Where is America?
An African Immigrant's Portrait of the Quest to Achieve the Elusive American Dream
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About the Book
A few years ago, what started as a diary
entry while as a student at Central
Missouri State University, became a
memoir "The Open Road: An African
Walking." The memoir was received with
overwhelming success.With it came new
challenges and questions. Some readers
wanted to know whether Ababio ever
went back to Kenya, his view of both race
and relations between black Americans
and Africans. Some wanted to know
whether the political situation in Kenya
ever changed. There were also questions
as to whether he ever made it in
corporate America and integrated into the
larger American society or did he remain
forever a stranger.
Where Is America? starts from
the time he returns to America. Here
Ababio walks us through his day-to-day
experiences after his return from Africa.
He brings to fold the cultural mannerisms
that despite years in the America are hard
to leave behind. Through him we see
transformations and feel the glorious
experience of transcending from alien
stranger to citizen. From stranger to
a member of the American family.
He reflects on his role as citizen in his
new society, where success depends
on how far one can go and nostalgically
crystallizes the pain of leaving native land
and detachment from childhood friends
who time has dispersed to various parts of
the diaspora. Yet, Where is America? is
more than a personal journey through the
new land, it is a portrait of the reality and
quest for the American dream.
"A captivating recollection of one man's growth and experiences that come with his journey and settling in the US. Almost addictive, a tale like conversation with an old friend."
Melissa, Tonganoxie Kansas.
"I was blown away, an incredible gift to share with mankind."
(Seattle, WA USA).
"Ababio vividly chronicles his adventures from Kenya to the United States as an international student. Through his words, we feel the changes he goes through moving from one culture to another so starkly different. Many will easily relate to this story and enjoy it tremendously."
Mashada Book Reviews (USA)
"Ababio writes flawlessly, and the dialogue is well planned and executed."
The African Voice.
"Simple, straight-forward and touching rendition of author's journey to America."
East African Standard.
"Good, commendable and simply a masterpiece."
J.M. Nyasani, (professor of Philosophy at the University of Nairobi) and Author Of Forever A Stranger.
"Ababio brings out a desire for people to gain anew perspective on those whose difference is the color of their skin."
The Sun Newspapers.
"Ababio writes as an outsider caught up in the crossfire of two American societies."
The Daily Star Journal
About the Author
Ababio. O. Ababio was born and grew up in Kenya. In 1986 he left his native country and moved to attend University in the United States where upon graduation he decided to settle. A chemist by profession, he writes as a hobby and is the author of several poems, including By shoes of Native land (1999) and The Leak In Our House (1999). He is currently working on a narrative “At The Crossroads We Made A Wrong Turning” due in December. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas.