Official Review: Beyond the Golden Door by Ali Master

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any non-fiction books such as autobiographies or political commentary books.
Post Reply
Leonie Vermaak
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1156
Joined: 26 Sep 2021, 09:08
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 805
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-leonie-vermaak.html
Latest Review: Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper

Re: Official Review: Beyond the Golden Door by Ali Master

Post by Leonie Vermaak »

This sounds like such an interesting read. It's always good to see an outsiders view of the country you grew up in, as it gives a different perspective. I like the fact that the author adds humor to the book as nothing in life is only serious. Thanks for a lovely review.
User avatar
Sbitan Mohammad
In It Together VIP
Posts: 188
Joined: 07 Nov 2023, 16:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 95
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sbitan-mohammad.html
Latest Review: Break by Wes Grant

Post by Sbitan Mohammad »

It is interesting to see a Muslim from another country talk patriotically about America. I'd love to know how he arrived at his viewpoint. This was a beautifully written review.
Latest Review: Break by Wes Grant
Kooex007
Posts: 25
Joined: 02 Jul 2017, 11:54
Currently Reading: Emma
Bookshelf Size: 15
Reading Device: B00I15SB16

Post by Kooex007 »

That the Arab world don't hate America is new to me , thanks to the author for this book
That also living the American dream and accepting it is just a mindset
User avatar
RJ Reviews
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 714
Joined: 30 Jun 2023, 12:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 97
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rj-reviews.html
Latest Review: Terra Firma by Jessahme Wren
Reading Device: 1400697484

Post by RJ Reviews »

The author found freedoms that he could not enjoy previously after migrating to America. That is both inspiring and motivational. He proves that people can achieve their goals when they're determined to achieve it. That it is important to rise above hate and intolerance in order to thrive. Congrats on BOTD & BOTM.
The review is detailed and well expressed. We get a glimpse of the author's storytelling prowess. I will certainly be adding this to my TBR. Thank you.
"The gods grow jealous of too much contentment anywhere, and they show their displeasure all of a sudden.” - R. K. Narayan, Maldudi Days
User avatar
Suvankar Das 1
In It Together VIP
Posts: 503
Joined: 13 Jan 2022, 11:53
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 97
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-suvankar-das-1.html
Latest Review: Patsy of the Ages by H.C. Nash

Post by Suvankar Das 1 »

Thank you for your comprehensive and thoughtful review of "Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream through an Immigrant's Eyes" by Ali Master. Your detailed exploration of the book's themes, storytelling style, and the author's unique perspective provides valuable insights for potential readers.
Chris Agbara
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 840
Joined: 09 Mar 2022, 23:26
Currently Reading: The Riddle of Alchemy
Bookshelf Size: 182
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chris-agbara.html
Latest Review: The Peacock's Heritage by Sasha M Stevens

Post by Chris Agbara »

Beyond the Golden Door provides a captivating journey through themes of love, faith, and freedom, offering a unique perspective on the American Dream. Ali Master's storytelling is engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking, making it a recommended read for a diverse audience. The book skillfully navigates cultural differences and emphasizes shared values, earning a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars.
The difference between taking and giving, and taking and not giving is the difference between life and death.
sanjeev1
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 235
Joined: 12 Mar 2019, 00:31
Currently Reading: It Calls From the Forest, Volume 1
Bookshelf Size: 74
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sanjeev-maurya.html
Latest Review: Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq

Post by sanjeev1 »

I read your review of "Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream through an Immigrant's Eyes" and I must say, you've piqued my interest! Ali Master's journey as a Pakistani Muslim immigrating to the United States sounds truly inspiring, and it's great to hear that the book offers a unique perspective on the American Dream.

I appreciate your detailed insights into the themes and structure of the book, and it's clear that Master's storytelling style has made a strong impression on you. The mix of humor, personal experiences, and thought-provoking reflections seems like a winning combination.

Your recommendation carries weight, and I'm definitely adding this book to my reading list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for the helpful review!
DL Gardene
Posts: 95
Joined: 26 Oct 2023, 23:26
Currently Reading: The Reverend Psychopath
Bookshelf Size: 21

Post by DL Gardene »

Beyond The Golden Door

As we follow on the journey of a Pakistani muslim, immigrant we find that he allows us to see and understand his perspective. He talks about, faith, and freedom all of which are important. We are able to understand his perspective not only as an immigrant but as an American as well. He explains that America is not hated upon, it’s what comes with it. In my opinion politics and accusations is what gets America in trouble and in fact disliked. I enjoyed laughing at the point about Texans and cowboy boots. Congratulations!
User avatar
Kiran Ramgade
Posts: 2
Joined: 29 Jan 2024, 13:47
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Kiran Ramgade »

I thoroughly enjoyed your review, Cecilia.
The book also piqued my interest. Sounds like a must-read. I particularly appreciate such a thorny issue being tackled with eloquence, wit, and humor.
Thank you!
Himanshu K Yadav
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 314
Joined: 28 Sep 2023, 08:11
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 118
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-himanshu-k-yadav.html
Latest Review: Somawise by Luke Sniewski

Post by Himanshu K Yadav »

I think one central theme of the book that especially resonates with me is the theme of creating your own identity. You see Ali face the issue of conformity or popularity in which he tries to be cool or fit in with a certain crowd, but it never feels like “him” until he meets his wife Judy. Congrats on #BOTD
User avatar
Nisha DSouza
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1522
Joined: 05 Feb 2023, 02:20
Favorite Author: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
Favorite Book: In It Together
Currently Reading: Man's Search for Meaning
Bookshelf Size: 216
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nisha-dsouza.html
Latest Review: The Brussels Connection by Terence Hamilton
fav_author_id: 248825

Post by Nisha DSouza »

Beyond the Golden Door by Ali Master is an intriguing and inspiring memoir by a Pakistani immigrant in the US. The author has shared about his journey to America as a student and how he found five freedoms: failure, religion, love, entrepreneurship, and government. I sampled a few pages, and I'm very interested to read about Master's life in the US as an immigrant. It's a unique angle the author has taken, and I've never read something like this before. I have bought the book and will read the rest of the book soon. Congratulations on the BOTD!
Nisha
Official Reviewer Representative

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein
Rezaul Hasan
Posts: 141
Joined: 29 Jan 2023, 00:51
Currently Reading: Good Sexual Hygiene & Spiritual Attitude
Bookshelf Size: 14
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rezaul-hasan.html
Latest Review: Trinities to Enneagrams, 2nd Edition by Allen David Young

Post by Rezaul Hasan »

I read this book few months ago. I like it. To talk about the book i will say Beyond the Golden Door provides a spellbinding excursion through topics of affection, confidence, and opportunity, offering a novel viewpoint on the Pursuit of happiness. The book handily explores social contrasts and underlines shared values.
Patel Khushi Manishbhai
In It Together VIP
Posts: 329
Joined: 22 Apr 2023, 00:08
Favorite Author: Markus Zusak
Favorite Book: The Book Thief
Currently Reading: To the Lighthouse
Bookshelf Size: 199
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-patel-khushi-manishbhai.html
Latest Review: Methuselah by Barry Kohl
fav_author_id: 2540

Post by Patel Khushi Manishbhai »

The truth is, immigrants tend to be more American than people born here.

Chuck Palahniuk, Choke

Immigrants have contributed so much to American technology, economy, culture and cuisines. America in turn, has given them a ground for exploration and opportunities. An Immigrants view, though non-academic, shall be a valuable one. Congratulations on the BOTD.
User avatar
mrlefty0706
In It Together VIP
Posts: 2290
Joined: 06 Aug 2020, 00:45
Favorite Author: Jack Winnick
Favorite Book: Where, Right Matters
Currently Reading: This Is Your Last Warning
Bookshelf Size: 1244
Reading Device: B00I15SB16
fav_author_id: 77547
2025 Reading Goal: 150
2025 Goal Completion: 103%

Post by mrlefty0706 »

“Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream through an Immigrant's Eyes” by Ali Master is the type of book we need to see more often during the turbulent times caused by the widening political divide in our country. Ali shares his life growing up in Pakistan and living in Bangladesh before going to college at the University of Texas. He was an only child and his parents gave him a good deal of freedom. He learned that there are sexual predators that tried to befriend him before trying to assault him. He told his mother and she beat him. He never told his parents again. Coming to America was the most exciting journey of his life and he really looked forward to living there. When he came to Texas people were much more accepting of Muslims than they are today. The sample covered his early life and his trip to America. Ali wrote this book to explain how wonderful the U.S. is and he described it as the American Dream, the uniqueness of our shared values and freedoms. He split the book into four parts that covered his 18 years in Pakistan and over 32 years in America. Reading this book made me proud to be an American and mad to think about how badly immigrants are treated in the U.S. today. Very good review.
User avatar
MMcB
Posts: 473
Joined: 13 Dec 2020, 22:29
Favorite Book: Island of Missing Trees
Currently Reading: Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
Bookshelf Size: 100
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mmcb.html
Latest Review: The Elephant(s) in the Room by Denny Laake and Monica Laake Beavers

Post by MMcB »

Great review of the memoir Beyond the Golden Door" by Ali Master, has us yearning to read this book that shows Americans through the eyes of an immigrant. The book also shows us the life, customs and beliefs of a Pakistani Muslim who has lived in America and various other nations. This book has many themes that can speak to the lives of humans internationally and would probably be a great read for every adult.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
~ Sir Winston Churchill
Post Reply

Return to “Non-Fiction Books”