Khaled Hosseini’s novels, which are set in Afghanistan, have piqued my interest in the country and her history. Rodriguez’ true account of the beauty school that she helped to found in Afghanistan was an amazing read, and has opened my eyes even more to the present day struggles of the women in Afghanistan.

Rodriguez originally traveled to Afghanistan as part of a short-term mission team. A short while later, she moved to Afghanistan to help teach at the Kabul Beauty School. This school was started as a way to provide training for Afghani women in working at, and running, their own salon. Jobs for women in Afghanistan are scarce, and the salon industry is the only one in which women can manage their own business without the supervision of men. The Kabul Beauty School has provided independence for many women who would otherwise be dependent on their husbands, fathers or brothers to care for them.

Rodriguez has fascinating stories to tell of the women she has taught, the people she has met, and of her own growth in Afghanistan. She’s an interesting character and she makes many decisions that I don’t agree with. However, she’s also an amazing woman who is making a concrete difference in the lives of Afghani women every day.