MICHAEL SITTO - AIA, NCARB ARCHITECT

Licensed and practicing architecture in the United States, Michael's work is seen in Iraq, California, Arizona, and Michigan for over 40 years.

Many of his designs are created for the Chaldean Community of which he is an active member.

Born and raised in Baghdad, he immigrated to Detroit, Michigan in October of 1969. Michael is the second youngest son of a family with two sisters and five brothers.

Michael Sitto

He is a husband, a father of three daughters and grandfather of six grandchildren.

His first book is “Saddam and Case 21”, a memoir of his torture under dictatorship ruling of 1968.

Michael Sitto grew up in a challenging culture in Iraq dominated by opposing political parties that used extreme measures to try to gain and maintain power. To understand the Iraq of today, you must know the Iraq of yesterday. He shares stories from his youth leading up to that fateful day when Central Military Intelligence arrested him at his home and ultimately transported him to the End Palace where he was physically and mentally tortured, along with many other innocent Iraqi’s.

His story of survival is inspiring and proves that, if you have faith and courage, you can overcome any adversity.

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PLEASE NOTE, YOU CAN PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK, BUT IT WILL BE SHIPPED AFTER AUGUST 7, 2009.
Illustrator Biography

Keith Weiner was a kid who loved to draw. Back then it was drawing dinosaurs with crayons, later it was making my own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comic books. Even then it was quite clear what I was to do with my life. Years later I decided to attend school at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. It was there where I learned the concepts of illustration and fell in love with several traditional mediums such as charcoal and oil and acrylic paints. I worked that way for many years until I was introduced to digital media. I discovered that through the use of Corel Painter and Adobe Photoshop I was able to create and explore ideas faster and with greater freedom. After receiving my BFA in traditional illustration, I returned home to the Boston, MA area where I currently illustrate and paint. I am passionate about my craft and am driven to continually pursue quality and excellence in all aspects of my work.

Editor Biographies
Natasha Collura completed the content editing of the book and is a marketing professional who had worked in the theme park industry for over 20 years.  A graduate from the University of California, San Diego with a BA in Communications and a minor in English. Writing has been one of her passions since early childhood and she has always enjoyed the writing aspect of her career. Edited articles for corporate newsletters, is additional to her profession as she has presented at  numerous marketing conferences as well as been a guest lecturer at various local universities. It was a privilege to Natasha to work on her father's memoir. She lives in San Diego, not far from her parents; with her husband and two daughters.
Shannon Bates completed the initial editing for the book and is a San Diego musician and writer with over twenty years of experience in each area.  She earned a Bachelor of Music (composition) from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and has been a very active saxophone player and fiction writer in the San Diego community since 1995.  She has been a featured writer at several poetry and fiction readings throughout Southern California.  Much of her poetry and several of her short stories have been published in Late-Night River Lights, the Acorn Review, and Saxifrage, among other small journals and newsletters.  She is currently pitching her completed young adult novel called The Ugly House, and she is working on at least three new book-length projects.

More Book Reviews

Memoir Recalls Abuse Under Saddam Chaldean News January 2009 Read more...

As Saddam and Case 21 begin to hit the market, reviews will become available on this site. Check back frequently to read reviews, and email aid@awaytoread.com to submit a review!

- Michael Sitto

I finished reading your book last night while sitting in front of the wood stove. It is the first book that I have ever read that I could not put down until I finished reading it. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to put those words on paper. I know that it was hard to talk about. I hope that your family and friends fully appreciate the importance of your story. Thank you for sharing with all of us. You have been on an epic journey.
- Jim Ward 12.15.2008

I finished your book and really enjoyed reading it.  I'm really sorry you went through all of that.  My quote for your book is as follows: 
"An insightful look of a young man growing up in Iraq and how warring political ideologies drastically changed his life in a country where freedom and liberty are not truly understood and protected."
- Tom Clark 1.06.2009

Thanks for writing this book. I know it took courage to relive this so  others may learn and understand from your terrible experience. You provide a special and unique perspective that few here in the states could possibly truly understand without the benefit of a personal account like this.
- Rob Westberg 1.07.2009

I want you to know that I read it almost nonstop over Christmas break. I found it to be compelling
and believe that you have a gift for story-telling. Also surprised to learn that you were a hoop star!!!I was saddened of course to read about
what you, your family and colleagues endured, but believe you triumphed in the long run, grew stronger, and most importantly, never sacrificed
your faith, integrity or principles, even under the worst of conditions.
- Captain Julius C. "jake" Washington 1.12.2009

I found your book to be fascinating and shocking.  I couldn't put it down because I couldn't believe that people could be so cruel and so hateful to their countrymen in this day and age!  In the end though, it was inspiring to see your courage and your faith carry you through 'the valley of the shadow of death' at the prison they called the End Palace!  I highly recommend this book!
- john lanGstraat 1.12.2009

I appreciate the gift of your book. I am not finished reading it but have found it very interesting and easy to read. It's an important story. Great job telling it!
- david J. 1.20.2009

I finished the book. It was really a great book. Michael and all of his wonderful accomplishments are very impressive. He is a very strong man. Both of my parents want to read it too. They are very interested and as they looked it over they said it was very well written (they read a lot). My mother suggested it would be nice if he got an interview on Oprah. Anyway...we wish him much success!!
- Susan Resch. 1.28.2009

My recommendation of your work: I found Michael Sitto's autobiography, Saddam and Case 21, to be both educational and compelling.

To understand modern day Iraq, it is vital to comprehend the dynamic political and religious history that have significantly influenced this
country over the last century. Michael does a masterful job of weaving these elements into the framework of his own life. His story would have
been incomplete without the rich descriptions of his childhood and courtship which were also integral to a complete understanding of the man and circumstance.

It is difficult to read about the false imprisonment and torture of an innocent man, but doubly so for a friend and co-worker. It is testament to this faith that the emotional scars of such an ordeal remained hidden for so long. My respect for Michael was only enhanced after reading his autobiography.

Saddam and Case 21 is a story worth telling and definitely worth reading.
-Mark Geronime 1.28.2009

I finished your book - WOW! Michael, I can't put into words how I feel.  "You are an amazing man" is an understatement.  I am honored to call you a friend.  I know it has always been in a business setting, but I am proud to say that I know you. God bless you and your family.
-Gena Adams 2.03.2009

This was a book that I couldn't put down once I started reading it. As you read this book, you learn history, politics of the Middle East and how Saddam took power, religion, as well as romance. Not only that, the story behind it is very inspiring. It truly makes you appreciate life and what God has given you. Best of all, it will make you learn that no matter what the circumstances are, if you do what you believe is right, you will be rewarded. I gifted this book to a couple people, who then came back and told me that was the best book they have read in a long time.

-tyseer Razzouk 2.11.2009

Having known Michael Sitto since 1988, I have known he was from Iraq and that he had been arrested and tortured. What I was not aware of was how long he had been a prisoner nor did I know the extent of the torture he endured.
Michael's story of the arrest and torture under Saddam Hussein's regime depicts just how brutal and corrupt a dictator's government can be.
Michael's account of his childhood in Baghdad during the rise to power by Saddam and the way several members of his family were also arrested and tortured is vividly described in his book. His accounting of those years shows a stark contrast of living in a democracy and a dictator's regime.

-Marvin Sandlin 2.12.2009

What a great honor to know you! I was surprised when I got your book, it came like a bolt unexpectedly. I had no idea. I started to read Saddam and Case 21 and could not put it down. Many times tears flowed down my wrinkled old face. Your faith in God, I could not get over it.

Then I thought of the time that you told me that you were designing a Chaldean Church in San Diego and now that had been done, I must see it. I learned too from reading your book that we do have a couple of things in common. The Jesuits educated us both in our high school years. Yes, I enjoy the Latin and often find myself praying in Latin.

Back in my Korean war days when I flew that little spotted aircraft, we had a motto: "Freedom has a special meaning for those that have fought and almost died to preserve - freedom." Your life only underscores this to the nth degree.

God Bless you and your family and I am so glad that our paths crossed.

-Joe o'donnell 2.20.2009 Captain United States Navy (retired)

http://www.ankawa.com/forum/index.php/topic,260167.0.html

February 2009

عنكاوا كوم - كاليفورنيا

انهى المهندس المعماري ميشيل سيتو، المقيم في الولايات المتحدة الامريكية، تاليف كتابه المعنون "صدام والقضية 21"، ويتناول الكتاب صراع المؤلف من اجل العيش عندما كان في العراق.
يقول سيتو في رسالته التي بعث بها الى "عنكاوا كوم" ان "قصته من اجل العيش دليل على ان من يملك الايمان والشجاعة يستيطع التغلب على التنوع والاختلاف".
ويشرح ان كتابه يتضمن قصص من مرحلة شبابه ، ويخص بالذكر حادثة اعتقاله من قبل الاستخبارات المركزية منتصف شهر حزيران 1968، اذ تم نقله الى القصر، وهناك تعرض الى التعذيب الجسدي والنفسي مع عدد اخر من العراقيين الابرياء.
ويذكر المؤلف الذي يعيش حالياً في ولاية كاليفورنيا، انه امضى عشر سنوات في تأليفه للكتاب، وانه لكي ندرك العراق اليوم علينا ان نفهم العراق في الماضي.
للأطلاع على غلاف الكتاب، انقر اللينك:

              ألف مبروك للأخ ألعزيز ألوفي موفق ستّو على كتابه ألجميل وألذي
              يحمل في طياته ما عاناه من تعذيب في العراق لموضوع لا يستوجب
              ما حدث لجهل ألسلطه بتفسيره من دون ان يكون لأخي موفق اي
              قصد بالموضوع يستوجب ما جرى له  مع ألعلم جميع من يعرفونه  من
              أهل وأصدقاء يثنون على تربيته وأخلاقه وثقافته وعلاقاته ألحميمه وحبه
             للناس للكبير وأصغير ومساعدته للجميع بكل ما يستطيع من دون تردد
              وأعتقد أن جميع أهل ألصليخ مقر سكناه في بغداد وكل من كان معه في
              ألأبتدائيه وفي كلية بغداد للأباء أليسوعيين وكلية ألهندسه يؤيدونني بذالك
  

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the book!!! I started reading the book on Thursday, and was done by Friday morning!!! It is amazing and I never knew any of that! It was sooo interesting, and it touched my heart hearing references to the family members and just all together the story was amazing!!! Thank you for sharing it with me!

-nichole sheena 2.23.09

This is a story of an arbitrary and brutal imprisonment, and torture, within months of Saddam Hussein's 1968 coup. It was written some 40 years after the events had taken place, and only after Michael, a Christian Iraqi, was able to retell the horrors of the Hussein Regime.  Michael Sitto, a newly graduated architect, and husband of only a few months, was taken into custody for alleged spying upon his return from Abu Dubai.

His story is told in an easy, non-political manner and style, and the reader  soon finds himself identifying with Michael as if he were a close friend or family member.

Everyone should understand that Saddam Hussein's barbarity was directed not only at high level Iraqi officials, but as revealed by Michael, at the good people of Iraq as well who did believe in his regime.  "Case 21" is a story of one man's cruelty to others, and of Michael Sitto's courage and faith, in himself and in his Christian religion.

-George K. Staropoli 03.06.09

A tragically interesting, troubling and humbling drama about my friend's life and his devotion to his faith, family and self... An honest and unvarnished look at the horrific past of a brutal dictator and how one good citizen and person survived... I have even more respect for Michael, his family, and like Iraqis who lived and died over the many years.

-navy admiral 03.07.09

I also must tell you that I am already on chapter 10 of Saddam and Case 21. It is so good. I cried when he tells the story of the honeymoon when they each took a bed,  he wanting to be a gentleman. How sweet of a man he must be!!! I can tell that he  really loves his family and is so thankful for the life that he has  been blessed with.
My husband and I are also Christians. We are  Evangelical Presbyterians. Thank you for your speaking your faith and what it  means to you.
Be Blessed,

-diane cane 03.07.09

When I started reading this book, I realized right away that it was far more than an account of one person’s personal history and tragic, unthinkable imprisonment.  This is a story of Iraq: of the people, the everyday man and woman.  And it is eye opening for those of us who only know about Iraq what is related through the media.  The author writes beautifully.  In reading this book, I felt connected to this man and his family. It was a personal story but also much larger than that.  So many other innocent Iraqis went through the same terrible imprisonment and mental and physical torture.  The author writes with such feeling and in a way that makes the politics and turmoil of this country all make sense to those who have never set foot there.
I think this is a book that could be used in schools to help our students have a richer perspective of Iraq and the fine people that live there.  If the author is an example of typical Christian Iraqis’ then there is much to be learned from individuals like him, who can maintain their strength and faith under such adversity.  This was a touching book to read. Disturbing and enlightening and I was so happy to see how far one man has come in the end! Life is about growth and the people we touch.  This author is living proof of that!

-susan turner-vogt 03.27.09

I have just completed reading Saddam and Case 21.  This book was deeply insightful both into the extreme dictatorship regimes that have held the Middle East prisoner for so long and the role that the United States has played in placing these regimes into power. Michael's voice is so strong in this book that you can practically taste the honesty dripping off of the pages.  I have read many books about Iraq and the Middle East, but none were this candid.  Thank you Michael for your bravery, perseverance, strength, and dedication. I wish every politician would read your book.

-Laura elaine juette, mba, p.e. 06.04.09

On behalf of the San Diego Post of the Society of American Military Engineers, I want to say thank you for agreeing to speak to our post next month. Your lunch will be covered by the post. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn on the Bay in the Harborside Room San Diego, CA July 8, 2009. Ccheck in starts at 11:30. Lunch is served at 12:00 and you will be invited to speak around 12:30. We will provide all audio/visual requirements. I am excited to see your presentation, I have heard so much about it!

- San diego post society of american military engineers 06.18.09

This is a must-read book for anyone with an opinion on political affairs in Iraq.  It really puts into perspective the freedoms we Americans enjoy from the day we are born, those very freedoms our soldiers continue to protect and defend around the world today.  It must have been painful for Michael to relive the horrors of his youth.  I have the utmost respect for him as a colleague and friend.  Thanks for sharing, Mike!

-John coon. 06.22.09

Michael...As I said yesterday, I was honored to introduce you! Your story is very inspirational and needs to be shared. I have shared your story with many of my friends and the Regional Manager of NEX and is more than happy to sit down with you and work out a way for your book to be sold in his stores.

-Rene trevino 07.09.09

On behalf of the San Diego Post, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for speaking at our monthly post luncheon meeting. Your topic was timely, informative, and provided an excellent insight to Iraqi society during some very challenging times.

-Dave guebert 07.22.09

 

Presentation San Diego CSI Spec Tickle April 2009