You might wonder what does a German-American and a Korean-American adoptee have in common, but we know! Our friend Elfi Hornby has written three books, Dancing to War, Shadow of Defeat, and So, This is America. We just finished reading her latest memoir and we found it an enlightening perspective into the life of an American immigrant--but not only that, life as an European immigrant who comes from a country the U.S. had fought. Elfi endures false-assumpations made by her "welcoming" in-laws and is forced to adapt to her new and "improved" life in the U.S. This story is not just about "America" but the forming of America by individuals, one individual at a time. Even with the generation difference, we could see our experience wrapped up in hers. It's as if she's planted a seed and forged ahead for all of us, as we learn to adapt and balance what it means to be a U.S. citizen, as well as maintain that part of us from where we came: "motherland." How much love and pride for our origin is too much? How much is not enough? She is a voice building awareness for those who do and do not have to face this reality on a daily basis. Be sure to check her books out! www.elfihornby.com

Another good friend, Frederick Su, wrote An American Sin and, in 2002, won in the "Multicultural Fiction" category at the Independent Publisher (IPPY) Book Awards. This was the first fiction book Jeannine had ever read and she found it exceptionally intriguing. His writing triggered her into a journey of reading more fiction and to study the concept of creative writing. It's a realistic and compelling look at a Chinese-American who fights alongside fellow American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Because the main charactor is of Chinese ethnicity, he is forced to prove his loyalty and "American-ness" to his cohorts (as well as himself). This book elicits many emotional aspects that deal with race, war and identity, including the universal struggles within the human psyche that all of us face at varying degrees. We all fight some sort of battle, whether it's an internal one or external. This book is definitely worth checking out! www.bytewrite.com