Illegal immigration is one of the nation's most controversial issues today. Most Americans have very strong views on the legal status of immigrants, but do not personally know any of these people or understand what their life is like. In There's No José Here: Following the Hidden Lives of Mexican Immigrants, author Gabriel Thompson introduces his friend Enrique, a 31 year old cab driver in New York who entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico at the age of 16. Thompson, a freelance journalist, provides a detailed account of the hardships that Enrique and his family face. Thompson's book is one way to expand the dialogue on immigration so every American could better understand what life is like for others.
(Vairo Library E184.M5T56 2007)
Ever wonder why music is such a big part of your life? In his book This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession, Daniel J. Levitin describes how people experience music and why it has such a big impact on us. Levitin, who runs the Laboratory for Musical Perception, Cognition, and Expertise at McGill University, tells "the story of how brains and music coevolved" by discussing the links between music, psychology and neuroscience (pg 12). The author explains the elements of music and explores the perception of music in the human brain. This is Your Brain on Music is a fascinating book and would intrigue readers with a scientific, musicial or scholarly mind.
(Vairo Library ML3830.L38 2006)
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Learn more about Asian American history and contemporary issues that Asian Americans face today. Stop by Vairo Library to check out this month's display that includes the great books below.
Asian American Issues discusses eight major issues that face the diverse Asian American population today, including media stereotypes as a "model minority" (a successful minority that excels), transnationalism, panethnicity (different groups of Asian Americans forge a common identity), and generational differences.
(Vairo Library E184.A75D36 2004)
Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians assists students and professionals with understanding Asian cultural influence and how to succeed in the workplace. With case studies and self-assessments, this career guide is useful for Asian Americans and anyone interested in workplace diversity.
(Vairo Library HF5382.5.U5H98 2005)