Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans

Written by Ronald Takaki

Narrated by David Shih

In an extraordinary blend of narrative history, personal recollection, and oral testimony, the author presents a sweeping history of Asian Americans. He writes of the Chinese who laid tracks for the transcontinental railroad, of plantation laborers in the cane fields of Hawaii, and of "picture brides" marrying strangers in the hope of becoming part of the American dream. He tells stories of Japanese-Americans behind the barbed wire of U.S. internment camps during World War II, Hmong refugees tragically unable to adjust to Wisconsin's alien climate and culture, and Asian-American students stigmatized by the stereotype of the "model minority." This is a powerful and moving work that will resonate for all Americans, who together make up a nation of immigrants from other shores.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Dec 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781541487802

Reviews for Strangers from a Different Shore

[kikiunhinged · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

If you like reading personal accounts of Asian immigrant experiences this book is for you. I found it to be too much fluff making it longer than necessary and more tedious to read. However, it was also quite eye-opening.

[autumnesf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A good history book on Asians in America (including Hawaii). Lots of information and an easy read. Its not a pretty story - I didnt realize we actually tried to keep non-whites from being citizens right from the beginning and only wanted a white country. Hard stuff.