Immigration Books

Having similar background & experienced "emigrating" experiences to Canada & US, I connected easily to the experiences of the immigrant. So little has been written about Guyana, its people & its trials thus far. This is insightful,informative,descriptive, humourous,& moving,tinged with exotic Indian flavor & romance.

Having similar background & experienced "emigrating" experiences to Canada & US, I connected easily to the experiences of the immigrant. So little has been written about Guyana, its people & its trials thus far. This is insightful,informative,descriptive, humourous,& moving,tinged with exotic Indian flavor & romance.

Carnival Of Freaks: The One-Man Plan to Save America is an entertaining and thought provoking exploration into the mind of the author, US House candidate Alexander Fry. This is a very well researched and well written exposition on Mr. Fry's views of the social and political imperitives facing America. Whether you may agree or disagree with his stand on the issues, you definitely know where he stands. While some may say that this One Man's plan may not save America, it will certainly entertain and inspire all Americans who read it.

This book is very insightful and entertaining to read. Mr. Fry writes about his life in such a manner that as a reader you can't help but become engaged. You find yourself laughing out loud, or cheering for him as he battles with Notre Dame's elite. I would definitely recommend this book to any reader.

I found this book to be very interesting. I found references made to my 5th Great Grandfather Samuel Riley and his son Richard Riley. It was very interesting and fasinating reading history on your own ancestors and their ways of life. My cousin found this book fasinating after she read parts of mine, that she went and bought it for herself.

William McLoughlin (1922-1992) was for forty years a professor of history and religion at Brown, and this scholarly book is one of his best, carefully researched and written in a clear and logical style. Not only does McLoughlin treat the complex subject of how Cherokees and missionaries interacted, he also deals with how both dealt with the contemporary culture, especially the removal crisis that led to the "Trail of Tears." McLoughlin notes, for instance, that missionaries struggled with "rendering unto Caesar," especially when the identity of Caesar was in doubt.

McLoughlin delineates the strengths and weaknesses of the various denominational missionary efforts. The Congregationalist/Presbyterians overemphasized education and the formalities of religion to the detriment of evangelism. The Moravians were steady and apolitical, but their reliance on the lot and their determination to establish a farming community of converts retarded their work. The Methodists' emotionalism and protracted meetings attracted the Indians (who had counterparts in their own religion), but their anti-intellectualism, low standards for conversion, and "sheep stealing" were negative traits.

My only criticisms of this long book (with fairly small print) are that McLoughlin sometimes goes beyond evidence in trying to reconstruct the nature of the anti-missionary reaction among the Cherokees and that he asserts mundane reasons for decisions that the missionaries more likely made on spiritual grounds.

The book has all the substance and objectivity of a scholarly work by someone who has done research in Chiapas for over a decade, but unfolds with all the suspense of a good novel. It is the definitive account to date on this very important topic and a significant contribution to the debate on indigenous rights.

You will be hard pressed to find another book written with this level of analysis. The Zapatista rebellion was not an overnight reaction to a single set of economic rules, but is rather the manifestation of centuries of injustices, financial hardships and lack of political efficacy. This book explains the multitude of issues and events leading to the Zapatista rebellion. Dr. Harvey is a scholar who understands the political complexity and communicates this for all to understand.

Ms. Abinader has written a slice of history that teaches all ofus how a family's desperate fights for survival wins out over thehorrific clashes of clutures. Her book made me realize that what I thought I knew about the Middle East was simplistic. The complexities of race, religion, and geography are rooted in each family's struggle. No better family than this could teach us this lesson.

Elmaz Abinader has created a vivid and insightful biography of three generations of a family's struggle to define itself amid the dislocation and challenges of the first half of the 20th century. Her characters are strongly drawn and distinctive, reflecting values so typical of the Lebanon and other communities where family and kinship are both strength and obstacle.

Elmaz has a particularly strong feeling for her women. They are sometimes overwhelming and tedious in their ability to bear pain, rationalize hurt, support erring spouses, and recognize flaws in others. The men do not hold up as well. Despite some heroic moments in fleeing from persecution and making new lives in America, in general, the men are not as spiritually hardy or as forebearing as the women. There is a strength and lyricism in these pages that goes beyond another ethnic narrative. Elmaz' grounding as a poet has served in well in unfolding the dramatic and incremental movement of these families towards a conclusion that renews again the wheel of life.

Well-done.

This is an outstanding book on the social and historical development of the New York Chinese community at the turn of the century. Liu begins with and focuses on the 1909 murder of Elsie Sigel - a White woman - whose dead body was found in a trunk in the apartment of one of her lovers Leon Ling. Ling, a Chinese male, and the primary suspect in the case - who was never caught. The narrative - a discourse analysis is based on careful and extensive research is really a critical examination of the social workings of 1900s New York and the looks at the way a society runs itself. Lui uses an extensive range of primary sources - in both English and Chinese. Lui's study is an analyses of the numerous issues spun around the case rather than the facts of the case itself.

The Chinatown Trunk Mystery is an actual case study that worked as an "I told you so" about all the fears and concerns which have roots in the "Yellow Peril" narrative. In the early 1900s, and this is old news, race did matter. Elsie Sigel was not what people painted her out to be. Was she even really a missionary? Contradictory stories abounded about Chinese men. On the one hand, Chinese men were seen as asexual but on the other hand the public and media accused Leon Ling are seen as predatory.

The Chinatown Trunk Mystery is a departure from the "conventional wisdom" or "conventional narrative" of Asian America. Adding complexity to a story that is usually told in a textual format that looks like a textbook, Lui destabilizes the conventional format - in this book, all the folks that you thought were good were not actually good. She takes care to bring us into the story so we understand the process of inventing narratives about people, places, and things that were not even part of the actual event. Careful attention to her note shows that the murder mystery began outside of Chinatown proper (Lui 53). It was in the interest of particular people with agendas to maintain the narrative - even if most of the data on the case was never really substantiated and stories seemed to contradict each other. In short, nothing really substantial was resolved about the case. Much of the evidence was hearsay and inconclusive but the narrative spun around what little was there was spurious at best. As mentioned previously, Lui uses an extensive range of primary documents and representations. An analysis of the discourse reveals that is less about the facts of the case but rather how societies run and how people manage themselves.

In effect, the book is all about the "invention" of Leon Ling, Elsie Sigel and a bevy of characters surrounding the two. Lui is not only a credible historian but also a narrative craftsperson. Lui spins a yarn no less impressive than the actual events themselves. Her writing style accommodates the uninitiated and non-academic and engages both audiences which is appreciated for its clarity and simplicity.

Miguel Llora

Lui has written a wonderful book that uses a murder in New York to examine the complexity of race and gender in New York at the turn of the nineteenth century. Her research is first rate and the narrative she shapes is enthralling. One highlight of the book is the discussion of the ways that the Chinese community mobilized to defend itself from the attacks on Chinese, and Asians in general, that followed the discovery of the body. Her narrative is crisp and her analysis sharp.

This is an outstanding textbook on Chinese Americans - the most successful ethnic minority in the United States. From history, scholarly achievements to economic and political successes - the book offers a wealth of data and information about Chinese Americans. A must for every student and teacher in history, ethnic studies and political sciences.

Chinese America - Stereotype and Reality is a fascinating book about this often overlooked ethnic minority. From historical immigration records to the latest political and economic achievements, the book offers the most detailed information available about the Chinese in America until today.
The author shows that she has detailed knowledge about the Chinese in America. Hundreds of tables and graphs substantiate her theories and findings, and she is able to explain facts, figures or legislation in a captive language.
The book is also well structured, and a thorough index helps to find many past or present topics. The book is a treasure trove for all those interested in Chinese Americans - from historians and ethnologists to simply everyone interested in the Chinese and their society.
A thoroughly researched book with many facts and figures: Chinese America is a well-written and highly recommended book for everyone interested in this ethic minority.

Vice Premier Qian's Son Writes Book on the Experience of Chinese Students in the United States
A February 1997 report from U.S. Embassy Beijing

Summary. Chinese Foreign Minister Qian's son, Qian Ning, has written a best-selling book about his impressions of life as a student in the United States. Qian wrote his book upon his
return to China after studying journalism and Chinese literature for five years at the University of Michigan. Studying in America, now a runaway best-seller in both legal and pirated editions, reflects the Qian Ning's very deep and fair-minded assessment of China, America and their relations. Far deeper and much more sophisticated than the recent wave
of shallow, America bashing best-sellers, Qian's book is imbued with Chinese patriotism with a clear-eyed and fair-minded view of the good and the bad of Chinese and American society and traditions. Although only a small percentage of the Chinese students who went to the United States over the last fifteen years have returned to China, more and more are choosing to come back as economic conditions improve and political controls loosen.

The importance of this book is that it affords a vision of the U.S. as it is reflected in the Chinese mind and a vision of China through Chinese minds which have been profoundly transformed by their American experience. In this cable we present Embassy Beijing Environment Science and Technology Section officer's extensive summary of Qian's work
with page numbers from the first edition which also hold for the numerous pirate editions sold. End summary.

The full review is available on the U.S. Embassy Beijing web page at ...

Chinese Students Encounter America is really a treasure. The anecdotes of foreign students as they experience, confront, and cope with education and life in America are priceless. The translation is very well-done. For those who are interested in Chinese-American relations, modern Chinese history, or the foreign student experience in America, this is a very interesting and unique vantage point.

Immigration is a complex subject. Legal, illegal. Mr. Hedgecock's book cuts out the excess of detail and saying the same thing three or four different ways. He hits on the essential and most important points, and I believe meets the objective of informing those who will be voting on issues and selecting candidates.

Excellent book I would recommend it for anyone. The book has what you need to make your decision on the immigration issues. A must read.

I do not know what percentage of the American citizenry is descended from someone who walked on Ellis Island as an immigrant, but there is no question it is very high. This is a fact that is repeated whenever there is a debate in the United States over immigration policy. In that capacity, Ellis Island is a companion symbol to the Statue of Liberty, in that it was the second place that most immigrants related to.
This book, written at the level of the elementary school child, gives a simple, effective demonstration of what happened on that island. The immigrants, largely illiterate regarding the United States, came to the country speaking little or no English, and often with little in the way of monetary resources. Most also came from countries where the governments had great power over the people, who were largely powerless.
The one significant and powerful message from this book is how bright the American beacon of hope and opportunity was for the immigrants. Despite all their fears and uncertainties, in all cases their hope dominated and while they struggled, nearly all succeeded in making a better life. That is why Ellis Island will forever be a landmark and a symbol of hope and opportunity.

Using this kids'book as a reader for adult literacy classes is
great! It reveals many things that most have not heard nor realized. I found it shocking the way that illnesses were tracked. A huge H written on ones' coat meant they were a heart patient, Sc meant scalp problems, etc. The most dreaded was a large X which indicated a mental patient. They were asked personal questions such as how much money they had and if they could read or had ever been in prison. Sometimes all but one member would be accepted and the family had to decide what to do.

Obviously, most came looking for a better life but the trip over the ocean was dangerous, long and uncomfortable, since there were three classes on the voyage and most immigrants could only afford the cheap, bottom of the boat cramped quarters. Many got ill and died. Varied languages caused further loneliness.

Families were often split up forever, it was not an easy thing to decide to come to America. Most would never be able to visit their motherland again..ever. Around 2% of the total were sent back home and this fear was with each immigrant that made it alive to Ellis Island.

They were told NOT to tell anyone they had a job waiting, for this was against the international laws and they would be punished. If all went well, their stay on Ellis Island was about 5 hours.

Since most immigrants were poor and had no money to get further than New York City, it quickly became a melting pot for Italians, Germans, Irish, Jewish and Polish. It was said one could tell where you were in the city just by opening your window at mealtime and smelling the spices and dishes from each country.

Learning English and integrating into American life came easier for children than adults. Most adults clumped together in small areas according to language and heritage, shopping at familiar stores and cooking and eating familiar foods.

Ellis Island was eventually shut down, then reopened and restored and is now a museum. For many, the most important letters they saw were those on the door that said "PUSH TO NEW YORK CITY" and they did.