The Kurdish Bike: A Novel

I received this book as a gift and dove right in. It's one of those novels that feels intensely personal as soon as you pick it up. The characters are full of life and the Kurdish women are comforting with their strength, wisdom and humor. The tragedy that continues to plague this region in the world makes my heart ache for all displaced people who only want a peaceful life and a safe place for their families. Yet there is hope in the powerful human spirit shown by the actions of the local people and some caring expats. I didn't want it to end!

I received this delightful and engrossing book as a gift and really enjoyed it. The book was well-written, the story was engaging and I learned so much about the Kurdish culture and what life is like in Kurdistan today. If you like reading novels that take place in other countries and that provide insights into most likely unfamiliar cultures, I think you’ll really appreciate The Kurdish Bike!

This novel is a wonderful read as a young adult witnessing the expanse of global social issues during the millennial era. As a new traveler globally it is interesting to see the common social conflicts and how it manifests in an individual to face and navigate. It has helped me as a solo female traveler to pose new questions as I figure out how to best face new cultural differences as I encounter them.

Wonderful detail without being tedious. Well defined characters brought to life and a beautiful story full of heart. Truly enjoyed reading it. Kindle unlimited selections are not always great. The Kurdish Bike however is one of the few great books I've read from the selections.

I really enjoyed reading this book, her use of the language is wonderful. I also loved that she did more than write a novel or interesting story: without being tiresome, she asks big questions that require thought. "what would I have done in this situation?' "how do I feel about living my values, but in the context of a radically different culture" and even deeper questions...
I recommend it, if only to learn more about Kurdistan!

The main characters are very typical snobby liberal West Coast teachers, thus very unlikable. They had no business even being in Kurdistan with their values and arrogance. I live in the NW and am embarrassed by this kind of people. The story itself was good. Just didn't like the portrayal of Americans. Most of us are not like that.

This novel is outstanding. It gives a fascinating insight into the cultural values of the Kurdish people. The author intricately weaves that culture's similarities and, more interestingly, dissimilarities with our Western culture. What is evident is that there is more than one set of values extant among peoples in this world, but perhaps in the end there is one code of ethics.

I had a difficult time putting this book down. The author's voice was clear, I could hear her speaking - also I could see her in the school and village as I read the book. This is an interesting glimpse of a world that is very different from the one I currently live in. Reading this has made me want to try teaching abroad.

A compelling, touching and insightful story about a mature American woman making her way in contemporary, Muslim Kurdistan, 'The Kirdish Bike' is a must read. Filled with vivid, memorable characters, ethical/cultural dilemmas and warm, comical scenes, all in the context of stark, war-torn Kurdistan, it is a book that shows sisterhood is a multi-layered experience that binds women together even across unimaginable cultural divides and creates an opportunity for world understanding - and hopefully world peace. This is an important book of our times.

One can tell the author has personal experience with other cultures, themes ,, survival, role and treatment of women in a repressive culture, the triumph of family, spirit in face of war and upheaval.. Gave in-sght, and hope : to the human spirit.. A finely written piece,

This was one of the most powerful, entertaining, and enlightening books I have ever read. The author describes the journey of an American teacher, Theresa Turner, who takes a job at a Kurdish school in Iraq and has such a positive impact on the lives of many people that she encounters, teaches, and befriends. The author uses humor and fascinating characters that draw you into this compelling story, while providing insight into the challenges that the Kurdish people face and how they deal with adversity.

Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down! The story line was compelling, the characters became my friends while ready and I experienced confusion and angst when the cultural difference created tension. The 'answers' on what do do are more complex for me with this first hand insight. I'm so appreciative of the author's courage to 'push the edge' of her comfort level to bring this story to my awareness.

Alesa has written a book that reflects the truth, honest, reality and complexity of modern day women living in a different world. I loved this book. It open my mind to complicated women's issues in a humane and realistic fashion. It took me to a foreign part of the world and let me peer into other people's lives in real time. I found the book captivating, thought provoking and mind opening. We can be grateful to brave women like Alesa who give us such awesome opportunities to know more.

Imagine launching yourself into a situation where you don't speak the language, you have a nearly impossible task to take on and you don't have a familiar face anywhere. Few of us have the courage to do that. I was delighted and inspired by Theresa's adventures. She could have payed it safe and gotten all of the tick marks but she broke the rules and found friendship, community, and a new sense of her value in the world.

I rarely read books but this book, which I downloaded on Kindle, was an easy read and fascinating. Never did I even think that the storyline was dull.
I learned a lot about Kurdish culture and their challenging living situations. When I was younger I traveled around the world. Reading this book brought back a lot of good adventures and great memories.
Great Job Alesa ! I am now a loyal reader of your future books and I am looking forward to them.

A excellent read! The author opened my eyes, ears and heart on an adventure into a new world. I suffered and rejoiced with the characters. I was reminded many times that our differences may be many, but our sameness is greater. This book engages you into the unknown, but at the same time you are experiencing the love that encompasses each of us.

I saw The Kurdish Bike online. The cover caught my eye. What a great story. Such great character development and writing. Kindness and caring goes a long way and respecting differences in other people in an important part of life.
I rate The Kurdish Bike right up there with The Kite Runner, one of my all time favorite books.

A very enjoyable read, from beginning to end. The story of a teacher who's life has changed and decides to leave the USA and teach in Kurdistan. She takes the job and we learn about her students, the small village close by and how she's welcomed by a Kurdish family. Drama evolves around a local wedding and within the school itself.

LOVED the book. Wow... Can't imagine living in Kurdistan like she did and tell such amazing stories regarding her life there. Felt I was there too. Well written and my admiration and respect for her living under those conditions and telling the story with such humor and human insight is amazing. I would highly recommend the book.

A fascinating read! The author transports us to a school and a village in Iraq, letting us experience the customs of a middle eastern culture, while depicting personal struggles common to us all. I closed the book, still thinking about these characters as if they were my friends and acquaintances.

The Kurdish Bike story absorbed me for the past week.The deep human relationships described are full of discovery and drama. The meditative moments Teresa experiences are reported as poetry. I was inspired to reflect on my own life and potential for change at 90.

An absolutely brilliant read – truly one that is impossible to put down. It tracks the story of a Western teacher who moves to Kurdish Iraq to teach in an international school. As she befriends a local family, she confronts her own past. A startlingly bittersweet celebration of the female spirit and experience.

Amazingly easy read that takes you to a land that many Americans have never visited. I learned to appreciate the culture and reapect the hard work of the Expats who taught under extreme difficulty. I plan to share this novel with friends. A great read!

Alesa Lightbourne is a wonderful storyteller. The Kurdish Bike is impossible to put down. It takes you right into the world of women in a Kurdish village, living it from the inside. The world springs to life; the characters become part of the world we live in. An inside view of a hidden world; this book is not to be missed.

The story is fast-paced and intriguing. The characters continued to unfold page after page, and they kept me wanting to read more. I hope the author writes a sequel so that I can continue to hear how my friends are doing.

A wonderful novel, revealing a compassion and connection to a culture that not very many readers in the west have access to. I was torn between wanting to read and read and read versus wanting the book to stretch out before me as a glittering road to Oz with more to come.

If you like venture stories this is a fun read. The character is fearless and full of compassion. It will also give you insights into the Kurdish culture and the history of the country. Overall it was very enriching.

I loved The Kurdish Bike! Alesa Lightbourne gives a colorful account of life in a Kurdish village which describes cultural complexities as well as the universal needs to be loved and affirmed. It is funny, sad and very compelling.

I loved this story and was so inspired that Alesa went to Kurdistan to teach in her 50's. The relationships she made and the total change of lifestyle is so admirable. I would definitely recommend this book.