Kidnapped By The Taliban
Kidnapped By The Taliban is the thrilling account of Dr. Dilip Joseph (co-written by James Lund). Dr. Dilip Joseph was working for an NGO, Morning Star Development. He traveled to Afghanistan on multiple occasions to oversee, provide medical care and train native medical workers to better serve the Afghan people, especially in rural areas with no health care options. The back cover reads:
"“Am I About to Die?”
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare—he’s being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring and deadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to reexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
With a jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is no path. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about two hundred feet above us.
Apprehension surges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren’t ordinary robbers. This is too systematic.
I’ve been kidnapped by the Taliban.
As we walk, I fear the worst—that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. God, however this is going to end, please don’t let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done.
It is amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. In the space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do is take a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again."
This was such an absolutely fascinating and fast-paced story that I literally read it in less than 24 hours. I could've read it in one sitting, if I had time. Dr. Joseph and Mr. Lund brought together the story seamlessly, and I was impressed by the level of detail that the story included. Many stories such as these are blurry on timelines and events, but not this one. I felt like I was there as the story unfolded. I loved how Dr. Joseph showed us the true plight of the Afghan people, and showed their humanity. Amazingly, he was able to connect with members of the Taliban on a very personal and human level - talking about such things as families, careers, dreams for the future, and more. It also showed that many in the Taliban are victims of their environment - poor, with no other options, and raised steeped in this culture. They had dreams of leaving Afghanistan and going to other countries to seek education and a new life. As strange as it may sound, I felt sorry for several of the Taliban members portayed here. I believe Dr. Joseph when he said he had planned to try to help them leave the Taliban and discover other options for their life, and was sad when they all were killed and he lost that chance. I can't recommend this book enough - not only is it a quick, exciting read, it will also help you learn more about the Afghan people and put a face on their plight. The villagers are living under the threat of death from the Taliban if they don't cooperate, and with little food, poverty, and no real access to medical care or education, but their future is hopeful. I was very impressed with this book.
I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"“Am I About to Die?”
On December 5, 2012, American medical doctor Dilip Joseph and two colleagues are driving back to Kabul, Afghanistan, after serving villagers that morning at a rural clinic. Suddenly a man waving an AK-47 blocks their path. More armed men jump out of hiding. For Dilip, it is the beginning of a nightmare—he’s being kidnapped by the Taliban.
Dilip and his friends endure a nine-hour march into the mountains, gruesome images of torture and death, and repeated threats of execution. Four days later Dilip is freed in a daring and deadly rescue that claims the life of a SEAL Team Six operator. Yet this is more than a story of desperation, survival, and loss. It is also a tale of surprising connection, compassion, and inspiration. As Dilip begins to view the Taliban not as monsters but as men, both he and his captors are challenged to reexamine everything that matters: courage, sacrifice, hope, and faith.
Flap Copy:
With a jerk of his rifle, the leader points up the mountain on the left. There is no path. I look higher and see more armed men at the top of a hill about two hundred feet above us.
Apprehension surges up in me like black oil from a well. These aren’t ordinary robbers. This is too systematic.
I’ve been kidnapped by the Taliban.
As we walk, I fear the worst—that when we reach the top, they will shoot us. God, however this is going to end, please don’t let them torture me to death. Let it be one shot and done.
It is amazing how quickly everything we take for granted can be ripped away. In the space of a few minutes, I have lost all control of my life. All I can do is take a step, draw a breath, and hope I will be given the chance for another.
Step.
Breathe.
Hope.
Kidnapped by the Taliban is a story of both terror and triumph. After reading this dramatic and inspiring account, you will never view Afghanistan or the Taliban in the same way again."
This was such an absolutely fascinating and fast-paced story that I literally read it in less than 24 hours. I could've read it in one sitting, if I had time. Dr. Joseph and Mr. Lund brought together the story seamlessly, and I was impressed by the level of detail that the story included. Many stories such as these are blurry on timelines and events, but not this one. I felt like I was there as the story unfolded. I loved how Dr. Joseph showed us the true plight of the Afghan people, and showed their humanity. Amazingly, he was able to connect with members of the Taliban on a very personal and human level - talking about such things as families, careers, dreams for the future, and more. It also showed that many in the Taliban are victims of their environment - poor, with no other options, and raised steeped in this culture. They had dreams of leaving Afghanistan and going to other countries to seek education and a new life. As strange as it may sound, I felt sorry for several of the Taliban members portayed here. I believe Dr. Joseph when he said he had planned to try to help them leave the Taliban and discover other options for their life, and was sad when they all were killed and he lost that chance. I can't recommend this book enough - not only is it a quick, exciting read, it will also help you learn more about the Afghan people and put a face on their plight. The villagers are living under the threat of death from the Taliban if they don't cooperate, and with little food, poverty, and no real access to medical care or education, but their future is hopeful. I was very impressed with this book.
I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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