Letters From Afghanistan is a powerful and essential read. Pannocchia has written such a masterpiece that deserves to be placed into the education system to help express the terrible realities that are experienced. This book will shape your mindset and remind you to not take things for granted as sometimes we forget how lucky we are.
Rating: 5/5
For the Literature blog
Full review
This work encouraged me to make a change in this world because everybody can make a difference!
An absolutely beautiful book that I would highly recommend!
Rating: 4.5/5
Read_with_ally
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Poignant, thought provoking and very powerful. Incredible that English is not the writers first language too. A challenging, sometimes uncomfortable read but an education and a must read.
Emma Hardy 
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I highly recommend this book.
It’s a short read but it has a lot in such a short read. 
Rating: 5/5
Amanda Hagerty
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Prepared writings such as Letters from Afghanistan gives a closer look and a better understanding of the daily life in Afghanistan. 
This is a good read that brings attention and awareness to real life, real world issues that should be read by everyone.
I hope the author Maricla Pannocchia gets her book added to school libraries and offered to girl book clubs. A lot of great discussion can come from a book like this one.
Rating: 5/5
Cynthia
Full review
I really believe that this is a book everyone should read - I hope it ends up in classrooms and libraries everywhere.
I’m also inspired by Maricla’s mission to make the world a little better through her writing.
Rating:
5/5
Tracy
Full review
The story tackles underage/forced marriage, realism, bullying. You can't turn on the news without being hit by stories from Afghanistan in the UK at the moment. The author does this book justice and it is clear she has much knowledge on these events.
This book has an important message and should be read by all. The world needs to change and the media needs to stop showing us what they want us to see.
Rating: 4/5
Couldibereadingmorebooks
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It's a really powerful novel.
Rating: 5/5
Laiba Malik
Full review
Maricla tells the human side of people and helps you to think about your life.  (...)  Since reading "Letters fron Afghanistan", I have done nothing but ask myself: "What am I doing with my life?"
Hope Maricla will write again about Olivia and Basya.
Rating: 5/5
Angela Carraro
Full Review
This book was amazing and really educational and puts into perspective how people live very differently around the world without the knowledge of how other people are living.
I think everyone should read this book, it is something that I think everyone in the world should understand and know how other people are living so we can help.
Rating: 4/5
Trudyreviews_books 
Full review
Young adults will be able to relate to this book and see friendship, courage and confidence in a new light. We get a glimpse of how things were, and now we are reading about girls like Basya too. We can also care to stand up for them, like Olivia, in whatever little way we can!
Rating: 4/5
Debby Indranil
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This book really gets you thinking, and shows you just how different everyone’s life is. It makes you smile and giggle, and it makes you sad. It shows you true friendship, and courage.
Rating: 5/5
Lizethreadss
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There are so many elements that I like about this story: the comparison between life in the US vs in Afghanistan, the definition of courage, women's rights in some countries, child marriage, the importance of education, the Muslim culture, war and friendship that goes beyond borders. I also love Olivia's conversations with her grandfather. (...) I enjoyed this heartwarming YA read very much. It makes you reflect on the abundance around you and appreciate the simple things.
Rating: 4/5
Jasmine
Full review
I finished this about a week ago, and yet it stayed in my mind plus feels more relevant than ever. (...) What's even more incredible is that this is the authors first English written book. It's incredibly articulate. (...) I cannot stress enough, how more than ever, we need this education at this time.
Rating: 5/5
Bobs and Books
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An absolute 5/5. (...) You really feel for these characters and it is a super gripping story that I couldn't put down.
Rating: 5/5
Froggy reads
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I thoroughly enjoyed feeling the connection develop between Olivia and Basya. Helps bring into perspective how you can connect with people all around the world regardless of monetary income, beliefs, or language.
Rating: 4/5
MegsAJ reviews
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Many people like Baysa ( the girl from Afghanistan) are going through struggles we sometimes don't even think about and it is high time to start caring more about all of it and pay more attention to it.
I enjoyed every word, the full story I even shed some tears.
Vervaine Book Club
Full review
This was a lovely story about the struggles many women around the world experience - not having the right to an education. This book made me laugh, cry and reevaluate what I should be doing to help.
Rating: 4/5
Kimberly Chiarelli
Read the review
About middle schoolers from a different life learning about how the world can be so vastly different. (...) I wish this would have had a forward from 20 years down the road to see how the girls have grown up and what has happened with their life.
Rating: 5/5
Ashley Guynn
Full Review
It was a very touching novel.
I like that the author has given insight on something that is sadly actually happening over in other countries.
Rating: 4/5
Eyota Powell
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Lucid and easy going English makes the story a short and good read. A very important message is imparted regarding education. Young adults will find this book a great read. It has some sweet moments of friendship, teenage angst, serious issues and how we adults can support our next generation in trying to do the right thing.
Rating: 4/5
Deblina Biswas
Full review
The insight into what women must endure in certain countries makes you remember that just because you don’t see it daily it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening and reminds you to always do things for those less fortunate than you when you can.
Rating: 4.5/5
It's a novel idea
Full review
I rate the book 4 stars out of 5 as I thought it was an educational read, a lovely story of both friendship and a glimpse into other people's world. I would defiantly recommend this book to everyone as it is beautifully written. 
Rating:4/5
Fiona
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I found myself waiting in anticipation for Basya’s letters to come back to Olivia. I loved their friendship so much. It shows that we can be close to people we’ve never met and learn to understand their experiences and be there for them. (...) I highly recommend this book, for young people and anyone else. (...) Thank you for educating me and I’ll be looking into ways to help.
Newts_library
Full review
The book gives you a lot to think about.
Do you want the world to change? Start changing it. Let’s make every girl have access to education. EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT.
(...) I encourage you to read.
I truly recommend this book.
Rating: 5/5
Mommy_and_books
​Full review
She does everything she can to help her friend and she becomes the change she wants to see in the world. She changes her mindset and gets strenght and courage from Basya who doesn't give up and keeps and keeps fighting for her dreams. 
A piece of books
​Full review
I am really thrilled after reading this book and sad for all those girls who are forced to quit their studies, for all those women who are are forced to quit their job and stay at home. Obviously looking forward to read more books from the author. 
Rating: 4.5/5
The_bookish_boy
Full review
This book encouraged me to do good deeds like helping those who needs it and to appreciate what I have because not everyone has a luxury that most of us have. I believe we can change the world as long as all of us unite and this book proves it.
Rating: 5/5
Davydde
Full review
Reading this book was one of the most eye opening books I think I have ever read! It’s really informative about how people live all over the world and how much people can help if there was just enough information given to people about what is going on in the world.
This book was really really good!
Rating: 4/5
Trudy
Go to the review
Maricla, thank you for allowing me to read this book for free. I applaud you for writing about an important topic and for trying to make a difference in this world. As the first book you have written in English, you did a good job.
Prettybooksandpolishedlooks
Full review
I read "Letters from Afghanistan" in one day and it was really enjoyable. (...) While it may not be my usual genre, I found that this book creates feelings of hope and inspiration in its readers, and causes them to think about experiences other than their own.
Rating: 4/5
Bailays_bookshelf
Full review
I loved this book! This book made me realise that, although you can't change the world, you can change a little part and it'll be equally fundamental in some way or the other. It also made me realise how often we take things for granted, like getting to eat 3 meals a day, having the freedom to hang out with friends.
I highly recommend you to read this book.
​Rating: 4.5/5
Mood_Reader
Full review
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the concept of two 14 year old girls from opposite sides of the world with completely different lives connecting on such a deep, personal level. I loved the perspective and inspiration that Basya gave to Olivia. Also, I absolutely adored Olivia's grandfather! I recommend this book! 
Kayla
Rating: 4/5
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This coming-of-age story is interesting, and carries an important message: can a woman make her dreams come true even in such difficult circumstances?
Can we have even a little empathy for a situation that we do not fully understand? Most of the time we talk about our own problems, but they are not as important as we think compared to such problems -we take certain things for granted, when others fight hard to gain them-.
It's a good read for a teenage audience, too.
Anastasia reads a lot
Full review
This was an incredibly powerful read! (...) This book serves as a wake up call, one I think we all need. It comes with an important message.
I have to respect the author for spreading awareness, as well as promoting charities that work to tackle these issues and how we can help.
I have to say, yes this book is an eye opener, but it also gives a very warm feeling at the end.
Sarahjaynes.shelf
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The novel is gripping and is a thought-provoking social commentary that was needed, since not all girls are able to get an education. Education is a privilege and it is often forgotten in countries like America where it is expected to attend school. Privilege often goes unnoticed until we are forced to see another’s perspective.This book teaches us to be grateful for what we have and to advocate for others through the stories of these two girls.
I highly recommend reading this story for girls and women.
Rating: 4/5
Lexi books
Full review
The author wove a beautiful story about reality, hopes and dreams. (...)
Really powerful book with a great message for people of all ages. 
Rating: 4/5
Kealin_Reads lp
Full review
An absolute read, expecially in this historical moment, expecially for young girls and boy.
Rating: 5/5
Silvia from Italy
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𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑡, 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑦. 𝐼𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠. 
Rating: 5/5
Mariaelena's Bookworm Stories
Full review​
At just over 100 pages this YA novel written in the voice of 14-year-old Olivia is short but powerful. I encourage you to check out the author’s page @mariclapannocchia1 to learn more about this book and the work she is doing.
Becky
Full review
I fell in love with the characters of the book. (...) This book made me feel many different emotions and it was such a touching read. It teaches us many life lessons and the one that stood out to me is to not take things for granted.
Rating: 4/5
Bookishgirl
Full review
I haven’t read anything like this before and I really enjoyed it.
We have no idea how lucky we are until we get to see it from another’s point of view.
Rating: 4/5
The saucy bookshelf
Full review
When Basya is in trouble, Olivia finds her own strength and courage to help her friend and in the process, discovers an inner ‘her’ she didn’t know existed. A must read for both adults and young adults.
Rating: 4/5
Jayanti Pandey
Full review
I think this book is a must-read for adults and teens. (...) The pace is constant, neither fast nor slow, and it’s more about educating the reader about the differences between the western countries and Afghanistan. And how one simple thing can make a substantial difference in other’s life. 
Rating: 4/5
Asiel R. Lavie
Full review

This book truly gave an insight into the life of women and girls in Afghanistan and how difficult and terrifying it is to live in a war torn country, yet these women still show so much fierce courage and braveness every single day.
It’s a quick read that really does make you think about how lucky we are to live in a 1st world country.
Mogzyyreads
Full review
This story is also extremely relevant due to current world events. Overall a beautiful book, and I would definitely recommend it.
Book_hunter_42
Full review
The timing of the book is amazing and the author's ideas on the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan came true in real life. This is the best time to read the book. ⁣
Rating: 4/5
Bewitcheddd
Full review
I would absolutely recommend a read, it made me sit and reflect on the way we go about certain things in our daily lives and did fall in love with the characters Olivia and Basya I’d love to read a follow on to see how the friendship grows.
Ratings: 3.5/5
Cher
Full review
I truly wish more kids could experience pen-pals of other countries and cultures to help expand their horizons like it does for Oliva and Basya.
Rating: 3.5/5
J. Sipe
Full review
So, what’s my final word, when we get right down to it? I was happy to read this novel. I like the message behind it, and I like how Pannocchia shows that even the smallest contribution to a cause is important. Absolutely, I think Letters From Afghanistan is worth reading.  
Rating: 3/5
Bookish_rex
​Full review
This is a book that I wish I could have read when I was in middle school. (...) Olivia is an inspiring character for young readers out there, showing that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small or unimportant you may feel. This is an eye-opening novel that makes the reader more aware of what conditions are like in other parts of the world.
Rating: 3/5
Janinesbookcorner
Full review
What amazed me most about Basya was her strength in any situation despite her circumstances.
We could all learn a thing or two from Basya.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ashley through pages
Full review 
Maricla Pannocchia is an Italian author who thrives on bringing about positive social change in her own country and around the world. With her short novel, “Letters from Afghanistan” she brings attention to the struggles of young women who are controlled, stigmatized and depersonalized in Afghanistan, often being married off at a young age and being unable to choose their own path.

“Letters” is very much a YA-directed story, and I can see it having a huge impact with the younger generation.
Rating: 3/5
Erin
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