Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

What is more engaging to Americans than the first impressions of foreigners in our country? And especially those from mainland China. Apple An’s memoir Las Crosses: An Unwavering Journey to a New Life in America gives us just that in a fresh, uninhibited, and delightful reminiscence of her travels to the New Mexico State University. In the 1980s, she studied computer science as a graduate student. What a new land it was to her! And how beautifully she writes about her delights, her trials, and her errors, from bouncing her first two checks in our confusing banking system to introducing herself in her first conversational English class (while also instructing us how to make a good first impression). Ms. An’s eyes back then were wide open to every new cultural experience, much supported by the aid of a woman named Yolanda who showed her the ins and outs.

My main reaction to her memoir is that I smiled a lot. Hardly a page went by without a chuckle whether she tried to understand our Christmas routines, longed for her mother’s noodle soup, bought her first TV, her first bike, and her first car (a used Pontiac), or learned to drive a stick shift. And though Ms. An was welcomed by her American contacts with open arms, she also writes of her difficulties in love. Amazing to me is that her favorite movie was the Stallone film First Blood and that in her youth in China, she and her friends danced fervently to Michael Jackson’s Beat It, seeing these pieces as endorsing freedom and self-worth as opposed to the hiding-in-the-background lessons she learned growing up in China. And the photos she includes bring more smiles. The book ends with her moving from New Mexico State University to the University of Texas for her Ph. D studies, and I look forward to the next installment. In today’s world with tensions growing, Apple An’s memoir Las Crosses brings a delightful smile of harmony. It is a must-read.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Jack Dancer’s Green Valley School, Orange City, Florida: America’s Most Unusual School offers a riveting and eye-opening exploration of a radical educational experiment that dared to defy conventional norms in mid-20th century America. At its core, this book is a homage to a unique school and its visionary founder, Reverend George von Hilsheimer, who sought to create an environment where individual freedom, creativity, and human dignity could flourish. Inspired by A.S. Neill's Summerhill School, Green Valley aimed to be a beacon for free education. The strength of the narrative lies in Dancer’s detailed portrayal of Reverend George, who was equally inspiring and controversial. His complex persona—an ordained preacher by age 14—sets the tone for the institution he created: idealistic, daring, and, at times, chaotic.

Dancer doesn’t shy away from the darker side of this story, either. Through an impressive array of research, including interviews, court documents, and media coverage, he exposes how Green Valley School, Orange City, Florida, became a target of governmental and political forces that couldn’t understand or tolerate its nontraditional methods. The most gripping sections of the book recount the lengths to which the opposition went, culminating in a sensationalized trial designed to crush the school's influence. This book is an engaging read for those interested in education, history, or stories of rebellion against the status quo. It prompts us to consider the challenges faced by those who dare to think differently and the enduring impact of their efforts, making it a relevant read. The Reverend George’s quotes really put into perspective life in the 1960s and 70s. I enjoyed this book tremendously.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Michael Pronko is an invaluable companion for music lovers eager to explore one of the world’s most dynamic and underappreciated jazz scenes. Whether you’re a visitor, an expat, or an armchair traveler, Pronko’s detailed guide leads you through more than 40 jazz clubs and over 200 musicians across Japan. Beyond being a practical resource, the book includes thoughtful essays on Japan’s unique jazz history and the cultural currents that shape its distinct sound. From intimate Tokyo basements to polished venues in Kyoto and Osaka, Pronko captures the spirit of a community that is both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly evolving. Equal parts guidebook and cultural analysis, A Guide to Jazz in Japan is a celebration of artistry, place, and the global language of music.

Author Michael Pronko has a passionate energy for music and culture that comes off this brilliant book in waves from the very first moments in a read that is both a travel guide and a love letter to Japan’s thriving jazz culture. As a fan of both subjects, I was enraptured right from the start, and Pronko’s lively details and brilliant hands-on research result in a beautifully written and meticulously researched resource that jazz fans will treasure, and travel fans will be inspired by. It certainly made me want to plan a trip to connect the fantastic historical details of the book to the real-world settings and legendary people that the author features. That makes this more than just a guidebook, but a tale of a musical movement that is as vibrant as it is unique. Overall, A Guide to Jazz in Japan is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the soul of Japanese jazz, and how to find it when you get there, and I for one would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip.

Reviewed by Afifa Raisa for Readers' Favorite

Korea Reunited: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Kim presents a poignant recollection of how the turbulent past of Korea tore families apart, including that of the author’s father. Kim Chi-Jeon, Irene’s father and the central figure of the book, reveals through rounds of interviews with his daughter the painful separation from his family as he fled from the northern areas to the south. Starting with the Japanese occupation to the devastating wars and the formal division of Korea, his childhood had been rough. Despite his eventual settlement in the United States, the agony never left him. The book includes an account of the author and her father as they set off for North Korea in a desperate quest for their lost family.

Irene Kim’s Korea Reunited: A Family’s Lifelong Dream is an incredibly touching story that is much more than mere history. In her father’s voice and her own, Irene shows how the challenging times left a lasting impression on their lives. From the experiences and interactions presented in the book, the universality of certain human emotions becomes obvious. Irrespective of where people are from or what circumstances they find themselves in, there is always something they have in common, something that makes everyone human. As a reader, one cannot help but wonder what became of the individuals who were mentioned in the narration and how many stories revolving around the country's separation will remain untold. The book is recommended for anyone who enjoys memoirs and history.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots by Gloria D. Gonsalves is a mesmerizing collection of poems, essays, and short stories. This anthology contains some personable poems that shed light on the rich and colorful cultural heritage of East Africa, covering topics such as love, food, national pride, etc., and showcasing the abundant natural beauty and diversity of Tanzania. In "Chicken Soup Prayer," the narrator reveals the mystical healing properties of a hot bowl of chicken soup. "Remember Those Days" is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. In "Who Am I," the author explores her roots to figure out her own place in the world. The collection also includes some haikus that describe the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro as well as the inevitable necessity of household chores.

Gloria D. Gonsalves takes readers on a journey through the diverse terrain of East Africa with this marvelous poetry collection. Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots is poignant yet light-hearted, touching upon some relevant social issues while offering you a heartwarming sense of belonging to a place you've most likely never been to before. Gonsalves also shares parts of her own life in her verses. There's an essay on the Kiswahili-speaking East African community, a eulogy for the veteran Tanzanian journalist Gabriel Pereira Mgaya, and a thought-provoking short story about a young woman from a remote village in northeast Tanzania who becomes an international fashion model. This is one of the best collections I've read this year. If you're a poetry enthusiast, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box by Nicole Draffen is a non-fiction philosophical memoir wherein the author provides insight into her transformative outlook following a spell of living in the UK. Draffen focuses on the differences she encountered as an ethnically diverse woman who is outwardly perceived as black and how this perception manifests the pigeon-holing of the hyphenated African-American label. This designation was non-existent during her time in the UK, where she was simply an American and was not compartmentalized by a double-barrelled nationality description that should not exist. This is, of course, the 'African' anterior portion of African-American. Draffen makes a compelling argument on how the hyphen further marginalizes black men and women, as well as those who are perceived to be black, and does so based on her experiences of living in two countries.

Like Nicole Draffen, I am a California girl who also lives in the UK, and I was immediately drawn to Hyphened-Nation. My maternal family is Chinese-Filipino, and I am married to a man of color. I can absolutely confirm that mixed-race relationships and melanin are almost entirely ignored in London, corroborating that Draffen's perspective of American exceptionalism does not apply to those who have their Americanism diluted with a hyphen. An interesting chapter for me was six, Notes on the English Language, where Draffen addresses formalizing the acceptance of Ebonics as a dialect. I raise the topic of this chapter to highlight the literary merit of the book and its genuine ability to provoke thoughtful, academic consideration in the sense that, while I do not personally agree with Draffen's position of Ebonics as being detrimental, the writing is a high standard. There is an incredible irony in this, where most people reading this chapter on—literally—the importance of using traditional English in its “proper” form, Draffin's credibility is heightened because of the vernacular. Would her book be received with the same consideration if the vernacular had been different? And herein lies the complex bedrock of the implied 'other' when African is a precursor to being American. I highly recommend reading this enlightening book.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Zoya's Gift: Building a Bridge to a Global Family is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, sociocultural issues, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and contains some non-graphic discussions of violence and war crimes. Penned by author Gail McCormick, this is a heart-wrenching and heart-warming memoir that chronicles the author's transformative journey from heartbreak to healing through her relationship with Ukrainian twin sisters and their extended global family. Amidst the backdrop of infertility and the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, McCormick discovers unexpected connections and profound love that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

Author Gail McCormick utilizes her natural warmth and positive spirit to craft an emotional and enlightening memoir that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the hearts of all who read it. There’s a poignancy to the storytelling that allows McCormick to touch on the right topics at just the right moments, weaving together themes of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Through her vivid descriptions of people and places, layered with her own heartfelt reflections and personal connection to the issues at hand, she invites readers into her world and encourages them to see the many benefits of acceptance and understanding of other cultures. The pacing of the memoir has a biopic, cinematic quality, where moments of joy and sorrow intertwine with explained complexities concerning cross-cultural relationships. The author's exploration of motherhood, identity, and the human capacity for love resonates deeply, offering a message of hope and unity in a world often divided by differences. Overall, Zoya's Gift is a highly recommended read for fans of inspirational memoirs everywhere.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Walter Stern, a Holocaust survivor, made a testimony video about his road to freedom from Nazi Germany and through Holland one year before his death in 1993. His daughter, Irene, re-watched it after the elections in 2016. That year marked the starting point of the new wave of antisemitism globally, and Walter's video took on a new meaning for Irene. Walter was about to turn twelve when he and his family, the owners of a clothing and textiles store in Bocholt, Germany, were brutally awakened in the dead of night on November 9–10, 1938. History remembers that night as Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. The family's store was vandalized, and the lives of the Sterns were threatened. But Walter's father, Moritz, had a plan. He had managed to smuggle some money to neighboring Holland. The Sterns decided to escape to Holland, where they had friends. Many years later, Irene and her family traveled to Europe three times to recreate their route to survival. Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts by Irene Stern Frielich is a mesmerizing read that fans of memoirs and history will enjoy.

In Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts, Irene Stern Frielich speaks about her "inherited family trauma." It is a significant statement that should not be overlooked. The author tells us that the horrifying events of the Holocaust era still have an impact on the families of the survivors. The next generation's pain is overwhelming. But there is always a way to heal. Irene shares this healing journey with us. Irene opened up about the deepest inner feelings she experienced when she entered the house in Bocholt, where her family lived before the Holocaust. The emotional narrative transforms this memoir into a thrilling story that is impossible to put down. The author skillfully interweaves the memories of her father from the testimony video with the recreated facts of his life in Germany and Holland and her own amazing experiences and unexpected encounters in Europe. I liked the incredible stories about the heroism and dedication of those who helped save the lives of Jewish people during the darkest years of human history. Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts is a meaningful and thought-provoking book for readers who want to learn from history.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Limp Forward by Libo Cao Meyers is a memoir that highlights key turning points, challenges, and achievements in Meyers' journey of personal growth, academic pursuit, professional accomplishments, and personal success. Meyers, born in China, contracted polio as a child and she details her parents taking desperate measures to aid her recovery from polio, and reflects on her early years living with relatives and in hospitals, experiencing adventure, bullying, and an abundance of resourcefulness. As she grows up, she is determined to pursue her goals in computer science and her progress is remarkable as she excels in college, transfers to Ohio University, and navigates American life. After graduation, she trains as an athlete despite her physical limitations caused by polio, secures a job at Dash Navigation, finally receives her Green Card, and, inspired by Steve Jobs, begins her professional ascent within Apple.

Limp Forward by Libo Cao Meyers shows what any person can achieve with a strong family foundation, wherever they hail from, and when that family is so exceptionally involved and sacrificing, the success of their children is greatly enhanced through their willingness to do anything for them. Meyers had a lifetime of amazing successes but none of these, not a single one, would have been possible if at any point her parents had decided that they would simply make do with what they had at the time. This is important to acknowledge because I come from the same background, and it is proof that it “takes a village” or, at the very least, a family willing to work as one. My favorite parts are Meyers' college years in the States where she has her first Halloween, and dating experiences that can only come from the cyberghetto of Craigslist. Finding love and marrying a man who not only went to China to meet her incredible family but brought a wonderful letter from his own parents was about the sweetest thing I have read! Overall, this is an inspirational book that drives home the importance of perseverance, love, and the beauty that can come from being differently abled.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

If you enjoy calligraphy as an art form, Japanese culture and historical literature, and memoirs about fascinating, if not famous, people, Shodo Master: Life and Art of Tomoro Ouchida by John Glascock is for you. Presented in a bilingual format with English on one side and Japanese on the other, this lavishly illustrated tribute by a student to his teacher hits the mark. Having lived for a time in Japan, I understood Glascock’s attraction to the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and was impressed by his determination to study it. I was also touched by his affection for the humble but highly skilled master calligrapher who became his teacher here in the United States. A glossary of terms and a list of historical names, places, writings, and photographs are included, along with extensive illustrations.

In Shodo Master, John Glascock gives us not only the biography of master calligrapher Tomoro “Ryuseki” Ouchida (1903 – 1990) and a collection of his teaching materials and signature works but also an informative discussion about art. Called Shodo, Japanese calligraphy is insightfully described in an essay that Sensei Ouchida wrote on the topic in which the art is connected to the spirit and character of the artist. He ends the essay with an expression of appreciation for the efforts and discipline of past masters and a wish that his talent and contributions will serve future generations. No one looking at this presentation of his magnificent life’s work can doubt that his desire came true.