The autobiography by Dr. Assefa Belay Wondim is a treasure trove for his family, former friends, peers, and colleagues. Zantai (My Life Story), although it is about the author at the center, the autobiography also dwells on his parents’ and children’s life domains. The book is very rich in content, inspiring to read,and beneficial to learn wisdom and lessons from. By documenting his life story, the author has endeavored his experiences and memories to be preserved and become a valuable piece of family history. Further, by sharing his wisdom and life lessons, including the challenges and successes he encountered,the autobiography is presented as a source of inspiration and guidance for others. The values he inherited from his parents and passed onto his children, mentioned in the autobiography, are so critical for one’s successful life that people should read and benefit from it.
The content of the autobiography spans from discussing his birthplace, Adwa in Tigray, to his ancestry, family dynamics, childhood life, school life, job career, married life, parenting, and travel experiences. The book could be more useful for readers who had similar life experienceswith the author around the same time and in the same place(s) to remember their happy past times, the young generations to learn wisdom and lessons from, the curators and anthropologists to preserve culture, and the parents who may want to know more about parenting or are in a similar situation with that of the author.
I sincerely hope that the life of Dr. Assefa and the values he inherited from his parents and passed onto his children would inspire our young generations not only of the family but also of our nation. I encourage the youth and young parents to read the book and use some of the lessons to mold and shape their children and grandchildren.
I take this opportunity to congratulate and commend Dr. Assefa for taking the time to author this valuable book.