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Call Me American: The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali Immigrant
Abdi Nor Iftin first fell in love with America from afar. As a child, he learned English by listening to American pop and watching action films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. When U.S. marines landed in Mogadishu to take on the warlords, Abdi cheered the arrival of these Americans, who seemed as heroic as those of the movies.
Sporting American clothes and dance moves, he became known around Mogadishu as Abdi American, but when the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab rose to power in 2006, it became dangerous to celebrate Western culture. Desperate to make a living, Abdi used his language skills to post secret dispatches, which found an audience of worldwide listeners. Eventually, though, Abdi was forced to flee to Kenya.
In an amazing stroke of luck, Abdi won entrance to the U.S. in the annual visa lottery, though his route to America did not come easily. Parts of his story were first heard on the BBC World Service and This American Life. Now a proud resident of Maine, on the path to citizenship, Abdi Nor Iftin's dramatic, deeply stirring memoir is truly a story for our time: a vivid reminder of why America still beckons to those looking to make a better life.
Sporting American clothes and dance moves, he became known around Mogadishu as Abdi American, but when the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab rose to power in 2006, it became dangerous to celebrate Western culture. Desperate to make a living, Abdi used his language skills to post secret dispatches, which found an audience of worldwide listeners. Eventually, though, Abdi was forced to flee to Kenya.
In an amazing stroke of luck, Abdi won entrance to the U.S. in the annual visa lottery, though his route to America did not come easily. Parts of his story were first heard on the BBC World Service and This American Life. Now a proud resident of Maine, on the path to citizenship, Abdi Nor Iftin's dramatic, deeply stirring memoir is truly a story for our time: a vivid reminder of why America still beckons to those looking to make a better life.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published June 16, 2020
About the author
Abdi Nor Iftin
3 books125 followersWhen the civil war in Somalia began, Abdi Nor Iftin was five; he and his brother became
the sole providers for the family while they also attended a madrassa. Amidst the daily
shelling and the famine, Abdi had one escape: American movies and music. At
neighborhood showings of Rambo, Commando, and The Terminator, Abdi learned of
America, and taught himself English, and began to dream of a life in the United States.
In his memoir Call Me American, Iftin recounts his harrowing, extraordinary, and
uplifting story. His love of western culture and music earned him the name “Abdi
American.” This became a liability when Islamic extremism took hold of Somalia.
Evading conscription by al-Shabaab while secretly filing stories for NPR under penalty
of death, he stayed in Somalia until he had no choice but to flee. He smuggled himself
into Kenya, where a different but grinding life of hopelessness awaited. He spent days
hiding silently in an apartment from raids by Kenyan police, once passing time
reading memoirs and watching more movies. And then, a stroke of incredible luck: he
won the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Now a proud and legal resident of Maine, Abdi is advocating for the refugee rights he is
also a community navigator. He’s on the advising council for Refugee International with
some of America’s most distinguished diplomats and prominent international human
rights leaders. Abdi was a TexdAmoskeag 2019 speaker.
On Janauary 17 th 2020, Abdi’s long life dream came true after he was sworn in as a
naturalized American citizen in Portland, Maine. For the first ever, Abdi is voting in the
US elections and excercising his American rights, one which many Americans take for
granted. But for Abdi it is liberating to have a voice in America.
Today’s America and the travel/immigration ban worry Abdi, a Muslim, a former refugee
and a displaced person. Abdi’s dramatic, deeply stirring memoir is truly a story for our
time: a vivid portrait of the desperation refugees seek to escape and a reminder of why
western democracies still beckon to those looking to make a better life.
the sole providers for the family while they also attended a madrassa. Amidst the daily
shelling and the famine, Abdi had one escape: American movies and music. At
neighborhood showings of Rambo, Commando, and The Terminator, Abdi learned of
America, and taught himself English, and began to dream of a life in the United States.
In his memoir Call Me American, Iftin recounts his harrowing, extraordinary, and
uplifting story. His love of western culture and music earned him the name “Abdi
American.” This became a liability when Islamic extremism took hold of Somalia.
Evading conscription by al-Shabaab while secretly filing stories for NPR under penalty
of death, he stayed in Somalia until he had no choice but to flee. He smuggled himself
into Kenya, where a different but grinding life of hopelessness awaited. He spent days
hiding silently in an apartment from raids by Kenyan police, once passing time
reading memoirs and watching more movies. And then, a stroke of incredible luck: he
won the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Now a proud and legal resident of Maine, Abdi is advocating for the refugee rights he is
also a community navigator. He’s on the advising council for Refugee International with
some of America’s most distinguished diplomats and prominent international human
rights leaders. Abdi was a TexdAmoskeag 2019 speaker.
On Janauary 17 th 2020, Abdi’s long life dream came true after he was sworn in as a
naturalized American citizen in Portland, Maine. For the first ever, Abdi is voting in the
US elections and excercising his American rights, one which many Americans take for
granted. But for Abdi it is liberating to have a voice in America.
Today’s America and the travel/immigration ban worry Abdi, a Muslim, a former refugee
and a displaced person. Abdi’s dramatic, deeply stirring memoir is truly a story for our
time: a vivid portrait of the desperation refugees seek to escape and a reminder of why
western democracies still beckon to those looking to make a better life.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 26, 2021
Very Good Autobiography For Young Adults.
Abdi “American” is a refugee from Somalia living in Maine and attending college. He tells his story of a war in the 1990s that brought Americans to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. An incident when a helicopter was shot down by a warlord and destroyed Somalians hopes for assistance. Abdi was impressed by the Americans he saw and strove to learn English through American movies and books. Eventually he was able to pass English tests apply to a Maine college. He did move to the US. This is his story and he tells in detail his life as well as his efforts and journey to the United States. Good reading.
Abdi “American” is a refugee from Somalia living in Maine and attending college. He tells his story of a war in the 1990s that brought Americans to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. An incident when a helicopter was shot down by a warlord and destroyed Somalians hopes for assistance. Abdi was impressed by the Americans he saw and strove to learn English through American movies and books. Eventually he was able to pass English tests apply to a Maine college. He did move to the US. This is his story and he tells in detail his life as well as his efforts and journey to the United States. Good reading.
October 29, 2020
This one is like a 3.5 for me. It's the story of one man's life in Somalia during political upheaval and warfare and his eventual immigration to the Unite States. Abdi's journey is harrowing and traumatic and enlightening to the struggles happening in his home country. I enjoyed the story but felt the writing was just a little too simplified (maybe cuz it's adapted for young readers?) but the simplified writing lacked emotion for me. Readers of The Girl Who Smiled Beads may enjoy this one as well.
September 3, 2024
This is beautiful refugee story—one that can remind readers of the promise of America and its own story as a country built by immigrants. As the author says in the book’s introduction: “I know there are no easy solutions to the problems of the world. But a good place to start is understanding—and that comes from listening to each other’s stories.”
February 25, 2021
Abdi Nor Iftin explains his journey to Maine from Somalia, now adapted for a younger audience. For me, Iftin does a really good job of explaining what Somalia was like, and why he loved it, and how his parents grew up. I like how it explains the differences between Somalian culture and our culture. I also thought his tales of arriving in Maine and what that was like to be very realistic. Powerful.
December 11, 2020
Gripping story of a boy growing up in wartime conditions and his struggles to stay true to himself (Muslin but not a killer) and find a way to live; inspired by his childhood love of American movies he works to learn English and becomes a journalist, eventually leading to an American sponsor for his green card and a move to Maine.
The writing isn't amazing, but that may be because this is the Young People version. The story itself is strong -- he starts with his young childhood where his parents have started making a good living in Mogadishu but lose everything in the war; his parents separation because soldiers are killing all the intact families they find; his baby's sister death from starvation, and then growing up among bombs and constant warfare with the threat of increasing radical Islamazation creeping up. Mr Iftin graduated from a madrassa (memorized the Koran) but declined to become an apprentice teacher because he couldn't stomach beating the students as much as tradition required. He also thought there might be other stuff worth learning, which was frowned upon.
The end shows his arrival in America, and his attempt to navigate between Somali conservatives who want to send money home but not assimilate, and American racists who bring their own form of tribal warfare to bear against people they consider too foreign. It's a great immigrant viewpoint.
The writing isn't amazing, but that may be because this is the Young People version. The story itself is strong -- he starts with his young childhood where his parents have started making a good living in Mogadishu but lose everything in the war; his parents separation because soldiers are killing all the intact families they find; his baby's sister death from starvation, and then growing up among bombs and constant warfare with the threat of increasing radical Islamazation creeping up. Mr Iftin graduated from a madrassa (memorized the Koran) but declined to become an apprentice teacher because he couldn't stomach beating the students as much as tradition required. He also thought there might be other stuff worth learning, which was frowned upon.
The end shows his arrival in America, and his attempt to navigate between Somali conservatives who want to send money home but not assimilate, and American racists who bring their own form of tribal warfare to bear against people they consider too foreign. It's a great immigrant viewpoint.
July 6, 2020
5 out of 5 🌟 Life as we don't know it
'Call Me American' made me astounded since page one. It a memoir of Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somalian man who immigrated from his home country to the USA. The story starts with Abdi's parents who were nomads living in Somalian wilderness herding camels, hunting and, occasionally, fighting with lions and hyenas. His family has settled in the city of Mogadishu where their hard-enough life was brutally interrupted by the war in 1993 and - long story short - anarchy that comes after. Abdi has been always fascinated with American culture and taught himself English watching Hollywood movies. His lifelong dream was to move to the United States and this memoir tells the story of his long and dangerous journey through war and bureaucracy.
This book left me speechless and while I'm gathering my words to write this review, I know I won't be able to do it right. 'Call Me American' tells about a life that's an exact opposite of anything I understand. It gathers all the stories I've ever encountered about the horrible events happening in Africa and puts them together as a background to real people's life.
I remember watching the movie 'Black Hawk Down' with my girlfriends because Orlando Bloom was playing there and everyone I knew had a crush on him... And here's the testimony of that very accident saw from an opposite perspective of someone my age... I can't even... 🤯*mind blown*
All I can write is that memoir is beautifully written, it's fascinating and I read it in just one day. Non-stop. Not to mention my giant book hangover after. The title is packed with cruel images and violence but without detailed description (hence YA adaptation), just enough to show the historical reality without inducing nightmares.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.
'Call Me American' made me astounded since page one. It a memoir of Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somalian man who immigrated from his home country to the USA. The story starts with Abdi's parents who were nomads living in Somalian wilderness herding camels, hunting and, occasionally, fighting with lions and hyenas. His family has settled in the city of Mogadishu where their hard-enough life was brutally interrupted by the war in 1993 and - long story short - anarchy that comes after. Abdi has been always fascinated with American culture and taught himself English watching Hollywood movies. His lifelong dream was to move to the United States and this memoir tells the story of his long and dangerous journey through war and bureaucracy.
This book left me speechless and while I'm gathering my words to write this review, I know I won't be able to do it right. 'Call Me American' tells about a life that's an exact opposite of anything I understand. It gathers all the stories I've ever encountered about the horrible events happening in Africa and puts them together as a background to real people's life.
I remember watching the movie 'Black Hawk Down' with my girlfriends because Orlando Bloom was playing there and everyone I knew had a crush on him... And here's the testimony of that very accident saw from an opposite perspective of someone my age... I can't even... 🤯*mind blown*
All I can write is that memoir is beautifully written, it's fascinating and I read it in just one day. Non-stop. Not to mention my giant book hangover after. The title is packed with cruel images and violence but without detailed description (hence YA adaptation), just enough to show the historical reality without inducing nightmares.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.
September 3, 2021
This is a very interesting story, and a quick and easy read. It is the memoir of a young man who, with a lot of perseverance and also a lot of luck managed to make it out of Somali and to the United States in 2014. This is not just the story of that flight, but of his entire life before and after. The story gives insights into how people live in a very different part of the world, and also shows the mixed image that the United States has in Somalia, both admired and demonized.
I debated between giving this book 4 and 5 stars. The story is extremely interesting, and the book is easy to read, but while the writing is clear, it is certainly not inspiring or eloquent, and the descriptions don't really put you in the situation the way truly excellent writing can. I wondered if the reason for this might be that I read a "young person's" version of the book, so I read an excerpt from the adult version and I don't think that was the issue. This isn't at all surprising given that English is not Iftin's first language, of course. I do still kind of wish I had read the adult version, though, because it looks like some small details were removed from the version I read. The fact that I wished for more details, and that the story itself is compelling enough that I have found myself mulling it over since finishing the book, is what made me realize that this really is a five-star read - or at least that I should round it up in that direction!
I would definitely recommend this book to interested young people. For adults who aren't super short on time, the full version might be a better choice.
I debated between giving this book 4 and 5 stars. The story is extremely interesting, and the book is easy to read, but while the writing is clear, it is certainly not inspiring or eloquent, and the descriptions don't really put you in the situation the way truly excellent writing can. I wondered if the reason for this might be that I read a "young person's" version of the book, so I read an excerpt from the adult version and I don't think that was the issue. This isn't at all surprising given that English is not Iftin's first language, of course. I do still kind of wish I had read the adult version, though, because it looks like some small details were removed from the version I read. The fact that I wished for more details, and that the story itself is compelling enough that I have found myself mulling it over since finishing the book, is what made me realize that this really is a five-star read - or at least that I should round it up in that direction!
I would definitely recommend this book to interested young people. For adults who aren't super short on time, the full version might be a better choice.
May 17, 2021
This is the young reader's edition of this original title. The author came to Maine in the US as a Somalian refugee in 2014 after many years of waiting, applying and surviving war-torn Somalia. As a child, he vividly recalls the American presence in Mogadishu in 1993 when Black Hawk helicopters were shot down and American servicemember corpses were dragged through the streets by the militia warlords in power at the time.
The most fascinating piece of Abdi's story was that his primary education as a young student was to memorize the Koran in a madrassa in which the teacher mercilessly beat all of the students when they did not memorize all 6,000 plus verses of the Koran. That was the sole expectation of his education from a very young age until he turned 14- to memorize it. No math, no science, no health, no other literature, just the Koran.
Abdi is very respectful of his religion, culture, and heritage - but also poses many questions regarding the public's right to basic safety, sanitation, schools, hospitals, and lawful, stable government services. His experiences of ongoing civil war, police corruption, and required bribes as a matter of course is stunning. Peace in Somalia has not existed in his lifetime. His family remains in Somalia and Kenya amid toppled governments, warring clans and extreme jihadists.
I also appreciated his descriptions of homesickness and his culture shock of experiencing America as is. The author visited our city a few years back and we heard him speak at the annual Albany Book Festival in 2018. I wish I had read his story then!
The most fascinating piece of Abdi's story was that his primary education as a young student was to memorize the Koran in a madrassa in which the teacher mercilessly beat all of the students when they did not memorize all 6,000 plus verses of the Koran. That was the sole expectation of his education from a very young age until he turned 14- to memorize it. No math, no science, no health, no other literature, just the Koran.
Abdi is very respectful of his religion, culture, and heritage - but also poses many questions regarding the public's right to basic safety, sanitation, schools, hospitals, and lawful, stable government services. His experiences of ongoing civil war, police corruption, and required bribes as a matter of course is stunning. Peace in Somalia has not existed in his lifetime. His family remains in Somalia and Kenya amid toppled governments, warring clans and extreme jihadists.
I also appreciated his descriptions of homesickness and his culture shock of experiencing America as is. The author visited our city a few years back and we heard him speak at the annual Albany Book Festival in 2018. I wish I had read his story then!
July 7, 2021
I struggled 4.5-5 . . .
Abdi American -- nickname -- documents a long difficult journey to the United States. Most of the book is set in Somalia where he recalls and recounts the memories and migration of his family before war, conflict, famine, to 25+ years of instability that left his family separated, in constant survival mode.
I really did enjoy this book so much. Most books I have read about immigration to the US are adults reflecting on their childhood migration story, and the immigration experience outside of the paperwork, fear, hardship. Abdi is an adult when he immigrates, and he immigrates after spending most of his life to that point, trying to get out. He has family that chooses all sorts of paths--go to another part of the country, go to another part of the country then return, go to Kenya, end up in a refugee camp . . . all why trying to continue on with some aspect of life (marriages, kids, college, etc.).
Abdi dreams of the US and the US alone. His childhood and adolescent fascination is endearing. What he must do to keep this dream of alive is heart-wrenching. How he tries and ends up here is complicated as well as heart-warming/hopeful (so many people and organizations helped him).
It is a remarkable story and a remarkable book. I do appreciate so much of what he shared . . . I also think he had more to say/offer; I hope he either adds to it, or gives us a follow-up book.
Abdi American -- nickname -- documents a long difficult journey to the United States. Most of the book is set in Somalia where he recalls and recounts the memories and migration of his family before war, conflict, famine, to 25+ years of instability that left his family separated, in constant survival mode.
I really did enjoy this book so much. Most books I have read about immigration to the US are adults reflecting on their childhood migration story, and the immigration experience outside of the paperwork, fear, hardship. Abdi is an adult when he immigrates, and he immigrates after spending most of his life to that point, trying to get out. He has family that chooses all sorts of paths--go to another part of the country, go to another part of the country then return, go to Kenya, end up in a refugee camp . . . all why trying to continue on with some aspect of life (marriages, kids, college, etc.).
Abdi dreams of the US and the US alone. His childhood and adolescent fascination is endearing. What he must do to keep this dream of alive is heart-wrenching. How he tries and ends up here is complicated as well as heart-warming/hopeful (so many people and organizations helped him).
It is a remarkable story and a remarkable book. I do appreciate so much of what he shared . . . I also think he had more to say/offer; I hope he either adds to it, or gives us a follow-up book.
September 20, 2020
I don't know anything about the adult version but seeing as how this is referenced as "adapted for young readers" I might have to check out the adult version.
Nor Iftin explains like many similar biographies, his adversity before being able to come to the United States and his experiences after settling here. The amount of historical context is helpful in understanding the war that had ravaged Somalia but also contextualizes Nor Iftin's family's history which was of nomadic herders. Both of his parents knew nothing of being literature or city life or money because they were nomads, traveling and worshipping and being a family unit with their camels and goats, etc. Then they ended up in a city after a severe drought but things took a massively dark turn once war broke out and Abdi's family struggled to survive both separately and together.
The story is heartfelt but very rigid as in "I did this, then this happened. This happened and this is how I felt" which is helpful in getting to the heart of the matter but stilted in its storytelling. However monotonous that voice is, Nor Iftin's story is one that everyone must read and understand.
Nor Iftin explains like many similar biographies, his adversity before being able to come to the United States and his experiences after settling here. The amount of historical context is helpful in understanding the war that had ravaged Somalia but also contextualizes Nor Iftin's family's history which was of nomadic herders. Both of his parents knew nothing of being literature or city life or money because they were nomads, traveling and worshipping and being a family unit with their camels and goats, etc. Then they ended up in a city after a severe drought but things took a massively dark turn once war broke out and Abdi's family struggled to survive both separately and together.
The story is heartfelt but very rigid as in "I did this, then this happened. This happened and this is how I felt" which is helpful in getting to the heart of the matter but stilted in its storytelling. However monotonous that voice is, Nor Iftin's story is one that everyone must read and understand.
February 18, 2021
This is an incredibly inspiring story to help Americans realize how blessed we are by our stable government/economy and our many freedoms. Life in Somalia and many other war-torn nations is hellish to say the least. Radical Islam and tribal warfare are pure evil to prey on the poor and innocent. The accounts of his life starting from very young and into adulthood are harrowing accounts of open violence, fear, hunger/thirst, and oppression.
I marvel at Abdi's tenacity to hold to the good desires in his heart to come to the United States. His loyalty to his family, loved ones, and to God are worthy of emulation. Conversely, it absolutely sickens me 1) how little most Americans appreciate what we have, 2) Americans can so easily denigrate immigrants because they are different, 3) how ridiculous it is that liberals want to let just anyone into our country because it demeans the tremendous legal efforts of legitimate immigrants.
I marvel at Abdi's tenacity to hold to the good desires in his heart to come to the United States. His loyalty to his family, loved ones, and to God are worthy of emulation. Conversely, it absolutely sickens me 1) how little most Americans appreciate what we have, 2) Americans can so easily denigrate immigrants because they are different, 3) how ridiculous it is that liberals want to let just anyone into our country because it demeans the tremendous legal efforts of legitimate immigrants.
February 9, 2021
Abdi grew up in Somalia in the 1980s and 90s, when the country's families were torn apart by civil war. To escape the death and destruction around him, Abdi and his brother went to the movie theater for Hollywood films, where he picked up English and dreamed of moving to America. After a chance meeting with an American journalist, Abdi began to try to get his American visa in earnest, where luck and persistence would finally be on his side. Abdi's story hits the reader hard with the idea of privilege, stating that one does not get to choose where they are born. He also shows how hard work, luck, and determination are important parts of success, and how his family has always been important to him, even when separated by political borders. This memoir is powerful and will stay with the reader.
August 6, 2023
Abdi Nor Iftin grew up in Somalia loving American culture through music and movies, even earning himself the nickname Abdi American. When an extremist regime took over his country, he had to hide his Western passion, but secretly started reporting on events in his country to NPR. When he was forced to flee for his own safety, he ended up in Kenya in another dangerous situation. He eventually got a visa to come to the United States and is now a naturalized citizen, living in Maine. This autobiography chronicles his childhood through his settling in America and all the dangers he faced on his journey. It is also a celebration of the hope that America still offers to immigrants.
Recommended for ages 12-18, Reading Level: LEX 900L
Booklist starred (June 1, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 19))
Kirkus Reviews starred (April 15, 2020)
Recommended for ages 12-18, Reading Level: LEX 900L
Booklist starred (June 1, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 19))
Kirkus Reviews starred (April 15, 2020)
June 23, 2020
Proud to have had Abdi Nor Iftin speak at our Maine library on a panel of new immigrants a few years ago, before he wrote either version of his memoir. He is a true storyteller and his personal tale of hope and survival is chilling. This version is meant for younger readers but the atrocities he experienced and witnessed might require context (reference to Black Hawk failed rescue operation) and discussion.
The chapters that resonated with me most are how he wishes to belong, assimilate, be a Mainer but as a Black man and a Somali immigrant, he endures overt racism on a constant basis. White people of Maine need to do better at educating the current generation of students so this xenophobia ends. Reading Abdi’s book is a good start.
The chapters that resonated with me most are how he wishes to belong, assimilate, be a Mainer but as a Black man and a Somali immigrant, he endures overt racism on a constant basis. White people of Maine need to do better at educating the current generation of students so this xenophobia ends. Reading Abdi’s book is a good start.
April 17, 2021
An incredible storyteller, and I think I already wrote a review for this? But Maxine read this version and I listened to the audiobook, so not sure. This was a great peek into one boy's life growing up in Mogadishu before and during the war...and before that relating his parent's pastoral nomadic life as herders before they moved to the big city due to drought (climate change!). So much here too that shows how hard it is to come here to the US legally, even as an asylum seeker, with talent, with a group of people to support and help you when you arrive...it still may take a lottery and a lot of hard work , risks and good luck. I think he does an especially good job of showing his mother in a compassionate way.
September 29, 2021
Didn't realize this book had been adapted for young adult readers until I was almost done. There is another one without the adaption, not sure if the difference. Even though, this book is great, a fascinating read and could not put this book down. I listened to part of this story on This American Life last year but I still think this book should be read, there's so much more to his story. I know nothing about the struggles in Somalia and it was educating to learn about the history of the civil war and it's affects on the country though this man's story. As with most conflicts there is so much nuance and multiple sides to the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend to anyone even remotely interested in the life and history of refugees.
January 18, 2023
**SPOILERS** I think the book was very good, it had a lot of cliffhangers besides that it was very good. The book is about a immigrant from India and he moved to the US around the Civil war time. And when the Civil War was going on he had to leave his house because of all the battling going on around his house. When he fled his house he found his way into popular American films and music. The author did very well on writing this book he ended his chapters well and not on cliffhangers, the only times he left cliffhangers was when he finished his paragraphs because it could be 3 paragraphs later and you'll get to hear what happened.
If you like to read books about what Immigrants had to go through in that time period i would recommend this book for you.
If you like to read books about what Immigrants had to go through in that time period i would recommend this book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
I feel like this book is very important to include in conversations about the effects of war and immigration as a whole. This book really goes into detail about Abdi's experiences in Somalia and Kenya before immigrating to America. It was also written really clearly too, you can feel the emotion behind every word. Truly an amazing read. I'm glad I came across this book for an AP U.S. History assignment, otherwise I don't think I would've read this. I already returned this book to the library although I think I will need it in future assignments for citing and stuff......oh well.
August 14, 2022
Call Me American gave me an insight into the world that I would never have if I didn't read it. I realize that everyone suffers, and we can struggle, but we will overcome it, and that's what Abdi Iftin did. As a high school student, this book should be a book mandatory to read in schools to show what others live through, and how they overcome it.
Thank you Abdi American for writing your memoir, it has certainly changed my view of the world.
Thank you Abdi American for writing your memoir, it has certainly changed my view of the world.
February 2, 2023
Call me American was a look into a new world. A way to see how others are affected in Africa and how different their life’s are from ours. It gives you a perspective on the real struggles people have to go through and the things they do that seem so unthinkable in our society. Call me American is a amazing book that enlightens you on our world and I would recommend this to anyone who just wants to know what happens in our society.
November 19, 2023
Really excellent story. I hadn't realized I'd requested the YA edition, but it didn't affect my enjoyment in the least. I appreciated learning the history and getting to see the world through Abdi's eyes, from growing up in Somalia, the cultural differences just between rural and urban life there, the struggles they endured under warlord reign, and his incredible autodidactic fortitude and perseverance through every obstacle to his dreams of a better life.
December 24, 2020
Abdi, Abby, Arnie? I will just call you Abdi American. And I will because I feel I actually know you. I listened to your story on a This American Life a few years ago (2015) and was moved by your story, your voice of longing, your hope. Your spirit sings through your life story and I wish you only good things in the future. And good thing for your family and for Somalia.
December 27, 2021
What a raw, emotional, and eye-opening memoir. I am so excited to continue teaching Abdi’s story to my students who often take for granted their lives as Americans. I appreciate Abdi’s honesty throughout his writing and his willingness to continue fighting for peace within both of the countries he’s a part of, and more.
January 6, 2022
You have no idea how much this book means to me. I knew nothing about Somali and have been a sheltered child for most of my life. I never even learned about Somali in school. I really appreciate that I was able to easily read and begin to understand the complex history, culture, and people. I can't wait to educate myself even more about this topic and do my best to interest other people.
March 12, 2022
70% audiobook/30% reading
I think both versions are great, but listening to it was definitely powerful. All I can really say is that this is the type of book where you walk away with so much knowledge. You realize just how little you know of other countries and cultures. Eye opening for sure, and really appreciate getting to know Abdi Nor Iftin's story.
I think both versions are great, but listening to it was definitely powerful. All I can really say is that this is the type of book where you walk away with so much knowledge. You realize just how little you know of other countries and cultures. Eye opening for sure, and really appreciate getting to know Abdi Nor Iftin's story.
November 13, 2022
Amazing story of persistence and hope. I read the YA version (unknowingly -- didn't notice the difference when I requested it from my library), and still the cruelty and horror of the war in Somalia is unfathomable. (Assuming it was toned down in this YA.) I am now much more informed, and impressed by the Somali who are thriving in Maine and elsewhere.
December 31, 2024
Abdi Iftin shares an engaging, eye-opening, inspiring story of his life in war torn Somalia, his years-long struggle to escape, and his experience as a new immigrant to America. It should be required reading before anyone forms an opinion on whether or not we should welcome immigrants to the United States.
June 5, 2025
Powerful, heartbreaking and hopeful. The violence, uncertainty, hunger and fear are overwhelming in Abdi’s memoir, but so is the hope and a dream for better, for MORE. Another necessary read to help put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and see things through eyes that hold emotions we would never fathom. Give this one a try.
August 29, 2020
I learned a lot about the political unrest in Somalia and the US immigration system from this book. What is the point of a system where the odds of coming to the United States "legally" are minuscule? The amount of paperwork, money, bribery, treachery, and abuse involved is staggering.
December 29, 2020
Extremely accessible memoir from a young Somali immigrant. His explanations of the forces that have destabilized his country are clear as is his descriptions of his life in Mogadishu as a young boy and teen.
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