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  • They Called Me a Lioness

  • A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom
  • Written by: Ahed Tamimi, Dena Takruri
  • Narrated by: Dena Takruri
  • Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (24 ratings)

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They Called Me a Lioness

Written by: Ahed Tamimi, Dena Takruri
Narrated by: Dena Takruri
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Publisher's Summary

A Palestinian activist jailed at sixteen after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers illuminates the daily struggles of life under occupation in this moving, deeply personal memoir.

“I cannot even begin to convey the clarity, the intensity, the power, the photographic storytelling of
They Called Me a Lioness.”—Ibram X. Kendi, internationally bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Kirkus Reviews

“What would you do if you grew up seeing your home repeatedly raided? Your parents arrested? Your mother shot? Your uncle killed? Try, for just a moment, to imagine that this was your life. How would you want the world to react?”

Ahed Tamimi is a world-renowned Palestinian activist, born and raised in the small West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, which became a center of the resistance to Israeli occupation when an illegal, Jewish-only settlement blocked off its community spring. Tamimi came of age participating in nonviolent demonstrations against this action and the occupation at large. Her global renown reached an apex in December 2017, when, at sixteen years old, she was filmed slapping an Israeli soldier who refused to leave her front yard. The video went viral, and Tamimi was arrested.

But this is not just a story of activism or imprisonment. It is the human-scale story of an occupation that has riveted the world and shaped global politics, from a girl who grew up in the middle of it . Tamimi’s father was born in 1967, the year that Israel began its occupation of the West Bank and he grew up immersed in the resistance movement. One of Tamimi’s earliest memories is visiting him in prison, poking her toddler fingers through the fence to touch his hand. She herself would spend her seventeenth birthday behind bars. Living through this greatest test and heightened attacks on her village, Tamimi felt her resolve only deepen, in tension with her attempts to live the normal life of a daughter, sibling, friend, and student.

An essential addition to an important conversation, They Called Me a Lioness shows us what is at stake in this struggle and offers a fresh vision for resistance. With their unflinching, riveting storytelling, Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri shine a light on the humanity not just in occupied Palestine but also in the unsung lives of people struggling for freedom around the world.

©2022 Ahed Tamimi, Dena Takruri (P)2022 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What the critics say

“I cannot even begin to convey the clarity, the intensity, the power, the photographic storytelling of They Called Me a Lioness. Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri lay bare seemingly every terrifying aspect of Israel’s apartheid against Palestinians, and the relentless freedom fight of Palestinians and their Israeli allies. Read and bear witness.”—Ibram X. Kendi, internationally bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist

“A powerful, moving combination of a memoir of personal resistance with a panoramic overview of the history of Palestine that leaves the reader with a detailed understanding of the daily realities of life under Israeli military occupation.”—Omar Robert Hamilton, author of The City Always Wins

“With more courage than any child should ever have to possess, Ahed Tamimi showed the world more than once what it looks like when you refuse to consent to your own obliteration. In this gripping, painful, and inspiring book, she tells the parts of the story that the cameras always miss: the slow and grinding humiliations of the occupation; the heartache of losing loved ones to Israeli prisons and guns; the cruelties of imprisonment; the love, laughter, and strength in solidarity that are necessary to keep living, breathing, and fighting against enormous odds. For anyone planning to stay alive on this planet in these perilous times, They Called Me a Lioness is urgent and essential reading.”—Ben Ehrenreich, author of The Way to the Spring

What listeners say about They Called Me a Lioness

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Remarkable....I love it

What a remarkable yet a heart wrenching story this little girl had to go through. The author takes you on the footsteps of this little Palestinian girl. I felt that I was watching all these events unfold, highly recommended book to read or listen to. I really enjoyed the narrator, her warm voice and the way she read the story makes you want to be glued to it and continue listening until the end.

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A 5-Star Journey Through Unimaginable Resilience

They Called Me a Lioness is an incredibly powerful and well-written book. The author's ability to convey the depth of human suffering is both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. The protagonist's journey through unimaginable challenges is portrayed with raw honesty, making it a compelling read. This book sheds light on a level of resilience that no human should have to summon, and yet, the lioness within the story embodies strength and courage. A poignant and impactful narrative that deserves every bit of its 5 stars.

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Ahed is truly a Lioness

"They Called Me a Lioness" by Ahed Tamimi is a poignant testament to the extraordinary courage and resilience of a young activist who has faced adversity with unwavering determination. In this compelling memoir, Tamimi shares her experiences as a Palestinian, detailing the challenges and tragedies that have shaped her life, yet she emerges as a symbol of strength and perseverance.

Ahed Tamimi, often referred to as a "Lioness," embodies the spirit of fearlessness in the face of injustice. From a young age, she has witnessed the harsh realities of life under occupation, yet instead of succumbing to despair, she has chosen to channel her emotions into advocacy. The narrative unfolds with a raw honesty, providing readers with a glimpse into Tamimi's personal journey of resistance and activism.

What sets Ahed apart is not just her personal story but her commitment to a larger cause. Beyond the borders of Palestine, she advocates for justice and human rights, becoming a voice for the oppressed worldwide. Her story resonates with readers who are inspired by her relentless pursuit of a better world, transcending geographical boundaries.

The book captures the essence of Ahed Tamimi's bravery, depicting her as a beacon of hope in the midst of adversity. Her resilience is not only admirable but serves as a call to action for readers to reflect on their own roles in promoting justice and equality. Through her words, Tamimi challenges the status quo and encourages readers to question and confront injustice wherever it may exist.

"They Called Me a Lioness" is not just a memoir; it's a rallying cry for change. Tamimi's narrative unfolds like a manifesto for the power of youth activism and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be silenced. As the world grapples with ongoing geopolitical challenges, Tamimi's story serves as a reminder that one individual, fueled by passion and conviction, can indeed make a difference.

In conclusion, Ahed Tamimi's book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a testament to the transformative power of activism.

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Amazing!

This story is amazing. The author captures every emotion and we’re there with Ahed every moment and feel every struggle with her. Free Palestine!

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Amazing story

Well narrated and it makes us imagine what it feels like to live in Occupied Palestine. It’s an important book!

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