Author’s Note
To write my story, I relied upon my personal memories and those of my parents. I have changed the names of all of the individuals in this book, and in some cases, I modified details to protect loved ones.
Note About Language
The narrative includes a crude insult, the word “whore,” which is used to frighten a teenage girl. This offensive word demonstrates part of the hostility the author experienced. It was included in the narrative to keep the authenticity of this true story.
Acknowledgments
My thanks to:
Lori Epstein, for taking a chance on her neighbor and handing my book proposal to the right people.
My wonderful editor, Martha E. Kendall, for her candid input and for always responding to my questions with so much patience and insight.
National Geographic, for providing me this platform.
Sheila M. Trask, for reading my story and telling me it had potential.
Everyone in my creative writing classes, and friends who read my manuscript and gave me their honest opinions about it.
My loving family.
Text Copyright © 2019 Nioucha Homayoonfar
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Hardcover ISBN: 9781426333668
Reinforced library binding ISBN: 9781426333675
Ebook ISBN 9781426333682
The publisher would like to thank the following people for their work on this book: Priyanka Lamichhane, senior editor; Julide Dengel, art director and designer; Dawn McFadin, designer; Lori Epstein, photo director; Molly Reid, production editor; and Anne LeongSon and Gus Tello, design production assistants.
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Dedication
To Maman and Baba, for giving me these stories
To Sophie and Sawyer, the loves of my life
To Stew, for always being there
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: FURY, 1986 (Part 1)
CHAPTER 4: RETREAT, Summer 1980
