Shoot Me First

by Grant Lock

Shoot Me First is a gripping personal account of life in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The author offers intriguing insights into the culture of the tribal territories that straddle the two countries. This is home to the Taliban, an untamed land which continues to absorb so much of the world’s attention and military endeavour. Grant Lock is shrewd and laconic but above all compassionate. His experience of the world’s two major religions deserves careful consideration.

Genres: Christian

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2011

About the author

A successful Australian stud beef cattle breeder and agricultural businessman, Grant has always been interested in current affairs, international politics, human rights and the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. For twenty four years he and his gutsy wife, Janna, moved into voluntary development work in the Islamic Republics of Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Kabul Grant was the Deputy Executive Director of a longstanding NGO involved in training Afghans in a diversity of areas including eye-care, primary mental health, micro hydro electricity, business training and empowering widows. Richly rewarding, it was not without frustration and danger. Grant has a passion to share insights into that pivotal part of the world.

Reviews

[R.J. Rodda]

What a book! If you are interested in what it is like being a Westerner doing aid work long term in Pakistan and Afghanistan, read this. Written by an erudite older man, it is spiked with humour that keeps you reading despite the horrible circumstances that are described - the corruption, the violence, the lack of legal rights, the mistreatment of the marginalised. My favourite part was how his wife reached out to the refugee women.

Hats off to people like Lock who leave behind the comfortable West to make a difference to those in need overseas. Although there is a Christian element to this narrative -Lock and his wife are believers- the emphasis is more on the development work. I believe this was written to be palatable for an audience far broader than those who go to church. This is an insightful and lengthy book on two countries that are often in the news. You will come away feeling far more informed about life for the average person who lives there.

[Carolyn]

We read this for our book group and were fortunate to have the author come and speak to us - not so much about his book but about the experiences of working as a Christian aid worker for nearly 25 years in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

While reading the book I did not feel I learned anything that really changed what I already knew and believed about that part of the world - which I too have experienced in a very minor way. Non-fiction generally does not engage me in the way that fiction does and this was no exception. But it was a worthwhile experience to read and reflect on the book and to meet Grant Lock in person.

He writes and speaks with both despair and hope about the past, present and future of Afghanistan. He usefully separates his affection for individual Muslim people with his concerns about the nature of Islam, particularly in its fundamental expression. His wish is to see the tribal traditions of honour, revenge and oppression of women overcome but believes that Islam itself makes that difficult. He writes with honesty and directness and believes that any action that helps the poor and dispossessed to lead healthier and safer lives is worth taking, whatever the risks.

[Andrew Klynsmith]

Grant Lock writes with engaging and vivid liveliness. He opens up the amazing years of his and his wife, Janna's many years in Pakistan and Afghanistan in such a way that the reader is enriched with a greater understanding of these populous and troubled nations, a deeper appreciation of what it means to cross cultures, and a refreshed faith as Grant gently opens up his own reflections in lands where faith is often a source of conflict.

[Andrew]

My wife and I bought this as an audiobook. I had to wait for her to be in the car with me as we were listening to the book together. It was very hard to wait, as this book is such a gripping story.
As I listened, I laughed. I Cried. I was in despair for many of the people of the area in which Grant and his wife worked for those 24 years.

Highly recommended reading/listening.

[Jeanette Grant-Thomson]

Four and a half stars. A great cross-cultural autobiographical story.

[Chris Miles]

A truly moving book about a couple (Grant and Janna Lock), the incredible work they carried out in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the people they met. I cried a number of times as I read this; sometimes in sadness, sometimes in hope and joy. I am so proud and in awe of my fellow South Australian Christians. I teach social justice issues at a Catholic college in Adelaide and I will encourage all my students to read and reflect on this book. Thank you for your lives of service, Grant and Janna. God bless you.

[Brianna Guidera]

When I heard that a local from Kimba had published a book about his travels and work in Pakistan and Afghanistan, not long after visiting Pakistan myself, I knew I had to read it.

The book is told through a number of stories of Grant and his wife Janna's time in Pakistan and Afghanistan over 25 years, as well as stories told to them by the local people about their livelihoods and struggles.

I found it thought-provoking and entertaining to read.

[Edward Kotynski]

One of the best adventures I've read (several times)!

[Mel Jaeger]

Grant is so gifted in writing and telling stories. Hard to put down. I laughed and I cried reading this book. Not for young though, some full on true stories. Highly recommend reading.

[Gabrielle Bond]

Definitely learned a lot from this book. It’s wonderful getting to know more about you and your family. I’m so happy we crossed paths.

[Wes F]

Some good stories & adventures detailed in a the Lock's 24-years of service in both Pakistan & Afghanistan. I gave it a 3-1/2 stars on my Reading Log.

[Leezan Suli]

This book will have you in stitches of laughter as well as open your mind to the worldview of others. Grant writes in such a way as to see these true stories not only through his eyes but through the eyes of the local people around him. The stories are compelling and will keep you interested all the way through.

[Will]

Excellent. Reviewed this book here: http://briggs.id.au/jour/2012/10/shoot-me-first/