TO LEARN in securing education for women in Afghanistan. Offered the rare opportunity to leave Afghanistan for advanced studies, Durrani chose instead to remain in her repressive, controlling culture to work for other women to be given the same chance to study, to learn, to think for themselves as she was given by her loving father. I was inspired, taken aback, and roused to cheering the incredible journey undertaken by a young woman with a passion for education and leadership in her country. This book might well be under consideration for high school students taking for granted the hard-won victories of Durrani in securing learning for women. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

Wow!!! I loved this book. Pashtana Durrani is such an inspirational woman!! I highly recommend this book!! I will pray for her fight to educate girls and women in Afghanistan becomes a reality. We need more humans like her dad and herself.

Thank you so so much Netgalley, authors and Kensington Books for my arc!!!

A super interesting book, and such an important story! Grateful to have been given an opportunity to read it.

Pashtana Durrani weaves her narrative through the conflict, societal norms, hierarchy, and powerful tribal system, navigating the cultural heritage. All this while fully conscious that in her home country, women come last in every aspect of society. I cannot explain how inspiring it is to see her resist, fearless, and hell-bent on to revolt. Actually, through this book, Pashtana is reclaiming everything she holds dear and rightfully hers: the women’s right to education, their right to marry, vote, speak publicly, own property, own a business, or rule.
Her perceptions about the society she is a part of her resistance to tone-deaf policies, and her educational strategies, evolving with the needs and changing dynamics of the region are awe-inspiring. She is not only providing learning tools to help raise her fellow Afghan women and girls, but she has a vision to make education accessible, and she is committed to it, even if that means defying logic, safety, and individual benefits.
I recommend everyone to read this book. It will give you a perspective about Afghanistan you never knew you needed. Also, this book should be translated into regional languages, e.g. Urdu, Pashto, and Farsi (Persian). Highly recommended.

I would love to interview Pashtana and Tamara on my podcast. I enjoyed reading this nonfiction book about Malala.