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They Called Me a Lioness

A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom

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They Called Me a Lioness

By: Ahed Tamimi, Dena Takruri
Narrated by: Dena Takruri
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About this listen

 A Palestinian activist jailed at sixteen after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers illuminates the daily struggles of life under occupation in this moving, deeply personal memoir.

“I cannot even begin to convey the clarity, the intensity, the power, the photographic storytelling of They Called Me a Lioness.”—Ibram X. Kendi, internationally bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Kirkus Reviews

“What would you do if you grew up seeing your home repeatedly raided? Your parents arrested? Your mother shot? Your uncle killed? Try, for just a moment, to imagine that this was your life. How would you want the world to react?”

Ahed Tamimi is a world-renowned Palestinian activist, born and raised in the small West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, which became a center of the resistance to Israeli occupation when an illegal, Jewish-only settlement blocked off its community spring. Tamimi came of age participating in nonviolent demonstrations against this action and the occupation at large. Her global renown reached an apex in December 2017, when, at sixteen years old, she was filmed slapping an Israeli soldier who refused to leave her front yard. The video went viral, and Tamimi was arrested.

But this is not just a story of activism or imprisonment. It is the human-scale story of an occupation that has riveted the world and shaped global politics, from a girl who grew up in the middle of it . Tamimi’s father was born in 1967, the year that Israel began its occupation of the West Bank and he grew up immersed in the resistance movement. One of Tamimi’s earliest memories is visiting him in prison, poking her toddler fingers through the fence to touch his hand. She herself would spend her seventeenth birthday behind bars. Living through this greatest test and heightened attacks on her village, Tamimi felt her resolve only deepen, in tension with her attempts to live the normal life of a daughter, sibling, friend, and student.

An essential addition to an important conversation, They Called Me a Lioness shows us what is at stake in this struggle and offers a fresh vision for resistance. With their unflinching, riveting storytelling, Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri shine a light on the humanity not just in occupied Palestine but also in the unsung lives of people struggling for freedom around the world. Israel & Palestine Middle East Banking Solider Village
All stars
Most relevant
Probably the first book in a while i was grossly engaged end to end. a must listen and Dena narrating was absolutely perfect. i wish there will be a second post script to cover the 2023 attacks as she was just released from prison. would be good to understand what happened since.

a MUST. BRILLIANT

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I knew very little about the Palestinian struggle before listening to this book.
You are such a strong young woman! Yours is a struggle that no child or teenager should have to face.
I really hope and pray for the end to the injustices faced liberation of your people soon.

What a strong woman!

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Excellent listen/read truly insightful and informative on what actually happens on the ground everyday for Palestinians

Truely inspired by Ahed’s bravery in the face of such oppression

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What Ahed has been through in her life so far is immoral and to have the strength to continue to talk about liberation for her people with such grace and empathy is inspirational.
I wish nothing but the best for Ahed and her family and hope one day her people and country will be free from occupation and live in peace as they so rightly deserve on what is their land.

A role model to all young girls

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Found this a powerful story of female Palestinian strength and resilience. I hope that one day all of Palestine is free!

Powerful story

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Loved the book. Great narrator. A female Nelson Mandela in the making that is proud of her land and the resolve to fight for her freedom and the end of the occupation.

Inspiring.

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I have heard the word "occupation" lots of times but I never really understood what it meant for those people conducting it or those living under it.

Ahed's story gave me insight into how occupation plays out on the ground, day to day to day, year to year, lifetime to lifetime.

I accidentally purchased this book and wasn't sure if I was ever going to read it, but im so glad I did! Ahed's story is engaging, informative and approachable.

I'd say she is a remarkable young woman, however as she frequently points out, there are so many amazing people fighting for justice all over the world that maybe she's not remarkable at all.

Highly recommend!

An accidental purchase and an excellent read!

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Rambling, boring, the narrator is painful to listen to, do not waste your time. Literally nothing good to say about this

Worst purchase ever

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