6+ Favorite Books on Human Migration (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on human migration (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

1. Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

   

   $10.63

   In The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson dives into the Great Migration, where millions of African Americans left the South for the North, seeking a better life away from segregation and racism. I found her exploration of this pivotal moment in American history incredibly powerful. The book combines personal stories with broader themes of hope and systemic racism, revealing the harsh realities that often contradicted the dream of equality. Honestly, I loved everything about it—the structure, the details, and the pacing. It’s a must-read that should be in every history curriculum. I wouldn’t change a thing!

   Pros:

   • The book provides an intimate look at the Great Migration through first-hand accounts.
   • It teaches important lessons about hope, courage, and hard work.
   • The author’s writing style and structure are highly praised.
   • It's a significant part of American history that should be included in every curriculum.

   Cons:

   • Nothing - I wouldn't change a thing.

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   09/24/2025 07:01 am GMT
2. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

   

   $7.99

   In Exit West by Mohsin Hamid, we follow Saeed and Nadia, a couple who fall in love amid a brewing civil war, discovering magical doors that transport them to different countries. The book dives into themes of migration, love, and the search for belonging in a world where borders are increasingly blurred. I loved how Hamid highlights the fragility of life and the quest for new opportunities. Honestly, I’m a huge fan of his work and found nothing to dislike here. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend picking it up!

   Pros:

   • Engaging exploration of migration and belonging
   • Strong themes of love and connection
   • Thought-provoking on mortality and life's fragility

   Cons:

   • Nothing - great read.

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   09/24/2025 08:03 am GMT
3. In The Shadow of The Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

   

   $10.95

   In In The Shadow of The Banyan, Vaddey Ratner shares a gripping story rooted in her family's experiences during Cambodia's tragic Khmer Rouge genocide. The narrative follows Raami, a seven-year-old princess, as her privileged life crumbles amidst civil war, forcing her and her family to navigate unimaginable hardships. I really appreciated the vivid setting, even if the historical backdrop is heavy. The book dives into themes of power, love, and class, but be warned—it’s quite sad, so you’ll want to be in the right mindset to tackle it. Overall, it's a tough yet powerful read.

   Pros:

   • The novel is based on a true story, adding depth.
   • The geographic setting is well depicted.
   • It explores important themes like power and guilt.

   Cons:

   • It's sad, so you need to be in the right mood to enjoy it.

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   09/24/2025 06:01 am GMT
4. The Buddha In The Attic by Julie Otsuka

   

   $9.13

   The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka focuses on the lives of Japanese picture brides who immigrated to America in the early 1900s. The novel is divided into eight sections, capturing their challenging journey and the harsh realities they faced upon arrival, including racism and the pursuit of the American dream. I found the writing to be poetic and deeply moving, shedding light on a significant but often overlooked part of American history. However, be prepared for its heavy themes—it's a sad read that requires the right mindset to fully appreciate it. Overall, it's an incredible novel.

   Pros:

   • Poetic and thoughtful tone
   • Covers an overlooked American experience
   • Incredible novel

   Cons:

   • Very sad and heavy; requires a specific mood to enjoy

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   09/24/2025 02:01 am GMT
5. Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick

   

   $11.99

   Nothing To Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick dives into the lives of North Korean refugees, focusing on the impact of propaganda and state control. The book covers the devastating famine of the 1990s and the oppressive atmosphere that drives people to escape, revealing their struggles with trauma and survivor's guilt. I appreciated the thorough research and compelling stories, but I found it overwhelmingly depressing. It’s tough to draw broader lessons from North Korea's unique situation, which feels both bizarre and tragic. Overall, it's eye-opening, but be prepared for a heavy read.

   Pros:

   • The book is well-written and well-researched.
   • It provides numerous anecdotes from North Korean refugees.
   • It effectively highlights the impact of propaganda and oppressive government control.

   Cons:

   • The book is depressing.
   • It feels challenging to draw meaningful lessons from North Korea's unique situation.

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   09/24/2025 03:01 am GMT
6. Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

   

   $3.95

   Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo offers a vivid glimpse into life in a Mumbai slum, focusing on a year of struggle for local families post-2008 financial crisis. I found Boo’s writing engaging and fast-paced, with well-drawn characters that made the story captivating. However, I wished for more background info and clearer character reminders, as I got a bit lost along the way. Ultimately, the book taught me that in a diverse country like India, no single story can encapsulate the whole. I highly recommend it for anyone curious about India or looking for a compelling narrative.

   Pros:

   • The writing was fast-paced, descriptive, and engaging.
   • The characters were all interesting.
   • The setting changed a lot despite being in one neighborhood.
   • The narrative was well-structured and flowed well.

   Cons:

   • The book had background information, but not enough for me.
   • There weren’t enough signals to remind me of the characters, leading to confusion.

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   09/24/2025 05:03 am GMT
7. Shanghai Free Taxi by Frank Langfitt

   

   $8.90

   In Shanghai Free Taxi, Frank Langfitt offers a fresh look at modern China through his experience as a free taxi driver in Shanghai. I enjoyed how he connects with a diverse range of people, revealing the personal impact of China's rapid transformation. The stories highlight the tension between tradition and progress, and Langfitt does a great job of unpacking the complexities of individual lives amidst the chaos. However, I found the numerous characters a bit confusing at times, and some sections felt a little bloated. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that underscores the intricate realities often overlooked in mainstream media.

   Pros:

   • Offers unique insights into contemporary Chinese society through personal stories
   • Engages with a diverse range of individuals, highlighting the human impact of rapid change
   • Effectively explores the complex contradictions within Chinese culture and governance

   Cons:

   • Can be confusing with many interviewees and characters
   • Some sections could have benefited from editing
   • No other cons noted

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   I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

   09/24/2025 06:05 am GMT