Survival, Resilience, and Hope: Life Stories from the Gaza Strip Brian K. Barber, a finalist for the IAN Book Awards of the Year , presents No Way but Forward: Life Stories of Three Families in the Gaza Strip. It is an extraordinary memoir that offers an in-depth look at the personal experiences of three Palestinian families living under the crushing weight of occupation and conflict. A Raw and Personal Account of Life Under Siege For over three decades, Barber has had an intimate connection with Hammam, Hussam, and Khalil, the three central figures of the book. Through their stories, readers get a glimpse into the realities of life under the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The book explores themes of political violence, family survival, and personal hope in the face of constant adversity. Gaza: A Place of Conflict, Yet Hope and Family Endure The heart of No Way but Forward lies in its portrayal of Palestinian resilience. The stories of Hammam, Hussam, and Khalil are a testament to the unbreakable ties of family and the enduring power of hope. As the occupation continues and violence becomes a part of daily life, these families hold tight to their dignity and dreams. Their narratives include the universal themes of war, resistance, and family life, resilience stories, and inspirational war stories that resonate far beyond Gaza. The Aftermath of October 7 th , 2023: A New Chapter in Survival The final chapters of No Way but Forward are particularly poignant, recounting the aftermath of the devastating events of October 7 th , 2023. These heart-wrenching passages provide a glimpse into the ongoing struggles for survival amid war, revealing the strength of the human spirit as families continue to endure and rebuild. Why This Book Is a Must-Read? Follow the compelling three-decade journey of Hammam, Hussam, and Khalil as they navigate life under occupation and become community leaders. - Appreciate the visual and narrative excellence, highlighted by the 2025 International Book Award for Best Cover Design and its powerful symbolism of resilience. - Benefit from the author's extensive credibility as a renowned psychologist and researcher with over 30 years of immersive work in Gaza, supported by his acclaimed studies and prior publications in conflict psychology. - Understand the human impact of the Israeli-Palestinian situation through personal stories, offering a vital and much-needed perspective for academics, NGOs, policymakers, and human rights advocates "[an] engaging narrative [with] stories that defy Western narratives of Palestinian youth . . . a powerful look into occupied Gaza through the lenses of three ordinary young men. -Kirkus Reviews "No Way but Forward is a remarkable achievement . . . Brian Barber reveals how we continue to survive; he shows our happiness, our sorrow, and what we dream." -YASSER ABU JAMEI, Gaza Community Mental Health Centre "No Way but Forward is about humanity, how it continues to grow, how people actually live . . . [It is] an urgent, vital and precious life's work that needs to be read by as many people as possible. -JANINE DI GIOVANNI, award-winning author and journalist "A poignant labour of empathy and dedication to truth. It will be a classic on Gaza . . . Historically, a priceless record of a Gazan era obliterated since Oct 7 and a worthy memorial to it." -WALID KHALIDI, author of From Haven to Conquest "A work of immense beauty and humanity, an unassailable refutation of the dehumanization and unseeing to which Palestinians have always been subject. Absolutely essential . . . a gem." -SARA ROY, author of The Gaza Strip "No Way but Forward is hard to put down . . . Barber succeeds in illuminating the daily experiences and emotions that transcend the boundaries of geography and culture . . . a wrenching lens that lays bare the simple truth of our common humanity." -ANNE-MARIE SLAUGHTER, author of Renewal "In his detailed narrative of three families courageously persevering . . . Brian Barber has captured the essence of my story and that of all two million plus citizens of Gaza." - AHMED ALNAOUQ, co-author of We Are Not Numbers "No Way but Forward brings us into the intimate homes of the protagonists, calls on us to share every moment of joy and sorrow, every victory and loss, every aspiration and disappointment . . . We become one with them." -TAREQ BACONI, author of Hamas Contained "Barber shares with us [his protagonists'] determination to live in dignity, to fulfil their aspirations for family life and, above all, for freedom. A beautiful, deeply moving, and essential book." -AVI SHLAIM, author of Israel and Palestine "Brian Barber has spent more time on the ground in Gaza than almost any outside observer . . . If you are trying to understand what life is like for ordinary Gazans, this book is essential reading." -PETER BERGEN, author of The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden "A heart-rending and powerful book . . . opens our