Of Beetles & Angels - by Mawi Asgedom (Paperback)

About the Book

This acclaimed memoir tells the unforgettable story of a young boy's journey from a refugee camp in Sudan to Chicago, where his family survived on welfare. Mawi followed his father's advice to "treat people . . . as though they were angels sent from heaven," and realized his dream of a full-tuition scholarship to Harvard University.

Book Synopsis

Read the remarkable true story of a young boy's journey from civil war in east Africa to a refugee camp in Sudan, to a childhood on welfare in an affluent American suburb, and eventually to a full-tuition scholarship at Harvard University.

Following his father's advice to "treat all people-even the most unsightly beetles-as though they were angels sent from heaven," Mawi overcomes the challenges of language barriers, cultural differences, racial prejudice, and financial disadvantage to build a fulfilling, successful life for himself in his new home.

Of Beetles and Angels is at once a harrowing survival story and a compelling examination of the refugee experience. With hundreds of thousands of copies sold since its initial publication, and as a frequent selection as one book/one school/one community reads, this unforgettable memoir continues to touch and inspire readers. This special expanded fifteenth anniversary edition includes a new introduction and afterword from the author, a discussion guide, and more.

Review Quotes

"A moving memoir." * Chicago Tribune

"An amazing story." * Oprah Winfrey

"His simple lyrical narrative, both wry and tender, stays true to the child's viewpoint as he grows up...What stays with you is the quiet, honest drama of a family's heartrending journey."
*Booklist

"This earnest account of his life up to his graduation from Harvard is peppered with powerful moments."
*Publishers Weekly

A BookSense '76 pick

About the Author

Mawi Asgedom graduated from Harvard University and delivered the commencement address at his graduation in 1999. Now 25 years old, he is a successful inspirational speaker for students, community groups, and businesses.