Immigrant Memoirs

The House That Love Built is the quintessential story of one woman's questioning what it means to be an American - and a Christian - in light of a broken immigration system. Through tender stories of opening her heart and home to immigrants, Sarah Jackson shines a holy light on loving our neighbor.

The descendant of survivors of the Armenian genocide, Arlene Avakian was raised in America, where she could live free. But even with that freedom, she found herself a prisoner of both her family and society, denying her heritage along with her true sexuality. After marriage and motherhood, Arlene found herself exploring the growing women’s lib movement of the 1970s, coming to embrace the strength of her grandmother—known as the Lion Woman—and realizing her full potential and personhood.

Enter the world of 'Damned Immigrants,' a compelling account of the modern immigrant experience. This story offers a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of those who've embarked on a journey of hope, resilience, and adaptation. Discover the complex and diverse lives of these newcomers, and gain insight into the challenges they face as they navigate the uncharted territory of a new homeland.

The Shahanis came to Queens - from India, by way of Casablanca - in the 1980s. They were undocumented for a few unsteady years, and then, with the arrival of their green cards, they thought they'd made it. This is the story of how they did, and didn't; the unforeseen obstacles that propelled them into years of disillusionment and heartbreak; and the strength of a family determined to stay together.

Somewhere in the Unknown World is a themed collection of stories of refugees from around the world who have converged on Minneapolis, collected and told by the award-winning author of The Latehomecomer and The Song Poet.

“He is probably carrying a bomb in his bag”. A woman said this while passing by me in a Target parking lot. I was wearing a hefty backpack filled with my school and work belongings. My beard and hair were unkempt after a long day. That night in my basement room, I closed my eyes and thought about my life as an immigrant in the United States. Nothing has been easy. I experienced discriminating verbal attacks from strangers, hateful colleagues, no social life, and lost hope for the future...

No Smiling Allowed is a comedic take on life in the former Soviet Union, as an immigrant in America. Julia Bendis has compiled many years of funny stories about her old-fashioned and traditional Russian parents, their understanding of how life works in the United States, their hilarious adventures, and her own younger generation's view of what it was like to blend in as a weird-looking kid from Russia.

In Bronzville Brooklyn, NY, a single mother with three children faces the relentless challenges of being an immigrant who cannot read. Despite her persistent efforts to secure a stable life through marriage, each attempt ends in failure, culminating in a devastating assault. Struggling to heal and recover, she must confront her hardships with unwavering resolve. "Unwritten Resilience" is a powerful tale of perseverance, illustrating a mother's unbreakable spirit as she fights to overcome adversity and build a brighter future for her family.

From Lagos to London: An African Immigrant’s Guide to Property Prosperity charts a remarkable journey of resilience and triumph. In this captivating memoir, Funmi Anu Bankole takes us on a rollercoaster ride through her life, from the highs of success in the competitive world of real estate to the devastating lows brought on by the global financial crisis of 2007/2008.

Como obra migrante, Viaje en blanco y azul evoca aspectos positivos y negativos de ambos países, pero lo que vuelve con más frecuencia es el contraste entre la nieve en Canadá y el sol de España.

El Inmigrante es informativo. Es un trabajo periodístico basado en hechos reales. Cuenta la historia de Mara, quien deja atrás una historia de violencia doméstica y emigra a los Estados Unidos con la esperanza de salvar a su hijo de repetir su historia. Con más de 20 años y superando muchos obstáculos, se licenció en derecho. Se dedica a defender los derechos de los inmigrantes.

On a crisp January morning in 2000, Héctor E. Quiroga bid farewell to his native Colombia, with nothing but a suitcase and a dream of building a life in America. He embarked on a journey filled with challenges and victories, often grappling with a language he barely spoke, dream deferred, and jobs far removed from his aspirations. Prove Them Wrong: One Immigrant’s 10-Year Journey from Bankrupt to Millionaire is the inspirational story of an immigrant's pursuit of the American Dream – a trajectory fraught with unparalleled obstacles and exceptional triumphs.

In these nine essays, Susan Lieberman is exploring The Country of Old, in which she finds herself a new immigrant. She examines the difficulties of leaving "that other place" and making sense of this new country. Lieberman's touch is light but her analysis of the challenges/opportunities of aging is provocative. "If we are not old, then we are dead," she notes. And if we are, indeed, not dead then how can we live well in this moment in our life span?

Chasing My Dream: An African Immigrant Story in America is a story of courage, resilience, and perseverance in the face of life challenges. In this audiobook, Komi Afetse talks about his early years in Togo, West Africa, his adjustments to America, his life of service as a US Army Officer, and how he went from earning minimum wage to become financially independent in 14 years.

On December 7th, 1955, Kitty McInerney lay dying in a New York hospital bed. The 47-year-old Irish immigrant, suffering from severe toxemia, was preparing for an emergency c-section to give birth to her 17th child. As a Catholic priest performed her last rites, Kitty succumbed to a rare moment of quiet reflection.