"I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read Abdi Nor Iftin’s memoir, Call Me American. Abdi explores everything from nomadic lifestyles, to hip hop culture, to passionately pursuing a dream, all while surviving the daily life-threatening war of his reality. Just as our world was turned upside down in a moment, Abdiis no stranger to life-altering circumstances that forced him and his family to seek survival-centered life choices."- Olivia Raya | TRIO Academic Coach
“Adir Nor Iftin's story of growing up in war-torn Somalia pushed my understanding of resilience and hope, even in the very worst of conditions. He held fast to family and friends, as global politics shaped and reshaped his daily life. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the forces that lead people to flee their home countries, and the perspectives that refugees bring to make the United States stronger through diversity.”
- Dr. Jenny Barker-Devine | History
“What was most compelling about this book for me was the new perspective. I have read many books that deal with conflicts that America is involved in, but they have always been from a soldier's perspective. To see it from the view of somebody who lived there, to see what that part of the world is really like, was really eye-opening for me. It was a really great book which made me rethink the way we view ourselves, the way we view the rest of the world, and the way the rest of the world views us.”
- Cody Phillips '23
"In Call Me American, Abdi’s story of triumphs and turbulence throughout the narrative resembles the Hollywood movies he loves. The reader follows along as he fights for survival, a fundamental human desire. With a moment’s notice, Abdi faces a crossroads, having to choose between leaving everything he knows in pursuit of the “American Dream” or continuing to face the hardships of life at home with a family he loves. The memoir leaves the reader appreciating how Abdi’s passion fueled him every day to pursue his dream."
- Abby Vorreyer | Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach
Life is hard, and every day there are new challenges. But reading Call Me American really put my life into perspective. Abdi Nor Iftin's story is one of great hardship, and the courage and perseverance he displayed is inspirational. With a lot of hard work and some luck, he escaped great danger and poverty and won a visa to America. His story also reminds us that hard work and luck aren't a guarantee of success, and that every day we must meet the challenges we are presented with.
- Dr. Beth Capo | English and Director of the Honors Program
After reading this memoir, I can tell that it will be very beneficial to the incoming first-year class. It is relatable for many students because we all come from different backgrounds to Illinois College where we have to be open minded and learn about many types of cultural differences. I think this book is a great way to start the year and will allow for many great discussions in First-Year Seminar Classes. This book touches on one thing that all incoming students will have in common, and that is "everyone is different, but we're all here for one goal."
- Sydney Geyston '23
Through turmoil, travesty, and triumph, Abdi gave me the insight to take nothing for granted and to forever be thankful for privileges I have been given.
- Dr. Amy Schwiderski | Director of the Center for Academic Excellence & TRIO
Call Me American, I won't lie, was a challenging read—not because it's difficult to follow or understand, but because of how it makes you feel. Even as you know the ending is going to be okay, reading about the dangers Abdi navigates on an almost daily basis is like watching an unending suspense movie. But his determination to escape the hellish life imprisoning him is truly inspiring. Reading Abdi's memoir is an eye-opening experience that will stay with me a long time.
- Dr. Nancy Taylor-Porter | Theatre
I thoroughly enjoyed Call Me American as a testament to someone’s perseverance and willingness to achieve one’s goals. The most compelling aspect of the novel was the fact that Abdi was so profoundly moved about things we (Americans) take for granted. Abdi’s incredibly harrowing journey throughout war-torn Somalia was gripping. Perhaps just as compelling was his eye-opening cultural experiences in America.
- Dr. Alonzo Ward | History