What is your favorite quote from this book?

[Melisa Jane]

This is a discussion topic for the February 2024 Book of the Month, "Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes" by Ali Master.

What is your favorite quote from this book?

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

I want to preface this by saying the quote that struck me the most isn't uplifting or traditionally inspiring. Instead, what lingered with me was tied to the author's trauma, specifically: "I truly believed that hiding was for the best, and that dealing with problems alone was normal."
Reflecting on the author's repeated experiences of trauma was profoundly moving. Learning that such experiences were not unique to him but rather disturbingly common among boys his age was devastating. Additionally, the fact that he was punished for the abuse he endured at just 11 years old filled me with anger. Parents play a pivotal role in a child's life; they should be paragons and pillars of trust to whom children can bring their every concern. When he was punished at 11 for something inflicted upon him, it ingrained in him the belief that he was at fault. The idea that he felt unable to share his struggles with his parents is both infuriating and heartbreaking. Hearing about his traumatic experiences has profoundly affected me as a parent, underscoring the importance of being attuned to my child's needs and desires, now and in the future. The notion that a child should deal with problems alone or that hiding is the solution only exacerbates their sense of isolation from friends and loved ones.

[RJ Reviews]

My favorite quote from this book would undoubtedly be "Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to believe in you."
This quote is very close to my heart. Though we're our biggest supporter, sometimes it is important to get recognition from others too. Being acknowledged is important for our self-esteem. It goes a long way when someone praises our efforts and give a pat on our back.

[Surabhi Rani]

My favorite quote from the book is 'Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!' The author saw these words in a movie displayed to him as the plane descended to New York City while on his way to attend the University of Texas. He witnessed the Statue of Liberty sitting on the plane's left side. The movie flashed a close-up of those powerful words engraved on the pedestal upon which the Statue rests.

The words of the aforementioned quote explain the theme of the book to readers and enlighten them about the vast possibilities and opportunities of life that lay in front of anyone taking refuge in the country and its people.

America welcomes those whom the world rejects and invites immigrants to take shelter and enter through its golden door.

[Onuoha Joy]

My favorite quote from this book would undoubtedly be "Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to believe in you."