J.M. Sandler

Azadeh was born in Tehran, Iran, during a time of war and unprecedented famine. It was the winter of 1943, when the Soviet Union and the British troops simultaneously occupied Iran to combat the Nazis. The chaos and destruction that ensued led to severe food shortage that impacted mostly the poor.

Azadeh's young life was replete with turmoil and tragedy. At age eleven, overwhelmed by a world that was unstable and maddening, she discovered that writing her diary gave her a modicum of comfort and companionship. She documented her life copiously and fastidiously throughout her youth and whenever she was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty.

At age sixteen, Azadeh graduated from high school with honors. She had always dreamed of becoming a microbiologist, but knew that she could not pursue her education in her own country. She applied to UCLA and UC at Berkley, and while waiting for the admission letters, she secured a full-time position at a major bank in the city. A year later, with enough money to pay for her plane ticket, she flew to New York City to begin her extraordinary journey.

At age seventeen, with a suitcase full of sad memories, but a heart filled with hope and dreams, Azadeh left her homeland. She was eager and determined to pursue her education and save her family.

Azadeh's extraordinary journey was often impossible to endure, but her unrelenting sense of pride and purpose would not allow her to accept defeat. Her personal pain became the catalyst that gave her remarkable insight and compassion to help others triumph and flourish, as she did, in spite of misfortunes and tragedies.

The author hopes that her story will offer readers insight, inspiration, and courage to speak their truth.