Author and Educator
A friend lent me this book because it is about the Dana Hills Wrestling coach and Spanish teacher, Reza Abedi’s life. I was expecting a simple read and not much ‘meat’. What I found was a captivating story which I had trouble putting down. Reza was one of the Iranian National wrestling team who during Khomeini’s reign, defected to Venezuela. It was not only just the story of his wrestling career and how he fought to be on the National team, but the story of his large family and what they went through during their political/religious struggle.
★ ★ ★ ★
I was expecting a wrestling story. What I got was a heart aching story of the struggle of a man and his family fleeing a country who’s government failed to value its greatest resource, its citizens. There is a lot of history from late 1970s through early 1980s told from an Iranian’s point of view. It is a great read. My hat goes off to Reza and his family for what they endured to come to America, the land where dreams come true.
★ ★ ★ ★
Loved this book. Kristin is a great story teller and made me feel like I was part of Reza’s family. It is so easy to judge people and groups that you do not know or understand. This book gave you insight into the other side of the story. Ultimately, we all just want to take care of our families and be loved.
★ ★ ★ ★
I have read one chapter and I am hooked.
★ ★ ★ ★
Readers | Writers | Book Clubs
A friend lent me this book because it is about the Dana Hills Wrestling coach and Spanish teacher, Reza Abedi’s life. I was expecting a simple read and not much ‘meat’. What I found was a captivating story which I had trouble putting down. Reza was one of the Iranian National wrestling team who during Khomeini’s reign, defected to Venezuela. It was not only just the story of his wrestling career and how he fought to be on the National team, but the story of his large family and what they went through during their political/religious struggle.
★ ★ ★ ★
I was expecting a wrestling story. What I got was a heart aching story of the struggle of a man and his family fleeing a country who’s government failed to value its greatest resource, its citizens. There is a lot of history from late 1970s through early 1980s told from an Iranian’s point of view. It is a great read. My hat goes off to Reza and his family for what they endured to come to America, the land where dreams come true.
★ ★ ★ ★
Loved this book. Kristin is a great story teller and made me feel like I was part of Reza’s family. It is so easy to judge people and groups that you do not know or understand. This book gave you insight into the other side of the story. Ultimately, we all just want to take care of our families and be loved.
★ ★ ★ ★
I have read one chapter and I am hooked.
★ ★ ★ ★
Readers | Writers | Book Clubs
A friend lent me this book because it is about the Dana Hills Wrestling coach and Spanish teacher, Reza Abedi’s life. I was expecting a simple read and not much ‘meat’. What I found was a captivating story which I had trouble putting down. Reza was one of the Iranian National wrestling team who during Khomeini’s reign, defected to Venezuela. It was not only just the story of his wrestling career and how he fought to be on the National team, but the story of his large family and what they went through during their political/religious struggle.
★ ★ ★ ★
I was expecting a wrestling story. What I got was a heart aching story of the struggle of a man and his family fleeing a country who’s government failed to value its greatest resource, its citizens. There is a lot of history from late 1970s through early 1980s told from an Iranian’s point of view. It is a great read. My hat goes off to Reza and his family for what they endured to come to America, the land where dreams come true.
★ ★ ★ ★
Loved this book. Kristin is a great story teller and made me feel like I was part of Reza’s family. It is so easy to judge people and groups that you do not know or understand. This book gave you insight into the other side of the story. Ultimately, we all just want to take care of our families and be loved.
★ ★ ★ ★
I have read one chapter and I am hooked.
★ ★ ★ ★
Readers! Writers! Book Club Devotees!
You have found the right page!
Welcome to the page for the lovers of amazing-cuddle up-can’t put down-don’t want it to end-characters feel real–stories.
When I’m not immersed in a book, I’m writing one. I have great new ideas and resources for my fellow authors.
Explore the books I’ve authored along with the list of my favorites!
Whether it’s your turn to pick one out for your Book Club, or you’re looking for a great story to get lost in, I’m sure I have the right book for you!
Resources For Writers
Podcast Interviews
Kristin Orloff intervied
by Suzanne Harris
Wrestling Saved My Life
~ Reza Abedi
