Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening

"The rain begins with a single drop."

When Manal al-Sharif got behind the wheel of the car she'd spent years making payments on and rode onto the city streets of Saudi Arabia, she was sure she had the law behind her. After all, a woman driving a car is not illegal so much as it is against tradition. Manal quickly learned how very little the legality of it all mattered to the Saudi secret police. She was arrested and thrown into a women's prison with appalling conditions. Like many of her fellow female inmates, she was never charged with a crime. Manal started to fear she had "disappeared" and would never see her young son again.

What begins with the story of breaking the social taboo of driving while female, continues with not just the memoir of al-Sharif's own life, but with a story of womanhood at large in the Saudi Kingdom. The author recounts the humiliating experience of her circumcision, of her mother calling her by her brother's name in public because the mere sound of a female name could incite lust in men, and how her beloved male cousins never saw her again after her first period (she literally wouldn't recognize them today if she passed them on street). Even so, Manal was a fervent fundamentalist in her youth. All day at her girls school, she indoctrinated, told rigid adherence to extreme Islam was the only path to Heaven. She often searched through her family's belongings, destroying anything considered forbidden.

"It was the younger generation, my cousins, who imposed this level of segregation and religiosity on their elders and set these draconian rules for their parents, rather than the other way around."

Al-Sharif's parents didn't always need convincing to strict adherence to Islamic law and custom. Her father beat her mother, as is considered his right, and both, in turn, beat the author and her siblings. But her mother was determined that her children, son and daughters both, would get an education. The father who beat her and denied her in the name of being her male guardian (and having the final word in all matters of her life), drove six hours a day to shuttle her to and fro college. Manal earns a computer science degree and starts working for a Saudi company that operates on a compound immune from the restrictions placed on the country at large. While on the compound, women can drive, forgo the niqab or even the hijab, work with men, and rent an apartment without written permission from her male guardian. But if al-Sharif ever wanted to leave the compound, she would have to hire a male driver. These drivers are often unlicensed and reckless. Fed up, al-Sharif joined a movement called Women2Drive that encouraged Saudi women to take video of themselves driving and post it on social media. It was a turning point for Manal, but she paid a heavy price.

This is a really compelling book. It brought to light many aspects of Saudi culture of which I was previously ignorant. I wish Manal the best of luck as she goes forward in her efforts to liberate the women of her country.

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for giving me a copy of this book to review.

What a remarkable book! I intend to send this one to all my friends and family next Christmas. It really is a must-read.

Manal Al-Sharif's memoir about her life as a Saudi woman is eye-opening and fascinating. It is an intimate look at being female in this strictly male-dominated society. It is also a picture of a rapidly changing society that is rarely understood by the outside world, a place where religion, tradition, and law control women's lives in every aspect. It is hard to believe that such a society still exists in the modern world. It is also the story of how one simple act of civil disobedience can have repercussions throughout the world.

Al-Sharif grew frustrated by the inconvenience and expense of not being able to drive, although she owned a car. In Saudi society, women are forbidden to drive, and must be accompanied whenever they leave the house by a male family member or driver. This is often not only inconvenient, but often impossible, and a woman alone is a prisoner in her home unless she has an available male relative, or the money to hire a driver.
Like Rosa Parks on the bus, or the African-Americans at the Woolworth counter, she just got fed up with being denied her human rights, and her legal rights, since there is no law forbidding females from driving. It is merely the strength of tradition, masquerading as religion and enforced by religious thugs, that denies women this right. For one simple act, getting behind the wheel of a car and driving, she was thrown in jail without being charged with any crime, under deplorable conditions, with no representation, and for an indeterminate amount of time. Only her father, petitioning the King personally on her behalf, got her released.

The real reason she was jailed was that she had started a Facebook page encouraging all Saudi women to drive on a certain day and had inspired a lot of women to join her. There is no law against driving, and nothing in the Koran forbids it, but tradition alone is so strong, and the fear of losing control of women so irrational, that this simple act changed everything in her life. She lost her job, and due to hateful threats, had to move to Dubai, She also lost custody of her oldest son when she remarried as that is the law in Saudia Arabia, where men have all the power in the family, as well as all religious and legal power.
In spite of all she gave up, her life improved dramatically and her message about the plight of Saudi women was spread all over the world. She was recognized by international human rights organizations and invited to speak about these conditions, and received awards because of her courageous acts.
I highly recommend this absorbing and fascinating book. With anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate crimes on the rise these days, it provides an intimate view of everyday life in Saudia Arabia, and I hope, more understanding of those who practice Islam, and more empathy for the plight of women there. I guarantee you will be surprised many times, and your preconceived notions will be shaken up.

Note: I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Daring to Drive by Manal al-Sharif
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Audio Narrator: Lameece Issaq
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Length: 304 pages

Single Sentence Summary: In the spring of 2011, Manal al-Sharif was arrested for driving in Saudi Arabia, but her courageous story began long before that day.

From the Publisher: Daring to Drive is the fiercely intimate memoir of an accidental activist, a powerfully vivid story of a young Muslim woman who stood up to a kingdom of men – and won. Writing on the cusp of history, Manal offers a rare glimpse into the lives of women in Saudi Arabia today. Her memoir is a remarkable celebration of resilience in the face of tyranny, the extraordinary power of education and female solidarity, and the difficulties, absurdities, and joys of making your voice heard.

Review: In the opening chapter of Daring to Drive Manal al-Sharif is taken from her home in the middle of the night for having dared to drive the previous day. The promise of a brief visit to the police station fails to be realized. Before the day is over, Manal finds herself in Dammam women’s prison; a prison where many of the inmates’ crimes amount to little more than being poor, or failing to meet the stringent expectations placed on their sex. But this is not the beginning of Manal’s story. It actually began 32 years earlier when Manal was born female in Saudi Arabia.

The full title of this memoir is Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening and that second part of the title is every bit as noteworthy as the first. While listening to the story of Manal’s life, I had to work at adjusting the lens from which I saw it. Manal shared her life openly, without judgment or recrimination. I naturally bristle when seeing women marginalized, but Manal made clear that much of what we might judge harshly is part of her culture. It was difficult not to cringe at beatings, not to ache for girls being treated unequally, not to rail against women forced to always defer to men, yet this is the life of Saudi women. Manal also made clear that the Saudi culture is evolving – slowly, but evolving.

As Manal’s life unfolded, I was struck over and over by the power of education. School had a huge impact on Manal’s life. It was the one place where she always excelled. She took her lessons very seriously, including those in Islam. For a time, Manal became radicalized – rigidly so.

“After 1979, after the siege of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, my generation was brainwashed. In school we were taught to go home and lecture our parents about prayer and sins, most of which involved the behavior of women.”

She was devout in following the strictest interpretations of Islam and was vigilant in seeing to it that those around her did, too. Despite her faith which would typically have her marrying very young, Manal wanted a college education and her mother saw to it that she got one. College planted the seeds of discontent that would eventually turn Manal into a powerful voice for women in Saudi Arabia. Manal’s education continued when she went to work for Aramco, a large Saudi oil company employing many expats. It was on the Aramco compound where she first learned to drive.

As Manal’s story comes full circle it returns to where Daring to Drive began, at Dammam women’s prison. There, Manal moves from being a social media phenomenon to an advocate for the women of Saudi Arabia. Manal al-Sharif is a strong woman who didn’t set out to be an activist, but simply wanted to be granted the privilege of driving. When you read her story you cannot help but admire her. She made me proud to be a woman. Daring to Drive is definitely my favorite nonfiction this year, and the audio was amazing. Grade: A

This memoir explores the reasoning behind and the effects of Saudi Arabia's ban on female drivers. It also looks at the many ways restricting women in Saudi society hurts everyone. Women left to die because firefighters are not allowed to enter burning buildings containing unveiled women; men who worry about traveling for work knowing that their wives and children are unable to leave the house until they return; women unable to take jobs that require them to live away from family because they are unable to rent apartments.

Manal al-Sharif lived in a company town that did not ban female drivers. She had driven when living in the United States. She owned a car but had to hire a driver to go outside the town. She wasn't allowed to use some public transportation. She decided to create a day when women would post video of themselves driving to social media. On a test-run a few days before she was arrested and sent to prison for driving, even though there is no actual law against it.

This was a frustrating book to read because of the irrational unfairness of life for women in Saudi Arabia.

Manal's is a story of defying cultural convention that caught on on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It's really the story about how women in Arab countries are second class citizens subject to floggings and even jail. There is no law against women driving.

In Saudi Arabia women's societal involvement has limited potential. Girls are still circumcised, should the parents wish it. Their career ambitions are generally ceilinged at secretarial type positions. Marriage is more like who you get than who you want; corporal punishment domestic abuse is probable.

It's not til past page 200 when she finally gets to her act of defiance. Most of the story is autobiographical, interesting only when it ties in the backwardness of the nation: superstition, sexism, religious fanaticism. I never warmed up to Manal because she is too depressing; somebody should tell her you have to have some occasional humorous relief--even sarcasm! Even when she goes to the states, she can't find a thing nice to say; just complaints.

In 2011 Manal al-Sharif was imprisoned for driving in Saudia Arabia. She slept on a filthy mattress in a cockroach infested jail crowded with too many women. If her travel, intelligence and determination had already set her on a path to be somewhat of a women’s activist, this was the straw that broke the camels back. Meeting these imprisoned women only strengthened Manal’s resolve that things in Saudi Arabia needed to change. This beautifully written memoir describes her childhood, faith in her religion and her family. Rules and customs were not to be analyzed and debated, they were meant to be accepted. But a simple act of driving could change women’s lives. Manal felt this one non violent act could express years of struggle and hypocrisy. Women can go to school but they cannot get there? Women cannot get to or from a hospital, even in a emergency without a male to drive them? An Uber driver, virtual stranger, is better/safer than a female friend, relative or themselves? Manal, a highly educated and trained computer scientist took one brave step at a time; to get to college, be the best and secure a top job in her field only to realize she will never be free in the country she loves with all her heart. In this passionate memoir she details her journey to adulthood with a calm and beautiful voice. I was mesmerized right from the beginning, first with compassion and then with frustration and anger. As I began to imagine the struggle of these women, I thought what can I do? Well, living in the capitalist world I live in, I can affect from the pocket. I will no longer buy Starbucks or take Uber. These American companies should not condone/support/profit from separate but equal anywhere in the world. Equal is equal. As Manal says in her memoir, the rain starts with one drop. I highly recommend reading Daring to Drive. As we navigate our own daily challenges, conscious of our good fortune, we must continue to move forward in all the world to be good humans.

To prepare for Manal's visit to the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, I had planned to take a quick look at her book. After a few pages, I was hooked and read it cover to cover on a recent Saturday. It was not what I expected as it covers much more than her campaign to put women behind the wheel in Saudi Arabia. It is a touching and compelling memoire of the author's evolution from a self-described radical Islamist to a leading human rights activist. Too often, our image of Saudi Arabia is seen through the lens of the Royal Family. Here Manal describes the monotony of the Saudi educational system, e.g., the memorization of Quarnic verses, segregated classrooms, etc. By the strength of her character and the commitment of her mother to education, she ended up earning a degree in IT, which led to a job at the Saudi oil company, ARAMCO, and the opportunity to experience another way of life. Her campaign is to end the male-guardianship that essentially limits a woman's role to play an active role in society. Just this week, the Saudi Royal Family, by naming a new Crown Prince, is giving signs that Manal's vision may be on the horizon.

Not an easy read !
Its like savouring full bodied dark coffee super rich in aroma better had in sips than by gulps .
It took me many sittings of reading and reflecting before finishing it .
Intense , Honest , gripping .
Driving - an act which is deemed so simple and natural by many millions or billions people worldwide could be source of confrontation elsewhere .
The book is not just about driving but social structure , changing roles , conflicts of values ,paradoxes prevailing .The book provides deep insights into the Socio-cultural norms which helps one better appreciate the context in which author - Manal took up the cause or the cause finds her . The writing is bold and unbiased . If there is one strong characteristic which passes through all the pages - its the absolute candour with which it is written . Nowhere one would see an artificial build up trying to dramatize the events or postponing climax to the last to hold attention . It is written in a simple , plain manner but extremely gripping nevertheless . Nowhere Manal plays victim or a hero but only as someone who stood up to the social system .There are no protagonists or villains . She isnt "Anti - everything " . She makes it clear that she is a proud citizen and committed in what she is doing - at studies , or at work or as a homemaker . While she takes up the cause strongly , she also takes care not to portray everything in a negative light .Its rare for someone who is affected to see things in such a neutral perspective .
Author doesnt hesitate to talk about sensitive subjects like FGM and its impact on life or difficulties of growing up in a tough neighborhood or social structure which kept her family at bay for most of the times . Though the cause made Manal widely famous, she doesnt take credit for the same but acknowledge people involved in earlier efforts .
This frankness makes the book and the author Manal endearing .
Highly recommended

This was an INCREDIBLE book! I learned so much about Saudi and Muslim culture and customs. It was definitely eye-opening and made me realize how blessed that I am to be born a woman in the U.S. with all of the freedoms that I take for granted.

Driving a car seems like such a simple thing to allow women to do, but Saudi Arabia still have not allowed women permission to drive. The story of her live and her journey to drive and document it was mesmerizing.

This was an easy book to read and was very inspirational! Highly recommend!!

A truly important book, describing what should be unimaginable oppression in our day and age. That this is allowed to go on and is not in the forefront of our daily news cycles will be remembered as a shame on our generation. The author tells her story clearly, without drama, allowing the harshness of the reality hold the reader. This book should be required reading in every junior high classroom.

Amazing tale of this brave and courageous woman who simply wanted to drive herself to work, rather than subject herself to costly and at times, dangerous cab rides in the unbelievably mysogyinist country of Saudi Arabia. It's bound to raise anyone's eyebrows. We must applaud her efforts for the light she successfully shines on this backward "custom'.

I learned so much about Saudi Arabia and their religion and laws. I am so grateful to have been born in the United States. I had no idea how rigid life is there for women. While the laws don't make sense to me, the constant prayers don't either. Just because something is different from my experience, doesn't make it bad or wrong, just wrong for me. This book was an. Eye opener.

Wowza what a read! The aurora definitely had the bones of a good story simply based on the facts of what she did and what happened afterwards. But then she did an amazing job weaving in history and socio-political commentary - all while keeping a fairly unbiased tone. I feel more informed about Saudi Arabian culture and her story. At times it was unsettling to read of the pervasive general violence in her culture.

I absolutely LOVE this book! Am still reading it but have to put in a good review. I am about to write my local district to encourage them to add this book to their curriculum. Teaches us all about another country, the importance of women's rights, and how different Saudi Arabia is from the USA. So amazing! A beautiful, talented author!!!

Very well written, told me a lot about Saudi Arabia that I did not know. Glad I don't live there as I would be in trouble all the time. Well worth reading, it will make you very thankful for our way of life.

An autobiography that was not boring at all. Filled with stories, a lot of sad ones I might say. It was joyful to read. I'm not giveing 5 stars because of some inaccuracies, but otherwise it was fun to read.

At the beginning I was expecting a boring random book that only praises the author. But the surprise was the continuous advancement and learning of this Saudi woman. All her successes, struggles including her own personal secrets that I have never been exposed to until I finished the book. Well written book in an excitement narrating takes you step by step from childhood until becoming a famous woman. Proud of you sister Manal.

Wonderfull, insightful, courageous, inspiring, a window onto a world most don't know about and filtered through the unique experience of a very brave woman. An incredible reminder about not taking any of our rights or achievements for granted, and finding courage to stand up for what we believe it. I highly recommend this book!

Wonderfull, insightful, courageous, inspiring, a window onto a world most don't know about and filtered through the unique experience of a very brave woman. An incredible reminder about not taking any of our rights or achievements for granted, and finding courage to stand up for what we believe it. I highly recommend this book!

A disturbing but fascinating look into the Unbelievable hurtles that Saudi women face in a world completely controlled by men.
The author is to Saudi women as Martin Luther King was to African Americas in the U.S.

Incredible, gripping memoir that follows a remarkable young woman's journey from a conservative Muslim to a gender activist. She discusses difficult experiences and topics with a candor that I have never seen before. Will be following her journey for years to come.

I started reading this book three days ago and have not been able to put it down. I've read it on the subway, sitting in the park and the cafe by my house... each place tears have welled up in my eyes. Living in USA we have so many rights that we take for granted. Reading this book not only gave me insight into Manal's personal struggle but also the struggle of women in Saudi Arabia. She lays out beautifully what it is like to grow up, be educated, advance greatly in a career and still be held back solely on her gender. I often think about the freedoms that I enjoy and the people who fought and died so I can enjoy them. This book details one of those heroes currently fighting for freedom. I have already sent copies to my mother and sisters. This is a must read for everyone!

I listened to Saudi Woman's Awakening Twice it was really Amazing to see that there is woman who put her life in danger just to help other woman proceed their dreams .. loved every second .. Keep it up Manal

Manal al Sharif is a courageous woman, and she has written a very informative biography describing in detail what it was like for her growing up in Saudi Arabia. I highly recommend the book. Loring Danforth

Such an inspiring and educational memoir! It is written in a simple and beautiful way that really touches your heart and prompts you to evaluate elements that affect cultures, societies and, inevitably, ourselves. A must-read.

Thank you, Manal Al -Sharif for an honest account of an activist standing up for herself. I could not put it down! A true learning experience about life for women in Saudi Arabia. An absolutely powerful book with a plain message.... I have the right to drive!

Most of the writing in this memoir is pedestrian, and now that the rules regarding driving in SA have changed, the book is of less immediate interest.

But there are two passages in the book where the author’s writing rises from dull to truly inspired: one is when she describes the day spent in Wadi Fatima with her relatives. The other is when she describes her feelings upon her release from jail. I wish that she would take that first passage and develop it into something more lasting, so that the world can see one of the many parts of authentic culture that are being crushed under our constant drive for material advancement.

An important point that may seem small but is significant because it reveals a bias of the author's: she translates "khidr" (خدر) as "numbness", to support her contention that girls are not permitted authentic feelings once they enter puberty. Her opinion is her own, but "khidr" has always meant "woman's private tent" (think pavilion, not LL Bean) from the time of Imru'ul Qays: وبيضة خدر....

The book has some unrealistic situations. I've lived in Saudi for 11 years and I like it. People there have a community and carding sense that's not available here in the US. I was crying when see women there don't feel lonely as their relatives are around them and taking care in a unique way. Children kiss their mothers hands regardless how old their children are. Women there have their own rights according to their culture, not any other nations' culture.