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Books on transition abound. These are a few we think are worth reading.
After the Boxes are Unpacked: Moving on After Moving In by Susan Miller - Not specifically about cross-cultural adjustment but about moving and the loneliness, trauma, needs, challenges that accompany it. Addressed specifically to women, but applicable to whole family. Organized in three sections: letting go, starting over, moving ahead.
Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between by Christopher O’Shaughnessy - Everyone’s got a story to tell. Growing up and transitioning cross-culturally can present unexpected challenges and bestow surprising skills. This is a book of adventures to help identify some of those challenges and use some of those skills.
Burn-up or Splash Down: Surviving the Culture Shock of Re-entry by Marion Knell - Just like a space shuttle struggles and strains to re-enter the earth’s atmosphere, so those returning from living overseas can find themselves confused and in a state of panic at coming home. While people anticipate that going overseas will require major changes in their lifestyles and thinking, few anticipate the difficulties they will face upon return.
Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You’re Transplanted by Carol G. Stratton - The author of this book is very experienced in moving (22 moves in the US) and offers some helpful insights to help those moving to cling to their faith during times of change. Although her experiences have all been domestic moves, her suggestions and insights are easily transferable for international moves. See also her website: Carol G Stratton.
Expatriate Relocation: How to Handle the Emotional Issues When Relocating by Gundryn Kittel-Thong - Moving is one of the more stressful times in a person’s life, and that is compounded when the relocation involves moving to another country. Covering the chronological experiences and emotional phases people go through when relocating, particularly internationally, Gudrun Kittel-Thong’s comprehensive guide can help prevent (most) of the pitfalls that await.
The Expert Expat: Your Guide to Successful Relocation Abroad by Melissa Brayer Hess and Patricia Linderman - The book’s practical advice and encouragement help to ease challenges and create rewarding experiences while living abroad.
Families on the Move by Marion Knell - This book helps these parents take their kids through the awkward and frustrating third-culture kid moments.
Looming Transitions: Starting and Finishing Well in Cross-Cultural Service by Amy Young - When facing a transition, many tend to focus on what is coming or what is being left behind rather than focusing on the process of transition. Yet thinking about the process can make the difference between a smooth entry and re-entry or a decidedly bumpy landing. This guide deals with the practical issues of transition.
Making Peace with Change: Navigating Life’s Messy Transitions with Honesty and Grace by Gina Brenna Butz - Change is hard, but Gina Brenna Butz shares how God is working in the difficult times. Instead of resigning ourselves to merely trying to survive change, it is possible to make peace with change.
Moving with Kids: 25 Ways to Ease Your Family’s Transition to a New Home by Lori Collins Burgan - A no-nonsense, compassionate guide to helping children deal with the stress, trauma, and potential excitement of relocating.
A Portable Identity: A Woman’s Guide to Maintaining A Sense of Self While Moving by Debra R. Bryson and Charise M. Hoge - This book is written by two former expatriate spouses who are also counselors. The book educates and empowers expatriate spouses to take charge of the changes in identity that occur during an international relocation.
Raising Global Nomads: Parenting Abroad in an On-Demand World by Robin Pascoe - In her fifth book for expatriate families, the author recounts with honesty and trademark humour what worked for her family and shares the hard lessons learned.
Returning Well: Your Guide to Thriving Back “Home” by Melissa Chaplin - Returning Well invites you into a guided conversation with your Creator that will reveal and apply invaluable insights as you reflect on your recent season of cross-cultural service. By using Returning Well, you will discover how this season influenced you, how to re-integrate well, and what moving forward in faith means for you.
Sojourner’s Workbook: A Guide to Thriving Cross-Culturally by Connie Befus - This book helps process the stresses of living cross-culturally.
Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds by David Pollock, Ruth Van Reken & Michael V. Pollock - The “premiere” book on TCKs with many insights and recommendations regarding helping them maximize the advantages of their lifestyle and working through the challenges.
This Messy Mobile Life by Mariam Navaid Ottimofior - Comprises personal reflection, expert advice, and survey research to help take a family from mess to a life created by design.
Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges - The author takes readers step by step through the stages of any transition. He explains how each stage can be understood and embraced, leading to meaningful and productive movement into a hopeful future.
For more books, view Books on Transition for Children and Youth. You can also download a bibliography of some of the resources at Resources for Transitions.
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