5 Star Review
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Editorial Book Review:
By Cameron Cooper
This touching anthology, edited by Dr. Vicky Giouroukakis, provides a profoundly personal and introspective insight into the lives of immigrants' descendants. Growing Up in an Immigrant Household and Community is a collection of essays that were written by immigrants. The book reflects the universal experiences of managing the often challenging paradox of clinging onto one's cultural roots while assimilating into a new country via articles that span numerous cultures and generations.
One thing that sets this collection distinct from others is its genuineness. The voices of the contributors, all of whom have lived through the experience of growing up in immigrant households, bring to life the plethora of feelings that are associated with identification, belonging, and the expectations of a culture. Divided into thematic sections such as "Challenges and Hardships" and "Fond Childhood Memories of the Immigrant Community," each essay offers a glimpse into the diverse ways immigrant families have shaped the lives of their children. Some stories are filled with nostalgia—descriptions of the smell of family meals, neighborhood gatherings, and the unique cultural traditions passed down through generations. Some people explain the more significant challenges that they face, such as being divided between two different worlds, overcoming language obstacles, or managing the prejudices that are prevalent in society.
One particularly compelling section focuses on food as a symbol of love, tradition, and connection to one’s heritage. This book takes the reader into the kitchens of immigrant families, where food is not only a basic need but also a way to keep national traditions alive and bring together people of different ages. Additionally, the literary works look at the strength of immigrant parents and grandparents who, even though they had to give up many things in order to make life better for their family, never gave up on improving their own lives.
Giouroukakis skillfully curates these stories, ensuring that while each essay is unique, together they paint a cohesive picture of the immigrant experience. The book doesn’t shy away from the difficulties—racism, financial struggles, and the sense of not quite fitting in anywhere—but it also celebrates the strength, wisdom, and love that immigrant families offer.
Anyone interested in the emotional complexities of immigration should read Growing Up in an Immigrant Household and Community. Family, identity, and belonging are universal themes in this instructional and heartwarming book.
About the Author
Vicky Giouroukakis
Vicky Giouroukakis, PhD, (née Vasiliki Menexas), is an Associate Professor in the Division of Education at Molloy College, Rockville Centre, New York. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses to prospective and practicing secondary English teachers and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. Prior to her tenure at Molloy, Vicky taught English at a public high school in Queens, New York, and ESL to adolescents and adults. She also taught at Manhattanville College and Queens College, CUNY. Her research interests include adolescent literacy, standards and assessment, teacher education, and cultural and linguistic diversity. Her work has been featured in books and scholarly journals, and she frequently presents at regional, national, and international conferences. In 2010, Vicky was the recipient of the Educator of Excellence Award by the New York State English Council. She has been interested in standards and assessment and how they affect teaching and learning ever since she began teaching. Moreover, her dissertation work was on the impact of state assessments in English on instructional practice. Vicky received a master’s degree in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also received a master’s degree in TESOL and a doctorate in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania. Vicky resides in New York with her supportive husband and three loving children.
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