Rating: 
Summary: A True Accounting
Review: First, let me mention that these two young women never claimed to be writers. They have tried, in the best way possible, to relate their experiences in Afghanistan. I was pleased to be at a Women of Faith conference recently where they were the guest speakers. The humor that they were able to see in the different trials that they suffered was amazing. Second, there is always the possibility that the editors removed a majority of Christian references so as not to offend the non-Christians. This book is a well written documentary of their time. I was in awe of their initiative, and the faith that led them to service in Afghanistan. Well done, and if only there were more people like this (and I don't mean preaching the Gospel), but just those to go out and help then the world would be a much better place. This is an example to all that nobody is perfect, but you try and do the best that you can in whatever situation occurs.
Rating: 
Summary: A story of compassion
Review: Having followed the story of their arrest on the news, I eagerly snatched up this book. Once I got into its pages, I could see that many will be offended by this story. Why? Because they will not understand it. You can understand what drove these women only if you have experienced similar faith and have lived a similar ministry. I can understand where Dayna and Heather are coming from. We get their religious background, how they came to know and love God. We see how they felt drawn to Afghanistan to help the downtrodden. I was touched by their ministry to the poor. So much of it was practical, such as giving clothing and food. But the two also realized how these people, living under so hard a regime, needed hope. So the two walked a fine line, giving hope without actively converting. Maybe some will see Dayna's and Heather's weaknesses, as when they were imprisoned and discouraged. But I saw their strengths, how they never stopped loving, how they continued to minister--giving food, clothing, etc., to fellow prisoners. I saw how they continued to give hope, teaching songs, telling stories,... Even cold, ill, or hungry, they still put others before themselves. And I was touched at the goodness of the Afghani people, their hospitality. Dayna and Heather displayed no bitterness or resentment in their story. We see this story as part of their personal spiritual growth. I feel those who know them are lucky.
Rating:
Summary: A story of compassion
Review: Having followed the story of their arrest on the news, I eagerly snatched up this book. Once I got into its pages, I could see that many will be offended by this story. Why? Because they will not understand it. You can understand what drove these women only if you have experienced similar faith and have lived a similar ministry. I can understand where Dayna and Heather are coming from. We get their religious background, how they came to know and love God. We see how they felt drawn to Afghanistan to help the downtrodden. I was touched by their ministry to the poor. So much of it was practical, such as giving clothing and food. But the two also realized how these people, living under so hard a regime, needed hope. So the two walked a fine line, giving hope without actively converting. Maybe some will see Dayna's and Heather's weaknesses, as when they were imprisoned and discouraged. But I saw their strengths, how they never stopped loving, how they continued to minister--giving food, clothing, etc., to fellow prisoners. I saw how they continued to give hope, teaching songs, telling stories,... Even cold, ill, or hungry, they still put others before themselves. And I was touched at the goodness of the Afghani people, their hospitality. Dayna and Heather displayed no bitterness or resentment in their story. We see this story as part of their personal spiritual growth. I feel those who know them are lucky.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I could not put this book down - what an experience these girls had!! I also can not believe all the negative feedback these girls have received here. ??? Spys for President Bush? Dumb & Dumber? Twits? Give me a break! Either these commenters are jealous, intimidated, or non-christian - some say they are christian but I've learned that all who claim to be are not necessarily walking in the spirit. I know many who claim to be Christian and have never read the bible! Dayna & Heather the bible says that you will be persecuted..... 2 Timothy 3:12, Matt 24:9, John 15:20, Matt 5:10-12... "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven... "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake... "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
You did a lot of good for many women and families - do not let anyone tell you different. You know different. You are not stupid, or naive. I commend you for all you went through to help these people - for doing good and for sharing your faith in Jesus. You picked up your cross and followed the great commission... Matt 28:12-20 Bless you! This book was great and I thank you for taking the time to write it - it is an inspiration to all and encouragement for many. I pray that my own children would follow in your example of faith. Your parents have been truly blessed. The proceeds from this book and your CD will help so many in Afghanistan - so much good has come from your imprisonment and trials.
Rating: 
Summary: Keep NGO aid work secular!
Review: I thought this book was extremely interesting. Although not the best written in the world, it makes up for it by the insight you gain about the Afgahni people and the hearts of these brave women. I enjoyed it and would read it again and recommend it to others.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read! Worth the money
Review: I've read and re-read this book several times. I've read the reviews here and most simply missed the point of the book. The heart of the story is about the love these women have for Jesus and their compassion and desire to help people in need. I've re-read this book at times when I feel my life and circumstances are too difficult to bear and it also encourages me. I LOVE the fact that Heather struggled with fear while in prison because that is how I picture myself reacting! You can relate to how she feels. I was encouraged and uplifted to read about these women who gave so much to the people and never expected anything in return. Get it from the library if you want but give it a read. It's worth it.
Rating:
Summary: A Testimony of God¿s Faithfulness
Review: In August of 2001, we were introduced to American missionaries Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer. Each had accepted their calling into missions and was serving the people of Afghanistan. While many lives were changed as a result of their work, the Taliban arrested them for sharing their faith. For over three months the world watched and prayed for their release and eventually in November 2001, these prayers were answered. While many of us believe that we have heard the whole story, there is more. Told candidly in first person, Heather & Dayna take the reader into their world. We are introduced to the people they impacted, their experiences in Afghanistan, and those who also were involved in their journey during their time in prison. You will truly be moved as you read of the experience that made both women stronger and passionate like never before. Prisoners of Hope is a powerful, moving, and compelling story, one that is true testimony of God's faithfulness and mercy even through the most difficult of times. Dayna and Heather are incredible women and as a young Christian woman I salute them for heeding the call and sharing the gospel to the Afghan people. I pray that God will continue to bless them both greatly. Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating: 
Summary: dumb dumb dumb
Review: Stop me if you've heard this one:
So these girls go into Afghanistan, then one of the most repressive theocracies in the world. They are -- get this -- missionaries, and they wander around trying to convert the "heathens" to Christianity, which is a little like opening a synagogue in 1930s Germany. It would make a good sitcom, in the tasteless manner of "Hogan's Heroes," but it makes a lousy book. Religious zealotry is the worst thing on the planet and these two crullers merely wanted to exchange one type of fanaticism for another.
Rating: 
Summary: Dinghies!
Review: The vicious attacks by some of these reviewers is truly frightening. No matter what someone may think of the particular beliefs of these two young woman, who can doubt that they are especially virtuous people? They are attractive, educated, talented women who freely chose to live in a hostile and poor country to minister to the people's phsyical and spiritual needs. The writing is fair. Their story is pretty interesting. They give us a decent window into a world that all Americans need to better understand. But the best part of the book to me is their deep love and respect for the Afghani people. These are pretty rough people that very few Westerners would dare visit, never mind live among. But these two women clearly fell in love with the Afghanis. Really interesting to see how this happens.
Rating:
Summary: I like it
Review: this book is the best book i had ever read in my life time. this book is about two girls that did not have a strong faith about Jesus christ. when i started reading this book every thing in my life had change about me and jesus. my mother help me know how much Jesus means to me and how he make me happy and tells me that every thing is going to be ok. i allways read the bible more because i under stand what is going on in my life. i know that God is going to be with me no matter what.
| 
