Disturbed in Their Nests

A Journey from Sudan's Dinkaland to San Diego's City Heights

By: Alephonsion Deng, Judy A. Bernstein

Narrated by: Dion Graham, Suzie Althens

Nineteen-year-old refugee Alephonsion Deng, from war-ravaged Sudan, had great expectations when he arrived in America three weeks before two planes crashed into the World Trade Towers. Money, he'd been told, was given to you in pillows. Machines did all the work. Education was free.

Suburban mom Judy Bernstein had her own assumptions. The teenaged "Lost Boys of Sudan" - who'd traveled barefoot and starving for 1,000 miles - needed a little mothering and a change of scenery: a trip to the zoo, perhaps, or maybe the beach.

Partnered through a mentoring program in San Diego, these two individuals from opposite sides of the world began an eye-opening journey that radically altered each other's vision and life.

Disturbed in Their Nests recounts the first year of this heartwarming partnership; the initial misunderstandings, the growing trust, and ultimately, their lasting friendship. Their contrasting points of view provide of-the-moment insight into what refugees face when torn from their own cultures and thrust into entirely foreign ones.

Alepho struggles to understand the fast-paced, supersized way of life in America. He lands a job but later is viciously beaten. Will he ever escape violence and hatred?

Judy faces her own struggles: Alepho and his fellow refugees need jobs, education, housing, and health care. Why does she feel so compelled, and how much support should she provide?

The migrant crises in the Middle East, Central America, Europe, and Africa have put refugees in the headlines. Countless human tragedies are reduced to mere numbers. Personal stories such as Alepho's add a face to the news and lead to greater understanding of the strangers among us. Listeners experience Alepho's discomfort, fears, and triumphs in a way that a newscast can't convey. This timely and inspiring personal account will make listeners laugh, cry, and examine their own place in the world.

A San Diego Union-Tribune pick of top 10 books for fall.

©2018 Alephonsion Deng and Judy A. Bernstein (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What a great story!

I started off listening to this book not sure of how I would like it. Needless to say, I was so impressed by the story, that I had my husband start listening to it as well. The stories that these young men tell, are incredible. It makes me realize how as Americans, we take so many things for granted.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I highly suggest you read it or listen to it through audible.

graceful in it's ggodness

this book was one of the best this year. it has so much compassion without demoralizing the listeners or exploiting the victim. the story was amazing. my only crazy moments were with diagnosing the health problems of the refugees. as a retired nurse I felt frustration at times with off the cuff symptom dismissal from medical professionals. we should do much better than that.

Wonderful!

Great story. Superb writing. Wonderful narration. I loved learning what I never saw on the news. IRC is bringing refugees from Afghanistan to our state now. I’m inspired to get involved!

thankfulness

thank you so much for this book
I am so sorry for all of the struggles that these young men challenged not only in their homeland but also here in America. this book brought me a new hope for myself and humanity

Engaging eye opening journey of the 'Lost Boys'

An entertaining and educational look at the 'lost boys' from Sudan, making thier way to the US and assimilating into a totally foreign culture. It was enlightening for me personally, because I lived in that community in San Diego, during that time, but never knew who those young men, I saw, were. They were quiet, polite and never met my eyes. I wonder if I passed by the men in this story.