1001 Nights in Iraq: The Shocking Story of an American Forced to Fight for Saddam Against the Country He Loves

I had the pleasure of meeting Shant in my line of work, and couldn't believe someone so genuine and humble had endured so much hardship. This book truly reminds us all to appreciate the life we've been given, and how perseverance and sustained faith can guide a person home even through the toughest of conditions. A fantastic, page-turning read!

This story is an amazing tale of bravery under terrifying conditions during the first Persian Gulf War. Shant Kenderian, an Iraqi-born American, gets trapped in Iraq under Saddam Hussein and puts his life on the line to return home to his beloved America. It paints an interesting picture of that war and a sympathetic picture of Iraqi citizens under an unscrupulous tyrant who sent thousands of men and boys to their deaths. When Shant reaches the American POW camp, his story shows the great decency of our American troops and the camaraderie that developed between our troops and the many Iraqi POWs. This book will give you great insight into the lives of Iraqis and will also give you great pride in the behavior of our American soldiers.

This was truly an amazing autobiography. The writing was very clear, concise and detailed. I met Shant while collaborating with him on a potential NDT project, and when I asked about where he was from he told me "you have to read the book." I'm glad I did, but what a life story! If I hadn't met him in real life I wouldn't think he was going to make it.Great story, excellent writing.

I met Shant at the POW camp run by the Pittsburgh Marines. I can tell you that the detail in his story is about as close as you can get without having been there.This is an awesome story that should be read by anyone who wants to understand a little bit about the people of the Middle East and what their dictators put the average person through...

Real and authentic voice of a humble man who lived through Sadam's reign of terror. Could not put this book down! If you remember the Iraq/Iran war or the Kuwait war, this will give you an inside view of what it was like to be at Samdam's mercy. A story of redemption, friendship, and perseverance.

As described perfect fit my son is very happy.

I'd never read a memoir or a book about war, but really loved this book. Fast-paced and full of unbelievable twists and turns, it was also heartwarming and spiritually uplifting, as Shant relied upon his faith and "guardian angels" to get him through difficult times. I'd love to see it as a movie some day!

This is one of the best books I have read lately. It is realistic and inspiring. I identified with the author, for I, too, am Christian Iraqi who immigrated to the U.S. twenty years before Shant was born in Baghdad. I hope Hollywood makes a movie of this story.