Tag: immigrant experience

Global Cafe

Global Cafe

As is often the case, it was a friend’s Instagram post that put Global Cafe on my radar.  After Googling for more info about this new addition to Crosstown Concourse, I knew I had to check it out. Global Cafe’s mission is to unite Memphians 

Top 5 Must Reads – Fall 2018

Top 5 Must Reads – Fall 2018

Recently I was a guest on Ena Esco’s “Verbally Effective” podcast, where we talked about Korean adoption, adoptee citizenship, my career trajectory, and of course, this blog. Many of you may remember me from my WendyEats days. Back then I exclusively blogged about locally owned 

My Summer Reads: A Recap

My Summer Reads: A Recap

According to the PG County, Maryland Beltsville Branch Library I have saved $748.58 by using my library card instead of buying every book that strikes my fancy. And let me tell you, that was definitely $748.58 that I did not have (and still don’t!). Once 

Refuge: A Novel

Refuge: A Novel

Have you ever picked up a book and just known, just by looking at the first page, reading the first few lines, that it was going to be a good read? A read that demanded your undivided attention? That deserved it? That’s how I felt 

The Leavers

The Leavers

When I selected The Leavers as my next book to read, I didn’t know that I was picking up a book about adoption. All I knew was that there was a buzz around Lisa Ko’s book, and it seemed like it would be an interesting 

My Korean Adoptee Bookshelf

My Korean Adoptee Bookshelf

As a child, the library was one of my favorite places. I loved the endless adventures at my fingertips. There was something comforting, and exciting, about knowing that anything I could ever want to know, and much that I could never even imagine, could be 

Dissertation Defense: A Book Report

Dissertation Defense: A Book Report

The first in my family to earn a PhD, on a recent phone call I was explaining to my dad what happens at a dissertation defense. Afterwards he said, “Oh, so it’s like a book report.” I paused. “Well, kinda.” I acquiesced. Picking up on 

Three Strong Women

Three Strong Women

Intrigued by the title and the stories of strength and resilience it surely contained, I picked up Marie NDiaye’s Three Strong Women. Winner of the prestigious Prix Goncourt, a French literary award, Three Strong Women has been praised for its beautiful prose. With strength and beauty a backdrop for 

Behold the Dreamers

Behold the Dreamers

“And what do you think of this new person you’re becoming?” “I don’t know.” “Let me put this another way: Are you happy with who you’re becoming?” Imbolo Mbue tells a compelling tale of family, dreams, and sacrifice in her debut novel Behold the Dreamers. Set 

When in French: Love in a Second Language

When in French: Love in a Second Language

I love French. Ever since having to choose a language class in middle school, I have loved French. That learning French remains a life goal is a testament to good teachers. My 8th grade French teacher, I have forgotten her name, was one of the