This book was chosen by my women's bookclub because it was a chance to know more about daily life in Afghanistan. THe author had met an outgoing and ecumenical bookseller in Kabul, and he invited her to come live in his family and write about them. She did, and you'll fall in love with some of these people - but not the bookseller. Turns out he's greedy and will do anything for a buck. He's educated but sees no value in educating his children - he puts then to work in his shops instead. You'll love the description of the women going to the markets to shop, clad in their burkas - and the fancy footwear that distinguishes one blue form from another. Turns out the bookseller didn't like his portrayal and filed suit against the author - don't think he has a leg to stand on. Great book, quick read.