Of Beetles & Angels

I am beginning to read a list of suggested readings for parents adopting from Ethiopia. Most of the books on the list were not at my local library, but thankfully Of Beetles & Angels was. I didn’t know if I would enjoy this book, but it was fantastic. It was well written and a quick read. The book written by Mawi Asgedom, is about his journey from Ethiopia, to a Sudanese refugee camp and eventually to America. He moved to the Chicago area with his family when he was seven years old. This beautifully written book takes the reader on a journey as Asgedom paints a picture of his life growing up in a habesha family. His journey eventually leads him to Harvard, where he received a full-tuition scholarship and gave the commencement speech. Mawi Asgedom is now a sought after speaker, particularly for teens.

His father always told him to “treat all people – even the most unsightly beetles – as though they were angels sent from heaven.” His father said you never know when an angel is sent to you disguised as a beetle. This really makes me think. How many times have I treated someone like they were a beetle? I hope I have treated more people like angels, but even if I have treated one person like a beetle, I have failed them.

I highly recommend this book. It is a book that emphasizes the importance of your own heritage, the value of hard work and education and the power of treating everyone like they are an angel.