This was one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. My dad gave it to me one time when I asked him for something to read. It was a wonderful story about a boy who never gives up on his dream to come to America. The one image I remember the most was that he thought the roads would be paved with gold when he arrived. Rather than be disappointed that they were not, he describes the fields of grain in the Midwest as the most beautiful fields of gold he could have ever imagined. Sometimes when I feel bad about my own situation in life, I think about what he went through to get here. I love my country. Long live the USA.
I love reading history. Nonfiction books that look back and analyze what had happened. This is not one of these books! It is not a history book, or non-fiction (except to the extent that all memoirs can claim being non-fiction). But it sure gives the reader a glimpse from within, an insider view of Syria at the beginning of the 20th century. It is also a beautiful journey to 'Americanism'. It is written with simplicity and sincerity, humor and elegance. Worth reading!