A harrowing, compelling memoir by the three Americans hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan taken hostage when they unknowingly crossed into Iran and were captured by a border patrol. Accused of espionage, they were ultimately held captive for two years in infamous Evin Prison, where they pooled their strength and relied upon each other to help survive that terrible ordeal. ( )

A true account of 3 Americans traveling together with an international group in Iraq in the summer of 2009. When hiking up a trail, they are confronted by a soldier with a gun who beckons the 3 up to the top of the hill. Because the soldier had a gun and the 3 knew their group was no longer in site, they went ahead and followed the directions of the soldier. As it turns out, the 3 were knowingly drawn over the unmarked boarder into Iranian land. They were therefore arrested and questioned as spies for crossing the boarder and put in a political prison. The story is told from each point of view, Josh, Shane and Sarah's, in vivid detail of personal thoughts; the sad, the bad and the ugly. Remarkably open and honest in every way, the reader is taken along with the 3 into prison and solitary confinement. At home, in America, the families start a tireless campaign for help in freeing the sons and daughter of the 3 families. Not all are free until the summer of 2011. This story addresses the injustice of Iran, but also injustice that exists in all political systems. I admit I learned a lot from listening to these passionate, honest and forthright people. I hope many people read this account. ( )

In 2009, Shane, Josh and Sarah were hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan and accidentally crossed into Iran. Captured by the border patrol, they spent the next few years in an Iranian prison. Alternating points of view, the three authors discuss the gritty details of their imprisonment in a poignant and interesting way. I thought this was a well written book. It was engaging and fast paced. I think many will be interested to read about the hikers and their ordeal. ( )

A Sliver of Light: Three Americans Imprisoned in Iran by Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd could be the most powerful book I have read in my life.

A Sliver of Light tells the true story of how Shane, Josh, and Sarah were hiking on a trip in Iraq, and when called over by guards, unknowingly crossed over the border into the country of Iran.

All three hikers went through psychological torture, solitary confinement (Sarah for the entire time of her imprisonment), and were not allowed phone calls nor letters from their families often.

A Sliver of Light is powerful, moving, and emotional – a story of triumph even in horrific circumstances. It reminds us of the beauty of the simple things. . .

For the full review, visit Love at First Book ( )