the english-language version of the memoir was published in march 2010. introducing the work, "new york times" op-ed columnist nicholas kristof praised the work done to raise awareness regarding such societal problems as terrorism, associated with polygamy and child marriage, saying, "little girls like nujood may prove more effective than missiles at defeating terrorists." indeed, publicity surrounding ali's case is said to have inspired efforts to annul other child marriages, including that of an eight-year-old saudi girl who was allowed to divorce a middle-aged man in 2009, after her father had forced her to marry him the year before in exchange for about $13,000.