A Different Mirror

A History of Multicultural America

By: Ronald Takaki

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Upon its first publication, A Different Mirror was hailed by critics and academics everywhere as a dramatic new retelling of our nation's past. Beginning with the colonization of the New World, it recounts the history of America in the voice of the non-Anglo peoples of the United States---Native Americans, African Americans, Jews, Irish Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, and others---groups who helped create this country's rich mosaic culture. From the role of black soldiers in preserving the Union to the history of Chinese Americans from 1900 to 1941, from an investigation into the issue of "illegal" immigrants from Mexico to a look at the sudden visibility of Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Takaki's work is a remarkable achievement that grapples with the raw truth of American history and examines the ultimate question of what it means to be an American.

©1993 Carol Takaki (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A valuable survey of the American experience of several racial and ethnic minorities: readable popular history in the mode of Takaki's Strangers from a Different Shore." ( Kirkus)

It’s the history of all American’s

This book connected many of the holes from my education and family stories. I appreciate the non-partisan writing and personal accounts.

Very informative

Narration voice is great quality, doesn't sound robotic or rehearsed. Story is very interesting and informative. I hated history for a long time and this book gave me a fresh perspective.

Absolutely,, educational.

this book has enlighten my view on history. i. now have a new perspective on America.

Assigned reading for ethnic studies class

Great book and story telling by takaki. Everything tied together overall. 10/10 a must read

Huhn 👋👀

A long and drawnout book.
At times it was interesting and was a quick Crete well other chapters were years and years long or so it felt.
For a college class
If you want to know the real history of America read this book what you learned in grade school isn't even come close to the truth!

One of the Best Books

An incredible story of racism in America and how we can frame the current events of 2020. Wow bravo. Thank you.

A Necessary Mirror

This is an excellent book which provides a fascinating account of the many minorities, their attitudes, and the struggles, prejudices, hostilities and as well as acceptances encountered over a wide span of U.S. history. As immigrants to the United States from Mexico and other lands today face increasingly shrill hostility and restrictive laws, "A Different Mirror" is a necessary mirror that reflects a history that has been missed, if not entirely left out of the discussions about immigration and multiculturalism and the conventional historical narrative, or whatever exists thereof. Needless to say, this is a book which is sure to engender humility and compassion. It deserves a large audience. Although at the very start the production sounded a bit tinny, the sound quality and reading turned out to be exceptionally good.

A Book Everyone Should Read

This was a very good listen. It can be hard at times to hear the details of the ways that non-whites have been treated in this country, but it's necessary. Takaki goes through many of the most numerous minority groups in America and tells their history. There's some terrific information, specifically concerning Irish, Jewish, Chinese, and Japanese Americans.

Fantastic History Book

This book is required reading for every American. Learning about the different people that make up our country made me a better person.

History lesson

This one book taught me more about our diverse nation, than 12 years of public school ever did! Highly recommend