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" A young girl in Afghanistan who writes for a daily paper is summoned to appear before the infamous Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention. She & her family are threatened about her writing anti-Taliban stories. She takes care of her cancer ridden mother & younger brother. She also learns that there will be a cricket tournament & whichever team wins, they will go to Pakistan to train. She sees this as a way to get her brother out of Afghanistan. But nobody knows how to play cricket, except her! She makes up a team, consisting of her brother & some male cousins. They agree to it, as they see this as a way out of their country, more freedom & ability to proceed with an education. She also knows she cannot go anywhere without wearing a full burka. She dons a beard, mens clothes & teaches them how to play cricket! A way to get their freedom. Good read. "
- Garryvivianne, 2/18/2014
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" Didn't doubt the outcome but was surprised at how the group reached the outcome. I enjoyed this one. "
- Curt, 2/17/2014
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" Under the Taliban regime in Kabul, Rukhsana is unable to continue working as a journalist, cannot leave the house without her brother, and must wear a burqua. When it is announced that Afghanistan is going to hold a cricket tournament and send the winning team to Pakistan, she sees a way out of the country for herself and her brother. No one in Afghanistan knows how to play cricket, except Rukhsana. Suspenseful story illustrates the atrocities of the Taliban. "
- Laurel, 2/7/2014
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" this was lovely. a non-stop read. "
- Alexis, 1/31/2014
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" Loved this one, literally couldn't put it down "
- Hans, 1/30/2014
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" There's just enough about the soul and technique of cricket, along with corruption, sudden death, obsession and the need to escape the tyranny of the Taliban in Kabul. The author has a tough time with the lovers' dialogue - it's stilted and old-fashioned - but the rest is a tense, fast read. Strong heroine who coaches her cousins in the unknown sport of cricket, so they get a free ride to Pakistan to train with pros. From there, they all plan to scatter and pursue their freedom. Many obstacles appear in the three weeks they have to prepare for the tournament. "
- Heidi, 1/19/2014
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" Maybe I've read too many novels that take place in Afghanistan or Iran because this book was just too predicable. It had a different twist to it that made it different than the other books, that being the sport Cricket. But the same story line that I see in all of these books is: Woman betrothed to someone she doesn't love or forced to marry a bad man but is really in love with someone else. This book still had an interesting story but I prefer the writing style I've read in some other Middle Eastern historical fiction novels better. This book really was just too predictable. I still had to finish to confirm my predictions. "
- Natalie, 1/19/2014
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" While the author may not know about Afghanistan in the way Hosseini does, the story makes for a good read "
- Reem, 1/19/2014
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" Such a wonderful story of fearlessness, despair, hope, disappointment - so many emotions. The author creates a vivid picture of life in Kabul, and I couldn't help but be drawn into the characters lives. "
- Sue, 1/18/2014
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" Interesting quick read "
- Carolyn, 1/1/2014
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" Kinda predictable love story underlying the plot, but some interesting insights into living until the Taliban regime. I think I would have preferred to read the non-fiction version. "
- Lindsay, 12/17/2013
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" Such an interesting take on life in Afghanistan at the start of the twenty-first century. Suspense, drama, love, humor, it has it all. "
- Fernie, 12/8/2013
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" Loved this story! Truly a testament to the power of hope and how it can stand up to injustice. (And now I want to try cricket!) "
- Julie, 11/16/2013
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" The book offered hope. It was a reminder of the difficulties faced by many people around the world who are not free to think, feel or do what they like. "
- Jacklynn, 11/14/2013
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" The Taliban Cricket Club was delightful! I had never considered cricket as a means of social protest, democratic dissension, and thumbing your nose at the government. "
- Cheryl, 11/3/2013
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" This book had a lot of information about Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The story was interesting, but some parts were not quite credible. The ending was a little too formulaic. "
- Linden, 10/2/2013
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" Fascinating story. Really enjoyed this book. "
- Natalie, 6/30/2013
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" When I realised I was going to stay up to finish this book I went and got myself a packet of tissues as I imagined I'd be an emotional mess by the end. It was a rare book set in Afghanistan as it did have a happy ending, I found the end got a little long and perhaps unrealistic but I enjoyed it. "
- Erin, 6/14/2013
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" I really liked this book. It took me awhile to be able to get into it. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. "
- Sue, 5/8/2013
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" Great story with all the essentials.love, family, danger, excitement, loyalty, death.....its all there. And easy read, and a story that will have you turning pages to find out what happens next. "
- Donna, 4/22/2013
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" I was amazed that this book was written by a man, the perspective of a woman was so well done. It was a great story and a very interesting insight into life under the Taliban rule. "
- Stephanie, 3/21/2013
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" Great easy summer read! Funny and light hearted about a serious subject "
- Pernille, 3/14/2013
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" Easy read, could have been darker... "
- Joanne, 2/28/2013
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" I had a tough time getting into this, but really enjoyed the story as it went along, even the cricket stuff which I expected to find boring. Beautiful writing and well drawn characters. "
- Kelly, 2/21/2013
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