That Waris Dirie survived some of her experiences at all is amazing, but that she found success, love and happiness is practically miraculous. She's lived so many different lives, ones that most people can only imagine - as a nomad in Somalia, as a servant in London, as an international super model - yet the voice in which she tells her story is so personal, so warm and informal, that she easily conveys a sense of what she has been through.

Waris literally ran away from when her father tried to marry her off to a much older man when she was thirteen. After staying with family in Mogadishu, she goes to London to work as a servant with other relatives before being 'discovered' and going on to model. Waris grew up totally and utterly isolated from the rest of the world ' so much so that, when on a plane to London, she is surprised to see non-Africans because she did not even know that 'white' people existed - and a lot of the book focuses on the radical adjustments she must make and how she feels - fascinated, frustrated, excited - about doing so.

Always just below the surface is the horrifying procedure of female genital mutilation or circumcision, which Waris underwent at the age of 5. She continues to suffer excruciating pain as a result but eventually, after her initial embarrassment and reluctance, is able to discuss the situation with Western doctors and obtain some relief. Her anger at what she and thousands upon thousands of African women have been through increases as she learns more about the world and realizes that not every woman undergoes the same torture, and she becomes a U.N. ambassador working to end female circumcision throughout the world.

Desert Flower would be a rewarding book if it were confined to Waris early years growing up in a nomadic culture. But as it is, Waris' story is truly remarkable, and she succeeds in providing readers at least a glimpse into what she has experienced and endured. One of the best aspects of Desert Flower is its narrative voice, as Waris clearly uses one that is comfortable for her and that comes across as very personal, honest and warm. I recommend this book most highly to just about everyone, as Waris'triumph over her hardships, struggles, and suffering is fascinating while the fact that she maintains her sense of humor, faith and humanity is awe-inspiring.

Waris Dirie's story is the second book I've read about FGM in Africa. Unlike Fauziya Kassindja (author of Do They Hear You When You Cry), Dirie actually did submit to the horrifying surgery at age five. She lived to tell about it, and she does so in a mesmerizing way. With vivid attention to detail Dirie provides an insider's view of the plight of African women, millions of whom are forced to be "circumsised" in order to be appealing to a prospective husband. Although she escaped to a life of prestige and privledge, Dirie is no stranger to hard work and hard times. Not even her supermodel status assuages the emotional and mental distress caused by her circumsision. She reiterates countless times that she is one of the lucky few--most of her fellow African women will never experience life without pain. Their story is the one worth reading within this book, and Dirie tells it beautifully.

This book has opened up a whole new world to me. I have read both of Waris's books. There are ways of life and cultures that I have never heard of before. This woman had an amazing struggle just to live. The pain of FGM when she was 5, Having to run away beacause your father wanted to sell you into marriage for 3 camels! This is real, people live like this. Waris went from being a desert nomad to being a model in the western world. Talk about culture shock. Hers is an incredibe story about life and love and the struggles we face. After reading Her books I was so interested that I went on to read "Do They Hear You When You Cry" and "Western Dress Bound Feet" I became so incensed that I continued not only to read more about this type of subject matter, but I also joined Equality Now and am trying to inform my peers of situations other than where we live. I would recommend this book and any like it to everyone and anyone. Read about the world and learn

As someone who grew-up in Central Pennsylvania, I looked forward to reading about someone else's experiences in an area of the country that I love. Instead, I found a smug, self-indulgent story that twitters on with a superior air and provides as much depth and insight into what Pennsylvania country life is really like as a piece of used plastic wrap.

I loved the self-deprecating humor of books like Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence," in which the author provides a rich tapestry of what it is like to adapt to a different culture, and was suckered into reading this book on the promise that it was of the same caliber. IT IS NOT!! At all times, the author portrays herself and her husband as superior beings to their earnest, hardworking neighbors --she laughs at, not with them. If I could give this book negative stars, I would, but the form won't let me.

Cathleen Miller tells a captivating story about the joys and tribulations of returning back to a country life. Who hasn't dreamed at one time of leaving a current life behind--to go on blind faith to create a new life in a completely different environment. She and her husband had the courage to try her dreams. What started as a career life change to nonfiction writing ended up as a published book that details their unique journey. Sometimes it takes writing, reflection and perspective to appreciate what we have. Although much of the story takes place in Pennsylvania, her native Missouri roots make me think she is Mark Twain reincarnated. I thoroughly recommend this book.

My mother recommended this book to me - I am not normally a reader of back to the country memoirs - saying that she loved Miller's rich descriptions and her "stealth humor." I was raised in the country and appreciated Miller's perspectives - I'm sure I would turned up my mouth in wry amusement, much as her Pennsylvania neighbors did, watching this city girl trying her darndest to live up to the romantic visions of country life while living in landed poverty. Watching Miller making ends meet by gardening, canning, sewing and existing in the only way she could by doing everything herself the cheapest way, the hardest way, was a sometimes funny, sometimes sad, depiction of reality when our fondest dreams come true. A talented writer, Miller entertained me, too, with her stealth humor. It made me wish for a back-to-the-city sequel.