Becoming American: The Early Arab Immigrant Experience (M.E.R.I. Special Studies)

Rating:
Summary: A marvelous book which completes my early family history.
Review: Ms. Naff's book is truly marvelous. As the granson of a Lebanese/Syrian immigrant, I read about the history of Lebanon. I knew some of the stories about my grandfather's coming to this country. There were even some vague stories about silk worms. But little did I know that my grandfather's story was the story of thousands of other men, women, and children. I knew some of Gido's contemporaries and am sad that I did not pay more attention to their stories. One of my most treasured possessions is a picture of Gido with a rifle and bandolier standing next to his wagon while peddling dry goods along the Mexico-Texas border. Thank you Ms. Naff.

Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Book on Syrian/Lebanese Emmigration
Review: This book is chock full of details that would have been forever lost had not the author begun her work nearly 40 years ago, of recording oral histories and preserving documents, artifacts and photographs. Excellent presentation style. A must for both public and personal libraries that want to have available, not only the stories, but an insight into the ethos of a people who came from a small country with modest aspirations and ended up having a large impact on America.