A collection of 36 extraordinary stories originally told on stage, featuring work by writers, entertainers, thinkers, and community leaders. Spanning comedy and tragedy, Alien Nation brilliantly illuminates what itâs like to be an immigrant in America.
America would not be America without its immigrants. This anthology, adapted from storytelling event âThis Alien Nation,â captures firsthand the past and present of immigration in all its humor, pain, and weirdness. Contributorsâsome well-known, others regular (and fascinating) peopleâshare moments from their lives, reminding us that immigration is not just a word dropped in the news (simplified to something you are âforâ or âagainstâ), but a worldârich with unique voices, perspectives, and experiences.
Travel from the Central Park playground where âtattle-talesâ among nannies inspire Christine Lewisâs activism to an Alexandrian garden half a century ago courtesy of writer AndrĂ© Aciman. Visit a refugee camp in Gaza as described by actress and comedian Maysoon Zayid, and follow Intersex activist Tatenda Ngwaru as she flees Zimbabwe with dreams of meeting Oprah. Witness efforts from comedian Aparna Nancherla's mother to make Aparna less shy, and Orange is the New Black's Laura GĂłmez makes an unlikely connection in a bed-and-breakfast.
Compelling and inspirational, Alien Nation is a celebration of immigration and an exploration of culture shock, isolation and community, loneliness and hope, heartbreak and promiseâitâs a poignant reminder of our shared humanity at a time we need it greatly, and a thoughtful, entertaining tribute to cultural diversity.
Whether you're an immigrant yourself or simply interested in the history and culture of immigration in the United States, Alien Nation by Sofija Stefanovic is a must-read. This anthology of stories and essays offers a diverse and nuanced look at the immigrant experience, with contributions from writers of color, LGBTQ authors, and undocumented immigrants.