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Not Created Equal: An Immigrant Muslim Woman's Pursuit of Equality in her Family, the Army and America
Mona Johnson dreamed of a world where a Muslim woman could be treated as an equal. After escaping a politically divided Egypt, she and her family lived in exile in Saudi Arabia before immigrating to the US in 1960. But assimilating into American culture was far from easy, as she and her family experienced unending discrimination compelling them to change their name in order to blend in with society. As a young adult, the traditional values of Mona’s heritage clashed with her pursuit of being a modern feminist.
Giving in to her mother’s wishes, she became trapped in a seven-year, abusive marriage. Forced to endure reprehensible acts of mental and emotional abuse, to include physical attacks, she eventually broke away with her two daughters and with her father’s encouragement, began a career in the Army Nurse Corps. Defying years of prejudice and gender inequality, Johnson became most likely the first immigrant Arab-Muslim woman to serve in the US Armed Forces and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
In this unflinching memoir, Johnson shares for the first time her heartbreaking and joyful journey. Drawing from her experiences as a single parent, army officer, and Muslim, she demonstrates incredible perseverance traversing Middle-Eastern and Western societies.
Not Created An Immigrant Muslim Woman’s Pursuit for Equality in her Family, the Army and America follows a fearless quest to conquer Islamic stereotypes and bias in two cultures. If you like stories of underestimated American women, then you’ll love Mona Johnson’s revealing memoir. Her captivating story of independence, courage and relentless determination will inspire and empower all to never stop fighting for equality.
Giving in to her mother’s wishes, she became trapped in a seven-year, abusive marriage. Forced to endure reprehensible acts of mental and emotional abuse, to include physical attacks, she eventually broke away with her two daughters and with her father’s encouragement, began a career in the Army Nurse Corps. Defying years of prejudice and gender inequality, Johnson became most likely the first immigrant Arab-Muslim woman to serve in the US Armed Forces and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
In this unflinching memoir, Johnson shares for the first time her heartbreaking and joyful journey. Drawing from her experiences as a single parent, army officer, and Muslim, she demonstrates incredible perseverance traversing Middle-Eastern and Western societies.
Not Created An Immigrant Muslim Woman’s Pursuit for Equality in her Family, the Army and America follows a fearless quest to conquer Islamic stereotypes and bias in two cultures. If you like stories of underestimated American women, then you’ll love Mona Johnson’s revealing memoir. Her captivating story of independence, courage and relentless determination will inspire and empower all to never stop fighting for equality.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2020
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Mona Johnson
1 book2 followersMona Johnson is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel. She is believed to be the first Arab Muslim-immigrant woman to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Johnson and her family were exiled to Saudi Arabia before immigrating to the US in 1960. Acquiescing to marriage to a Muslim man at a young age, she endured years of mental and physical abuse before escaping with her two daughters. She began her career with the US Army as a single parent before marrying again.
Johnson wrote her memoir to share her stance on what it means to be American, emphasizing that ethnicity, race, culture, and religion cannot and should never be painted with a single brushstroke.
Her memoir is presented as a quintessential 'all American story' of the second half of the 20th century - from an entirely different perspective.
Learn more about Mona at MonaJohnsonAuthor.com
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Johnson and her family were exiled to Saudi Arabia before immigrating to the US in 1960. Acquiescing to marriage to a Muslim man at a young age, she endured years of mental and physical abuse before escaping with her two daughters. She began her career with the US Army as a single parent before marrying again.
Johnson wrote her memoir to share her stance on what it means to be American, emphasizing that ethnicity, race, culture, and religion cannot and should never be painted with a single brushstroke.
Her memoir is presented as a quintessential 'all American story' of the second half of the 20th century - from an entirely different perspective.
Learn more about Mona at MonaJohnsonAuthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 12, 2020
Full disclosure - I am biased, as I have a close personal relationship with the author, and also had a hand in writing this memoir, but with that being said....
This memoir is a compelling story of strength, tenacity, independence, and resilience. The author, Lt. Col. Mona Johnson, takes readers along on her journey from her native Egypt to the United States, via Saudi Arabia, during a time when education for girls in the Middle East was generally not supported. Despite the perceived promise of freedom and education in the United States, Lt. Col. Johnson relates the challenges she faced not only as an immigrant, but as the only daughter to her strict parents and their more conservative, traditional values. Her journey continues through an abusive marriage and traumatic divorce, life as a single parent, and a successful military career as an Army nurse. Johnson's story is moving and inspiring and hopes to bring light to the lives and hardships of many immigrant women seeking to find balance and identity between their heritage culture and the culture of their adoptive country. Overall, Not Created Equal is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs about strong women, immigrant stories, and stories of resilience!
Congratulations to you, Lt. Col. Johnson!
This memoir is a compelling story of strength, tenacity, independence, and resilience. The author, Lt. Col. Mona Johnson, takes readers along on her journey from her native Egypt to the United States, via Saudi Arabia, during a time when education for girls in the Middle East was generally not supported. Despite the perceived promise of freedom and education in the United States, Lt. Col. Johnson relates the challenges she faced not only as an immigrant, but as the only daughter to her strict parents and their more conservative, traditional values. Her journey continues through an abusive marriage and traumatic divorce, life as a single parent, and a successful military career as an Army nurse. Johnson's story is moving and inspiring and hopes to bring light to the lives and hardships of many immigrant women seeking to find balance and identity between their heritage culture and the culture of their adoptive country. Overall, Not Created Equal is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs about strong women, immigrant stories, and stories of resilience!
Congratulations to you, Lt. Col. Johnson!
June 20, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! I was captivated from the very beginning til the very end. The hardships the author endured were so heartbreaking, yet the way she persevered was incredibly inspiring. Reading the book, I felt like I was right there with her. I highly recommend this book to .... well, to anyone who loves to read! But especially to anyone going through tough times. This book will show you there is always a way and inspire you to carry on.
December 10, 2020
Full disclosure - I am biased, as I have a close personal relationship with the author, and also had a hand in writing this memoir, but with that being said....
This memoir is a compelling story of strength, tenacity, independence, and resilience. The author, Lt. Col. Mona Johnson, takes readers along on her journey from her native Egypt to the United States, via Saudi Arabia, during a time when education for girls in the Middle East was generally not supported. Despite the perceived promise of freedom and education in the United States, Lt. Col. Johnson relates the challenges she faced not only as an immigrant, but as the only daughter to her strict parents and their more conservative, traditional values. Her journey continues through an abusive marriage and traumatic divorce, life as a single parent, and a successful military career as an Army nurse. Johnson's story is moving and inspiring and hopes to bring light to the lives and hardships of many immigrant women seeking to find balance and identity between their heritage culture and the culture of their adoptive country. Overall, Not Created Equal is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs about strong women, immigrant stories, and stories of resilience!
Congratulations to you, Lt. Col. Johnson!
This memoir is a compelling story of strength, tenacity, independence, and resilience. The author, Lt. Col. Mona Johnson, takes readers along on her journey from her native Egypt to the United States, via Saudi Arabia, during a time when education for girls in the Middle East was generally not supported. Despite the perceived promise of freedom and education in the United States, Lt. Col. Johnson relates the challenges she faced not only as an immigrant, but as the only daughter to her strict parents and their more conservative, traditional values. Her journey continues through an abusive marriage and traumatic divorce, life as a single parent, and a successful military career as an Army nurse. Johnson's story is moving and inspiring and hopes to bring light to the lives and hardships of many immigrant women seeking to find balance and identity between their heritage culture and the culture of their adoptive country. Overall, Not Created Equal is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs about strong women, immigrant stories, and stories of resilience!
Congratulations to you, Lt. Col. Johnson!
March 12, 2021
An incredible memoir that was uplifting and mesmerizing. The author endured and persevered... so heartfelt and amazing!
August 5, 2020
A very engaging memoir, written by a woman of great character. Definitely worth reading.
June 15, 2020
This is an uplifting story about overcoming adversity, being true to oneself, hard work, and perseverance... a true "American Dream" story. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Johnson demonstrates moral integrity and fortitude in standing up for justice and equity. Her story gives hope for us to move forward as individuals and as a country - even for those who have been victimized or marginalized. Inspiring!
September 8, 2020
Mona Johnson was born in Egypt, by the time she was 10 she would learn multiple different languages, live in four different countries and Be immersed in different ways of life. They finally settled in the US in California and even though Mona was more than happy to be a modern American teenager, her parents wanted her to be a good Muslim daughter. This would be the first time Mona secretly rebelled against her families image of her it’s certainly wouldn’t be the last. Her family wouldn’t be the only one who thought Mona was something she wasn’t end it wouldn’t be the first time Mona had the real her. Sadly everyone in Mona‘s life from her family, to the army to eventually her husband all try to shape Mona into what they thought She should be and what is even sadder they allHey the fam 💘 Had the wrong original opinion of who she should be.
Mona would face abuse and racism. From a black Muslim store owner in San Francisco to her own husband. They have some stories in this book that was hard to hear, but I just kept thinking they were probably even harder for her to go through. I really really liked Mona, even in her rebellious days in college she still kept her dignity and lived by virtues she thought was right and she proves just in that chapter alone to have a strength I don’t think I could’ve had. It seemed as if every time Mona did something thinking it was going to make her happy she found more obstacles were Were there they were people around to want to hold her back. This book is so good as I said and I love the fact that she gives us insight into the Muslim religion And divulge private moments from her life. The most memorable was all during labor her husband who was supposed to be a respectable loving man told her to shut up and then told Her to shut up bitch… What a great guy. I highly recommend this book and to those who think they may have problems can read this and know some people in the world have real issues and sadly not everyone is like Mona. I only hope those who are not find this book and get strength from her struggle. This book was very well worded and is very entertaining at the same Time. Just beware once you start reading you might have trouble Putting it down, I know I did! If you love autobiographies then by all means get this book as I said more than once it is so so good! I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review from the author on book sirens. I am always amazed at the great books I would’ve just is happily paid for that I get on Books sirens I love it!
Mona would face abuse and racism. From a black Muslim store owner in San Francisco to her own husband. They have some stories in this book that was hard to hear, but I just kept thinking they were probably even harder for her to go through. I really really liked Mona, even in her rebellious days in college she still kept her dignity and lived by virtues she thought was right and she proves just in that chapter alone to have a strength I don’t think I could’ve had. It seemed as if every time Mona did something thinking it was going to make her happy she found more obstacles were Were there they were people around to want to hold her back. This book is so good as I said and I love the fact that she gives us insight into the Muslim religion And divulge private moments from her life. The most memorable was all during labor her husband who was supposed to be a respectable loving man told her to shut up and then told Her to shut up bitch… What a great guy. I highly recommend this book and to those who think they may have problems can read this and know some people in the world have real issues and sadly not everyone is like Mona. I only hope those who are not find this book and get strength from her struggle. This book was very well worded and is very entertaining at the same Time. Just beware once you start reading you might have trouble Putting it down, I know I did! If you love autobiographies then by all means get this book as I said more than once it is so so good! I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review from the author on book sirens. I am always amazed at the great books I would’ve just is happily paid for that I get on Books sirens I love it!
August 1, 2020
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. Some elements I really identified with. I have a father from North Africa, and am called Mona. Therefore Mona Johnson's identification of the challenge between traditional culture and religion, and the western world can be confusing, and often contradictory was something I really related to. Partly because of this, I see this memoir as a discussion of identity, and were identities can clash.
There was some good exploration of women and their role in the military. The description of the whistleblowing Mona did do was interesting, particularly as it ended up with no negative repercussions for her was not what I would have expected. There was some attention given to sexual assault in the military which I thought needed further exploration.
I would also have liked a direct link to have been made about mysonomy and how Mona's first husband and some US military men held similar views of how women could be treated. There were good links made to show that background, religion etc. does not fully explain who you are, and lots of things can impact on how you live your life. Therefore a more obvious link made as to where different backgrounds can still result in women being treated as unequals would have been appreciated. This would have really challenged the view that 'only' Muslim men treat women poorly. Christian men in the US miliatry can also be arses.
Overall a good memoir that I would recommend. I have given 4.5 stars, and rounded down to 4. To me it's not quite as good as Educated by Tara Westover, but is equal to Becoming by Michelle Obama.
Thanks to Book Sirens for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. Some elements I really identified with. I have a father from North Africa, and am called Mona. Therefore Mona Johnson's identification of the challenge between traditional culture and religion, and the western world can be confusing, and often contradictory was something I really related to. Partly because of this, I see this memoir as a discussion of identity, and were identities can clash.
There was some good exploration of women and their role in the military. The description of the whistleblowing Mona did do was interesting, particularly as it ended up with no negative repercussions for her was not what I would have expected. There was some attention given to sexual assault in the military which I thought needed further exploration.
I would also have liked a direct link to have been made about mysonomy and how Mona's first husband and some US military men held similar views of how women could be treated. There were good links made to show that background, religion etc. does not fully explain who you are, and lots of things can impact on how you live your life. Therefore a more obvious link made as to where different backgrounds can still result in women being treated as unequals would have been appreciated. This would have really challenged the view that 'only' Muslim men treat women poorly. Christian men in the US miliatry can also be arses.
Overall a good memoir that I would recommend. I have given 4.5 stars, and rounded down to 4. To me it's not quite as good as Educated by Tara Westover, but is equal to Becoming by Michelle Obama.
Thanks to Book Sirens for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2022
Wow! What an emotional journey! This book has it all. Perseverance in the face of adversity, the power of unconditional love and support, choosing the harder right over the easier wrong, and respecting the dignity of all human beings.
While I am about a decade younger than the author, I began my 7 years as an Air Force nurse at the same time she became and Army nurse. I continued as an Army spouse for an additional 26 years. Some of the places she lived over the years were locations we had in common, and those were some of the chapters where I connected personally. I was particularly taken in by the situation at DeWitt at Ft. Belvoir. I had the exact same opinion of that clinic when I was receiving care there just prior to her arrival! Kudos to LTC (Ret) Johnson for taking a stand! Sadly this type of situation continues to occur in Army clinics today with similar apathy and inaction by superiors.
Thanks to her father for believing in the equality of women, and continually encouraging and supporting his daughter. Thanks to all of the wonderful friends and neighbors who lent helping hands along the way to allow this woman to pull herself out of a horrific situation and to reach her true potential. Thanks to LTC (Ret) Johnson for a career of providing medical care to the military community, for being a strong role model for not just her daughters, but other women in her life, and for writing this inspiring memoir.
While I am about a decade younger than the author, I began my 7 years as an Air Force nurse at the same time she became and Army nurse. I continued as an Army spouse for an additional 26 years. Some of the places she lived over the years were locations we had in common, and those were some of the chapters where I connected personally. I was particularly taken in by the situation at DeWitt at Ft. Belvoir. I had the exact same opinion of that clinic when I was receiving care there just prior to her arrival! Kudos to LTC (Ret) Johnson for taking a stand! Sadly this type of situation continues to occur in Army clinics today with similar apathy and inaction by superiors.
Thanks to her father for believing in the equality of women, and continually encouraging and supporting his daughter. Thanks to all of the wonderful friends and neighbors who lent helping hands along the way to allow this woman to pull herself out of a horrific situation and to reach her true potential. Thanks to LTC (Ret) Johnson for a career of providing medical care to the military community, for being a strong role model for not just her daughters, but other women in her life, and for writing this inspiring memoir.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars A superb book! Perfect for this time and extremely well written.
Verified Purchase
As a female 20 year retiree of the US Air Force and her contemporary I was excited to read this book. Mona tells her whole life story relating it to the events of the time - dressing up to fly in an airplane, JFK's shooting, 911, so you get a real sense of timing. I am a year or so older so there is a parallel to relate to. The book drew me in from the start and I finished it in two days! This is so well written! No wonder her military reports/letters got attention, she is very articulate and it shows. This isn't a dry history, there is very much emotion and frustration and determination and joy in this book. I was gritting my teeth along with her story and celebrating her wins. I was glad to see the pictures - obviously an Army career is more eventful than an Air Force one (or at least at that time - I retired in 1993, we didn't get guns or fly in helicopters). If anyone has persevered it is Mona! This book documents her success to overcome and reach that happy and successful peaceful peak! I doubt that she is done climbing - she's not one to quit. This is a great read I recommend it to everyone!
Verified Purchase
As a female 20 year retiree of the US Air Force and her contemporary I was excited to read this book. Mona tells her whole life story relating it to the events of the time - dressing up to fly in an airplane, JFK's shooting, 911, so you get a real sense of timing. I am a year or so older so there is a parallel to relate to. The book drew me in from the start and I finished it in two days! This is so well written! No wonder her military reports/letters got attention, she is very articulate and it shows. This isn't a dry history, there is very much emotion and frustration and determination and joy in this book. I was gritting my teeth along with her story and celebrating her wins. I was glad to see the pictures - obviously an Army career is more eventful than an Air Force one (or at least at that time - I retired in 1993, we didn't get guns or fly in helicopters). If anyone has persevered it is Mona! This book documents her success to overcome and reach that happy and successful peaceful peak! I doubt that she is done climbing - she's not one to quit. This is a great read I recommend it to everyone!
October 4, 2020
We discover Mona Johnson's journey through her words. Right from the start, she managed to capture my attention. The book begins with her birth, her family in Egypt, and the events that led them to the United States in search of a better life and better opportunities, especially for Mona, who as a daughter, would not have had as many choices available to her by staying in her country.
The focus is on the discrimination she has faced as an immigrant, a Muslim and a woman. She also speaks frankly about her marriage during which she experienced physical and psychological violence. It is clear that despite much progress, women are still today the target of discrimination.
This book made me experience many emotions. As much as her words reveal the hardships she has lived through, they are an ode to hope. Thanks to her thirst for life, her determination, a powerful desire to realize her dreams, she was able to fulfill herself as a woman, a mother, a soldier and a nurse. She was able to stand up and claim her rights and those of others. I admire her integrity, her strength of character and her energy in wanting to live by her rules.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The focus is on the discrimination she has faced as an immigrant, a Muslim and a woman. She also speaks frankly about her marriage during which she experienced physical and psychological violence. It is clear that despite much progress, women are still today the target of discrimination.
This book made me experience many emotions. As much as her words reveal the hardships she has lived through, they are an ode to hope. Thanks to her thirst for life, her determination, a powerful desire to realize her dreams, she was able to fulfill herself as a woman, a mother, a soldier and a nurse. She was able to stand up and claim her rights and those of others. I admire her integrity, her strength of character and her energy in wanting to live by her rules.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2020
Mona Johnson writes an absorbing account of her life from her birth in Egypt through to her family's move to the USA and her eventual enrolment in the US Armed Forces. The author conveys very well the feeling of being torn between her Muslim heritage and her American life. Mona's great affection for her father, whose love for his daughter, encouragement, and support was so dear to her, is evident in her writing. Whilst reading I shared Mona's frustration in being the only girl in a family of boys, and not being allowed to do the things her brothers were allowed to.
It is at times a difficult read, especially when the author details the abuse she suffered during her first marriage. It is heartwarming to see that through her own strength of will and refusal to be treated as lesser, she was not only able to escape an abusive first marriage, but raise two daughters as a single parent, rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Armed Forces, and make a happy second marriage. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is at times a difficult read, especially when the author details the abuse she suffered during her first marriage. It is heartwarming to see that through her own strength of will and refusal to be treated as lesser, she was not only able to escape an abusive first marriage, but raise two daughters as a single parent, rise to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Armed Forces, and make a happy second marriage. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2020
Fantastic! Worthy of your time!
A wonderful memoir, very intriguing and captivating. Never a lull in this truly inspiring life (so far) story. Way to go Mona! You knocked it out of the park. So glad to know you and Phil .... now even better. ❤️
A wonderful memoir, very intriguing and captivating. Never a lull in this truly inspiring life (so far) story. Way to go Mona! You knocked it out of the park. So glad to know you and Phil .... now even better. ❤️
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June 16, 2025It was entertaining, it felt like I was reading an interesting story of Mona's life. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews