Named a Best Political Book of the Year by The AtlanticThis Is What America Looks Like is the
origin story of a leader who finding no set path that would take a person like her to the
places she wanted to go was forced and free to chart her own. -The New York Times Book
ReviewIlhan has been an inspiring figure well before her time in Congress. This book will give
you insight into the person and sister that I see-passionate caring witty and above all
committed to positive change. It's an honor to serve alongside her in the fight for a more just
world. -Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAn intimate and rousing memoir by progressive
trailblazer Ilhan Omar-the first African refugee the first Somali-American and one of the
first Muslim women elected to Congress.Ilhan Omar was only eight years old when war broke out
in Somalia. The youngest of seven children her mother had died while Ilhan was still a little
girl. She was being raised by her father and grandfather when armed gunmen attacked their
compound and the family decided to flee Mogadishu. They ended up in a refugee camp in Kenya
where Ilhan says she came to understand the deep meaning of hunger and death. Four years later
after a painstaking vetting process her family achieved refugee status and arrived in
Arlington Virginia.Aged twelve penniless speaking only Somali and having missed out on years
of schooling Ilhan rolled up her sleeves determined to find her American dream. Faced with
the many challenges of being an immigrant and a refugee she questioned stereotypes and built
bridges with her classmates and in her community. In under two decades she became a grassroots
organizer graduated from college and was elected to congress with a record-breaking turnout by
the people of Minnesota-ready to keep pushing boundaries and restore moral clarity in
Washington D.C.A beacon of positivity in dark times Congresswoman Omar has weathered many
political storms and yet maintained her signature grace wit and love of country-all the while
speaking up for her beliefs. Similarly in chronicling her remarkable personal journey Ilhan
is both lyrical and unsentimental and her irrepressible spirit patriotism friendship and
faith are visible on every page. As a result This is What America Looks Like is both the
inspiring coming of age story of a refugee and a multidimensional tale of the hopes and
aspirations disappointments and failures successes sacrifices and surprises of a devoted
public servant with unshakable faith in the promise of America.
