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Dear Readers:
I’m thrilled to share a story that you won’t want to miss—Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict by Nick Berg, now available for pre-order and set to release on April 22, 2025. This book isn’t just a tale; it’s an emotional odyssey that will leave you breathless, inspired, and deeply moved.
From the heart of Tehran during the chaos of the 1979 Islamic Revolution to the battlefields as a US Special Forces soldier, Ricardo’s life is a testament to resilience, courage, and the unyielding human spirit.
Nick Berg takes us through Ricardo’s journey—an Iranian boy abandoned by his American father thrust into rebellion at just 14 years old and ultimately transformed into a soldier of remarkable strength and determination. But this is more than a war story. It’s about the fight within the fight to reclaim identity, purpose, and freedom against insurmountable odds.
What makes this book truly special is its raw authenticity. Based on a true story, Shadows of Tehran shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that no matter how dark our circumstances are, we have the power to rise, endure, and shape our destinies.
If you’ve ever faced challenges that seemed impossible to overcome, this book will speak directly to your heart. With heart-pounding action and profound emotional depth, it’s a journey that will resonate long after the last page.
Pre-order your copy now and join Ricardo as he steps into the shadows and emerges stronger, proving that we are never defined by the trials we face—but by the spirit with which we face them.
Let this incredible story remind you that when we encounter our own gates of hell, we, too, can keep walking. Take time to get to know Nick in his author interview below.
Warm regards,
Dr. Mel
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Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school, etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
Nick Berg is an American author whose life is marked by tragedy and resilience. Born in Tehran to an Iranian mother and American father, he experienced Iran’s vibrant culture and violent political upheavals. These events deeply influenced his worldview and literary voice. In his novel, “Shadows of Tehran,” Nick mirrors his life through the protagonist, Ricardo, reflecting struggles with identity, betrayal, and redemption. Nick moved to the U.S., served in Special Operations, and transitioned to a successful tech executive career after an injury. Post-military, Nick focuses on writing, speaking, and coaching on diversity and servant leadership. He is also a music enthusiast, finding creativity and renewal in producing electronic music. Nick’s work bridges cultural gaps and emphasizes resilience and hope.
What inspired you to author this book?
This book is an autobiographic novel of my life. The characters in the book are real, and this is their story.
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Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
This is my life story, written as fiction.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Jane Gardam. She is the mother of a close friend.
What were the struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
The journey to write
this book was filled with many challenges and emotional hurdles. Capturing the
essence of a half-American, half-Iranian boy's life during the tumultuous times
of the Iranian revolution required a deep emotional connection to my past. The
emotional weight of exploring themes like betrayal, abuse, and the struggle for
identity and redemption added another layer of complexity. Also, having English
as my 3rd language was an obstacle to overcome with the help of my writing
coach, Ken Scott. Additionally, portraying the transformation from a troubled
youth in Tehran to a Special Forces operative in the U.S. Army involved
revisiting my military life and the inner workings of special operations, which
demanded deep emotional scars. Perhaps one of the most significant obstacles
was balancing historical accuracy with the narrative's dramatic elements while
maintaining sensitivity to military operations, real-life experiences I have
had, and those who lived through such challenging times. The personal
connection to the protagonist’s journey also made the writing process
emotionally taxing but ultimately rewarding, as it allowed the story to resonate
more deeply with readers who appreciate the struggle for personal and political
freedom.
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Tell your readers about your book.
Shadows of Tehran is a gripping autobiographical novel that follows Ricardo, a young boy navigating a tumultuous life in Tehran during the fall of the Shah's regime. Born to an Iranian mother and a CIA-agent father, Ricardo's childhood is shaped by betrayal, abuse, and rebellion. Escaping to the United States, he joins the Special Forces, channeling his struggles into a mission for freedom and justice. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and the search for purpose amid chaos.
Who is your target audience, and why?
The target audience for "Shadows of Tehran" spans several groups because of the multifaceted nature of its story. It appeals to readers who are interested in historical novels, especially those centered on Middle Eastern history and the Iranian revolution. The book also resonates with fans of military and espionage fiction, given its insights into the world of special operations and the protagonist's transition into the U.S. Army. Moreover, readers who appreciate deep, personal narratives of survival, identity, and redemption will find this book compelling. The struggles and triumphs of the main character, who navigates complex familial and cultural landscapes, offer a powerful and engaging experience. Overall, the novel aims to reach anyone seeking a story of resilience and the search for a sense of belonging in a world marred by conflict and upheaval. The book's goal is to understand the stark reality that we decide whether to be victims or survivors—not the events in our lives.
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What do you consider your greatest success in life?
My success in life is
that I have been able to overcome deep trauma and the ability to live and tell
this story. My greatest success is the ability to transform my personal
experiences and heritage into a narrative that resonates with a wide audience.
Writing this book and sharing a story that bridges cultures and
eras—highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of the human
spirit—feels profoundly fulfilling. Being able to connect with readers who see
parts of their own stories reflected in the book or who gain a new
understanding of historical and cultural complexities is incredibly rewarding.
This achievement not only marks a milestone in my career but also affirms the
importance of storytelling as a tool for empathy and connection across diverse
backgrounds.
What one unique thing
sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
One unique aspect that
sets me apart from other writers in my genre is my dual cultural background and
personal experiences, which deeply inform my writing. "Shadows of
Tehran" is not just a work of fiction; it's a reflection of a bicultural
perspective that navigates the complexities of Iranian and American identities
in extreme conditions. This personal connection provides a rich, authentic
backdrop and deep emotional resonance in the protagonist's portrayal's journey
from Tehran to the United States. This intimate knowledge allows for a nuanced
exploration of themes such as cultural conflict, identity, and reconciliation
that might not be as profoundly depicted by someone without these personal
experiences. It enriches the narrative, providing readers with a more immersive
and authentic view of the historical and cultural contexts that shape the
characters' lives.
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