American Wings Iranian Roots

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.

Through one family’s experience of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, American Wings, Iranian Roots invites readers into a deeply human story of courage, survival, identity, and connection. It is a narrative nonfiction book for readers, book clubs, educators, and anyone who wants to understand Iran beyond politics and headlines.

For Book Clubs

Discussion questions, menu ideas, and the opportunity to invite Kristin and Reza to join your group.

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For Educators

Curriculum resources, chapter activities, research topics, and discussion materials for classroom use.

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For Curious Readers

Photos, articles, historical resources, and personal stories that bring Iran’s history and culture to life.

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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

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

#158 Reza Abedi – Defecting from Iran in the Midst of the Revolution

#346 Ryan Recaps A Wild Trip
to Central America

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.

Team

Author Page

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.

Books On Air

Books on Air
Author Kristin Orloff intervied by Suzanne Harris
of Books On Air.

American Wings Iranian Roots