I appreciated the Iraqi perspective of the American invasion, but the end felt rushed. I also wasn't quite sure what her purpose in writing was. Definitely not as eloquent as Anne Frank, in terms of style. ( )

This is a somewhat unemotional account of a teenager living in Baghdad during 2003, when American bombs starting raining down on the city, throwing it and its inhabitants into turmoil. We see how the family goes from enjoying a peaceful, happy existence to how they experience the utter destruction of the city, and everything they hold sacred.

At 19, Al-Windawi is still finding her voice and this was a tentative piece of writing that could do with some editing.

Her story was published in "The Times" in the UK, and she mentions a BBC crew that interviewed her for a TV programme. It seems Al-Windawi has enjoyed some coverage of her story and her diary in the western media. Though I think her story is important, I didn't find the book compelling. ( )

A girls life living in wartime of Iraq. Her struggles and how she lives during this difficult time ( )

Thura Al-Windawi's first-hand account of the War in Iraq is curiously dispassionate. The hardships she and her family notwithstanding one doesn't get the real sense of conflict and sacrifice. This is an easy read but not a compelling one. ( )