Critical Praise

"An enthralling story from the opening page. Rodriugez's memoir captivated me with its humor and feminine power. A more apt name for a salon could not be found: that small building, where the practice of beauty is both an act of defiance and tradition, is indeed an oasis. A place I was very happy to linger in."

——Marsha Mehran, author of Pomegranate Soup

"Terrifically readable, and rich in personal stories."

——Kirkus Reviews

"Colorful, suspenseful, funny… witty and insightful."

——Publishers Weekly (starred)

"Rodriguez writes an eye-opening and heart rendering story of tenacity and courage as she empowers, employs and enriches the women of Kabul to run their own beauty parlor businesses. In her writing she gives a new voice to the people of Afghanistan. You will finish it and want to meet her!"

——Carol Fitzgerald, Founder/President of Bookreporter.com

"Deborah Rodriguez went to Afghanistan to transform her own life and ended up revolutionizing the lives of many of her Afghan sisters. This book made me feel like I was right there in the beauty salon, sharing in the tears and laughter as, outside my door, an entire country changed. Kabul Beauty School is inspiring, exciting, and not to be missed."

——Masha Hamilton, author of The Distance Between Us and The Camel Bookmobile