Review of Odyssey of High Hopes
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Fola Moni
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Review of Odyssey of High Hopes
[Following is a volunteer review of "Odyssey of High Hopes" by Cyrus A. Ansary.]
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, once said that America is the land of opportunity. In the memoir Odyssey of High Hopes by Cyrus A. Ansary, truer words have never been spoken. It is the powerful tale of an immigrant who strived against all odds to make it to the land of opportunity and achieved a glorious life far beyond his wildest dreams.
Cyrus Ansary is a remarkable man, and this was evident even from his childhood. From his humble beginnings in Shiraz, northwestern Iran, his thirst for knowledge and excellence propelled the need to succeed. At age 9, he had already started his own business, and even though it failed woefully (calling blank pieces of paper, checks, were never going to catch on!), he was undaunted. When the family moved to Tehran, his fluency in English started him off on another type of business, English tutoring, while he was in Alborz high school, and that was where his quest to travel began. Winning a contest to be part of a delegate to America seemed like his dream had finally come true. However, it was just the start of a long and laborious journey to the country of his dreams.
The author’s drive and tenacity in the face of many trials and tribulations are outstanding. He is the epitome of a go-getter, never relenting or backing down, even at a young age. I was captivated from the onset and finished the book in one sitting. Then I had another read again, researching online all the names, events and places. I found his brother, Hushang Ansary, Berthold Beitz, Alfried Krupp and other dignitaries mentioned. There was also a picture gallery inside the book. All these helped to put faces to the names and made for easier comprehension.
I also like how smooth his writing style is. His way with words drew me in and kept me engrossed. It made it easy to identify with him emotionally. I laughed when he flew over the White House-restricted airspace and waved at the federal agents tailing him. I was sad when his first marriage broke down. I punched the air when he won the contest to travel to America against all the odds. For such an accomplished and distinguished man, he has a pronounced humility about him that shines through his words. He is self-confident without a hint of arrogance and knows how to celebrate his wins and own his faults.
I would gladly rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. There’s nothing about the memoir that I dislike. The flawless reading experience made me conclude that it was exceptionally well-edited, as I encountered no errors. The message in this book is clear; no matter who you are or your background, if you are determined and work hard, you can achieve your dreams. I would recommend this book to anyone, young and old. It has valuable lessons for everyone. If you are struggling with life or personal circumstances, pick up this memoir of this incredible man. You will be glad you did.
******
Odyssey of High Hopes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, once said that America is the land of opportunity. In the memoir Odyssey of High Hopes by Cyrus A. Ansary, truer words have never been spoken. It is the powerful tale of an immigrant who strived against all odds to make it to the land of opportunity and achieved a glorious life far beyond his wildest dreams.
Cyrus Ansary is a remarkable man, and this was evident even from his childhood. From his humble beginnings in Shiraz, northwestern Iran, his thirst for knowledge and excellence propelled the need to succeed. At age 9, he had already started his own business, and even though it failed woefully (calling blank pieces of paper, checks, were never going to catch on!), he was undaunted. When the family moved to Tehran, his fluency in English started him off on another type of business, English tutoring, while he was in Alborz high school, and that was where his quest to travel began. Winning a contest to be part of a delegate to America seemed like his dream had finally come true. However, it was just the start of a long and laborious journey to the country of his dreams.
The author’s drive and tenacity in the face of many trials and tribulations are outstanding. He is the epitome of a go-getter, never relenting or backing down, even at a young age. I was captivated from the onset and finished the book in one sitting. Then I had another read again, researching online all the names, events and places. I found his brother, Hushang Ansary, Berthold Beitz, Alfried Krupp and other dignitaries mentioned. There was also a picture gallery inside the book. All these helped to put faces to the names and made for easier comprehension.
I also like how smooth his writing style is. His way with words drew me in and kept me engrossed. It made it easy to identify with him emotionally. I laughed when he flew over the White House-restricted airspace and waved at the federal agents tailing him. I was sad when his first marriage broke down. I punched the air when he won the contest to travel to America against all the odds. For such an accomplished and distinguished man, he has a pronounced humility about him that shines through his words. He is self-confident without a hint of arrogance and knows how to celebrate his wins and own his faults.
I would gladly rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. There’s nothing about the memoir that I dislike. The flawless reading experience made me conclude that it was exceptionally well-edited, as I encountered no errors. The message in this book is clear; no matter who you are or your background, if you are determined and work hard, you can achieve your dreams. I would recommend this book to anyone, young and old. It has valuable lessons for everyone. If you are struggling with life or personal circumstances, pick up this memoir of this incredible man. You will be glad you did.
******
Odyssey of High Hopes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Moonlight Serenade by Terry Mark
