Anyone who has ever suffered even a mild form of obsessive-compulsive disorder an anxiety condition characterized by recurring negative thoughts and repetitive behaviors) will cringe with recognition when reading Amen, Amen, Amen, Abby Sher's new memoir about her struggle with the disease.

The youngest female in one of the world’s youngest parliamentary systems, Malalai Joya recounts her life as an activist lauded, suppressed, and, finally, ousted from the infant Afghani government in A Woman Amongst Warlords: The Extraordinary Story of an Afghan Who Dared to Raise Her Voice.