Description
Book Synopsis: “A moving and timely book that strips away misleading politics to reveal the complexities of real human lives." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A provocative, conversation-sparking exploration of refugee experiences told in their own words, for readers of Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans and Viet Thanh Nguyen
Forced to leave their homes, they came to America...In this intimate and eye-opening book, Diya Abdo--daughter of refugees, U.S. immigrant, English professor, and activist—shares the stories of seven refugees. Coming from around the world, they’re welcomed by Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), an organization Diya founded to leverage existing resources at colleges to provide temporary shelter to refugee families.
Bookended by Diya’s powerful essay “Radical Hospitality” and the inspiring coda “Names and Numbers,” each chapter weaves the individual stories into a powerful journey along a common theme:
- Life Before (“The Body Leaves its Soul Behind”)
- The Moment of Rupture(“Proof and Persecution”)
- The Journey (“Right Next Door”)
- Arrival/Resettlement(“Back to the Margins”)
- A Few Years Later (“From Camp to Campus”)
The lives explored in American Refuge include the artist who, before he created the illustration on the cover of this book, narrowly escaped two assassination attempts in Iraq and now works at Tyson cutting chicken.
We learn that these refugees from Burma, Burundi, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Uganda lived in homes they loved, left against their will, moved to countries without access or rights, and were among the 1% of the “lucky” few to resettle after a long wait, almost certain never to return to the homes they never wanted to leave. We learn that anybody, at any time, can become a refugee.
Details
Discover the powerful and eye-opening stories of refugees in American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience (Truth to Power). This timely and thought-provoking book, praised by Kirkus Reviews, takes you on an intimate journey, giving voice to those who have been forced to leave their homes. Their compelling stories will challenge your perspectives and reveal the complexities of real human lives.
Written by Diya Abdo, an English professor, activist, and daughter of refugees, this book offers an insider's perspective on the refugee experience. Through the lens of her organization Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), Abdo provides temporary shelter to refugee families and leverages existing resources at colleges to help them rebuild their lives. With Abdo’s powerful essay "Radical Hospitality" and an inspiring coda “Names and Numbers,” this book creates a unique and engaging reading experience.
American Refuge explores the diverse experiences of refugees from around the world. Each chapter focuses on a different stage of their journey, from life before leaving their homes to their arrival and resettlement. Through these compelling narratives, you will gain insight into their resilience, strength, and unwavering hope.
Experience the gripping accounts of individuals like the artist who narrowly escaped two assassination attempts in Iraq. Learn about the challenges faced by refugees from Burma, Burundi, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Uganda as they navigate a world without access or rights. Enter their world and be inspired by their determination to rebuild their lives, even when return seems impossible.
American Refuge serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can become a refugee at any time. Let their stories fuel your empathy and understanding. Order now and embark on this transformative journey alongside these courageous individuals.
Take action now and immerse yourself in the profound and captivating stories of American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience (Truth to Power). Open your eyes, expand your horizons, and discover the true essence of the refugee experience.
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