Moving to a new country is a monumental shift, filled with excitement and, often, the daunting task of navigating a foreign environment. From overcoming language barriers to understanding cultural nuances, the experience can feel overwhelming. During my journey through this new territory, books became my guide, and my source of inspiration. Here’s how six remarkable works helped me find my footing in a new land (and in life).
1. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I love every single piece written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. But Americanah is one of my favorites. It’s more than a story about love and identity; it’s a profound exploration of race and belonging. As I settled into my new environment, Adichie’s narrative helped me grapple with questions of identity and adaptation. The protagonist, Ifemelu, navigates the complexities of living as a Nigerian immigrant in America, shedding light on the nuanced experiences of diaspora life. Her journey of self-discovery and her reflections on race provided me with valuable insights into my own cultural adjustments and helped me feel less isolated in my experiences.
2. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a powerful memoir of resilience and self-discovery. As I faced the challenges of acclimating to a new culture, a new weather, a new set up, Angelou’s narrative offered a profound sense of strength and perseverance. Her reflections on overcoming personal adversity and embracing one’s own voice resonated deeply with me, reminding me that the journey through unfamiliar territory is also one of inner growth and empowerment.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s Becoming came into my life in April 2024, during a period of profound uncertainty and fear. While I was living and working in Copenhagen, my mom was hospitalized back home, facing a possible lung cancer diagnosis. A month later, the diagnosis was confirmed, and I was able to be with her and my family to hear the news in person—a story for another time.
To provide her with comfort and a distraction from the hospital environment, and to feel connected to her despite the distance, I suggested we read Becoming together. Our shared love for biographies made this an appealing choice, and I hoped the book would offer both solace and inspiration. Interestingly, Becoming also touches on a cancer experience within Michelle Obama’s own family, which added a poignant layer of relevance to our situation.
As we immersed ourselves in Michelle Obama’s remarkable journey—from her Chicago roots to her role on the global stage as First Lady—I found the book to be not only a source of practical wisdom and motivation but also a powerful means of bonding with my mom during this challenging time. Through Obama’s narrative of resilience and self-discovery, I was reminded of the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing change, even as we navigated our own personal upheavals.
4. Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
I’ve approached Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown in a non-linear fashion, moving between chapters based on how I’m feeling at the time. The book is organized into sections that explore different emotions and their contexts—whether we’re comparing ourselves to others, facing uncertainty, dealing with setbacks, or experiencing pain. Brené Brown’s exploration of the language of human emotions and connections has provided me with a valuable framework to understand and articulate my own experiences. As I navigated the emotional complexities of moving to a new country, coping with the grief of childhood friendships, and witnessing my family age from afar, her insights have been instrumental. Atlas of the Heart has helped me navigate these emotional terrains, fostering deeper connections and a greater sense of belonging despite the challenges of living abroad.
5. Mujeres que corren con los lobos by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
This book inspired me to take a leap and pursue my dream of living in another country. Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ Mujeres que corren con los lobos (Women Who Run with the Wolves) explores the archetypes and narratives of the wild woman’s psyche. For me, this book became a source of empowerment and self-discovery during my transition. Estés’ tales of strength, intuition, and resilience provided valuable insights into the struggles women face due to ingrained societal structures. It helped me understand and confront these challenges, encouraging me to embrace my inner strength and navigate my new surroundings with confidence and self-awareness.
6. No sé cómo mostrar dónde me duele by Amalia Andrade
Amalia Andrade’s No sé cómo mostrar dónde me duele is a poignant yet humorous exploration of mental health and emotional pain. As I continue living through the complexities of adjusting to a new country, I’ve sometimes found it challenging to express and understand the different emotions I’m experiencing. While Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart offered me help on this, I longed for a Spanish-speaking perspective on these emotional struggles. Andrade’s book arrived at the perfect moment, providing both comfort and relatability. What I particularly appreciate about her work is how it references Atlas of the Heart while also distilling the concept of emotions through culturally resonant elements from my own background. Andrade uses familiar Latino cultural references, such as songs and telenovelas, to illustrate how we cope with emotional challenges and how we might address them. This culturally embedded approach helped me connect more deeply with my feelings and navigate my new journey with greater understanding and humor.
Conclusion
Books have a unique ability to transcend borders and connect us with experiences that resonate across cultures. As I navigated the complexities of living in a new country, these six books served as guides, friends, and mentors. They provided me with wisdom, empathy, and courage, helping me to embrace my new life with a deeper understanding and a more resilient spirit. Whether you’re an expat or someone adjusting to any significant change, these literary treasures can offer invaluable support and insight.