The New Americans

by Rubén Martínez

Book Overview

Spanning four continents and several years in the lives of seven immigrant families, The New Americans is at once the most globe-trotting and intimate introduction to the new American immigration. Emmy Award-winning journalist Rub n Mart nez's "powerful and perceptive chronicle" (Booklist) lyrically recounts the dramatic voyages and day-to-day experiences of a small group of families who were featured in the PBS documentary of the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156584792X
• ISBN13: 9781565847927
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: New Press
• Length: 251 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Must read for better understanding

Martinez adds detail and insight into the stories of families featured on this PBS series. The video available from PBS and his book provide an excellent combination for educators, community leaders, and the general public to better appreciate the strengths and resolve immigrants bring to this country as well as the barriers, obstacles, and prejudices they face from those whose families came to the nation in earlier times.

Excellent stories of survival and cultural adjustment evolve

Nicely illustrated with the photography of Joseph Rodriguez, New Americans by Ruben Martinez recounts the dramatic journeys of seven new immigrant families to America, and their settling in this country; from an Asian couple from the computer industry of India to a Mexican family working meatpacking plants in Kansas. Excellent stories of survival and cultural adjustment evolve.

The best in cultural criticism today

As an avid reader of Martinez's works, I feel that he has reached a new level with The New Americans. This book beautifully and thoughtfully weaves together the contested narratives of immigrants, works of cultural production and personal reflection into a polyvocal conversation that leaves the reader wanting more.