Little Baghdad: A Memoir About an Endangered People in an American City

by Weam Namou

Little Baghdad is a loving, historical, and personal account of an indigenous group of people who were forced out of their ancestral home, Mesopotamia. They found refuge in the United States, specifically Sterling Heights where according to archaeologists Native Americans lived more than 11,000 years ago. Through her dreamlike poetic travels into homes, museums, and neighborhoods, Weam Namou, author, filmmaker, and journalist tells the story of how this ancient and unique group known as Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians who still speak a modern form of Aramaic) have survived decades of oppression and genocide to find a sacred home in a city nicknamed “Little Baghdad.” She moves from place to place with the knowledge, wisdom, and innocence that makes her dive deep from her own cultural lineage to our shared human lineage. Along the way the reader experiences the wonders of this group, the Chaldeans, who though mentioned in history books and even the Old Testament, are not seen and heard in our modern society, despite their contributions to their surrounding communities.

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2023

About the author

Born in Baghdad to an ancient lineage called the Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic), Weam Namou is the Executive Director of the Chaldean Cultural Center, which houses the first and only Chaldean Museum in the world. She’s an Eric Hoffer award-winning author of 15 books, a multi-international award-winning filmmaker, journalist, poet, and an Ambassador for the Authors Guild of America [Detroit Chapter], the nation’s oldest and largest writing organization.

Namou is th executive director of the Chaldean Cultural Center, which houses the world's first and only Chaldean Museum. She hosts a half-hour weekly TV show, and she’s the founder of The Path of Consciousness, a spiritual and writing community, and Unique Voices in Films, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. You can find her on https://www.patreon.com/WeamNamou

Namou’s book, The Great American Family: A Story of Political Disenchantment, won an Eric Hoffer Book Award and her feature documentary with the same title, which she wrote, produced, and directed, earned over 8 international film awards and is currently availabe on Amazon Prime. Her feature script “Pomegranate” was selected quarter-finalist by Francis Coppola’s Zoetrope and is currently touring film festivals.

Namou's essays, articles, and poetry have been published by national and international publications including World Literature Today, Acumen [England], and the Transnational [Germany]. A keynote speaker, Namou has given readings, lectures, and workshops at numerous cultural and educational institutions. In 2012, Erootha, a local arts organization, honored her with an Outstanding Contributions to the Arts Award.

After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Wayne State University, Namou traveled the world as she studied fiction and memoir through various correspondence courses, poetry in Prague through the University of New Orleans, and screenwriting at MPI (Motion Picture Institute of Michigan). She learned of ancient philosophies from Indian and Native American teachers, and most recently, from internationally bestselling author and mystic Lynn V. Andrews. A graduate of Andrews’ four-year course of study and training in the sacred healing art,

Reviews

[Molebatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Little Baghdad" is a heartfelt memoir written by Weam Namou that sheds light on the experiences of an endangered community living in an American city. This book is a powerful account of the struggles, resilience, and unique culture of the Iraqi-American community in Dearborn, Michigan.
Namou provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of Iraqi immigrants, sharing personal stories and collective experiences that give voice to a community often misunderstood and overlooked. Through her vivid storytelling and descriptive prose, she successfully transports readers to the streets of "Little Baghdad" and brings to life the hardships faced by its residents.
The author's writing style is engaging and compassionate, allowing readers to connect with the characters and empathize with their challenges and triumphs. Namou's memoir effectively captures the complexities of identity, the clash of cultures, and the quest for belonging experienced by the Iraqi-American community.
Moreover, Namou's exploration of the history and displacement faced by Iraqis adds a significant educational value to the book. The narrative is infused with facts and anecdotes that provide a broader context, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of the community's struggles.
However, some readers may find the pace of the book to be slow at times, particularly when delving into the intricacies of Iraqi culture. Additionally, while Namou's memoir highlights the plight of Iraqi-Americans, the narrative could have delved deeper into the political and social dynamics that contribute to their challenges.
Overall, "Little Baghdad" is an important memoir that offers an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of Iraqi-Americans, addressing themes of identity, community, and resilience. Weam Namou's writing is evocative and filled with compassion, making this memoir a must-read for those interested in immigration experiences and the preservation of cultural heritage.

[Leylaˢ ᵖᵃᵍᵉˢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐

As an immigrant, I’ve often felt that I had one foot in one world and the other foot in another, with a gap in between. Sometimes that gap narrowed to the point of closure, and other times it opened wider and wider, becoming as wide as a shark’s jaw... For a long time, I struggled to fit into two worlds—my birth country of Iraq and my new home, America. The process made me feel like a yo-yo and, oftentimes, as if I were living a double life.

"Little Baghdad: an Endangered People in an American City" by Weam Namou is a beautiful and enriching book that is a must-read for anyone interested in cultural diversity. This captivating memoir has truly touched my heart (read: made me sob once) and opened my eyes to a world and culture I knew very little about (or basically nothing, as I hadn't heard of Chaldeans before). I would like to give my gratitude to Booktasters for providing me with a free copy of this remarkable book, and I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the author, Weam Namou, for sharing her personal journey and the stories of the Chaldean people, which indeed should not be forgotten. I'm surely interested in reading other works by the author (formerly unknown to me), referred to in this story, as well as visiting world's only Chaldean Museum.

Namou's personal narrative and exploration of her Chaldean endangered heritage are skillfully woven together, creating a powerful and engaging reading experience. Her storytelling is captivating, and I found myself completely immersed in the journey of Chaldean people, from the impact of continuous conflicts in Iraq and ancient history to the struggles faced by Chaldean immigrants in their new home in the modern world of Sterling Heights, Michigan.

I also believe that culture gives us a strong sense of belonging and a sense of purpose; that erasing one’s culture or imposing one’s ways through force, violence, and destruction is extremely harmful.

As someone who is very much interested in everything culture, I was thrilled to discover the Chaldean people (a minority of a minority of a minority) and their rich heritage through this book. Namou's thorough exploration of their culture, traditions, language, hospitality and family cohesion provided valuable insights into their way of life. The connections drawn between the Chaldean culture and other cultures and religions added depth and diversity. One of my favorite parts of the book was the chapter about language, where the significance and preservation of the Chaldean language were explored. I appreciate the author's thoroughness in providing a well-rounded understanding of the Chaldean culture.

Traveling helped me realize that there is no one way to live life and that people’s worldviews don’t necessarily resemble mine.

By the time I reached the last sentence, I couldn't believe it was over. Namou has certainly realised the promise of the book, offering a loving, historical, and personal account of herself and the Chaldean people.
Overall, "Little Baghdad" is an unputdownable nonfiction book, a rarity in itself, and thus deserves high praise. It offers a captivating and emotional journey into the Chaldean culture, leaving readers with an appreciation for their heritage and a broader perspective on cultural diversity. Once again, and I can not stress this enough, please read this book.

[Soumyadeep Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about the Armaic speaking Chaldean people and their culture. I had no idea before, and obviously so, given that I rarely want to leave my house. I found so many similarities between them and us, our culture. How we hold on so dearly to our beloved parents and relatives and relationships. How we all love a cup of tea when we gather for some chit chat.

The part that got me feeling the most was when the author speaks of her mother. My mother passed away last year, and she was about 55 years old. I never got to see her yet old, and share thoughts to wisdom to her grandkids or kids at the church. But hearing about Weam's mother, and get beautiful relationship with her. It kind of made me feel like the same, as if, if my mom were alive and got to grow older, I'd feel the same way about her.

Reading about her suffering did scare me. Reminded me of how scary and unprotected you feel, despite being able to pull your own weight good. It's your only living parent. Someone you've looked upto, someone who's taken care of you ever since you were in their placenta. It's never the same without them. My father says a funny thing, that it's a world's difference having your parent at home, albeit bed ridden and paralyzed, vs having them gone. I don't know if I agree with it, but I do get what he wants to say.

I cried, while reading on a train, about how you had to say goodbye to mom. I cried thinking about my mom later. It was a beautiful emotional experience, reminiscence of unspoken love.

Lastly, I'd like to say that I felt happy, reading about how Teddy affected your life. Again, because I've experienced something similar. I never know the introduction of a little canine creature to the house could make such a huge difference in my life, in my family's life.

I'm terrible at writing reviews. Here, I've tried to pour open my heart and say everything that is running on my mind right now. I've realised I've gone from mentioning the author as, well, 'the authour', to Weam, to 'You'. I hope anyone reading looks post those rookie writing mistakes. Thank you, Weam, for sharing a detrimental part of your life with us, through Little Baghdad. Thank you for looking after your beloved mother tongue and preserving it's authenticity for the world.

Proud to know all the work you do now, with the Chaldean Cultural Centre especially, alongside the million other roles you play.

[Neha Verma · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Little Baghdad’ documents the memories of the Chaldean people who began to emigrate from their ancestral home, Mesopotamia to the United States in the early twentieth century. The book is based on the personal experiences of the author but it is hard not to establish a connection with her at every encounter she recalled in this book. The author has divided her experiences in the Chaldean community into three parts: past, present, and future. The experiences of the past offer a poignant glimpse into the struggles and resilience of the Chaldean community, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. The encounters of the present are centered around her familial experiences. This part of the book is my favorite for its heart-wrenching moments and how the author presents the depths of her emotions with raw honesty. The part of the book exploring the future of the Chaldean community delves into the captivating world of museums, which are not just repositories of the past but present a path for preserving the rich cultural heritage and language of this vibrant community.

Though it is uncommon for non-fiction books, this one is simply unputdownable owing to the seamless writing style, making it a joy to read. Each chapter takes you on a journey down memory lane, so beautifully and descriptively written that it paints a vivid picture of the setting.

The author has definitely delivered what is promised in the title of the book. It is indeed a loving, historical, and personal account of the Chaldean people and by the time you complete the book, you would know a great deal about them. You would appreciate their culture, their family cohesion, their hospitality, and their faith, among many other qualities that define this amazing group of people.

As I journeyed through the pages, I found myself admiring the spirit of the author and her unwavering determination to preserve her cultural heritage. This book can resonate with a wide range of readers including those interested in historical narratives, who admire and wish to learn about cultural diversity, and who get drawn to personal stories for inspiration.

I am looking forward to reading more books by Weam Namou as well as exploring her documentaries which she has mentioned in this book. Happy Reading!😊

[Iniye · Rating 5 out of 5]

“...culture gives us a strong sense of belonging and a sense of purpose; that erasing one’s culture or imposing one’s ways through force, violence, and destruction is extremely harmful.”

Every day that passes becomes a moment in history. The events of today will be referenced in future by historians or anyone seeking information from the past. Sometimes I sit and wonder about the kind of activities that took place 100 years ago and beyond in the places I've lived and been to. The lack of proper documentation has hindered a lot of us from connecting to our ancestral origins and we have to rely on oral accounts from parents, grandparents, and other members of our society who had firsthand experiences or knew someone that knew someone from that time.

Weam Namou, the Iraqi-American award-winning journalist, author and filmmaker, delivers a heartfelt memoir where she talks about herself—leaving Iraq at a very young age—family members and a community of Iraqi immigrants living in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with accounts of the hardships they faced and the attempts at preserving a lifelong culture. The author, using a very engaging style of writing, takes us on a historical journey as far as the days of the Bible to Chaldea which was part of Mesopotamia, highly regarded as the cradle of civilization and presumed to be the location of the Garden of Eden. The Aramaic speaking Chaldeans have had struggles over time resulting from centuries of war and attempted ethnic cleansing, making them a minority of a minority of a minority. I love every bit of this book and learned a lot about the culture of the Chaldean people. Reading about the way Chaldean marriages take place was interesting because it's very similar to the ones I've experienced in southern Nigeria. One beautiful thing about life is that a lot of places have similar cultures and traditions while being thousands of kilometres apart.
I'm grateful to BookTasters for a copy of this book and I hope to read more from the author.

“I realized that home is the atmosphere you create, and identity is partly your dream and partly someone else’s dream of you.”

[Chris Maddix · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I began to read this book, I noted a familiarity with the writing style; I sensed that I had experienced it before. I took a moment to look back, and sure enough, I had previously met this author in a book called Oneida Man, which was basically a construct of the relationship between a displaced Iraqi American and a Native American from upstate New York. At the time, I thought, what an odd juxtaposition, what could two people from backgrounds this varied possibly have in common? The truth, it seems, is that they share a common displacement, a removal from the land of their past to a place to which they will eventually adjust, all the while making value judgments about the people overseeing the displacement, yet simply acquiescing, passively moving on, and adjusting.

Little Baghdad, in this book, is Sterling Heights, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, a town to which the largest collection of displaced Chaldeans (Iraqis, or ancient Mesopotamians) has moved. The author characterizes this population as largely people like herself - people who feel comfort in ethnic grocery stores and restaurants, the majority of whom speak Aramaic, the language largely spoken in the time of Christ. Unlike the stereotype, Chaldeans entered the US legally, tend to be Catholic, and they are not militant. In fact, their lives are continual processes of moving away from violence. The author's family escaped Iraq before the was with Iran in 1980.

The two Weam Namou books that I have encountered are exactly what they purport to be - memoirs, musings, recollections about life. They are not purpose filled, but, like the story of the Native American, they give convincing portrayals of people living with "one foot in one world, the other foot in another", doing their best to exist peaceably.

[Nerea Omulimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weam Namou is a Chaldean, a group of people who lived in ancient Mesopotamia, now Iraq. She penned her personal experiences in this book to help readers know who the Chaldeans are and the danger they are currently exposed to in an American city, Michigan.

The book Little Baghdad introduces who the Chaldeans are, their origin, and the challenges they endured in the past. As one of the Chaldeans, the author uses her personal life story to narrate the history of the Chaldeans, helping the readers get familiar with this group of people, who, according to the author's perspective, are in danger. What danger are they experiencing?

The book has a long record of family, friends, and other associates who crossed the author's path. It highlights how she is deeply concerned about the future of her people, the Chaldeans. Her eloquently written memories help the reader trace back in history about events that took place in Iraq. The reader is also helped to get well acquainted with the Chaldean community. The author's own experiences are a first-hand and personal experience of the plight of the Chaldean people, an exposure to the struggles they have undergone in their attempt to survive and preserve their culture. Through her narrative, she wants to raise awareness about the perils being confronted by this ancient community today, including displacement and loss of identity.

My favorite part of the book is how bare and candid the ideas are. The author's descriptive ability and emotional storytelling paint the life of the Chaldean people in such a vivid manner, making the book a thrilling read for history and culture enthusiasts. The book is a wonderful reminder of the Chaldean people's strength and resilience and acts as a motivation to expose readers to their rich heritage.

If you love historical stories based on real-life events, this book is for you.

[xianliv · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Little Baghdad: A Memoir About an Endangered People in an American City" by Weam Namou is a heartfelt and culturally immersive exploration of the Chaldean people's heritage in Michigan, USA. Namou's skillful storytelling and engaging writing style draw readers into the rich history and struggles of the Chaldean community.

One of the memoir's notable strengths lies in its blending of historical context with contemporary experiences. Namou seamlessly weaves together past and present, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants and the continuity of cultural traditions in a new land.

The author's use of vivid sensory descriptions allows readers to vividly imagine the bustling Middle Eastern produce market and experience the emotions associated with memories of Baghdad and life in "Little Baghdad." This attention to detail enhances the reader's connection to the author's experiences and emotions.

Throughout the memoir, Namou reflects on themes of identity, cultural fusion, and the concept of home, making the narrative relatable and thought-provoking for readers who have experienced similar challenges or cultural dislocation.

Namou's authentic voice shines through, adding an emotional depth to the narrative. Her personal perspective brings authenticity to the exploration of Chaldean heritage, making the memoir a touching and enlightening read.

In summary, "Little Baghdad" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant memoir that skillfully delves into the history, heritage, and struggles of the Chaldean community. Namou's talents as a storyteller make it a compelling and insightful exploration of the enduring impact of cultural roots and the immigrant experience.

[DALYN MILLER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Baghdad is a richly layered and culturally significant memoir that explores identity, heritage, and the complexities of belonging across generations and geographies. Weam Namou delivers a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, weaving personal experience with cultural history in a compelling and reflective voice.

What makes this book particularly powerful is its exploration of displacement and preservation. By connecting life in Michigan with ancestral roots in Baghdad, the memoir highlights the emotional and cultural tension between past and present. This duality creates a narrative that is deeply meaningful and relevant in today’s global context.

Additionally, the memoir stands out in its portrayal of an endangered cultural identity. Through storytelling that is both personal and collective, the book captures the importance of memory, tradition, and community in preserving a heritage that is at risk of fading. This adds depth and significance beyond a single life story.

The emotional strength of the book lies in its voice. The writing carries a reflective and almost lyrical quality, allowing readers to engage not only with the events but with the deeper emotional and cultural undertones that shape them.

Ultimately, Little Baghdad is more than a memoir it is a powerful exploration of identity, migration, and the enduring connection between people and their roots. It resonates strongly with readers interested in cultural narratives, diaspora experiences, and personal journeys of belonging, leaving a lasting impression through its depth and perspective.

[Mylife Style · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I read for the same writer in the same week . I choose her books by accident and it was the best thing I ever did .In "Little Baghdad: A Memoir About an Endangered People in an American City" by Weam Namou, we are taken on a profound journey into the world of the Chaldean people, a community rich in history and cultural heritage. Namou's storytelling is not merely informative but deeply moving, as she unveils the struggles and triumphs of a people facing adversity.
Namou's words resonate like poetry, painting vivid pictures of resilience and cultural pride. She eloquently portrays the Chaldean experience, capturing the heartache of oppression and the beauty of tradition. One poignant quote from the book that encapsulates this sentiment is, "In the midst of chaos, our roots run deep, anchoring us to our past and guiding us to our future."
Through Namou's narrative, we witness the strength and spirit of the Chaldean community, both in their homeland and in their diaspora. As she unravels the layers of their story, we are reminded of the enduring legacy they carry, a legacy of perseverance and unwavering faith. As another quote from the book beautifully puts it, "Within the heart of every Chaldean beats the rhythm of a thousand stories, each echoing the resilience of a people bound by tradition and united in hope."
Namou's memoir not only educates but also touches the soul, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the world of "Little Baghdad" and to cherish the cultural tapestry woven by the Chaldean people.

[lea ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Once I became a mother, I began to understand and appreciate my parents' decisions. I realized that home is the atmosphere you create, and identity is partly your dream and partly someone else's dream of you.”

what a lovely read! Weam Namou paints such a beautiful picture of the places and people she has loved throughout her life. i knew close to nothing about Chaldeans and now, i know a lot more thanks to her. this book is so heartfelt, gentle in its style and touching. her depiction of community, love, grief & family are wonderfully written. you get little flashes of her life from her childhood to her journey through adulthood, motherhood and grief. i admire her determination to shine a light on her community. and i am really glad i got to learn about it. i am sharing my favourite quote below

“We had found the beauty in each other and wanted to delight in this great gift for as long as possible. We knew our time together was limited, that our days were numbered, that the angels might appear that night or the next morning to take her away to be with her deceased tribe. Our time was precious, fragile, short, and sacred, because it would soon be our last earthly memories of each other.”

[Savera · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I realized that home is the atmosphere you create, and identity is partly your dream and partly someone else's dream of you."

A moving and informative memoir that wove its way into my heart.
Weam Namou writes with a personal, poetic, and honest tone. Creative metaphors are scattered among heart-rending truths about what it means to be human, a daughter, sister, mother, animal guardian, friend, and most importantly, a Chaldean.

The book is a collection of essays that are all intertwined and yet follow their own theme. I particularly enjoyed the many eye-opening anecdotes about the history of Iraq and also the author's personal life - her family stories.

Weam Namou's experiences in both writing and film-making are documented in a unique and amusing way, while still acknowledging the importance of more Chaldean-based stories in the world.

Anyone curious about how (essentially forced) migration affects future generations, as well as the importance of knowing one's roots, should read this beautifully written book.

Many thanks to Booktasters and the author for a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Paola Roman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Little Baghdad is a memoir by Weam Namou, on her Chaldean heritage and its people living in America after they immigrated from Iraq.

The author shares personal stories and experiences of family and friends, whilst they lived in Iraq and their struggles when adapting to life in America. The book covers the loss of the Chaldean customs and the Aramaic language in Iraq due to the conflict and war, but highlights, the freedom experienced by her people, living in the U.S. Namou explains that with their new lease of life, came the loss of traditions and language, highlighting the sense of loss and misplacement felt by the community and her struggles on trying to preserve the history and culture, for future generations.

The chapters dedicated to the author’s late mother, is a lovely testament to the love shared between them, reminiscing on their connections with Chaldean traditions.

I have mixed feelings about the writing style in this book, as the author at times kept jumping from one thing to next, and was then coming back to her original thoughts.

[Het · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am guilty for picking up the book solely for it's title, I was genuinely intrigued once I knew about the origins of the name and the place. It's really mind-boggling to know that so much of history is sometimes lost either due to lack of documentation or mis-interpretation. Kudos to the author for taking the effort to put together this fine book which not only helps document but also helps spread awareness. The book appreciates the ancient history, culture and language of the Chaldeans. The mentions of their origins in Iraq and reading about the political and cultural lifestyle when the author was young. Reminiscing the old days but also highlighting the differences. Reading about their life living in tribal democracy and how they tried to assimilate to the new lifestyle is thought provoking. The second part is a bit sad knowing that her mother passed away and has a shadow of grief over all the reminiscing.
Overall it's a nice memoir

[Syed Naqvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt very close to my heart and soul as i love this amazing historical country of iraq. Seeing the history from the perspective of a minority and that too having very deep roots into the place is just deeply satisfying in addition to expanding the understanding of such a place from a new vantage point. Never knew much about chaldeans let alone those living in USA having origin in iraq but now i feel like personally connected to this amazing lovely community. It was deeply shameful and tragic that they suffered so much at the hands of barbaric isis cult which has nothing to do with the actual Islam but such atrocities are shared by other minority groups like yazidis and shias.

Overall amazing feelings of a personal experience with weam and her family especially her deep bond with her mom and classic eastern values and culture of her mom and family.

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling narrative that sheds light on the struggles of Iraqi immigrants in America. Namou weaves a story of identity, resilience, and the challenges of cultural integration, making it both heartfelt and thought-provoking.
The story revolves around an Iraqi-American woman navigating life in a Detroit suburb known as "Little Baghdad." She faces cultural clashes, family pressures, and personal struggles while trying to balance her traditional values with her modern American life. Through her journey, the book explores themes of belonging, the immigrant experience, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Ultimately, it’s a tale of self-discovery and finding strength in one's identity.

[maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Baghdad by Weam Namou is a great book! It’s a very heartfelt but also informative memoir that explores different and interesting themes.
Namou’s writting beautifully captures the essence of this community, the culture and also the challenges and they have to deal with to preserve their cultural identity.
The personal experiences that the Author shares make this book very emotional and uplifting.

[Vikas Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received book copy 'Little Baghdad' written by Weam Namou from Booktasters.
This book is engaging having writer's personal narrative with historical and cultural blend described in 17 chapters.
Book is beautifully memoir of Chaldean community(Iraqi-American) residing mostly in the Michigan State (USA).
If you want to understand the immigrant stories , culture, heritage , traditions , struggles and identity challenges faced by immigrants, then this book is must read to get all insights.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the way this author wrote. The writing seemed to have an honest, no-nonsense quality, while at the same time, the tone remained warm and pleasant. Reading this, I felt as though the author wanted the reader to feel involved, wanted the reader to know all about their experiences, good and bad. It was a heartfelt and very interesting read.

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nostalgic trip.
Endeavoured community living in Michigan and their memories of their roots in Baghdad.

The feeling is so true.
This is a heartfelt memoir.
A small community living in American soil happily.
But are they truly happy?
They often think of their motherland. The place they left behind..
I liked the writing. It felt close to the heart.

[tata_livinggg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learnt a lot reading about this endangered community living in Michigan, America. According to the author, the reason this book is so important is that it preserves the Chaldean #Aramaic-speaking and #indigenous heritage which ISIS (and many other groups over the centuries) have tried to destroy.

[Hafsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching and heart breaking story about survival. It was really brave of them to share their stories with the world, i symphatised , laughed and cried with them all the way to the end.
Truly recommend....

[Rajni Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booktasters once again for sending me the copy of Little Baghdad: A Memoir About an Endangered People in an American City.
I solely picked this because it is based on a place that is in Middle East and I can't leave anything that come across me, about Middle East. And this is my first memoir. Had I known that memoir can be so good I would have read one earlier. But when it is to happen, it happens.
The book is divided in several chapters about different stories of Chaldean people - inhabitants of ancient civilization, Mesopotamia - now living in America as a minority trying to preserve their history and culture.
I got to know a lot of interesting things about Iraq, its history, politics and culture. I wish Iraq was as prosperous as it used to be when their people were not facing discrimination and persecution at the hands of power.
The writing is easy and at times nostalgic because the author Weam Namou is reminiscing a lot of things from the time when she was still living in Iraq. I'd like to know more about Chaldean people and their culture in ancient times.

Happy Reading!