This Is What America Looks Like

My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman

By: Ilhan Omar

Narrated by: Ilhan Omar

"Ilhan has been an inspiring figure 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.

lhan 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 12, 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 less than 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, DC.

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 audible in every minute. 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.

©2020 Ilhan Omar (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent way to learn about refugees...

I’ve worked with the refugee program and I am going to highly recommend this book to all people to learn more on refugees. Ilhan tells her personal story and then returns years later and hears other refugees stories. The whole book shows different ways that leaving her country affected her. This would be a good book for people to learn from. Ilhan is a strong woman who has shown the world the true immigrant story.

Awesome Story of Life!!!

I love listening to the story of Congress Woman Omar!!! The story was touching and showed how our life journey helps us to become the person we are and how we can overcome any circumstance. Thank you for sharing your story!!!

simple even blunt story of a human.

loved hearing ilhan read her own book. inspired me to want and perhaps even do more as US citizen.
I would love it if ilhan was even more vulnerable and open. enjoy how much she opens up about process ans challenges, and the existence of periods of darkness. though sharing more about those moments could help many of us.

Loved This!

This is such a powerful story: I am in such admiration of Ilan Omar. May she continue to walk in power,

Inspiring and Humbling

One of the best biographies I’ve ever read. I wish everyone would read this incredibly well written book. The insights, accountability and awareness this memoir brings is truly an extraordinary read.

Ilhan Omar & Linda Sarsours INCREDIBLE reads

These 2 books are the most incredibly inspiring books I’ve ever read. A true testament to the will of a human to persevere beyond what should be possible and to never give up despite the most intense obstacles and inhumane levels of exhaustion. I’ve felt so burned out lately, and full of despair and oftentimes flirt with feelings of wanting to quit but after reading these 2 books it makes me realize how capable as strong women we really are and how it really is possible to achieve our goals even when our mind and soul want to quit. I can’t say enough about Linda and Ilhan. They are awe inspiring sheros of mine. I’ve learned so much about fighting injustices just by following their lead and learning from their words. I am so thankful for them everyday and I feel blessed to have been educated by their written words. I feel smarter, more empathetic and inspired to keep fighting the good fight. I’m grateful for these American treasures. ❤️❤️

Amazing

Thank you for your story Ilhan. As a Somali-American I related to this book on so many levels. I’d recommend this book to any and everyone. ❤️❤️❤️

Highly recommend to listen to book

This narrative not only moved me but made me proud to be an American. Funny how it took an immigrant and refugee for me to appreciate what we have here in this country. Although I’m 80 years old I value what I can learn from others. Thanks Ilhan
Judy

Great story

Your story was very interesting. I apologize for all the disrespect you encountered. I feel closer to you, as an American in black skin I have encountered some of the same obstacles.

Inspiring story

The most inspiring story I've read in a very long time, strongly recommend for anyone looking to be reminded of all the ways the American Dream is still alive.