The book describes the author's experiences in China during the 1989 "Beijing Spring." It moves to India, and then Kenya at the time of the American Embassy bombing in Nairobi. "From the Chinese army's crackdown in Tiananmen Square to Al Qaeda's terror attacks on the American Embassy in Nairobi, Joanne and Jim Huskey have been on the front lines of some of the most dramatic moments in recent historyJim as a U.S. Foreign Service officer, Joanne as his intrepid partner. A compelling political thriller, colorful adventure story, and well-written travel-ogue, The Unofficial Diplomat provides a revealing behind-the-scenes glimpse of what life is really like for our diplomats and their families as they face the challenges of representing the United States while seeking to carve out a semblance of normal existence in a tumultuous world. A wonderful read." MIKE CHINOY, former CNN Senior Asia Corrrespondent "This book provides a wonderful insight into the highs and lows, the exuberance and terrors, of a life well lived in the Foreign Service. Read the part about the al Qaeda bombing of the Nairobi embassy in 1998 and you will understand how the mindset and personal leadership of community members like Joanne helped us accomplish extraordinary things against great odds. The Unofficial Diplomat makes clear why Foreign Service spouses and family members deserve such respect and affection." PRUDENCE BUSHNELL, former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya and Guatemala "The Huskeys brought enthusiasm and exuberance to their two China postings, backed by a profound interest in the history and culture of China. And when faced with the tragedy of Tiananmen in June 1989, while Jim Huskey performed brilliantly, applying his creativity and adventurous spirit to get the account right, Joanne was with him all the way. Her diverse talents and humanity brought two worlds closer together. Both understand the importance and appeal of Taiwan and yet clearly know the power of China in our future. A very good bookread it!" JAMES R. LILLEY, former U.S. Ambassador to China and former Director of the American Institute in Taiwan
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
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I read this book because I am an American who lived in Kenya and was interested to hear about another woman's experiences living abroad. I couldn't put this book down. Joanne has lived through some of the turning points international history (Tiannamen Square, Nairobi Bombing) and hearing her stories from the point of view of a mother, businesswoman, and diplomats wife was fascinating. I highly recommend this book for anybody interested in foreign policy, travel, and reading about a strong, resourceful woman. Very inspiring.
Joanne Grady Huskey, a diplomat's wife, who has lived through such international crisis as Tiannaman Square and the bombing of our American Embassy in Nirobi, shares her personal experences in a fast paced book full of adventures most of us only dream of.
Hers was an eventful, exciting and productive lifestyle in the foreign service. Sharing how she gives back to each posting, whether it's establishing her own company, Global Adjustments, to chairing the American Women's Association where she raised money to aid Nirobi bomb vicitims, Joanne exemplifies the epitome of giving of herself.
Though some descriptions of her adventures felt embellished and colored over, especially in her third world postings, I found it a good read, particularly for any expat looking for a relatable description of this lifestyle.
-Laura Wilson
Hers was an eventful, exciting and productive lifestyle in the foreign service. Sharing how she gives back to each posting, whether it's establishing her own company, Global Adjustments, to chairing the American Women's Association where she raised money to aid Nirobi bomb vicitims, Joanne exemplifies the epitome of giving of herself.
Though some descriptions of her adventures felt embellished and colored over, especially in her third world postings, I found it a good read, particularly for any expat looking for a relatable description of this lifestyle.
-Laura Wilson
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Robin Pascoe
Nothing made me happier than when Joanne Grady Huskey succeeded in publishing her extraordinary story and experiences as the wife of an American diplomat in China, India and Kenya. "The Unofficial Diplomat: A Memoir" (New Academia Publishing) released in late 2009 was truly twenty years in the making.
I met Joanne when we were both posted in Beijing, China in the early 1990s. But I arrived a year after that country's political turning point of 1989 and the crackdown in Tiananmen Square. Joanne, however, was right in the thick of it and writes superbly about the events people only saw from CNN. She offers perspective literally from the ground level. I also was fortunate to carry on some of her work with the Beijing International Volunteers, which she created to assist with disabled Chinese orphans (many of whom had the sole disability of being girl-babies.) The first time I saw the youngsters performing in wheel chairs was extraordinarily moving, and it was all due to Joanne's fine work (her own background is in dancing) and committment to them.
From China, Joanne and her family moved to India (where she started a cross-cultural business and what eventually became the American School of Chennai where coincidentally, I lectured in 2008!) and to Kenya, where she once again got caught up in political events when the American Embassy in Nairobi was bombed. As a writer (and not Joanne's stalker!) I would say these kinds of circumstances lead to great reportage but Joanne never exploits her experiences, but rather informs and enlightens the reader of both world events in the larger view, and daily life for a diplomatic spouse in more intimate day-to-day living matters.... Read more ›
I met Joanne when we were both posted in Beijing, China in the early 1990s. But I arrived a year after that country's political turning point of 1989 and the crackdown in Tiananmen Square. Joanne, however, was right in the thick of it and writes superbly about the events people only saw from CNN. She offers perspective literally from the ground level. I also was fortunate to carry on some of her work with the Beijing International Volunteers, which she created to assist with disabled Chinese orphans (many of whom had the sole disability of being girl-babies.) The first time I saw the youngsters performing in wheel chairs was extraordinarily moving, and it was all due to Joanne's fine work (her own background is in dancing) and committment to them.
From China, Joanne and her family moved to India (where she started a cross-cultural business and what eventually became the American School of Chennai where coincidentally, I lectured in 2008!) and to Kenya, where she once again got caught up in political events when the American Embassy in Nairobi was bombed. As a writer (and not Joanne's stalker!) I would say these kinds of circumstances lead to great reportage but Joanne never exploits her experiences, but rather informs and enlightens the reader of both world events in the larger view, and daily life for a diplomatic spouse in more intimate day-to-day living matters.... Read more ›
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Jo Parfitt
This is a page turner. Joanne Grady Huskey is no ordinary expat wife. She is one of those people who try to BE the change they want to see. From starting the now 700 strong American school in Chennai, to raising money to help victims of the Nairobi Embassy bombing in which she too (and her kids) were involved, to learning the language and making friends with the locals everywhere she and her husband have lived, the author is one in a million. She doesn't dabble in amateur dramatics, she takes shows on the road. She does not help a few newcomers to settle in she founds what is now a relocation company with 40 employees. From China to India to Kenya and Taiwan, you won't believe the experiences of this 'normal' diplomatic family. Joanne is a great writer too, who tells her story in a compelling way. Her descriptions of each of the places and people leap off the page. I loved this book and immediately felt I wanted to shake the hand of this amazing woman. If you thought expat wives drank gin fizz and had their nails done all day then think again. If you think expat wives are just 'trailing spouses' and have to sit out their charmed life in golden handcuffs unable to fulfil their career, read this, you will soon realise you can do anything if you set your mind to it. Joanne did. If you want to write your memoir of life abroad this one will show you how it's done.
Release The Book Within
Release The Book Within
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Joanne Grady Huskey is an embodiment of the Hillary Clinton message that she quotes in her book (included below). Be it in Washington DC, China, India, Kenya or Taiwan, Joanne is a bold example of how all of us can truly get involved in the places in which we live and strive to make a difference as unofficial diplomats.
From being inside the US Embassy with her children in Nairobi when it was bombed, to being on the ground in Beijing during the sad events at Tiananmen Square in 1989, to acting in Bollywood, co-founding a relocation company and an international school in India, volunteering for the Chinese Disabled People's Foundation, being stranded in the Kenyan bush and more, Joanne has seemingly done it all. Which is why her book is so interesting.
On a side note, one of the things that stood out to me in Joanne's memoir was that Joanne, one of the strongest women that I have come across (or read about, as is the case with Joanne) in the expat field, struggled each and every time that she relocated. As someone who has just relocated again, and someone who hears about others' relocations on a daily basis (through ExpatWomen.com), I took comfort in the fact that even the strongest among us are only human, and that relocations (and the associated culture shock, where applicable) are indeed a very real challenge, regardless of how many times you've been sent abroad before. Take heart everyone!
Congratulations on a brilliantly-interesting and very well-written memoir, Joanne.
Quote in Joanne's book:
"In today's world, we need not only the professional diplomats who serve in our foreign services and represent our country to one another. We need the citizen diplomats who realize that there is no escape. We are in this together.... Read more ›
From being inside the US Embassy with her children in Nairobi when it was bombed, to being on the ground in Beijing during the sad events at Tiananmen Square in 1989, to acting in Bollywood, co-founding a relocation company and an international school in India, volunteering for the Chinese Disabled People's Foundation, being stranded in the Kenyan bush and more, Joanne has seemingly done it all. Which is why her book is so interesting.
On a side note, one of the things that stood out to me in Joanne's memoir was that Joanne, one of the strongest women that I have come across (or read about, as is the case with Joanne) in the expat field, struggled each and every time that she relocated. As someone who has just relocated again, and someone who hears about others' relocations on a daily basis (through ExpatWomen.com), I took comfort in the fact that even the strongest among us are only human, and that relocations (and the associated culture shock, where applicable) are indeed a very real challenge, regardless of how many times you've been sent abroad before. Take heart everyone!
Congratulations on a brilliantly-interesting and very well-written memoir, Joanne.
Quote in Joanne's book:
"In today's world, we need not only the professional diplomats who serve in our foreign services and represent our country to one another. We need the citizen diplomats who realize that there is no escape. We are in this together.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Don't Know If I Should Buy This
As an aspiring diplomat, I'm always happy to find books and blogs about Foreign Service life, especially when the spouse/family of an FSO is telling the story. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Jennifer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational and Educational
Joanne's book is like digging into a wonderfully satisfying meal, with multiple courses and different tastes to savor -- an entertaining combination of gusto and subtlety. Read more
Published on December 20, 2009 by Reed Goodman
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