Why read The Woman Who Fell from the Sky?

Book cover of The Woman Who Fell from the Sky: An American Woman's Adventures in the Oldest City on Earth

Book description

"I had no idea how to find my way around this medieval city. It was getting dark. I was tired. I didn’t speak Arabic. I was a little frightened. But hadn’t I battled scorpions in the wilds of Costa Rica and prevailed? Hadn’t I survived fainting in a San José…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Woman Who Fell from the Sky as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Andrea B. Rugh

Author

Steil accepts a short-term assignment in 2006 to teach a journalism class to the local staff of a Yemeni newspaper in the capital, Sanaa. Intrigued by the experience of teaching and befriending men and women of totally different values and beliefs, she extends her stay for a year. She recounts the difficulties of teaching journalism and living in a country where the values she once saw as normal, are constantly being challenged. As often happens with sensitive outsiders, she also sees some advantages of Yemen’s conservative culture that make her question aspects of her own thinking.

From Andrea's list on Middle Eastern culture written by outsiders.

Patience Bloom

Author

Disclaimer: I went to school with this talented storyteller so I am liable to gush over her prose. Once again, point proven that when you go somewhere and think your life won’t change, you are always wrong. In fact, teaching journalists how to write in Yemen over three weeks might actually be the perfect place for you to discover your purpose—and find the perfect partner. What I love about Jennifer Steil’s writing is her attention to detail, which makes for a gorgeous reading experience.

From Patience's list on finding true love with the least likely person.