Humboldt is a narrative exploration of this insular community in northern California, which for nearly 40 years has existed primarily on the cultivation and sale of marijuana. This title tells the story of a small town that became dependent on a forbidden plant, and of how everything is changing as marijuana goes mainstream.
The story centers on Ahmad Shawkat, an Iraqi Kurd who served as a translator and guide for Michael Goldfarb during the Second Gulf War in 2003. Shawkat's fervent desire for a liberated Iraq is poignantly contrasted with his tragic fate, as he is assassinated shortly after the U.S. victory by an Islamic terror group, highlighting the complexities and dangers of the post-war landscape. Through this narrative, the book explores themes of hope, sacrifice, and the harsh realities faced by those who seek freedom in a tumultuous environment.