Nick Berg
Some stories feel like they belong in a movie, yet they are all too real. Nick Berg’s book, Shadows of Tehran, blends fact and fiction to tell the gripping account of his life—from escaping Iran after the revolution to serving in the U.S. Special Operations, surviving war zones, and overcoming unimaginable obstacles.
In this exclusive interview with Dr. Mel, Nick shares how his experiences shaped the book, the challenges of writing in his third language, and why resilience is the defining theme of his story.
A Life Shaped by Conflict and Survival
Nick Berg’s journey began in Iran, where he was raised by an American father and Iranian mother. When the Islamic Revolution erupted, he was forced to flee the country after being targeted for working against the government.
Arriving in the United States in 1987, alone and unable to speak English, he quickly found himself at a crossroads.
Determined to forge a new path, he joined the U.S. Army in 1988, eventually serving 11 years in Special Forces and seeing combat in Bosnia, Somalia, and the Gulf War.
“The main theme of this book is resilience. You either choose to be a victim or a survivor—it’s all about how you respond to life’s challenges.”
Fact or Fiction? A Story Too Powerful to Be Told in Full
Shadows of Tehran is a “faction”—a fictionalized autobiography.
While the core of the book is true, some details had to be altered for security reasons. Nick worked with a New York Times bestselling writing coach to ensure his story was told in the most compelling way possible.
“I didn’t want to go through official clearance to reveal certain military operations, so I fictionalized parts of the book. But the heart of the story remains completely real.”
Breaking Stereotypes and Finding Brotherhood
Despite his military success, Nick faced misunderstanding and prejudice due to his Iranian background. In basic training, he was labeled “the terrorist” by some fellow soldiers. Yet, as they got to know him, perceptions changed.
“The military is a brotherhood. Once you prove yourself, you are one of them. It’s about trust and respect, not where you come from.”
This theme of overcoming judgment and embracing differences is woven throughout Shadows of Tehran. The book also touches on his experiences meeting people from vastly different backgrounds—including a gay soldier forced to hide his identity during an era when LGBTQ+ individuals were not openly accepted in the military.
What’s Next? A Trilogy in the Making
Nick isn’t stopping with just one book. Shadows of is the first in a trilogy, with the next two books already in progress:
Book 2 – A continuation of Nick’s journey, following his post-military experiences and personal struggles.
Book 3 – A prequel focusing on his father’s life as a CIA operative, based on declassified stories his father shared before his passing.