UNDERGROUND

Ayoade tells of his journey from an impoverished boyhood in Nigeria to a successful career in the U.S. Air Force and the Pentagon.

In this candid, compelling, and poignant memoir, the author writes of his experiences in the U.S. military, including as a nuclear missile operator. The first part depicts the author’s Nigerian childhood in the 1980s in a large extended family; he tells of enduring an illness, injuries, losses, near starvation, and an erratic, alcoholic, and violent father and of never letting go of his Hollywood movie–inspired dream of someday finding a better life in the United States. The author’s commitment to his studies helped lead him to a national university and a graduate veterinary degree, which, in turn, led to a solid job as a veterinary doctor. But life in Nigeria remained difficult, so in 2008, at age 28, he applied to a graduate program overseas. The book’s second part describes Ayoade’s American adventures as he grappled with culture shock and financial insecurity, met the Nigerian American woman who would become his wife, completed his studies, and struggled to find work. Ayoade decided to enlist in the Navy even though he couldn’t get an officer’s commission as a noncitizen. The memoir’s third part details his experiences serving in the Navy and Air Force, where he was repeatedly recognized for excellence. Forty family photos and 64 original poems by the author are interspersed throughout the narrative; the latter are heartfelt, combining moral tenets, emotional moments, and arresting imagery: “However bad, / However sad, / This scar in my heart must fade.” His prose is engaging, vividly depicting daily life in Nigeria, encounters with various Americans, and nightmares that plague him in times of stress. Ayoade is frank about his encounters with racism and prejudice and how he was quick to confront bullies. However, he displays empathy for seemingly everyone and a strong belief that diversity benefits teamwork. His continuing faith in the fundamental goodness of people is particularly inspiring.

An affecting story of overcoming challenges to achieve lifelong dreams.