Most of the reviews I have read summed up my own opinion as well. The story has huge potential, but the style is awkward and egotistical. The author is a little too proud of herself, a terrible Mom (where were your own two sons when you were off saving Afghanistan?), and a worse writer. This book DID make me realize how very grateful I am to not live in Afghanistan (as well as how grateful I am to not have her as a mother).