This book is for a particular crowd. As a sporadic reader, which feels the need to dive into specific genres like a madwoman on a mission, I was in my phase of historical accounts. This is a fascinating read that maps the expanse of Syrian-American history through the heart of the US.

This is always important due to cultural and racial rhetoric at large. It is essential to understand where others have mapped as their home and where we intersect as people.

It is not a casual read, but it is interesting.

As a lifelong Midwesterner, I could identify many of the locations and industries in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan that the author discussed. His meticulous research in detailing several generations of Syrian-American history reveals his personal connection and cultural pride. Those with similar backgrounds will appreciate the history presented, and libraries in multicultural cities will also wish to add this to their collections.

I chose this book in my ongoing quest into learning about different cultures. What drew me to this one was the title & the cover. I was raised in the Midwest and just driving through my birth city of Chicago, we would see first hand the multitude of nationalities and cultures represented. Reading the author’s account of what his family and fellow Syrians went through to establish themselves more than a century ago was eye opening and so very interesting. History and culture enthusiasts should read this book.