I’ve been very drawn to a variety of nonfiction lately. Some strengthen my knowledge and capacity to do my best in my professional life, and some strengthen my capacity to be a better person. American Like Me speaks to the latter.

The book is a collection of personal essays written by prominent people in the entertainment and political arenas. Each author shares a piece of his or her own life experience growing up between cultures–American and another. There are stories from immigrants, first generation Americans, indigenous persons, and others who grew up with deep ties to a different culture.

I really enjoyed this book. Some accounts are funny, some are heartbreaking, and some are stirring for myriad other reasons. But what they all have in common is a passionate honest to share their own American experience.