A Beginner's Guide to America

For the Immigrant and the Curious

By: Roya Hakakian

Narrated by: Roya Hakakian

A stirring, witty, and poignant glimpse into the bewildering American immigrant experience from someone who has lived it. Hakakian's "love letter to the nation that took her in [is also] a timely reminder of what millions of human beings endure when they uproot their lives to become Americans by choice" (The Boston Globe).

Into the maelstrom of unprecedented contemporary debates about immigrants in the United States, this perfectly timed book gives us a portrait of what the new immigrant experience in America is really like.

Written as a "guide" for the newly arrived, and providing "practical information and advice", Roya Hakakian, an immigrant herself, reveals what those who settle here love about the country, what they miss about their homes, the cruelty of some Americans, and the unceasing generosity of others. She captures the texture of life in a new place in all its complexity, laying bare both its beauty and its darkness as she discusses race, sex, love, death, consumerism, and what it is like to be from a country that is in America's crosshairs.

Her tenderly perceptive and surprisingly humorous account invites us to see ourselves as we appear to others, making it possible for us to rediscover our many American gifts through the perspective of the outsider. In shattering myths and embracing painful contradictions that are unique to this place, A Beginner's Guide to America is Hakakian's candid love letter to America.

©2021 Roya Hakakian (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[Hakakian is] the most eloquent interpreter of ‘the immigrant’ writing today.” (Lesley Stahl, correspondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes)

"A Beginner’s Guide to America is a striking and beautiful work: both a genuinely practical primer for newcomers to America, and a deeply personal account of Arrival - an event that underlies nearly every American life. Roya Hakakian provides a timely, entertaining, historically rich reminder of the hope and opportunity this country has offered to so many, for so long, and the rewards it has reaped in return.” (Jennifer Egan, author of Manhattan Beach)

“[Her] observation takes the seemingly banal into the realm of the profound and is characteristic of Hakakian’s honest and beautiful book.... Hers is a 'guide,' yes, but of an amicable kind. She offers counsel to readers, not commandments, and although her book could be seen as a love letter to America, it is one that’s been written by an exacting lover who isn’t blind to this country’s flaws.” (Tunku Varadarajan, The Wall Street Journal)

A Must Read

A superb book for anyone wishing for insight into the immigrant experience. The author’s narration enhanced the experience.

very true

as an immigrant, I can say that this book depicts an immigrants experience in the united States with accuracy. it is very well written and told as s story that captures the audience's attention all the way to the end.

Eye opening

This book should be required reading in every American high school. It describes aspects of the refugee/immigrant experience that even the longest magazine articles ignore, and it also made me think about things I take for granted as an American. Parts of it were very funny, and others, rather sad.

Un believable book

This book makes me laugh and cry probably more crying. The content gives me the joy and the sadness but Empower you for for bright hope and future. It is very touchy and extremely informative. It must be read by all humanity. 🥲.
I am an Iraqi who has arrived less than three years ago 🥲. I feel You wrote this book specifically for me. Thank so much Roya.
I love America very much and you a provided to me she dose so to me 😍.