Category Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review: THE PRACTICE OF PROCESSING by Elizabeth Vahey Smith

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Living overseas brings out many emotions from the time you leave your home country to the arrival of your new city. Or take the emotions you have when you watch friends leave to move on to the next destination. But transition is not the only thing that brings out emotions. Hard things happen. That is why it is important to process your emotions, but also the situations you find yourself in.

THE PRACTICE OF PROCESSING by Elizabeth Vahey Smith is just what the book title says. Elizabeth had those who transition often in mind when she wrote this book. It is a book that I found to have the why one should process, but also provides a guide in ways to process. She begins with emotions and how understanding them as “communicative…we can intellectually process the new information they provide” (pp. 18-19). Emotional intelligence is important and she covers that topic well. Elizabeth also provides examples of how to help children process, which is a nice bonus for parents or those working with young people.

If processing is new to you then I would suggest that you look at this book for yourself. Or if you are in member care for your organization, then a nice resource for people who need help in this area.

Book Review: Swirly by Sara Saunders

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Swirly by Sara Saunders
Genre: Picture Book

Summary:
Lila’s parents are blue and from Blue country. They move to Yellow country where Lila begins to feel different from her parents, but isn’t like her yellow friends either. They move to Red country, where she feels more different, but meets others who have different colored swirls like herself.

My Take:
This is a good book for young children to begin to find words for this journey of a TCK. The main theme of “where do I belong?” is highlighted through the main character, Lila, as she realizes that she not like her parents. It is a Christian book, so the ending may surprise a few with where Lila does find her identity. Overall, if you are a Christian I think you will like this book. If you are not, you might not agree with the ending or it might make you wonder. Either way, I do recommend it for younger children as a simple way of starting a discussion with them.

Book Review: RAISING UP A GENERATION OF HEALTHY THIRD CULTURE KIDS by Lauren Wells

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RAISING UP A GENERATION OF HEALTHY THIRD CULTURE KIDS by Lauren Wells

Genre: Nonfiction, Resource

Review: 

Lauren Wells created a resource book using her experience and knowledge  on third culture kids for parents. This book takes the ideas of what encompasses in moving and living overseas for children and puts those ideas into a practical guide. Lauren deals with leaving well, unresolved grief, identity, restlessness, and trauma to name a few of these ideas. 

 

My Thoughts: 

I honestly think that if you are moving to a country other than your own with kids, you should own this book. Lauren has some great ideas to think through as your children process the move. It is a good bridge to understanding the world that your children will experience and help you to engage in meaningful conversations to help them navigate all the emotions and feels that they may go through. For me personally, this book was not as helpful. My children were born in Asia and have never lived in their passport countries. I know as TCKs they have many of the strengths and challenges that other TCKs have, but many of the chapters deal with children leaving their passport country. So for me, I didn’t find all the chapters applicable to our situation. With that said, I am glad that I bought the book because it is a good resource to have. It has caused me to ponder some of the issues and helped me to start conversations with my teenage TCKs.

 

 

Book Review: GETTING STARTED by Amy Young

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GETTING STARTED helps cross-cultural workers manage their first year better. It is written with missionaries in mind, but I believe that anyone that is moving abroad would benefit. Amy doesn’t just use her experience from living in China, but the experiences of countless others from around the world. GETTING STARTED touches on so many preconceived ideas a person can have about culture or language, to even daily living and working with teammates. Amy doesn’t gloss over the difficult, nor does she spotlight the magnificent. She keeps it real. GETTING STARTED isn’t a self-help book in that if you follow each step perfectly your first year will be a breeze. Amy is passionate about helping people be successful their first year – but from reading this book you will realize that her idea of success is not a year where everything is smooth, easy, and problem free. That’s just not how life works. I think Amy summarizes the idea of this book best in her introduction, “This book is designed to help you begin to release the ‘shoulds’ and allow yourself to be wherever you are in the process of adjusting to the field.”

My Take: I believe that this is an important topic for missionaries or Christian workers going on the field – or even those who have been on the field for that matter. It would be a great resource for sending organizations to have as they prepare their people to go out.

Amy also has a new website, Global Trellis, that offers help for cross-cultural workers. Check it out here.

Book Review: BLACK DOVE WHITE RAVEN by Elizabeth Wein

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BLACK DOVE WHITE RAVEN by Elizabeth Wein20190106_100135

Audience/Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Summary: Teo and Emilia are friends from birth. After a bird strike during a flying stunt performance by their mothers they become siblings. Em’s mother wants to follow her late best friend’s wishes: to raise Teo in a place where he won’t be judged by the color of his skin, the country where his father was from. Set in the 1930’s Em’s mother makes the decision to move to Ethiopia where she can raise her white daughter alongside her now black son in the peaceful countryside. But, as Italy moves to invade and war brews, both children, now in their teens, have to make a decisions about home and loyalty.

My Take: This book has so many layers to it. It is definitely a TCK/CCK book. Teo is half Ethopian and Emilia is half Italian. There are inner struggles of “home”, which is something most TCK/CCKs understand. Ms. Wein weaves prejudice into the lives of the children, but also into the lives of their mothers. It is just a good book that will make you think deeper about issues that are relevant today. As I read the bio of Elizabeth Wein, I came to realize that she understands the issues of TCKs because she was raised abroad and is now living abroad as well. I highly recommend this book not just because of the TCK/CCK issues that Ms. Wein attempts to tackle, but because it really deals with issues that are relevant today.

Your Turn: What have you been reading? Share in the comments below. I’m always looking for new titles to read.

Book Review (and giveaway): ALL THE NEWS by Amy Young

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Today’s book review has a bonus – a short interview with the author and a giveaway.

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Title: All the News That’s Fit to Tell and How to Tell it: How to Write Christian Newsletters

Author: Amy Young

Review: ALL THE NEWS is written for those who write newsletters. Amy has taken her skills as a writer and applied them to newsletter writing. This short book is divided up into these four sections:

  1. The Unseen Battle
  2. Newsletter-Specific Writing
  3. Simple Ways to Improve your Writing
  4. Developing as a Writer

Amy doesn’t tell you how, but shows you how to write a newsletter that is “better than an insurance report”. She explains and gives examples on how to weave your story with your explanations. The overall point of this book is to help you build, or rebuild, relationships with those that read your newsletters.

My Take: As a writer, I felt like “duh” – why haven’t I connected these dots over to my newsletter writing before now? I found her tips to be helpful and inspiring. So many times I want to make sure I “report” about everything – but Amy has given me permission to pick and choose, to save some stories for the next letter. And, she reminded me that it is all about relationship building. So, I honestly believe that if you write newsletters, even if you love to write them, this book is worth it. We can always improve in our writing skills, no matter our level – right?

I’m so glad that Amy agreed to answer a few fun questions about herself. Amy is originally from the US and worked in China for about 20 years. After 16 years of newsletter writing she started her blog The Messy Middle. She’s author of two other books, Looming Transition and Love, Amy.

Now for the questions…

1. What is the best airport you’ve traveled through?
I have spent the most time in the San Francisco airport over the years. So, for sentimental reasons it is the best :). They have a bookstore I love browsing through and a great walking area with traveling exhibits—okay, I guess it isn’t really a walking area now that I think of it. Most people probably don’t use it to do laps as they wait for their flight, but I do. 
2. During the flight, do you A) read a book  B) movie marathon  C) sleep
I always have a book, but I tend to watch a movie through the meal service and then do my best to sleep with some Tylenol-PM :). 
3. List one destination you wish to still see?
Israel, Italy, all of Africa, Australia, the North East in the US during Fall, and a train trip across Canada. Okay, so I couldn’t pick just one!
4. In your book LOVE, AMY you mentioned that while living in China you killed rats with a frying pan. How many did you kill total?
Well, this is a bit tricky because how I killed them changed over the years, but in total, probably 15. I will say, the one that haunts me isn’t one I actually killed. We kept used ribbon in a zip-lock bag so either my teammate or I could reuse it. I went to get a piece of ribbon and as I took out the tangled mess it started moving and, shrieking, I realized I had a mouse in my hand. I threw it down and as it scampered off I kept screaming. No one came. How could I have such a traumatic experience and no one heard me screaming?! So, I did what any rational person would do. I kept screaming and went down the hall to my teammates apartment, knocked, entered, and got myself a witness! 
5. You are now living in the beautiful state of Colorado. What do you like best to do in the winter months  A) snowboarding   B) skiing  C) hiking  D) other…and please do tell.
D) other. My two favorite winter activities are snowshoeing (I cannot stand the feeling of going fast downhill, so people do not like to ski with me, nor I with them) and shoveling. Warmly Welcome you all to Colorado! 
Anyone else laughing about the rat? (sorry Amy, it was just too funny!) Amy is a great story teller. If you haven’t gotten a chance to read her other books, I highly recommend them. All three books are on sale at Amazon for $2.99 on Kindle now until April 28th.
Thanks Amy for taking the time to share with us today and for offering a free copy of your book ALL THE NEWS.
One lucky reader will receive a physical copy (US only) or a digital copy (anywhere in the world). To enter comment below telling us why you would like this book, then click on the link below to officially enter. There are more ways to enter. So, what are you waiting for?
Giveaway ends May 7th.

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Book Review: HOMESICK by Jean Fritz

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HOMESICK: My Own Story  homesick

by Jean Fritz

Genre: Middle Grade Memoir/Fiction

Summary:

Jean Fritz shares her life as a child growing up in the middle of China during the mid-twenties. She longs to go “home”. To a place she has only read about in letters from her grandmother, a place where she can feed chickens. And though this desire grows stronger as the date for departure gets closer, Jean shares her love for the Chinese people, especially her dear Lin Nai Nai. As with any good story, there is trouble and heartache. Through the eyes of a ten year old girl, Jean shares about the unrest that was developing in China towards the foreigners. Jean also shares her confusion of how her parents reacted to the death of her baby sister. We get a glimpse into the heart and mind of a young child who experienced so much.  At the beginning Jean informs her readers that most of the stories are true, that all of the people were real, but the events are not in chronological order. As a NF writer, this was very important to her to clarify. 

My Take:

Jean Fritz is a TCK. If you want to see examples of grief, frustration, and raw emotions from a TCK, sprinkled with humor and wit, get this book. Yes, it’s written for a middle grade child, but it really is a beautifully written memoir of a young TCK. If I write too much more, I’ll have to write a spoiler alert. I cried and I laughed – maybe partly due to the fact that we used to live in Wuhan, which is now a large city that includes Hankou and Wuchang, two cities that play a huge part in this book. Or maybe just the pain of saying “good-bye“. Either way, it’s good.

*****

Next week I will be starting the series on “The Art of Letting Go“. If you would like to write a guest post you can go back to the original post for the details.

Book Review: OF STILLNESS AND STORM by Michèle Phoenix

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OF STILLNESS AND STORM29492092-_sr1200630_

by Michèle Phoenix

Summary:

Sam and Lauren sell everything they own in the US to move to Nepal. It has been their dream to share the gospel to the distant tribes of the world. But, it wasn’t their son’s dream. Sam trek’s the mountains for weeks at a time. He comes home tired and smelly, but doesn’t want any luxuries because many in Nepal live in worse conditions. Lauren’s sense of adventure soon flattens after their move as she daily bumps along to work at job she doesn’t like, fights a losing battle with the electricity, and watches her son slowly change from the fun and happy kid to a teen who just exists and resents her for everything. As things tense up on the home front, Lauren has an online encounter with a friend from her past. Her isolation leads to disillusionment and soon things come crashing around her.

My Thoughts:

One of the reviews I read compared this book to THE POISONWOOD BIBLE, and I would have to agree. It brought out many of the same emotions I had as I read that book. Michèle Phoenix is a MK (missionary kid) and has worked with MK’s for many years. Her expertise and I’m sure personal experience gives this story the raw emotions that many who work overseas do not want to face. It asks the hard questions indirectly through watching this family try to survive while doing what they believe the Lord has called them to do.

I know that not everyone who reads this blog is a Christian, but I believe that the issues/themes in this book can be related to by anyone who is trying raise their family in a different culture than their own.

*I received my copy from a giveaway on another site.

Book Review & Give Away: LOVE, AMY: A MEMOIR TOLD IN NEWSLETTERS FROM CHINA

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LOVE, AMY: AN ACCIDENTAL MEMOIR TOLD IN NEWSLETTERS FROM CHINA41ayswdy0ul

by Amy Young

Summary

Amy Young shares her life as a single English as a Second Language teacher in China. Her early years in China (mid-nineties) were spent at the Sichuan College of Education. This memoir is shared through her monthly newsletters to her supporters in the United States. This was an interesting time to be in China as the country was changing drastically from a poor quiet country who opened it’s gates wider to “foreigners” allowing more “western” influences to try to take root. The reader has the chance to “see” China during those transition years. Amy’s letters are fun and humorous as she relates the cultural differences in a loving way. She shares her traumatic experience of almost dying in a Chinese hospital and how she recovered and then chose to return afterwards. But, this book isn’t just a memoir, it’s a ‘how to’ book on writing newsletters. Amy shares how to write a better newsletter from what she has learned and from others who have read/written countless newsletters written by others.

My Thoughts

When I first heard about Amy’ health issues in China, I wanted to know more. Here was someone who also experienced trauma in China and not just survived to tell about it, but thrived and returned. Someone I could relate to. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it wasn’t just a memoir – though I do love reading memoirs of people who have lived overseas. I felt that her addition of a ‘how-to’ manual for writing newsletters was a brilliant idea. After reading her book, I still think it’s brilliant, but also I’ll add inspiring. I vowed to never write another newsletter again – but instead to write heartfelt letters, with stories and fun unique ideas for interaction –  not facts and a report.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in a position of writing newsletters. You’ll be inspired and challenged to write them in a different way. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even like writing them.

The Give Away:

Amy has graciously offered to give away one copy of her book, LOVE AMY, AN ACCIDENTAL MEMOIR TOLD IN NEWSLETTERS FROM CHINA.

OPEN TO ALL READERS! If you live in the US, she’ll send a physical copy of the book, but if you live overseas she’ll send a digital copy. 

DETAILS:  Just simply leave a comment about why you’d like to read this book and your email address. I’m still “old school” in many ways, so I’ll just put names in a hat on July 7th and have one of my daughters pick out a name. I’ll make the announcement later that day and contact you via email to let you know.

DEADLINE:  July 7th at 10PM (let’s do US Eastern Time, as it is exactly 12 hours difference for me. So, easy to remember.)

Now, go comment and share this post with others. =)

Book Review: MARRIED IN MISSION

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MARRIED IN MISSION: A Handbook for Couples in Cross-Cultural Service

20170531_154049by Alexis C. Kenny

 

Summary:

MARRIED IN MISSION is a handbook based on a blend of psychology and Catholic-Christian theology. As the title suggests, it is to help couples who work (or plan to work) in cross-cultural settings. After Kenny and her husband returned from working overseas, she realized that there was little to no help for couples. This resulted in her focus area for graduate school. In her extensive research, Kenny identified seven phases: discernment, preparation, realization, finalization, re-entry, and integration. These phases begin with the pre-departure stage and end with returning home. Each chapter offers insight and activities for the couple to learn and apply to their own marriages. This book is her thesis compiled into an easy to use book for any couple who plans to live overseas, are living overseas, or have returned home.

My thoughts:

I felt that the book and activities are very relevant to any couple living cross-culturally. Although I am not Catholic, I believe she explained clearly the terminology to those not familiar with the Catholic religion. I understood the concepts she presented. I liked that the reader could skip to the phase that was directly needed and not have to read the entire book to understand or gain personal insight. She also included many quotes from other couples interviewed, which helped to grasp the issues better.

The only complaint I had is towards the publishing house, and I think I know why they did it (to save money), but I feel the font is small. It made it hard to read. This is only a small complaint, but one to point out so you won’t be surprised (and for those of you like me,
have your reading glasses ready).

I do believe that this book could be used for any couple working cross-culturally, whether of the Catholic faith or not. There are some real gems that will help strengthen your marriage – and that is something, I believe, we all want in married life. Strong and happy marriages.