First published 2017
Chopra presents America through the experiences of thirty-four immigrant voices who shaped the nation. The collection spans centuries of arrivals, from scientists like Albert Einstein to artists like Audrey Hepburn and musicians like Celia Cruz. Each poem captures a different journey to American shores and the contributions these newcomers made to their adopted homeland. Yo-Yo Ma's musical genius joins Einstein's scientific breakthroughs and Cruz's cultural influence in verses that trace how diverse backgrounds converge into shared citizenship. Twelve accompanying songs provide musical meditations on belonging and acceptance. The collection argues that immigration built America's foundation and continues driving its progress. Chopra weaves together stories of struggle and achievement, showing how different paths lead to the same destination. The work invites readers to consider what makes a place feel like home, whether through geography or community.
Genres: american, biography-memoir, 21st-century, cultural, cultural-studies, american-history
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-journey
Setting: America, United States
Period: Centuries
88 pages · Hardcover · Grand Central Publishing