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Through Alien Eyes: A View of America and Intercultural Marriages

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Due to unique economical, geographical, political, and religious reasons, Americans pay very little attention to how the rest of the world views us. Since we are the only superpower in so many dimensions, we can afford such inattention. However, the world order is changing, and the ground is shifting under our feet. We might want to think twice before labeling ourselves as "Liberators," "Saviors," "Soldiers of God," and "Police of the world." This book covers many aspects of American life - from food to sex, prejudice, misconceptions, education, politics, and so on, providing a unique, interesting, and hilarious starting point for people who are willing to take a second look at themselves, a look Through Alien Eyes, literally.

Merely stepping out the airplane, an immigrant plunges into a struggle for a foothold in this alien county. For one particular group of immigrants - foreign brides - the stakes are unusually high in this battle. They have to deal with stereotypes, misunderstanding, hostility, and cultural differences. They take a gamble on their career, friends, and family for a mere opportunity to find true love and prosperity in the land of their dreams. Some have succeeded while many have not. A few even paid the ultimate price with their lives. Regardless of our attitude toward immigrants, we can all learn something from sweat, tears, and blood they shed in searching for a better life.

From her unique perspective - even if not one of a mail-order bride - the author looks at American life through the prism of a cross-cultural marriage. While every marriage has issues, cultural differences can magnify these issues to a much greater proportion when even a simple task of chopping vegetables can become a flashing point.

Of course, the book couldn't avoid such topic as sex. From the popularity of Viagra we know that the insurmountable American sex drive is way overrated. A reader will find the foreign-born female author's take on this issue most intriguing...

Rarely has an author so eloquently beaten the self righteous American psyche with it's own stick of ignorance as gracefully and colorfully as Ms. Popova.