Title: His Excellency: The Diplomat from Humble Beginnings in Beirut, Lebanon to the Halls of Diplomacy
Author: Tony Joudi
Publisher: Authors’ Tranquility Press
ISBN: 978-1968750107
Pages: 90
Genre: Memoirs
Reviewer: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Pacific Book Review
Esteemed dignitary Tony S. Joudi offers his compelling memoir to a wide circle of readers and admirers, interweaving world events, issues and explorations with an admirably intimate perspective of events and idealisms.
His youth was spent in and around the city of Tyre, Lebanon, a location noted for both its ancient Christian history and its modern melding of numerous religions and international viewpoints. His early childhood was marked by learning from his grandfather how to fish, an activity he enthusiastically joined in, watching television and becoming enthralled with the feats of boxer Muhammed Ali, moving often with his family and, in school, urged by his father to do better than eleventh in his class ranking, determinedly studying until he rose to second, an experience that presaged his remarkable upward ladder of success and satisfaction.
In 1975, among many fellow Lebanese citizens, the family migrated to Saudi Arabia, where his father established a profitable business. An incident concerning his visa taught the young man that handling a situation well is more important than the issues that brought it to pass. He moved to Chicago, attaining a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, becoming an American citizen, and fulfilling a growing desire to move to, and live in, the Bahamas. It was there that his professional and diplomatic trajectory would emerge, a lengthy journey which would lead to his friendship and business connections with the aging hero of his childhood, Muhammed Ali, along with many other celebrities and highly placed governmental officials including George Bush and Henry Kissinger. His business skills and entrepreneurial expertise allowed him to ally himself with these significant personages, and ultimately, to be appointed as Ambassador of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Arab Emirates, The State of Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to go on to orchestrate the design and opening of The Bahamas Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Joudi has arrayed his memories for readers across a wide panorama of nationality, age, academic and personal interest, and historical curiosities. The work is colorfully presented with numerous photographs, including those of highly placed international dignitaries, along with Muhammed Ali and rapper and singer Kanye West. Joudi states his hope that his deftly drawn storehouse of facts, lore and intimate recollections can inspire his audience, declaring his wish: “May you grow into your own childhood superhero.” With such a heartfelt exhortation, it is certain that this work will fully accomplish the author’s purpose.
Tony Joudi chronicles his remarkable journey from modest beginnings in Lebanon to a distinguished career representing his nation on the world stage. Filled with personal reflections, cultural insights, and diplomatic encounters, this compelling narrative offers readers a rare glimpse into the making of a statesman whose determination transformed adversity into achievement. More than a memoir, this book is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and dedication to serving others.
