Official Review: How They Made It in America

Post by **bookowlie** » 15 Apr 2019, 14:52

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "How They Made It in America" by Fiona Citkin, Ph.D..]

3 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

How They Made It in America by Fiona Citkin is a non-fiction book about the lives of eighteen immigrant women and how they each became successful. There is a focus on assimilation, mastering the English language, and dealing with prejudice against minorities. In a separate section, the author provides a set of seven “success values” for immigrants to navigate the waters toward a successful career. A few of these qualities are strategic thinking, perseverance, and communication skills.

I enjoyed reading the accounts of these amazing women’s accomplishments. Many of them came to America with no knowledge of the English language, yet they went on to get advanced college degrees here. A few of them even started their own company. A big hurdle was getting used to cultural differences. For example, Veronica Montes hailed from Mexico, where the culture is for a woman’s place to be “behind the men.” She had to become more assertive in her drive to become a Sociology professor in the U.S.

The people highlighted in this book are worthy of recognition. I appreciate that they have kept their native traditions and cultural pride alive in the U.S. There is a nice variety of native countries represented, such as Venezuela, Ethiopia, China, and Germany. It’s noteworthy that, in most cases, the women aren’t famous; there are a few exceptions, notably Isabel Allende, a well-known author, and Ivana Trump, the President’s ex-wife.

It’s puzzling that an immigrant from England, Edwina Sandys, is in the mix, as there wasn’t the usual language barrier or prejudice to overcome. Also, the inclusion of Ivana Trump feels out of place, since her path to success in America was tied to her ex-husband’s established career.

Although the book contains interesting tidbits, each woman’s story goes on and on…and on. There is an avalanche of minor details about their upbringing, education, achievements, the company they work for, etc. Their successes are admirable, but the writing has a textbook feel.

I believe a streamlined approach would have made this book more engaging. I would have liked a more concise description of each woman’s background and accomplishments. Also, the large number of individual stories makes the book drag along. Like a novel with too many characters, it’s difficult to keep track of who’s who.

The book appears to be carefully proofread and well researched. There is also a nice mix of factual information and helpful advice. The author’s tips are both straightforward and well organized. I can’t say the advice is unique, but it’s convenient to have all of the information together in one book.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Although my interest waxed and waned, there is no doubt these women’s stories are inspiring. I would recommend this book to career-minded women, immigrants in particular, who are looking for role models and practical advice for professional success.

******
How They Made It in America
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like bookowlie's review? Post a comment saying so!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 18 Apr 2019, 15:32

I like to see women overcoming issues. It's nice to see they kept their traditions alive too. I, like you, don't know why they included Ivana Trump. Thanks for the review of this one. I love reading your thoughts.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 18 Apr 2019, 15:52

I really appreciate inspirational stories featuring strong women like this one. Great review!

Post by **bookowlie** » 18 Apr 2019, 19:04

Thanks Kandscreeley and Cecilia! Actually, Ivana Trump did a great job overseeing the renovation and redecoration of the Plaza Hotel in NY and completely managed one of the Atlantic City casinos; I forget the name of the casino, but I'm sure it contained Trump's name in it.

That being said, the other women in the book didn't have a man paving the way for them.

Michgal 32 · Post by **Michgal 32** » 19 Apr 2019, 07:36

Making it in a foreign land is not easy. Many people almost give up, but I am happy that these ladies managed to achieve beyond measure. Thanks for the excellent review.

Post by **bookowlie** » 19 Apr 2019, 08:56

Michgal 32 wrote: ↑19 Apr 2019, 07:36 Making it in a foreign land is not easy. Many people almost give up, but I am happy that these ladies managed to achieve beyond measure. Thanks for the excellent review.

Thanks Michgal32 for the feedback! I was inspired by these women. Many of them came to America with zero knowledge of the English language.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 19 Apr 2019, 15:43

Overcoming the language and cultural barrier is difficult. These women have excelled and inspire others to not give up. It would be interesting to see how different each story is from the others and what they had in common. Thanks for the recommendation.

Janelle Juncos · Post by **Janelle Juncos** » 19 Apr 2019, 22:19

Very cool! I've seen the immigrant experience cropping up in a lot of books lately. Hopefully a good editor can make it more appealing and less textbook-like. Thanks for a great review!

CyndiA1 · Post by **CyndiA1** » 21 May 2019, 01:31

I enjoy reading about women who have "made it" and especially when facing challenges. I'm not so keen on drawn out accounts with unneeded details. This is a book that I might enjoy, but the "on and on" part makes me hesitate. Perhaps the author being a PhD comes into play.