Publisher's Synopsis
The incredible story of a girl from tribal Pakistan who risked everything just to play, and ended up taking on the Taliban and inspiring the world.
A Different Kind of Daughter recounts Maria Toorpakai's harrowing journey to play the sport she knew was her destiny. From her early life masquerading as a boy and roaming the violent back alleys of the frontier city of Peshawar, Maria rises to become the number one female squash player in Pakistan. But for Maria, squash is not only liberation -- it is also a death sentence, thrusting her into the national spotlight and the crosshairs of the Taliban, who want Maria and her family dead. Maria knows her only chance of survival was to flee the country.
Enter Canadian Jonathon Power, the first North American to earn the title of top squash player in the world, and the only person to heed Maria's plea for help. Recognizing her determination and talent, Jonathon invites Maria to train and compete internationally in Canada. After years of living on the run from the Taliban, Maria packs up and leaves the only place she has ever known to move halfway across the globe to pursue her dream in Toronto. Now Maria is well on the way to becoming world champion, and continues to be a voice for oppressed women everywhere.
A Different Kind of Daughter is about equality, courage, determination, parents' love, and the ability to turn to what is best in us to fight against what is worst in the world.
