In a world full of canceled plans, take heart! Guide Groups won’t cancel on you. We’re TCKs. We got this.
I’m a bit of a self-proclaimed expert on the long distance relationship. And probably not just the kind you’re thinking of, either.
We’re diving into the key themes and topics that TCKs can relate to from this timeless classic.
Good evening, Kaleidoscope nation. We're coming to you live from the North Shore of Massachusetts. This is the last stop on this wild, wild journey.
I am from Manila, where oceans of people meet oceans of cars.
I am from Taiwan, where the scents of my childhood fill my belly.
I am from Hong Kong, where the buildings smile coldly and the streets tell a story.
I am from the seaside, where what I don’t know and do know crash together.
I am from the hilltop, where ants heard our secrets and ate our lunches.
I am from the jungle, where trees spied on us and birds laughed with us.
I am from my father, whose emotions fly and pride stands still.
I am from my mother, where wisdom has eyes and a heart has ears.
I am from my brother, where mistakes are stubborn and a song is always giving.
I am from my sister, where blame never points a finger and kindness always lends a hand.
Alright guys, let’s be honest. The moods and emotions of someone who grew up overseas are turbulent and ever-changing. One day, we’re so well-adjusted and content with where we are in life and in the world (“Mature adult who doesn’t have any emotional baggage from a lifetime of goodbyes? That’s me!”). The next day we’re suddenly making a bee-line for the airport with a backpack of necessities and the cheapest international economy ticket on the market (“Just kidding. Get me out of this black hole of domestic American living.”).
Okay…maybe it’s not that extreme (for some of us). But TCKs and travel-lovers alike are definitely subject to some emotional, flighty tendencies. Luckily, there are a few stories that have calmed me down on my more extreme “I-don’t-belong-here” days. So, here it is: a list of seven books to satisfy the quirky moods of a TCK.
1. For when you want a flashback to your unconventional 90’s childhood:
Peanut Butter Friends in a Chop Suey World by Deb Brammer— Okay, all you MKs out there probably had a copy of this book shoved in your face at some point in your childhood. If not, let me give you a brief synopsis. Young American girl moves to Taiwan as an MK. Goes to international school. Makes friends. Learns to like authentic Asian food. Basically, if life overseas was an hour-long Focus on the Family radio special, it would be this book.
2. For when you just want to pack up and leave everything (again)
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer— If the story of Chris McCandless doesn’t encourage your wanderlust, then I don’t know what will. Abandoning a life of prestigious degrees, white-picket fences, financial security, and even his own name, Chris burns all of his bridges (and his money) and treks from the Southwest to Alaska. His extremely inspiring and tragic story will certainly leave you itching to pack your bags and hit the road.
3. For when you feel like you don’t fit the status quo:
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare— Raised in Barbados, with a later move to conservative, 17th century Connecticut, Kit Tyler is a textbook TCK. This chick goes through some major culture-shock moments (i.e. she gets mistaken for a witch just because she knows how to swim). This may be a children’s book, but you’ll find yourself connecting with Kit’s struggle to find belonging in a culture vastly different from anything she’s ever known.
4. For when the reverse culture shock hits you hard:
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín— Oh, this book will pull at your heartstrings in the most painful way possible. A story of loving and leaving, Brooklyn tells of an Irish girl named Eilís who emigrates to the East Coast. The theme of missing her birthplace and making a life for herself in her new home is woven throughout the whole book. Get ready to cry when you read this one. (P.S. The movie is equally magnificent and emotionally traumatic. Warning: the quote below may leave you in tears. Proceed with caution.)
5. For when you're craving some [obviously-superior-to-American] cuisine:
The Hundred-Food Journey by Richard C. Morais— Travel. Mouth-watering descriptions of Indian-French fusion dishes. This book has it all. If you’ve been especially missing that homey comfort dish from your field country, be careful. This book may tip you over the edge and force you to buy a plane ticket immediately.
6. For when you need reminding that your overseas experience really wasn’t that bad:
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver— This story is quite literally the Greek tragedy of missionary endeavors. 1 abusive father plus 1 country in political turmoil plus 4 daughters and a wife subjected to the oppressive expectations put upon them by culture equals a freaking train wreck. Need a little reality check? Read this book. Your life really isn’t that bad.
7. For when you’re (still) trying to figure out where home is:
At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh Oxenreider— This memoir follows the story of Tsh and Kyle Oxenreider, a couple of Americans who spent most of their early married life abroad and feel much more at home outside their home country than within. As soon as their children are old enough to carry their own backpacks, the family decides to leave their motherland once again and become, as O. Henry puts it, “citizens of the world.” Tsh is basically the mother we all want to become, and her grapple with what “home” means will leave you saying, “Me, too.”
Kids, don't try this at home. Talk to your parents about dating if you're under 18, and definitely if you're over 18. When you are ready to go for it, here are 10 reasons to choose a third culture kid!
1. We know people all over the world. You'll have a free couch to sleep on in almost every country you visit.
Get excited.
2. When you get promoted and your job moves you overseas, they'll be happier than you are.
First of all, congrats.
3. Their trivia knowledge is on point, although you may need to educate them about what happened in the 90's.
Who's that kid with the football shaped head?
I think I saw one of these at a garage sale once.
We know literally one Spice Girls song, and that is it.
4. They'll be able to impress and relate to your friends and family in three seconds.
5. There will never be a lull in conversation; they love to talk about themselves.
Yes!
6. Their [swearing] vocabulary spans multiple languages.
7. Meeting the parents might not be an issue, since they're a $2,000 plane ride away.
Crisis averted
8. If date plans go wrong, don't worry–you'll find them incredibly flexible.
9. For your birthday they'll buy you a plane ticket!
Where are we going?
10. It might take a while, but once they love you, they'll love you forever.
xoxo,
the Kazakh Nomads
