West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story

Author: Tamim Ansary

West of Kabul, East of New York is an autobiographical memoir about a man entrenched in two cultures, seemingly stuck between his Afghan roots and his experience as an American immigrant. Tamin Ansary recalls his boyhood life in Afghanistan, describes his venture into the San Francisco hippie scene of the '70s and his travels throughout the Middle Eastern world of Islam in an effort to define his own spirituality. Ansary's impassioned email, written the day after the 9/11 attacks, reached millions of Americans and the author's own story is an effort to bridge the ever-widening gap between his heritage and his adopted home. Tamim's story is fascinating, at times frightening, and always informative.

West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story

Year Released: 2003

Grades 9-12