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Non dirmi che hai paura di Giuseppe CatozzellaIn questo libro Giuseppe Catozzella racconta attraverso una narrazione interna la storia di Samia, una bambina originaria di Mogadiscio, in Somalia. Samia, proveniente da una famiglia molto povera, è nata per correre: è questa la sua passione. Grazie all’aiuto di Alì, un amico che la aiuta a migliorare le sue doti atletiche improvvisandosi suo allenatore, la protagonista matura il sogno di riscattare la condizione delle donne somale con la sua corsa. Le condizioni della Somalia, tuttavia, peggiora notevolmente: l’irrigidimento politico e religioso si fa sempre più forte e il paese viene lacerato dal terrorismo. Samia è costretta ad allenarsi di notte, negli stadi vuoti, lontana dagli sguardi indiscreti e sopraffattori, nascosta agli occhi degli integralisti del suo Paese.
 Evoluzione degli eventiDopo alcune vittorie nelle gare di corsa in Somalia, pur sommersa dalle difficoltà, riesce gareggiare alle Olimpiadi di Pechino e pur arrivando ultima diventa un modello, un simbolo per tutte le donne musulmane. Quando, però, Al-Shabaab sale al potere in Somalia, l’integralismo e il fanatismo religioso crescono e assumono maggior rilevanza nello Stato. Samia si ritrova sola, l’orribile situazione nel suo Paese le sta strappando via tutti i suoi cari, ma non ha paura di trovarsi da sola con il suo talento. L’animo della ragazzina è ancora acceso dalla speranza: il suo obiettivo è partecipare alle Olimpiadi di Londra. Si allena, corre, rinchiusa nel burka, sola, sotto le stelle della notte. Samia capisce che per poter correre alle olimpiadi deve prima raggiungere l’Europa e intraprende, quindi, il viaggio della speranza, rincorrendo la sua libertà e il suo sogno. È un viaggio infernale, duro, in cui le condizioni si fanno sempre più disumane e la speranza si fa sempre più grande. A cura di Camilla per approfondimenti vedi anche: Domande e risposteRecensionitroppo breve troopo breve
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E.C. It's a relatively quick read (around 256 or so pages)! I'd recommend it for high school age too, as there is some profanity. As for interesting—for th…more As for interesting—for the genre, I'd say yes, but it really depends on the person.(less) Community Reviews· 11,082 ratings · 2,356 reviews Start your review of Non dirmi che hai paura
4.5 Her name is Samia. She wanted only to run, she had a dream, to represent her country of oppressed women in the Olympics.
She starts running at the age of eight, with her good friend Ali, who will be her coach for many years. But, this is Somalia, a country perpetually at war, she runs in holey old gym shoes trying to bypass the glass, iron and other debris on the streets. Al-Shabaab is everywhere and they soon take power. Everything changes, no music, no singing, women must always wear the b 4.5 Her name is Samia. She wanted only to run, she had a dream, to represent
her country of oppressed women in the Olympics. She starts running at the age of eight, with her good friend Ali, who will be her coach for many years. But, this is Somalia, a country perpetually at war, she runs in holey old gym shoes trying to bypass the glass, iron and other debris on the streets. Al-Shabaab is everywhere and they soon take power. Everything changes, no music, no singing, women must always wear the burka, never be seen without, no movies and life becomes unbearable. Still she
runs, at night, dangerous, she has a dream and is not willing to let it go. Eventually she realizes her dreams will never come true in her country so she puts her faith in the traffickers, a journey that is hard and treacherous. Had to put this book down at certain places, pause and just reflect, take a little time out of mind. So powerful, so intense. I hope I never forget this remarkable woman's name, she is the embodiment of everyone who has their own dreams, tell themselves it is not
possible, she is an inspiration. Based on a real person, this is her odds defying story, though it is heartbreaking. Puts things in perspective in my own country, why I think we need to read books like these no matter how hard. Even at their worst, in this country, we are so lucky. Books like these remind me of that and also how many people are struggling throughout the world. Always remember. ARC from publisher.
Eight year old Samia loved to run and Ali, her friend and coach lived in a difficult time and place, Somalia during war and civil unrest and violence. Yet, in spite of the danger and hardship, and what seem like unbeatable odds, Samia dares to think of the Olympics . In 2008 she somehow gets there in spite of loss and sorrow and
putting herself in danger to train . She gets to Beijing and becomes a role model for young women in her country even though she comes in last in her race. Her desire to run , her strength of character, her determination in the face of hardship moves her to dream of the 2012 Olympics in London. I'll be thinking about Samia when I watch the upcoming Summer Olympics. Her pursuit of this dream and her perilous journey are difficult to read about but suffice it say that her life is a profile
in courage. This is a first person narrative, a novel , which reads like a memoir, a partly imagined story written by a man about a more than amazing human being. I highly recommend this book but if you don't read it, I recommend that you go online to learn something about Samia's life. It's impossible that you won't be moved. Thanks to Penguin First to Read Program.
When many Americans think of the Olympics, they are drawn to track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and basketball, sports that Americans excel in. In some of the events, it is a foregone conclusion that a representative of the United States will win the gold medal. Not all athletes compete for the glitz and endorsements that come from medaling. Some athletes compete for the pure joy of competing and to
bring honor and glory to their counties. Olympic coverage usually focuses on a few of these t When many Americans think of the Olympics, they are drawn to track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and basketball, sports that Americans excel in. In some of the events, it is a foregone conclusion that a representative of the United States will win the gold medal. Not all athletes compete for the glitz and endorsements that come from medaling. Some
athletes compete for the pure joy of competing and to bring honor and glory to their counties. Olympic coverage usually focuses on a few of these touching stories each time around, and the athletes rarely come close to winning but return to their homelands as the people’s champion. Samia Yusuf Omar hailed from Somalia. She was one of these otherwise unheralded athletes who ran in track events for the pure joy of running and to bring hope to her war torn country. This is her story. Samia Omar
was born in 1991 right when Somalia entered into a period of civil war. She often referred to the war as her older sibling because it was as much a part of her life as her family. Samia grew up in Mogadishu with her family in a tiny home as a member of the protected Agdal caste. The Agdals were considered preferred people and her father Aabe was able to sell vegetables at the market. From the time Samia was a young girl she loved to run with her neighbor, her “brother” Ali. They envisioned
themselves as the next Mo Farah, a Somali runner who defected to England and won medals in multiple Olympics. Following in Farah’s footsteps was the dream of both Samia and Ali, and Samia kept a newspaper cutout of Farah over her bed for good luck. By the time the two kids were eight years old, it was apparent that Samia had potential and Ali did not, so he appointed himself as her coach. The two would run at night so as not to draw attention of the fundamentalist Al-Shabaad sect who terrorized
Mogadishu. Unbeknownst to Samia because gun riddled Mogadishu was her whole life, is that the gulf between her and athletes in developed countries was as wide as the Mediterranean Sea that potentially bring her to freedom. If Samia was meant to follow Mo Farah’s path to glory, she would need as much luck as training to get her there. Over time Samia became the best amateur runner in her district. She caught the eye of the Somali athletic federation and was selected to participate in the
2008 Olympics in Beijing. It was her first time away from Somalia and an eye opening experience. After returning to Mogadishu, Samia realized that she would never become a champion if she remained in her country. After a year of training, she made the heart wrenching decision to leave her mother and siblings behind and defect to Ethiopia, and later make a perilous journey to freedom in Europe. Her beloved sister Hodan had successfully made the journey years before and now lived in Finland with
her family. The journey could be done but it involved crooked human traffickers and dangerous travels across other war torn nations as well as the Sahara to get there. For all the Africans who successfully made it to Europe, many perished along the way. Europe represented Samia’s best chance at Olympic glory. If she wanted to be at the same level as her would be peers, she would have to put herself at the mercy of human traffickers and hope to safely arrive in Europe. Samia’s story was an
award winning book in Italy, a frequent destination for Africans fleeing across the Mediterranean. Author Giuseppe Catozzella caught wind of Samia’s story and interviewed her sister Hodan in order to write this fictionalized account. Perhaps, in Italian, Do Not Tell Me You’re Afraid was a full of luscious prose. Samia does refer to herself as a butterfly on the wind en route to freedom in poetic terms. Other than a few phrases, much of the story is written in basic language, giving me cause to
believe that the writing was lost in translation. Yes, life in Somalia is a day to day struggle to survive, but do justice to the story by giving international readers a quality translation. As one who has studied multiple languages, it may be me being nit picky, but if I read a book labeled literary fiction, I want there to be quality prose. The other observation is that Samia as the main protagonist is just a teenager when her story is being told, so perhaps the author was writing with a young
adult audience in mind. Regardless, I know to scrutinize more closely when selecting a translated book if I want the story to be as well regarded in English as it was in its original language. Samia Omar did not survive to make it to the 2012 London Olympics. This story is told from piecing together interviews with Samia’s sister Hodan. Mo Farah did win two gold medals in London defeating Usain Bolt and bringing glory to both England and Somalia. The gulf between conditions of athletes in
first and third world countries remains, making it a nearly foregone conclusion that athletes in first world countries are the ones most likely to medal. This is not their stories, it is Samia’s. Although some of the language is beautiful but most was lost between Italian and English, it is a story that represents a country that should not be overlooked. 3 stars (mainly for poor quality of translation) 🇸🇴
To be born as a female in a war zone area , ruled by criminals ,thieves and religious extremists is a real catastrophe To be born as a female with great soul and big dreams in such area is a
greater catastrophe Even the ordinary and simple things that people everywhere else take for granted and the most simple creatures are free to do like running , swimming and singing will be prohibited and tabooed I know exactly what it means , I was born in such an area . What it was hard for me to understand To be born as a female with great soul and big dreams in such area is a greater catastrophe Even the ordinary and simple things that people everywhere else take for granted and the most simple creatures are free to do like running , swimming and singing will be prohibited and tabooed I know exactly what it means , I was born in such an area . What it was hard for me to understand how was such a young , simple lady be able to fight for her dreams ? From where did she
get her strength ? While reading , I could not hinder my tears from jumping on my cheek like what those illegal immigrants was doing jumping from the escape boat to the sea water hoping to catch one of the ropes . I learned a lot from Samia , She was such a strong and brave warrior . This book will stay with me , I will be back to it in times of uncertainties to get strength and I promise you Samia ( I will not say that I'm afraid ) ان تولدي كامرأة في منطقة حرب يحكمها المتطرفون واللصوص والقتلة هو كارثة حقيقة . ان تولدي كامرأة لها أحلام عظيمة في منطقة كهذه كارثة أعظم ستصبح حتى الأشياء العفوية والبسيطة والتي تقوم بها ابسط المخلوقات كالجري والركض والسباحة و الغناء ممنوعة وغير شرعية مخالفة للعرف والدين والشرع أن تملكي كل هذا الكم من الشجاعة لمواجهة كل هذه البشاعة والمحاربة بكل هذا الصدق والعنفوان والتحدي والقوة والاصرار هو ما لم استطع استيعابه كنت محاربة حقيقة قائدة قدوة لم استطع ان اسيطر على دموعي وأنا اقرأ هذه الرواية .. كانت تتقافز على خدي كما تقافز هؤلاء المهاجرون غير الشرعيين من قواربهم الى البحر طمعا في النجاة تعلمتُ منكِ الكثير يا سامية ستبقى معي فصول قصتك طوال رحلتي عبر هذه الحياة سأعود إليها بين الحين والحين استمد منها القوة والعزيمة اعدكِ " لن أقول أبدا اني خائفة " ...more
Wow...I enjoyed this story. This book came out this year (2016). Although it is fiction, it is based on a true story of a Somalian girl who was trying to get to the Olympics. She actually did make it to the Olympics in Beijing, but her journey to the Olympics in London was interrupted. The MC was splayed open in a way that only the innocent can be, who has nothing to hide. It was a raw look at the
workings of a girl who had dreams, hopes and an amazing ability, but was held back by a war torn cou The MC was splayed open in a way that only the innocent can
be, who has nothing to hide. It was a raw look at the workings of a girl who had dreams, hopes and an amazing ability, but was held back by a war torn country. It was really quite beautiful. I loved the writing. This is one of those stories that touches you and is unforgettable. Some of this stabbed at my heart.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Rest In Peace Samia 💔😞
"Don't Tell Me You're Afraid" is the novelization of the life of Samia Yusuf Omar, a Somali runner who competed in the 2008 Olympics and had her eyes set on attending the 2012 Olympics as a better, more competitive runner. Unfortunately, the story takes a turn for the worst when Samia is trying to escape her war-torn country as a refugee. This is an incredibly powerful book that had me cheering and crying!
A perfect pick for the lead up to this year's Olympics, this book sheds light on the stren "Don't Tell Me You're Afraid" is the novelization of the life of Samia Yusuf Omar, a Somali runner who competed in the 2008 Olympics and had her eyes set on attending the 2012 Olympics as a better, more competitive runner. Unfortunately, the story takes a turn for the worst when Samia is trying to escape her war-torn country as a refugee. This is an incredibly
powerful book that had me cheering and crying! A perfect pick for the lead up to this year's Olympics, this book sheds light on the strength of the human spirit as well as the horrible humanitarian situation in Somalia. Before reading this book, I had never heard of Samia before but after reading the book, I had a very difficult time seeing how her plight is not more well known. The book covers from her very young life as a girl training to run with her childhood best friend by her side in a
place that is constantly under attack. I loved the way that the author wrote the book from Samia's point of view, which really allowed me to get into the story. As a keen follower of world events, I thought that I had a pretty good grasp on what was happening in Somalia but this book shed a lot of light for me. It showed me just how wide spread and invasive the violence and terror of Al Shabaab was and still is in Somalia. It was very difficult to read these parts of the book! This
book was a difficult read due to the subject matter. The author uses Samia as a vehicle to give a human face to the plight faced by so many in Somalia. This was such a good story that ran me through so many different emotions. I know this is one that I will be recommending a lot!
How do you rate/discuss such a sad story based on the short brave and determined life of Samia Yusuf Omar? Written in
the first person, this reads like an autobiography and it’s power is that Samia was a real person.
This novel is based on the true story of Samia
Yusuf Omar, a Somalian athlete who died on April 2nd 2012 aged 21, drowning while trying to reach the ropes tossed out from an Italian vessel as she attempted to get to England and participate in the London Olympic Games. It is an affecting and heart wrenching story about the determination of one spirited woman who never gave up her hopes or dreams despite the suffering and oppression she faced daily, particularly as she began her dehumanising journ
This novel is based on the true story of Samia Yusuf Omar, a Somalian athlete who died on April 2nd 2012 aged 21, drowning while trying to reach the ropes tossed out from an Italian vessel as she attempted to get to England and participate in the London Olympic Games. It is an affecting and heart wrenching story about the determination of one spirited woman who never gave up her hopes or dreams despite the suffering and oppression she faced daily,
particularly as she began her dehumanising journey as a refugee. I was attracted to this book as it popped up on my Twitter feed the same day my friend left for Israel to run a charity half marathon - her first big race, her first flight in twenty years and her first trip away from her young family. It just seemed fitting that I should read this following some of the conversations we recently had. I thought the cover was also quite stunning. The story begins when Samia is 8 years old
and Ali, her best friend born only 3 days apart from her and living in the rooms next to her own family, asks her to be his "sister". Their friendship is deep and bound with the loyalty akin to that of a brother and sister. Ali is described as wearing shorts that were worn by all his brothers before ending up on him, he sleeps and lives in one room with the rest of his family and he is a Darod - an enemy of the Abgals to which Samia belongs. She lives in two rooms with her 6 other brothers and
sisters and her parents. They have only known war as it began 8 weeks before they were born and as they race through the streets they barely notice the way the walls of buildings are riddled with bullet holes or demolished by bombs. Ali and Samia are athletes - runners. Samia wants to be a champion and sleeps with a picture of Mo Farah above her bed. They run at night, through the streets where garbage is burned, navigating their way through charred remains and smouldering heaps of ashes,
ignoring the curfew. They avoid the beach as this the militia's favourite spot - they can have a straight shot. As the novel begins with the children at such a young age and seen from their point of view, it almost protects the reader from the full impact of the harrowing situation. It's an accepted backdrop to their lives. As Samia says, "It doesn't matter to us. Let them shoot each other in the street, it had nothing to to do with us. War couldn't take away what was important. Him to me and me
to him." However they cannot remain unaffected by the war and one evening they are stopped by the Militia who turn out to be mere boys of 11, "sporting rifles bigger than they were over their shoulders." The Al-Shabaab use children to teach them about holy war and offer in return education; the opportunity to learn Arabic and the laws of the Koran, a bed, three meals a day. Ali and Samia recognise one of the older boys to be someone they know and this affects Ali deeply. He stops running.
Samia does not. She continues, even more determined to become an athlete, and after a while Ali returns and becomes her coach. Following a further devastating turn of events involving both Ali and Samia's fathers, there is a meeting held at Samia's house. They discuss peace and hope while "outside there was a war." "Promise me," says Samia's father, "that you, an Abgal and you a Darod, will live forever in peace. War is only a result of hatred that makes people blind and content only with
blood. We are all Somoli brothers regardless of tribe and clans." Samia vows to become a little warrior; running for peace and to lead Somali women to liberation. The novel moves forward, several years at a time. The Al-Shabaab gain more power. Life becomes more impossible, particularly for women. Music is barred, cinema closed, men are not allowed to wear shorts and have to shave their heads. Women are not allowed to do anything and had to wear black burkas. "Hopes and freedom had been
wiped out in the blink of an eye." But Samia won't be beaten. She talks to her photo of Mo Farah. She wants to hope. She wants to win. Her first big race offers her freedom and an irresistible euphoria which feeds her desire to succeed even further. Her participation in a competition and the necessary travel it involved becomes symbolic. The running is her freedom. She wins. She is the fastest woman in her country. "I would win the Olympics," she decides, "I would lead the resurgence of
Muslim women." There is some lovely imagery and language used to describe Samia's passion and drive at this point in her story. Words such as champion, glittering, dazzling, celebration and pride scatter the pages. She receives letters from Muslim women and realises she is becoming a legend for thousands of women and their hopes and dreams. Following her sister's recent journey to Europe by boat, Samia sets out to join her. This is a very traumatic part of the story due to the
risks, danger, horrifying reality of people trafficking and the suffering endured. It is made bearable by Samia's inspirational ability to still feel hope and her determination to live. It is a dramatic section; moving, urgent, poignant and tragic. If you liked "The Kite Runner" and "The Other Hand" you will want to read this book. It is an important story even though it is a hard one to read. Much more so as it is a true story. The closing lines of the novel are powerful. Thank
you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.
Life is so unfair and it’s shown in Samia’s story🥺.
all the stars of the universe
for you dear samia "may peace be upon you".
This story is so sad to the point that you actually think that it’s fiction, sometimes we really forget that we live in
this unfair and cruel world, and there are some people that are unfortunate enough to be the reminder of that.
How rare it is, the books that make us Feel <3 !. To be reviewed ..
Updated 5.21.21: After thinking about it for a while, I knocked out a star because of the content and updated my review. Overall, I wouldn't recommend the book unless you're okay with excessive (and unnecessary) content (listed down below). Original Review (with small edits) DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE AFRAID is an interesting read, filled with the life story of one Olympic
runner, her childhood, and immigration experience in novel form. I picked this story up at a local bookstore because the blurb Original Review (with small edits) DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE AFRAID is an interesting read, filled with the life story of one Olympic runner, her childhood, and immigration experience in novel form. I picked this story up at a local bookstore because the blurb drew me in, and finished it in around two sittings. It was a relatively easy read. This novel gave a glimpse into the life of Samia Omar, the Olympic runner who competed in the Beijing Olympics to represent her home of Somalia. I honestly have so many thoughts on this book. THINGS I LIKED - Samia was portrayed very realistically (though as for how accurate this fictional account was to her true character, I don't know). Her fighting nature is something I definitely admired. How she was willing to keep going, even when it was hard, despite all the expectations and regulations being placed on women of her time, was astonishing and inspiring. THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE - The book opened when Samia was only eight, and I felt her character voice was too old for her. CONTENT WARNINGS : Profanity, including s**t, d**n, f***, b*s***d, a**, is used quite regularly, mentions of human traffickers, mention of sex, violence (view spoiler)[ a character is threatened by another who almost cuts her leg off (hide spoiler)], mention of bombs, shooting (not described in great detail), mention of "allah" and the Islamic faith (but doesn't play a big part in the story), a girl prays to her dead father and a famous runner's picture. THIS BOOK REMINDED ME OF: THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND by William Kamkwamba. I feel like they just had similar vibes, and are both stories of characters who defied the odds and the very environments of poverty they grew up in. If you do read THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND, be warned that it does not include profanity, but there are mentions of dark magic/witchcraft (though the character personally doesn't believe in it). Overall, DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE AFRAID is an inspiring story, but I didn't really agree with the message, and the inspiring-ness of it was buried under piles of unnecessary content. For that reason, I wouldn't recommend this book unless to readers who are used to/okay with this type of content. ...more
Based on a true story of a young Somalian girl, Samia, who lives in poverty and in wartime conditions in her country, yet dreams of running in the Olympics. Simply written, it describes her living conditions, the love for her family and her neighbor, Ali, that she loves as she would a brother. Her story shocked me. It was a timely book to select in more ways than just the Olympic games. As an American, we take simple everyday life for granted. Everytime I see a story about refuges, I wonder at t Based on a true story of a young Somalian girl, Samia, who lives in poverty and in wartime conditions in her country, yet dreams of running in the Olympics. Simply written, it describes her living conditions, the love for her family and her neighbor, Ali, that she loves as she would a brother. Her story shocked me. It was a timely book to select in more ways than just the Olympic games. As an American, we take simple everyday life for granted. Everytime I see a story about refuges, I wonder at their desperation. This book describes it so well. ...more
Well, I cried. I think that was inevitable. But a very, very powerful and moving story for our times. I had moments of reservation and discomfort about Catozzella (as a white, male, middle-aged Westerner) occupying a real life young girl's inner narrative, but in the end I think he managed the balance well. It was honest, simply-written, and heart-wrenching. And it's definitely altered my worldview on the
motivations of refugees. 'The afternoon was wonderful. I had my whole life ahead of me, and 'The afternoon was wonderful. I had my whole life ahead of me, and my entire life would be full and glorious. I was a champion, and I had all the time in the world to prove it. I was a comet in a fabric studded with bright stars.' 'One day I would manage to win the Olympics, and I would do it as a Somali and as a Muslim woman. With my face uncovered and my eyes turned to the sky. On camera I would
tell the whole world what it meant to fight without means in order to achieve liberation.'
This is a well-told story of a remarkable woman. Much of the story is tragic, but it is told with hope, driven by determination, work, and love. The book gives a vivid glimpse into life in Mogadishu, Somalia--what it's like to live in a country that has been at war your whole life, what would compel people to choose the risks of leaving as a refugee, and the terrible rigors of that journey. The characters are vivid and well-portrayed, and the reader on the audio book does a masterful job of givi This is a well-told story of a remarkable woman. Much of the story is tragic, but it is told with hope, driven by determination, work, and love. The book gives a vivid glimpse into life in Mogadishu, Somalia--what it's like to live in a country that has been at war your whole life, what would compel people to choose the risks of leaving as a refugee, and the terrible rigors of that journey. The characters are vivid and well-portrayed, and the reader on the audio book does a masterful job of giving a sense of place and giving voice to the narrator's experiences. ...more
Run,Samia, Run as if there were no particular reason...
"Live, Samia, live, like everything was a miracle"
Fictionalized account of a real-life heroine that reads like a memoir. I never heard of Samia but I will not forget her now that I know about her. She was a fighter, determined to live her dream.
There is so many things i would like to say about it, but i don't think it will be enough.
‘Little Warrior’ is a fitting nickname for Samia Yusef Omar, a young Somalian athlete from war torn Mogadishu. It was bestowed upon her by her father, her Aabe. It
not only reflects her athletic ability, which is immediately revealed when the book opens with a running scene, but also the immense bravery of Somalian people, some who have known of nothing but air scented by gunpowder from the time they take their first breath. This book tells the story of families living in the midst of civil war w This book tells the story of families living in the midst of civil war where there is no real governance and tribal factions are fighting for supremacy. This is a land
so perilous that the young hero cannot walk on the beach without fear of being riddled with gunshots. But in this land the challenges are greater for women, especially women who have ambition. The novel begins with a focus on Samia’s young life, opening when the character is just eight years old and already showing promise in the world of running. From the small room she shares with several of her siblings, Samia speaks to a newspaper cutting of Mo Farrah, the British Olympic champion who
also originates from Mogadishu. The books tells of Samia’s trip from her basic existence in Somalia, where she is expected to run at night with black robes covering everything but her eyes, through to the Beijing Olympics where she first enjoyed a hot bath and flushing toilet. At those Olympics she came last in the 200m race against trained athletes in proper running shoes. These are real events in her incredible story. The novel is topical. It illustrates “The Journey”, the passage still
being taken by refugees from war torn countries on the African continent, through the Sahara desert to the Libyan coastline, and across the Mediterranean Sea. A life-risking journey that is being taken every day by thousands of people, while the western world enjoy this year’s Olympics in a comfort that these refugees may never know. I’d give this book a 9 out of 10. It paints war torn scenes with grace, but has a page count that makes it a manageable read. This story about a Somalian
woman, told by an Italian author, then translated again to English, is thoroughly researched and compelling told. The multiple layers of production don’t unpick the voice of Samia Yusef Omar because the novelist keeps a firm hold on telling Samia’s story. The story of a runner first, a Somalian second, and eventually a refugee, a tahrib, an outcast who doesn’t belong to any country. She is a champion for the women of Somalia and a little warrior who promised to never be afraid.
The novel, "Don't Tell Me You're Afraid" by Giuseppe Catozzella follows the true story of Samia, a girl from Somalia, and her journey to becoming an Olympic
runner. It outlines her life from early childhood until 2012 when she was 21 years old. This is the inspiring story of a girl pursuing her dream of running, and winning in the Olympics. She fights through political, religious and social terrorism in her country and standing up for women's freedom and rights, all while training endlessly thro This is the inspiring story of a girl pursuing her dream of running, and winning in the Olympics. She fights through political, religious and social terrorism in her country and standing up for women's freedom and rights, all while training endlessly through heat, starvation and poverty. The book begins when she is a child and describes her
life, living with her parents, six siblings and sharing a home with another family. It goes on in detail telling of everyday life, growing up during war. Along with the hardships that come from poverty, she looses friends and family and loved ones. She uses running as a way to push through her struggles. She trains with what little equipment she has, she faces threats and finally decides to flee in hopes of making it to Italy, to train and find a coach. Her love for her homeland even when
it is at war is humbling. She wishes to fight for peace and freedom, and dreams of being a symbol of hope to her nation. Samia is a symbol of hope and perseverance for women and really all people around the world. This story brings to light the true hardships refugees and women still face today. There are people in so many different countries facing turmoil and war, seeking safety and yet still holding onto hopes of the future. This book gave me a new respect for their strength, love,
endurance and pride amidst incredibly difficult circumstances.
A story of our times. Do not expect to read this book and not be affected by what is happening in our world today. I was greatly moved and angered with the people traffickers. I think everyone
should read this book. Semi biographical story of a young Yemini athlete, Samia Omar, who was born and brought up in a country in the middle of a civil war. Trying to run and compete in a male dominated, extremely Muslim rebel area, where to be outside alone without wearing the full Burka, could lead to a b Semi biographical story of a young Yemini athlete, Samia Omar, who was born and brought up in a country in the middle of a civil war. Trying to run and compete in a male dominated, extremely Muslim rebel area, where to be outside alone without wearing the full Burka, could lead to a beating up or even death. She runs at night, through deserted streets, during curfew. Malnourished and physically under developed, she
barely had a chance, but the strength of her spirit and ambition to represent her country at the Olympics comes through. Her inspiration is Mo Farah, who is also Yemini but was able to escape the country and move to Britain at the age of 12. His story is paralleled with hers. She does go on to represent her country, but I shall not tell you any more as I don't want to spoil the book for you. It is very well written and accessible for 11yr old and upwards. Despite it being a very sad book because of what actually happens to her character, it is extremely life affirming. Here is a girl who shines through, her strength of character inspires, but circumstances were against her from the beginning. What she would have achieved if she had been born in a different place or at a different time. Try not to actually find out what happened to Samia until after you have finished the book, she was a real person with such a tragic short life. ...more
All I could do was wait. Pray, wait, and read. In fact there were letters in that prison. In Arabic, in Somali, in Ethiopian, and in English, left there somehow, for some reason, tossed aside in a corner, accumulated over years and years. Letters from prisoners or from their loved ones. Maybe they were mementos of the dead that the guards had never had the nerve to discard. In those letters there were
lives. And so, reading them, I rediscovered what no longer existed inside of me. Life. Memories. Pray, wait, and read. In fact there were letters in that prison. In Arabic, in Somali, in Ethiopian, and in English, left there somehow, for some reason, tossed aside in a corner, accumulated over years and years. Letters from prisoners or from their loved ones. Maybe they were mementos of the dead that the guards had never
had the nerve to discard. In those letters there were lives. And so, reading them, I rediscovered what no longer existed inside of me. Life. Memories. Love. Promises. Courage. Hope. There were some from a man who wrote to his wife every day. Each morning when the sun rose. A young woman who, dreaming, wrote hopeful words to her two-year-old son, who’d been left in Somalia. A little boy who asked his father and mother to be brave, in letters that were never delivered. They were orphaned words,
which had never reached their destination. I liked to think that they were meant for me.
Wow. This is the true story of a girl from Somalia who dreams of running in the Olympics. She trains on her own with no professional coach, no proper shoes, and without proper nutrition, and makes it to the 2008 Olympics, against all odds. She makes it a goal to return to the 2012 Games better prepared, but being a female in a war torn country in that part of the world makes it very difficult. She decides to migrate to Europe to train with a coach in better conditions, but the details of her jou Wow. This is the true story of a girl from Somalia who dreams of running in the Olympics. She trains on her own with no professional coach, no proper shoes, and without proper nutrition, and makes it to the 2008 Olympics, against all odds. She makes it a goal to return to the 2012 Games better prepared, but being a female in a war torn country in that part of the world makes it very difficult. She decides to migrate to Europe to train with a coach in better conditions, but the details of her journey are almost unimaginable. This book made me realize how much we take for granted on a daily basis, and her incredible determination is so inspiring. ...more
Don't Tell Me You're Afraid by Giuseppe Catozzella is a fictionalized account of the true story of Samia Yusuf Omar, a Somali girl who has one dream - to run. The book is a fictionalized account dramatically told. You may agree or disagree with that approach. However, strip away all the drama, and the story itself is still an amazing one. I find myself lost in the emotional story and the dramatic
storytelling. Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016.... Reviewed for the Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2016.... Reviewed for the Penguin First to Read program.
Jul 19, 2016 Elisa Grassa rated it it was amazing I read this book in English. The title is
Little Warrior. An amazing story of determination and courage. A story of young woman who has a dream, and goals like other young women in the world.
A fictionalized account of the life of Somali runner Samia Yusuf Omar, who represented her country at the 2008 Olympic Games. I couldn't have read this at a better time. When I remember the hoopla about Ryan Lochte's debacle
in Brazil; when I read about endorsements drying up while I'm reading this book, I'm thinking, REALLY? Who CARES!!!! What we should care about, is people like Samia. Their sheet determination, courage and drive. Their having NOTHING but a dream. A dream that is actualized, ye What we should care about, is people like Samia. Their sheet determination, courage and drive. Their having NOTHING but a dream. A dream that is actualized, yet not. This book is gritty, heartbreaking and eye opening. I was moved to tears. He was born in Milan and studied philosophy at the University of Milan. After graduating, he moved to Australia. After living in Sydney for an extended period, he returned to his native
Milan. He has been nominated by the UN Goodwill Ambassador UNHCR. Catozzella has published across multiple literary genres, including plays, short stories and novels, and writes on the main Italian newspapers La Rep Catozzella has published across multiple literary genres, including plays, short stories and novels, and writes on the main Italian newspapers La Repubblica and L'Espresso. His novel Don't Tell Me You're Afraid, dealing with the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean Sea, was a very popular and critical success in Italy and in the world. The novel sold more than 500.000 copies in 40 countries. In Italy it won the Premio Strega Giovani 2014 and it was shortlisted for the
Premio Strega 2014. It has been translated into English by Anne Appel, and published in the US and Canada by Penguin and in UK and Commonweal by Faber&Faber. A major movie is in preparation from Don't Tell Me You're Afraid. His last novel is "The Great Future". News & InterviewsFor her debut novel, author Tracy Deonn took on the task of reimagining the legend of King Arthur with a modern-day Black teenage girl at its... “منذ نعومة أظفارنا وموضوع السفر من أكثر الموضوعات التي نفضّل الحديث عنها” — 25 likes “كنتُ قد فقدتُ هوّيتي، و وجدتُ صعوبة في أن أتذكر من أكون، و كانت الذكريات تطفو على السطح كالبرق الخاطف وقتما تشاء. لكن ما نكون عليه في أعماقنا لا يُمحى. ربما الأمر كذلك فنجد أنفسنا ـ في نهاية المطاف ـ نتعرف على هويتنا من خلال أفعالنا ، فحسب.” — 15 likes More quotes…Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Qual è il messaggio del libro Non dirmi che hai paura?Questo libro ha anche una morale, cioè che se si vuole fare qualcosa si può, perché con la forza di volontà si riesce a fare qualsiasi cosa, come Samia è riuscita quasi a diventare una campionessa di atletica.
Chi sono i protagonisti del libro Non dirmi che hai paura?Con le sue 240 pagine Non dirmi che hai paura di Giuseppe Catozzella racconta la toccante storia di Samia Yusuf Omar, una ragazza somala con il sogno della corsa nel sangue. Vive in un quartiere di Mogadiscio, Bondere, dove fin da piccola si allena come può aiutata dal suo amico Alì.
Come muore Samia nel libro Non dirmi che hai paura?Samia Yusuf Omar è morta nel mar Mediterraneo il 2 aprile 2012, mentre tentava di raggiungere le funi lanciate da una imbarcazione italiana.
Chi è Samia Non dirmi che hai paura?È come una creatura mitologica che può portare alla salvezza o alla morte con la stessa facilità”. Samia Yusuf Omar era nata per correre, voleva raggiungere l'Italia per fuggire dalla povertà e dalla guerra del suo Paese, sognava la libertà e un allenatore vero. Correva per la vita, Samia.
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Giuseppe catozzella non dirmi che hai paura
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