Diaries of an Unfinished Revolution: Voices from Tunis to Damascus by Layla Al-Zubaidi and Matthew Cassel

Review by David Hamilton

The short:

Throughout 2011, activists and protestors throughout the Middle East take to the streets and document their experiences fighting for democracy and reform.

The long:

Layla Al-Zubaidi and Matthew Cassel bring together a wide array of first-hand accounts by demonstrators and activists involved in the protests occurring throughout the Middle East. Unrest from Syria to Tunisia is covered, examining how the authorities responded to protestors’ demands in each country. As some devolve into civil wars or brutal suppression, the protestors explain their thoughts, feelings, and hope for their countries.

To read or not to read:

Read! The collection provides engaging accounts that detail the Arab Spring protests. Throughout the book, the reader can feel the emotion of the writers and how their moods change between hope and despair as protestors fight for governmental reform.