Thank you @tlcbooktours & @thomasnelson for my gifted copy of “My Name is Tani...& I Believe in Miracles: The Amazing True Story of One Boy’s Journey From Refugee to Chess Champion”!
Tani Adewumi didn’t know what Boko Haram was or why they had threatened his family. All he knew was that when his parents said the family was going to America, Tani thought it was the start of a great adventure rather than an escape. In truth, his family’s journey to the United States was nothing short of miraculous—& the miracles were just beginning.
Tani’s father, Kayode, became a dishwasher & Uber driver while Tani’s mother, Oluwatoyin, cleaned buildings, while the family lived in a homeless shelter. Eight-year-old Tani jumped into his new life with courage & perseverance—& an unusual mind for chess.
After joining the chess club in his public school, Tani practiced his game for hours in the evenings at the shelter. Then he began competing in the ultra-exclusive chess clubs of New York City. And winning—again & again. And then, less than a year after he learned to play, Tani won the New York State chess championship.
In “My Name Is Tani . . . and I Believe in Miracles“, Tani & his parents tell us their incredible true story of sacrificing everything for family, living with nothing but hope, & then sharing generously all they received to discover the greatest riches of all. Tani’s triumphant spirit reminds us of the power of kindness & the beauty of unity as we watch for the next miracle to begin.
What an amazing story! (And to think, I have no CLUE how to play chess. Seriously, not even a little. I know there are like rooks & pawns & other pieces, but that’s IT. Sad, I know. I can play checkers though!)
This boy is such an amazing young man! A true inspiration! This story is both impressive & faith-affirming, but the stories about the Boko Haram are also terrifying. (Read more about that group on Google! Crazy stuff, man!).
The book is narrated by both Tani & his parents & is divided into 5 parts. It’s a quick read with a small section of color photos. A truly heart-warming, awe-inspiring, & captivating novel about a fascinating young man, & how a $5 gift turned out to be a life-changing miracle for him & his family.
This book is now available (released on 4/14) and you can use BookStoreLink to find it at a local, independent bookseller near you.
PS…I have a pretty awesome GIVEAWAY going on now on my Instagram. Click HERE to go to that post now. And as always, stay home, stay safe, stay sane. Now go wash your hands! (and excuse me while I go download an online chess game…)
*Mom Loves Reading* 