Gratitude in Low Voices
This book is a reaffirmation of the good that people can do and how one young man succeeded despite the odds against him.
Gratitude in Low Voices is an inspiring memoir by Dawit Gebremichael Habte, who poignantly portrays his childhood in Africa and his struggles as a refugee to the United States.
Habte was born in Eritrea, a country in eastern Africa bordering the Red Sea. Its citizens have long fought to maintain independence from Ethiopia, its large neighbor to the south. The abundant political history is detailed throughout, and this chaos of war is the eventual reason for Habte’s departure from his native country. The remainder of the book describes the strength, determination, and hard work it took to pursue educational goals in a foreign country, which ultimately included a degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a job offer from Michael Bloomberg.
Eritrean culture, history, and customs are explained in honest and forthright prose, with Habte’s personal life and family members serving as examples. One sister dies in a tragic accident in the mix, but Habte also recalls with humor another sister who was passed on to a higher grade in school because, as the teacher said, “she will break my chairs.”
This is inspirational work. Habte recognizes that at every turn in his life, others (or “angels without wings,” as he calls them) have been there to assist. He shares the backstories of some of the individuals who helped him along his journey. The author also acts as a role model—while taking a full load of classes as an undergrad, he also worked sixty hours a week at three different jobs, always on the lookout for new opportunities to better himself. When he realized Bloomberg showed up for work at 6:30 in the morning, he followed suit.
This book is a reaffirmation of the good that people can do and how one young man succeeded despite the odds against him.
Reviewed by
Robin Farrell Edmunds
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
