Last to Eat, Last to Learn

Praise

Praise for Last to Eat, Last to Learn

“Durrani’s autobiography… provides an absorbing portrait. It depicts Durrani’s upbringing as a third-generation Afghan refugee in Pakistan, her admittance to the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, and the passion with which she overcame initial challenges as an activist. It’s heartbreaking at times, too, but overall the book reads like a love letter to her community. There are beautiful possibilities to be found in Afghanistan, if one simply engages the right perspective.” —The Christian Science Monitor

“By turns heart-rending and heart-warming, terrifying and humorous, disheartening and inspiring.” —The Banner 

“A lovingly narrated, sharply nuanced memoir from a talented activist. Durrani’s voice sparkles with humor and grit, and she is a gifted storyteller, equally comfortable analyzing Afghanistan’s gender inequity and defending the strengths of the oft-underestimated culture and country she loves.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
“Durrani offers a persuasive road map for pursuing gender equality while honoring Afghanistan’s religious and cultural traditions. It’s an inspiring portrait of a change-maker in action.” —Publishers Weekly
 
“This memoir is the fascinating story of her seemingly impossible journey to achieving her goal. Witness to war, hunger, and many other hardships, Pashtana defied all odds, including attempts on her life, to become an Amnesty International Global Youth Ambassador, a United Nations Youth Envoy, and a successful tribal leader. She never ceased speaking her mind and following her heart and continues to do so today.”  —The Gloss

“Pashtana’s story highlights the resourcefulness and bravery of young women in Afghanistan. I hope readers will be inspired by her mission to give every girl the education she deserves and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.” —Malala Yousafzai
 
“Pashtana’s voice is once-in-a-generation. A born leader who took her own dreams and broke them into a thousand pieces to share with others. Her story is an inspiration. Her work, a mission—more necessary now than ever. Pashtana Durrani came to live out loud. And we should all be listening.” —Amna Nawaz, co-anchor PBS NewsHour
 
“As an American, I meet many who know little and feel no likeness to the land where so many of our sons and daughters gave their lives. Idealistic yet logical, Pashtana serves as a portal between two seemingly divergent worlds, illuminating the shared human values that connect us. The relevance of her story has no bounds. It belongs in the hands of the politician as much as the soldier, the parent, or the child. While we may characterize Pashtana as an activist, or educator, let us first characterize her as a leader.” —Major Jessica Yahn, Cultural Support Team, U.S. Army Special Operations Command
 
“Riveting . . . .[Pashtana] is an exceptional role model for girls around the world, exemplifying the power of determination and passion in achieving the nearly impossible.” —Mursel Sabir, Founder, Afghans Empowered
 
“Uplifting and optimistic . . . [Pashtana’s] story is testimony to how one determined leader, with irrational passion and a deep commitment to educating young girls, can make a lasting difference.” —Alan Stoga, Chairman, Tällberg Foundation
 
“The breathtaking story of a young Afghan activist who will make history. . . Pashtana shares an acute and clever insight. . . She understands Afghanistan and Pashtun society as well as Western culture. She brings an enlightened view of these two worlds that do not understand each other.” —Marina Wutholen, Director of dev.tv and Founder Young Activists Summit

“Pashtana’s story is not only one of gender empowerment, it is one of communal pragmatism and realization that together, men and women in Afghanistan, for the sake of their community, can transcend barriers and transform their society for long-term prosperity and peace.” —Dr. Victoria C. Fontan, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Vice President of Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan.
 
“With a spirit that echoes through these pages and a voice that rises above the din, Pashtana Durrani shares her compelling story and mission to empower women in Afghanistan. Having worked with Pashtana, I am in awe of her consistent drive towards bringing innovative learning solutions to women and girls in Afghanistan, despite socio-political instability in the country. This book is a reflection of her spirit–bright, passionate, driven.” —Tanya Qadir, Director of Partner Success, Rumie Initiative