About this item
Abdi Nor Iftin first fell in love with America from afar. As a child, he learned English by listening to American pop artists like Michael Jackson and watching films starring action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger. When U.S. marines landed in Mogadishu to take on the warlords, Abdi cheered the arrival of these real Americans, who seemed as heroic as those of the movies.
About the Author
Abdi Iftin is a naturally gifted speaker. His stories have been featured on various radio and television stations; most recently on CNN. Abdi's story was one of 60 Peabody finalists in 2015. Abdi's stories are personal narratives on his life growing up in a country shredded by a civil war and finished off by Islamists with the sheer luck to win a green card to immigrate to the United States in 2014. Abdi has contributed to Refugees International, American Public Media and the BBC. As a former refugee, a recent immigrant to the US and a Muslim, Abdi has received requests to speak at TEDx events, Universities and colleges in Maine. His new book "Call me American," was released in June 2018. He toured across the country for his book talk. The book is a finalist for New England Bookseller's Association book awards. Abdi also has a film representation about his life already in place.
