The Worlds Within, an anthology of TCK art and writing: young, global and between cultures

by Eva László-Herbert

Your mother is Swiss, your father is from the Philippines and you have so far lived in five countries, none of them your passport country. Who are you? Where are you from? Where is home? And what did you eat for breakfast? If you are a friend, this book will guide you. If you are a teacher, it will enlighten you. If you are a parent, it will spell it out for you and if you are an employer, it will convince you. Here they are, the cultural chameleons, the young global nomads, the TCKs – Third Culture Kids – from around the world, telling you their story. They gave us their words and art, so that finally there is a book BY them and not ABOUT them."A much needed book! This book gives children/adolescents a voice regarding their TCK experience, very touching, very poignant."Ryan Haynes, High School Counselor, International School Bangkok.“To read this anthology is to reverberate our stories as a growing tribe. We echo one another. These youths’ stories are mine, yours, ours.”Myra Dumapias, MSW, CEO of TCKid, Building Cross Cultural Bridges."This poignant collection may make you laugh, may make you cry and, if you pay close enough attention, will provide you with deep insight into what it feels like to be a third culture kid."Ellen Mahoney, Founder & CEO, Sea Change Mentoring."Just as Lennart Nilsson's spectacular photographs of developing embryos revolutionized our view of human life, so too will The Worlds Within shed light on the development of the TCK personality, from toddler to adult, and all from within the fluid of the TCK's own experience. A fascinating read."Douglas W. Ota, author of Safe What Mobility Does to People and What International Schools Should Do About It.

Paperback

First published November 15, 2014

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, editors Eva Laszlo-Herbert and Jo Parfitt not only write about TCKs, they give TCKs a platform to express themselves, revealing hidden stories and journeys that are as vibrant and deep as the young people writing them.

“In their minds and hearts a world emerges in which passports, citizenships, skin color, material status, brands, trends, and strategic reasoning have less of an impact. It is a world of images and stories, loosely held together by a whisper: I remember. I feel. I know. I hurt. I heal. I hate. I love. I can. I am.” Eva writes of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) in The Worlds Within Anthology. This opening to the book perfectly contextualized the submissions for me and resonated with my own experiences.

With over 60 submissions from young people around the world, The Worlds Within is a kaleidoscope of art and writing. Through creativity, authors were able to capture the complexity of emotion and identity development that occurs when people live across cultures during formative years. The book is a triumph in the field of Third Culture Literature and has already become a beloved account of the TCK experience for many.

I recommend this book to TCKs, ATCKs, and other global nomads because it is a beautiful ode to the unique combination of experiences and perspectives we share. I also recommend this book for expats or parents of TCKs because it will provide you with insight into emotions that may be unspoken or without an outlet in your own lives and families.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too long ago, I became aware I was raising two Third Culture Kids (TCKs). This thought has been my trustworthy companion while reading this anthology. The Worlds Within is a journey into the world of TCKs where a ‘simple’ question like ‘Where is Home?’ sparks rays of creativity that open the doors to the art of the global nomads.
Now, my eyes have been opened to a brand new world that is sometimes silent under the weight of conflicting feelings, sometimes is rumbling like a volcano ready to throw out what’s hidden in the maze of the wandering souls. Other times, it is like sailing along the coasts of the world, stitching strong and indelible connections nurtured with love.
In The Worlds Within, the young authors invite us to get to know and understand their expat lives where the loss of identity, the sense of belonging (or not belonging) and craving for new adventures coexists with creating a safe space that is called Home.
This anthology is the voice of today’s TCKs and is a must-have for all the families and the citizens of tomorrow.