I recently read a review for Cup of Friendship: a Novel by Deborah Rodriguez (released 1/25/2011), and was reminded of her 2007 nonfiction book Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil. Rodriguez took her first humanitarian trip to Afghanistan shortly after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Once there, she feared that she would be of little use, as her training as a hairdresser was not as practical as those with medical training. However, Rodriguez finds herself able to make quick friends with the Afghans, and is highly sought after by Westerners in need of good haircuts.
Inspired by her experiences and the Afghan women who’ve proudly been running their own salons, Rodriguez persuades corporate and international sponsors to help her open the Kabul Beauty School in 2003. Rodriguez empowers Afghan women, and shares their deeply personal stories. Through her students’ struggles and triumphs, Rodriguez finds the courage to leave her own bad marriage and find love in Afghanistan.
I really enjoyed Kabul Beauty School, and would love to hear opinions from anyone who has read Cup of Friendship.
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