The Story of an Arab-American Woman in the Military: Amina Al Sherif's Nadiri
Sourced photo

The Story of an Arab-American Woman in the Military: Amina Al Sherif’s Nadiri

In the young adult multicultural trilogy novel series Nadiri by Amina Al Sherif, we delve into the captivating journey of Hagar Khalifa, a young woman caught between two worlds. Raised in Egypt by an American Christian mother and an Egyptian Muslim father, Hagar’s struggle with her identity becomes the core of her story.

From the very beginning, Hagar faces the challenge of navigating the public Egyptian school system, where her foreign looks and mixed heritage make her an outcast. She longs to fit in and find her place among her peers, but relentless bullying and cultural clashes leave her feeling lost and disconnected. In an attempt to escape the constant scrutiny, Hagar transfers to a private American school, hoping for a fresh start.

However, her transition to the American school brings a new set of challenges. She finds herself immersed in born-again Christian culture, facing the dazzling foreignness of American customs. Hagar joins a church youth group, experiences friendship, and even falls in love with the pastor’s son. But just as she starts to find her footing, betrayal shatters her world, leading her down a destructive path of alcohol and drugs.

Despite the hardships she faces, Hagar harbors an ambitious dream of immigrating to the United States and joining the US Army. This dream becomes her beacon of hope and a catalyst for her journey of self-discovery. She yearns for a fresh start, far away from the turmoil and confusion that have defined her life thus far.

The narrative of Nadiri takes readers on an emotional roller coaster as Hagar faces extreme challenges while growing up between two worlds. From the Arab Spring to the rise of the so-called Islamic State, Hagar’s journey unfolds against a backdrop of social and political upheaval. The reader witnesses her transformation from a misfit high schooler to a determined US Army officer. 

Nadiri is a gripping trilogy that captures the essence of Hagar Khalifa’s journey of self-discovery. It delves into her struggles with identity, her pursuit of belonging, and her relentless pursuit of a future where she can find peace and fulfillment. Through her trials and triumphs, readers witness Hagar’s resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit as she forges her own path in a world caught between tradition and change.

Amina Al Sherif is a talented author who captivates readers with her Nadiri fiction series. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Amina embarked on a journey of self-discovery when she immigrated to the United States as a first-generation Arab-American and African American in 2010. Her unique background and diverse heritage infuse her writing with a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

A significant aspect of Amina’s life has been her military experience. As a United States Army officer, she served with distinction for over a decade, notably within the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Her dedication and commitment to service allowed her to deploy under Operation Inherent Resolve, contributing to missions in Iraq, Northern Syria, and Afghanistan, where she provided support to the Special Operations Community. This firsthand experience brings an authentic perspective to her writing, particularly in the portrayal of military themes and characters.

In addition to her military career, Amina is an accomplished writer and maintains an active online presence. She shares her self-taught technical expertise through blogging on Medium, where she documents her professional journey, offering insights and guidance to aspiring individuals in the field. Amina’s dedication to continuous learning and her expertise in machine learning and data science shines through in her blog posts.

Furthermore, Amina showcases her passion for writing on her website, where she maintains a literary blog. This platform allows her to connect with readers, share her thoughts on various topics, and delve deeper into her creative process. Her literary blog serves as a testament to her commitment to storytelling and her desire to engage with her audience on a personal level.

In January 2020, Amina published her first book, “An Approach to Machine Learning in Cyber Defense.” This publication, aimed at the Department of Defense, demonstrates her expertise in the field and provides valuable insights into the intersection of machine learning and cybersecurity.

Amina Al Sherif’s background, encompassing her origins in Cairo, her immigration to the United States, her military service, and her passion for writing and self-taught technical expertise, make her a dynamic and multi-talented author. Her diverse experiences and perspectives are reflected in the pages of her Nadiri series, captivating readers with compelling characters and thought-provoking narratives.

Get ready for the highly anticipated release of Nadiri on November 23, 2023, as Amina takes readers on an extraordinary journey alongside the captivating protagonist, Hagar Khalifa. Amina Al Sherif’s masterful storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own search for identity and resilience while immersing themselves in Hagar’s world. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this unforgettable literary adventure that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment of this remarkable trilogy. To learn more, visit aminaalsherif.camp

Share this article

(Ambassador)

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of New York Weekly.