If you crave stories of resilient people who follow their heads, hearts, and dreams, and if you like light-hearted humor and fast-paced page-turners, then you'll love Apple An's inspirational account.
Fleeing the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 and fueled by a burning desire for a better life, Apple embarks on a daring journey to pursue her doctoral education in America. With no backup plan, Apple must make this journey work. But she has no idea that her starting place, Las Cruces, NM, is a quiet desert town - a far cry from the bustling metropolis she envisioned.
Anxious, ignorant, and homesick, Apple faces challenges she never had before. But she is determined to be open-minded. Excited and curious, will she simply survive the fish-out-of-the-water situation many immigrants experience, or will she thrive in this unexpected American adventure?
"Las Crosses" is a mesmerizing Asian American memoir that chronicles Apple's first eight months in America. Filled with humility, humor, honesty, and vulnerability, Apple invites readers on a journey of cultural adaptation, self-discovery, and the transformative power of facing new challenges.
Buy "Las Crosses" now to be captivated today!
*** A finalist for the "Women's Non-Fiction" and "Multicultural Non-Fiction" awards at The 2023 IAN Book of the Year Awards
*** Fun fact: The title "Las Crosses" has several meanings: (1) The story occurred in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces is Spanish for "The Crosses." The title is to honor the location and its Spanish-English heritage. (2) The story is about the cross-culture experience, and (3) cross-geological locations via the Pacific Ocean. (4) The moment in the story was at a cross point in Apple's life. (5) This book is the author's debut book. It marks her intellectual exploration crossing from academic research & publishing to literary publishing.
About the Author :
Apple An grew up during China's Cultural Revolution and came to the US in her 20s. She is a professor at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York. She writes short stories and books about her life and those of people she knows. Her goal is to enrich Asian American cultural heritage and history and to enhance cultural understanding and acceptance among all people.
Review :
Excerpts of Reviews on Writing:
A profound and epic journey, told with such preternatural humility, gentle humor, and the intrepid innocence and grace. A shade of Lewis Carroll in the unfolding. - Mark Wells
A very vivid picture of the cultural clash. Lighthearted, captivating, and heartwarming, full of unexpected twists with an ending that is quite satisfying! - Kevin Boyle
I feel like I watched the movie and not just read the book. - Maria Leonova
A well-written, compelling journey! So authentic and really engaging. Highly recommend it, even for people like me who don't typically read memoirs. I wanted to see this as a movie! - Brad Witbeck
A majestic odyssey, narrated with a humility that could make even the most egotistical peacock blush. Filled with humor so gentle that it could tame a wild lion. The fearless innocence and elegance of Apple embraces every daunting adventure and nerve-wracking encounter with the grace of a ballerina. Not all memoirs got the memo on how to be engaging, but this one nailed it! So captivating that it had me hooked like a fish on a line, unable to escape its literary lure! - Miguyver
Excerpts of Reviews on Content:
Nuggets for establishing and embracing life like curiosity, fearlessness, relationship management, thankfulness, and appreciation. - James Emery
It lies in its ability to infuse ordinary moments with extraordinary significance. Apple's voyage becomes a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity, and the lessons she learns along the way are universal in their appeal. Her narrative resonates deeply, serving as a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of embracing diversity. - Lester W.
Excerpts of Reviews on Emotions and Effects:
This hidden gem of a memoir will lift your spirits and touch your heart. Read it soon and share it with others! - Fran Green
Left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and uplifting read. The young woman serves as an amazing role model for women everywhere, encouraging us to follow our hearts, heads, and spirits and pursue our dreams with passion and purpose. - Igor Kirko
Will make you feel a wide range of emotions that will grab you and stir your soul for a long time. You'll want to read this book again and again because of how deep the story is and how much of an effect it has. - Robbie Jones
The story often made me think, stop, and take the time to smell the roses. An's true story telling is so fragrant. - Jill Shoob
Makes you appreciate the simple things. - Janessa Werhane
You will make a wonderful, warm, determined new friend with this story. - Sarah Wiles
Excerpts of Reviews on Future Stories:
I hope that there's more to come. - Charles Martin Cosgriff
I cannot wait for the sequel, what I'm sure will be another walk in the park, another bouquet. - Jill Shoob
Such a great read, waiting for the next book to see the journey continue in Austin! - T. Owla
I'm eager for her to write how her life progressed after her move to Austin Texas. I find myself very invested. - Shaden Elkhatib
It's worth noting that this is Apple's debut work, and its significance cannot be understated as it marks a pivotal point in her life, serving as the steppingstone from which she launched her literary exploration of the stories that shaped her life before and after the events depicted here. - Lester W.
