American Wings, Iranian Roots
A Story of Escape, Discovery, and Connection
It began with a conversation.
Reza, a first-generation Iranian, shared his powerful story of survival—how he fled Iran during the 1979 Revolution, leaving behind everything he knew. His journey opened a world I had never truly seen.
As an American, I grew up with headlines about the Iranian hostage crisis, but little understanding of the people behind them. The more I listened, the more I felt called to write—not just his story, but mine too. This is the result: a novel that blends historical fact with personal truth, exploring themes of freedom, family, political unrest, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
This is a work of Nonfiction historical narrative, rooted in real events, real emotions, and a real connection between two people from different worlds.
Readers Love American Wings Iranian Roots
Loved this book. Kristin is a great story teller and made me feel like I was part of Reza’s family. It is so easy to judge people and groups that you do not know or understand. This book gave you insight into the other side of the story. Ultimately, we all just want to take care of our families and be loved. ~ Patti★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A friend lent me this book because it is about the Dana Hills Wrestling coach and Spanish teacher, Reza Abedi’s life. I was expecting a simple read and not much ‘meat’. What I found was a captivating story which I had trouble putting down. Reza was one of the Iranian National wrestling team who during Khomeini’s reign, defected to Venezuela. It was not only just the story of his wrestling career and how he fought to be on the National team, but the story of his large family and what they went through during their political/religious struggle. ~ Tim★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was expecting a wrestling story. What I got was a heart aching story of the struggle of a man and his family fleeing a country who’s government failed to value its greatest resource, its citizens. There is a lot of history from late 1970s through early 1980s told from an Iranian’s point of view. It is a great read. My hat goes off to Reza and his family for what they endured to come to America, the land where dreams come true. ~ Nancy★ ★ ★ ★ ★
#346 Ryan Recaps A Wild Trip
to Central America
#158 Reza Abedi – Defecting from Iran in the Midst of the Revolution
REZA ABEDI’S
GREATEST ESCAPE
“But Abedi’s most precious memento isn’t in his classroom….
It is the gold medal that Abedi won at the 1982 Military World Championships in Venezuela, at which he defeated an American in the 127-pound freestyle-wrestling final. “The day that I stepped on that podium and they gave me the medal, my whole body was full of joy,” he recalls.
But not all his memories of that day are happy ones. The medal is also a reminder of the day he left his country and his family behind….”
Once Lost In 1979 Shadows Of Hostages And Flaming Flags, One American Discovers Iran By Way Of A Baseball Field | The Iranian
My journey into all things Iranian began sitting next to Reza Abedi at a Little League game in 2004. Reza and I taught at the same high school and since our sons played together, we found ourselves having a casual conversation on a lovely Spring Saturday. A conversation that would change my life . . .
This article featured in The Iranian highlights the American author’s perspective.
Interlaced with my American point of view, the nonfiction narrative about Reza’s life titled American Wings, Iranian Roots connects our two societies with meaning and purpose—thus creating the perfect platform for authentic conversations regarding the relationship between Iran and America, current Middle Eastern events, and Iranian society.
The outstanding feature of this work is the narrative itself. Readers will be gripped by the intensity of living through the events before, during and after the 1979 Revolution. Reza’s escape created international headlines, but his family’s story shines humanity on the history-altering events.
A gold medal wrestler, Reza’s inspiring life celebrates honor, family and freedom. After he leads bloody battles in the 1979 Iranian Revolution and serves in the Air Force, Reza desires a fate beyond the suffocating suppression of Ayatollah Khomeini’s Iran.
On the last night of the 1982 Military World Wrestling Championships, he grips his gold medal, knowing American wrestlers wait minutes away to help him defect.
He must choose between his own freedom and the possible revenge killing of his thirteen year-old brother locked in Ayatollah Khomeini’s prison.
Beyond the images of the blindfolded American hostages and the bearded cleric Ayatollah Khomeini, there are millions of men, women and children who desire to live with freedom and dignity. This story is their voice.
Author Kristin Orloff intervied by Suzanne Harris
of Books On Air.
