The Community Reading Project
My community has a reading project I decided to take part in. I also printed out and did the study guide and questions to go along with this book. AND since I was very late returning this book back to the library, I put a fresh set of the guide and questions in the book so the person who was waiting for it wouldn’t be so upset at the stranger who took too long with her turn!! So sorry person next in line. My apologies.
“The True American tells the story of Raisuddin Bhuiyan, a Bangladesh Air Force officer who dreams of immigrating to America and working in technology. But days after 9/11, an avowed “American terrorist” named Mark Stroman, seeking revenge, walks into the Dallas minimart where Bhuiyan has found temporary work and shoots him, maiming and nearly killing him. Two other victims, at other gas stations, aren’t so lucky, dying at once.”
“The True American traces the making of these two men, Stroman and Bhuiyan, and of their fateful encounter. It follows them as they rebuild shattered lives―one striving on Death Row to become a better man, the other to heal and pull himself up from the lowest rung on the ladder of an unfamiliar country.”
I remember September 11, 2001 very vividly. Being glued to the television for days, even at work, on breaks, while working in a skilled nursing facility. Hearing the elderly’s take on the events was interesting and some what comforting to us as a nursing staff. Their faith in our country and the people who live in it was infallible. Seeing who was responsible for the attacks, and the immediate backlash was troubling to me.
I remember the story of these men being shot after September 11, because of their appearance, faith and immigrant status. I did not know the aftermath story of Bhuiyan’s extreme mercy. It is for me, what I have also experienced with people of this faith. Immense peace, constant mercy and a sheer will to succeed. Islam is peace, I have been told and even showed over and over. The act of such extreme mercy and the fight against the death penalty for his attacker by Bhuiyan aligns with things I have also witnessed. Peace.
This book shows massive hate against massive love. Who is the true American in this situation? Such a good book for discussion. Such a good read on prejudice, life circumstances and experiences that form us, the willingness and sheer fight to succeed, and forgiveness at such a level it is hard for your mind to take in.
I will be purchasing this book to keep. It is a very necessary read. I want it on hand for my children and grandchildren. It is our story as Americans. We can learn so much from this read.
PEACE.
