FAHIM UPDATE!
My Afghan brother Fahim Fazli will be speaking at the Veterans in Film & Television meeting on August 29 in L.A. He'll be talking to former military people who now work in the entertainment industry in various areas as actors, directors, writers, technical advisors, etc. He'll briefly speak about his connection with the U.S. Marines and his own acting career - and our book ... "FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor's Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back."
I'll be doing a CAOCL lecture on the Marine Base in Quantico on Friday, Sept. 7. The focus will be on Afghanistan ... a bit about its culture, history, and contemporary significance as well as the life experiences of an Afghan-American, Fahim Fazli, the subject of our book "FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor's Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back." Subsequently there will be some emphasis on Fahim's role as a Hollywood actor turned linguist who enjoyed spectacular success as an interpreter with 3rd Bn 4th Marines in Helmand Province from 2009-2010. As a field historian with Marine Corps University, I had the chance to record some of the USMC history in Afghanistan, and will share a few perepctives on that as well.
Also, here's a You-Tube link to part of the Book Launching Event earlier this year in Laguna Niguel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_54MYmx-hc
Marketing never ceases!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Weirs Times Columns!
Check out my bi-weekly "Sports-Thoughts" columns for the Weirs Times, archived at www.weirs.com. The August 9 edition covers my excellent adventure in Ireland!
MWSA Review of "FAHIM SPEAKS"
MWSA Review
Author Fahim Fazli blends his unique American experience with his native Afghan roots, resulting in a tasteful reader’s concoction. He made me feel good about American society, our devotion to Afghanistan, and for the Good Warrior that never gives up or goes bad. Fazli’s life-journey starts in Kabul and his family scatters under the oppression of the Soviets. FAHIM SPEAKS comes from a different perspective and there are so many twists … Young Fazli lives in a Pakistani-based refugee camp that is later depicted in the 2006 movie, Charlie Wilson’s War, about the American influenced, Afghan-Soviet conflict. Fahim Fazli is the cultural advisor on the movie set. Life’s peculiarities are addressed in the book and they make you think ... Ironically, Fazli always wanted to be the good guy in his highly successful movie career but was typically hired as the terrorist. I had seen him - but didn’t know - in several of my favorite films (The Unit, 24, Iron Man). Fahim Fazli is a man of honor and courage ... A Hollywood actor in his forties and comfortably settled with his wife and daughter, Fazli chooses to pay his country back. He volunteers to serve as an Interpreter with our Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This book educates and cultural histories are probed. In a graceful way, Fahim Fazli tackles delicate issues and his writing style gave me hope. His positive attitude and likeable behavior allowed me to better understand complex concerns. I am grateful for the encouragement. FAHIM SPEAKS gets my highest recommendation – it’s a must read. What a TRULY AMERICAN story of perseverance and service!
Reviewed by: Hodge Wood (2012)
Author Fahim Fazli blends his unique American experience with his native Afghan roots, resulting in a tasteful reader’s concoction. He made me feel good about American society, our devotion to Afghanistan, and for the Good Warrior that never gives up or goes bad. Fazli’s life-journey starts in Kabul and his family scatters under the oppression of the Soviets. FAHIM SPEAKS comes from a different perspective and there are so many twists … Young Fazli lives in a Pakistani-based refugee camp that is later depicted in the 2006 movie, Charlie Wilson’s War, about the American influenced, Afghan-Soviet conflict. Fahim Fazli is the cultural advisor on the movie set. Life’s peculiarities are addressed in the book and they make you think ... Ironically, Fazli always wanted to be the good guy in his highly successful movie career but was typically hired as the terrorist. I had seen him - but didn’t know - in several of my favorite films (The Unit, 24, Iron Man). Fahim Fazli is a man of honor and courage ... A Hollywood actor in his forties and comfortably settled with his wife and daughter, Fazli chooses to pay his country back. He volunteers to serve as an Interpreter with our Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This book educates and cultural histories are probed. In a graceful way, Fahim Fazli tackles delicate issues and his writing style gave me hope. His positive attitude and likeable behavior allowed me to better understand complex concerns. I am grateful for the encouragement. FAHIM SPEAKS gets my highest recommendation – it’s a must read. What a TRULY AMERICAN story of perseverance and service!
Reviewed by: Hodge Wood (2012)
MWSA Award Nomination Notification!
(from Joyce Faulkner, MWSA)
Congratulations, Michael! Your book "Fahim Speaks" has been nominated for a Military Society of America award in the Biography genre. This nomination is in recognition of the reviewer's high opinion of your work. You will hear from the Lead Reviewer Jim Greenwald in the next few days with instructions on how to get your book to our judges.
The winner will be announced at the MWSA Awards Ceremony at the Banquet in Dayton, OH on September 29, 2012. Here is the information about the Conference. http://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/883
The dress for the ceremony is usually semi-formal. However, folks come dressed in "character" (last year, Robert E. Lee was there) or in military uniform or in tuxedos or suits or sports jackets. It is an environment where you can be comfortable in whatever you choose.
Beginning now, I'll be tweeting this announcement and encouraging other members to retweet. We'll post it on the MWSA Website and on Monday morning, we'll release a national media release with a special focus on your area. If you have not provided that information to us, please go out to www.militarywriters.com and update your profile to include your city and state.
Later today, Sandy Lawrence of Perceptive Marketing will send you a promotional tip sheet, which should help you make the most of this nomination to bring attention to your book.
Later today, Sandy Lawrence of Perceptive Marketing will send you a promotional tip sheet, which should help you make the most of this nomination to bring attention to your book.
On behalf of the MWSA leadership, congratulations -- and good luck!
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