some stories don't need telling

about clichés. Avoid them like the plague.

Without women taking an active role in Afghan society, rebuilding Afghanistan is going to be very difficult.

there is a God, there always has been. I see him here, in the eyes of the people in this [hospital] corridor of desperation. This is the real house of God, this is where those who have lost God will find Him... there is a God, there has to be, and now I will pray, I will pray that He will forgive that I have neglected Him all of these years, forgive that I have betrayed, lied, and sinned with impunity only to turn to Him now in my hour of need. I pray that He is as merciful, benevolent, and gracious as His book says He is.

Attention shifted to him like sunflowers turning to the sun.

If my book generates any sort of dialogue among Afghans, then I think it will have done a service to the community.

I was overwhelmed with the kindness of people [in Afghanistan] and found that they had managed to retain their dignity, their pride, and their hospitality under unspeakably bleak conditions.