Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening Book Review

While feminism has created opportunities and advancements for some women in some parts of the world, other women are still fighting for their basic rights.

Manal Al-Sharif’s memoir, Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening, is much more than her want to be able to get behind the wheel. It is her story and how driving became symbolic for her need to recognized and respected as a human being.

I really liked this book. While I felt like the buildup to her epiphany about driving and feminism was a little slow, the end was totally worth it.

I recommend it for all women, especially women in the first world. We need to remember that while feminism has given us opportunities that our grandmothers could dream of, women living in some third world countries are still seen as second class citizens and chattel to their male relations.

This book is a must read.