Named a Best Political Book of the Year by The Atlantic“This Is What America Looks Like is the origin story of a leader who, finding no set path that would take a person like her to the places she wanted to go, was forced, and free, to chart her own.” –The New York Times Book Review“Ilhan has been an inspiring figure well before her time in Congress. This book will give you insight into the … well before her time in Congress. This book will give you insight into the person and sister that I see—passionate, caring, witty, and above all committed to positive change. It’s an honor to serve alongside her in the fight for a more just world.” —Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
An intimate and rousing memoir by progressive trailblazer Ilhan Omar—the first African refugee, the first Somali-American, and one of the first Muslim women, elected to Congress.
Ilhan Omar was only eight years old when war broke out in Somalia. The youngest of seven children, her mother had died while Ilhan was still a little girl. She was being raised by her father and grandfather when armed gunmen attacked their compound and the family decided to flee Mogadishu. They ended up in a refugee camp in Kenya, where Ilhan says she came to understand the deep meaning of hunger and death. Four years later, after a painstaking vetting process, her family achieved refugee status and arrived in Arlington, Virginia.
Aged twelve, penniless, speaking only Somali and having missed out on years of schooling, Ilhan rolled up her sleeves, determined to find her American dream. Faced with the many challenges of being an immigrant and a refugee, she questioned stereotypes and built bridges with her classmates and in her community. In under two decades she became a grassroots organizer, graduated from college and was elected to congress with a record-breaking turnout by the people of Minnesota—ready to keep pushing boundaries and restore moral clarity in Washington D.C.
A beacon of positivity in dark times, Congresswoman Omar has weathered many political storms and yet maintained her signature grace, wit and love of country—all the while speaking up for her beliefs. Similarly, in chronicling her remarkable personal journey, Ilhan is both lyrical and unsentimental, and her irrepressible spirit, patriotism, friendship and faith are visible on every page. As a result, This is What America Looks Like is both the inspiring coming of age story of a refugee and a multidimensional tale of the hopes and aspirations, disappointments and failures, successes, sacrifices and surprises, of a devoted public servant with unshakable faith in the promise of America.
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Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is a fearless, pioneering badass with a titanium backbone, and her memoir is everything she is, in addition to being a rich, witty, crackling good read.
Omar renews my faith in America. Her journey from refugee to politician is a story of courage, faith, and tenacity. Ultimately, she inspires us to be more human. The America I love looks like this.
Rep. Ilhan Omar is not just pushing America to live up to its best ideals — she’s showing us how the struggle for inclusion and solidarity can transform our communities in the here and now. This book is a gripping, wonderfully frank account of a remarkable political journey that is just getting started. As dazzling as its author.
Ilhan Omar has a gift for crossing all boundaries, from religious and cultural to political and personal. My world is bigger after reading This Is What America Looks Like. I recommend it.
With every beautifully written page, we are given precious insights into the extraordinary experiences, struggles, and mercies that shaped the freedom fighter we know today. Omar has gifted us with a perfect memoir: reflective without being self-indulgent, intellectual but still passionate, pragmatic yet brimming with hope. After reading her story, even Omar’s biggest critics will be unable to deny her principled political commitments, visionary leadership, and profound love for the entire human family. During these trying political times, this book is a desperately needed reminder that the type of world, and leadership, that we deserve is closer than we think.
Truly inspiring!
This was a quick read, I could hear her voice. Unsentimental but descriptive in describing an immigrant’s journey. informative, pacing was good.
Although I am not a fan of Ilhan Omar when it comes to politics, I found myself gaining much more respect for her while reading this book. Not only is she a clear and elegant writer, but she has a story to tell that can be appreciated by friend or foe. I’m so glad I picked up this book and learned more about this amazing woman.
This is a well written and gives great insight into Ilhan Omar’s life.
Terrible anti American crap