To Beirut And Back: An American in the Middle East

by Abe F. March

A true story of adventure, international intrigue, and danger! Frustrated with a salaried employee s life and an insular upbringing, Abe struck out on his own to become a successful entrepreneur with a will to risk. He eventually sought his fortune in Middle East, where he encountered a very different mentality and business culture; and where events would change his political attitudes. Just as the money began rolling in, he and his family became caught up in the danger and tragedy of the Lebanese Civil War. Despite being robbed, shot at, and kidnapped, he remained in Lebanon even after westerners had fled as a matter of self-preservation. Although financial ruin finally impelled him to leave, he returned a year later and was hailed as The First American Back. In his travels throughout the Middle East he met with representatives of princes, kings, and the Shah of Iran. But could he resist the temptation of undertaking illegal activities for high stakes?

265 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2006

About the author

About Me and My Books:

My first book, "To Beirut and Back," is a true story. It begins with an entrepreneurial journey that ends in Beirut, Lebanon. Getting caught up in Lebanon's civil war and being forced to leave after the 27th cease-fire covers abduction, devastation and financial ruin. Returning a year later seeking a comeback gives the reader insights about the people of the region and their mentality. It also touches on the ever present problem of the Middle East conflict.

My second novel, "They Plotted Revenge Against America," was inspired by America's invasion of Iraq. Two Iraqi youths whose families were wiped out during the invasion, join a team of other youths in Lebanon with similar backgrounds, for a mission of revenge. They are trained and then paired with female accomplices before they depart for America. An Israeli double agent coordinates the mission. The weapon to be used is a virus that will mutate to humans. If the mission succeeds, the catastrophic results will be horrendous.

I have been an international entrepreneur for the better part of my career and have met people of many cultures, both rich and poor. I have lived and worked in the USA, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Upon retirement, I chose to reside in Germany. I live in a small village in southwest Germany in the Wine region. I get involved with the grape harvest and I'm a member of several choirs. I enjoy reading, writing and hiking.
This book has now been re-published with editing and a new title: "First American Back"http://tinyurl.com/qevjvzn

My second novel, "Journey Into The Past," is available from the publisher and on Amazon.com. It is a time travel romance novel with the setting among the castles in southwest Germany. It is about a love that transcends time. For more information, check on my website. http://www.abemarch.com

A short story, "Eternal Life - Transformation" is available in ebook on Amazon.

Check also for "They Plotted Revenge Against America" a story inspired by America's invasion of Iraq.

"First American Back" is an updated version of my first novel. It is edited, includes photos and has an epilog.

Reviews

[Candice Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In " To Beirut And Back: An American in the Middle East " by author Abe March I was taken back to a time when, even though freedom was granted to those here in the United States without question, it was difficult being an American business man in a foreign country. Back in the 1970's, many who lived and did business abroad were not immediately concerned about the threat of violence, even though it was around them. When the major violence did break out in the Middle East many fled-except March. He stood his ground. I found the personal account of the trials March and his family faced during the Lebanese Civil War heart wrenching. Now, however, when one goes abroad-especially the Middle East-they are on guard. March risked not only material possessions, but most importantly, his life-not knowing what or having reason to fear what he was walking into. This book is most recommended, not only for its inside look into a tumultuous time in our history, but for its "edge of your seat" effect. Allow Mr. March to take you inside his personal account of his life in "To Beirut and Back".

[Abe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My own story.