Between Everything and Nothing

The Journey of Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal and the Quest for Asylum

By: Joe Meno

Narrated by: Dion Graham

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Joe Meno brings a novelist's eye to the true story of two young men from Ghana and their journey from the unjust political system of their homeland through the chaos of the United States' failing immigration system.

Long before their chance meeting at a Minneapolis bus station, Ghanaian asylum seekers Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal had already crossed half the world in search of a new home. Seidu, who identifies as bisexual, lived under constant threat of exposure and violence in a country where same-sex acts are illegal. Razak's life was also threatened after corrupt officials contrived to steal his rightful inheritance. Forced to flee their homeland, both men embarked on separate odysseys through the dangerous jungles and bureaucracies of South, Central, and North America. Like generations of asylum seekers before, they presented themselves legally at the US border, hoping for sanctuary. Instead they were imprisoned in private detention facilities, released only after their asylum pleas were denied. Fearful of returning to Ghana, Seidu and Razak saw no choice but to attempt one final border crossing. Their journey north to Canada in the harsh, unforgiving winter proved more tragic than anything they had experienced before.

Based on extensive interviews, Joe Meno's intimate account builds upon the international media attention Seidu and Razak's story has already received, highlighting the harrowing journey of asylum seekers everywhere while adding dimension to one of the greatest humanitarian concerns facing the world.

©2020 Joe Meno (P)2020 Random House Audio

some fluff and drivel

The story is excellent. However, the authors blame Obama for so many persons being returned. They blame Trump for his decisions. Perhaps the authors did not understand or simply recognize that the House and Senate write the laws of the land. Obama and Trump have to play the hands they have been dealt for good or ill. The book sings when telling the story. The authors just didn't take the time to lend nuance. Therefore, a large portion of the latter part of the book is simplistic fluff and and drivel. Write a shorter book, but tell the whole truth.

You must read this book to understand our immigrat

This book strips away all of the rhetoric around U.S. immigration policies and tells you how it affects the asylum seeker. Brutally honest about the horror of our private detention system that has no motivation to give people work permits so they can support themselves and their families while they wait for decisions on their status. What a system of financial waste and profiteering!

Eye opening

A great place to start when wondering what the experience of seeking asylum is like. I say a start because I have so many more questions now.

What a deeply moving story!

Between Everything and Nothing
The Journey of Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal and the Quest for Asylum
By: Joe Meno
Narrated by: Dion Graham
This story is so tragic from the very beginning. How the land of their birth betrayed them all the way through the process of trying to get asylum. From the the money hungry cops in Central America, the inhumane and rigged immigration system in America, to finally having to brave the elements to try to get to Canada and everything inbetween. They both would have been killed in their home country and almost died trying to make their way to freedom. It was an emotional trip with these men and an embarrassing one when it came to how they were treated in America. They were not criminals but treated like they were. The difference in how Canada and America treated these men were like day and night! How shameful our system is! So tragic! This really is a must read book! I
The narration was excellent! It really helped bring the men to life!