A Chameleon's Tale: True Stories of a Global Refugee

A Chameleon's Tale: True Stories of a Global Refugee is the true-life memoir of author Mo Tejani, an Indian Shia Muslim by ancestry who was forced out of Idi Amin's Uganda in 1972. Since his sudden exile from his homeland, he has learned to adapt by acquiring new languages, working with non-profit agencies, and interacting with fellow cultural nomads. His stories of "identity shopping" in the "multicultural supermarket" are earnest, and speak of how he was brought to the brink of annihilation - but also aided with a helping hand just when he needed it most. At its heart a profound story about the journey to realizing true identity, A Chameleon's Tale is highly recommended.

Anyone who has lived or worked overseas needs to read this. It's a journey back to Peace Corps days and the threat of early termination for riding a carabao to language classes and going native; and right on information about aid work and what doesn't work and what would work. Mr. Tejani tells it like it is - and we need to listen. Well written, a good read for anyone who cares about the world as a whole.

What is it like to be sent away from your country, your family split, and future uncertain? Mo Tejani explains it all in his memoir book, "A Chameleon's Tale." These true stories from a global refugee are enlightening, interesting, funny, sad, and poignant. Experience the world through another's eyes! An Indian Shia Muslim by roots, Mo Tejani and his family were expelled from Uganda in 1972 when Idi Amin took over the government. He was not allowed to return to the country of his birth. For three decades he made his way, working for non-profit agencies that sent him to be a refugee teacher, trainer and interpreter. In many ways a refugee himself, he was of great help to many people even more lost than he. Helping others to learn new languages, what to expect culturally, how to shop in an American Supermarket, and how to cope with feelings of homesickness, he helped himself along the way, learning many of the same lessons but an even deeper one that you are never truly alone in the world, no matter what the circumstances. Traveling over five continents leaves a great many stories to tell. Mo Tejani shares them with an open heart. His wit and humor shine through, but his humble humanity outshines all else. This is an interesting and entertaining read. Seeing history from another's perspective truly opens the eyes. I truly enjoyed this book very much. Review by Heather Froeschl.

Mo Tejani survived the tsunami in Thailand. He survived Idi Amin's brutal and torturous regime in Uganda. He survived a life-threatening trek on Mt. Kilamanjaro. A Muslim of Indian descent, he survived the threats and taunts of neo-Nazis in the UK and USA. This page-turner travel memoir kept me engrossed throughout the author's journeys to five continents. From SE Asia to Africa, Europe, onto to the Americas --North and South, and back to Asia and Australia, he kept me riveted. The conversational voice and timely flashbacks into the past and the present makes compelling reading. He is a Muslim who advocates peace; he values the cultural traditions of Western society. Too bad I don't have three thumbs. Richard Rubacher - San Francisco

This book is a wonderful collection of autobiographical short stories by Mo Tejani. A collection of interwoven tales told from the perspective of his life. These stories vividly bring to life his exciting and adventurous life throughout the world. I thought of the book throughout the day and was happy to return to it to reconnect with him and his amazing adventures. It is a thoughtful and sensitive memoir, told with grace, kindness and fabulous sense of humor.