Are there any psychology or self-help books that explore the experiences of first-generation or second-generation immigrants, particularly the psychological effects of juggling multiple identities? I’m interested in themes explored in The Joy Luck Club (unresolved trauma, sacrifice, cultural conflicts, racism, deep psycho-emotional scars from the homeland). I connected deeply with this book when I was younger, as a first-gen immigrant who came to America as a toddler and became very westernized, losing much of my native tongue. I was hoping to find some books that dissect these experiences to maybe gain some clarity on some unresolved trauma I have with my parents.
by foreforfore
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**If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English** is 100% what you’re looking for! It follows an Egyptian-American woman going “back to the motherland” and the tension between her dual identities, power dynamics between her and the local Egyptians, etc.
God, that book is so good.
Not a psychology book, at all… but if you are open to YA contemporary fiction, _The Lesbianna’s Guide to Catholic School_ touched on these themes (as well as >!Inter-rational adoption!<
Stealing Buddha’s Dinner by Bich Min Nguyen, a memoir
Breaking Through: My Life in Science by Katalin Kariko, a memoir
[The Paper Menagerie](https://escapepod.org/2012/05/17/ep345-the-paper-menagerie/) by Ken Liu, a short story available free at the link (fiction)