Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between

by Christopher O'Shaughnessy, Ruth E. van Reken (Foreword)

Everyone's got a story to tell. If your story involves growing up among different cultures – either moving between them or having them move around you – then read this book. Growing up and transitioning cross-culturally can present unexpected challenges and bestow surprising skills. This is a book of adventures to help identify some of those challenges and use some of those skills in your own life – which is important because you’ve got more to contribute to the world than you realize.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2014

Reviews

[Ana McGinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone about to depart on a life of adventure - aka, their first expat posting - this book is an essential read! Definitely not a guide book, but rather one TCK's collection of personal anecdotes about his experiences as a child growing up in different countries and how these experiences have shaped his adult life. By pairing psychological teachings with his own personal stories, O'Shaughnessy covers the impact that expat life can have on children - including issues related to maintaining social relationships in a transient lifestyle; communication skills; cultural awareness; and the development of self confidence is a foreign country, culture and language. Well-written, informative and funny.

[Mdmaurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've lived outside of your passport country for any length of time as a child and consider yourself a TCK, or you are raising a few you'll find this book to be not only helpful, but entertaining. Christopher O'Shaughnessy grew up between the UK and the US and has much wisdom on the ups and downs of being a TCK, how to deal with those, and gives challenges to the future.

I really appreciated this book, not just for the information, but the way that it is presented. Mr. O'Shaughnessy tells very memorable stories from his own experience to demonstrate the points he wants to make in each chapter. At the beginning of the book he explains that he is a presenter and expects the reader to just start clapping like he was coming on stage. His voice, meaning the way that he wrote the book, was humorous and I found myself laughing out loud and feeling like I was in the audience, which isn't so bad except for those times I was reading on public transportation and got the "stares". It really is funny, but more importantly insightful and full of up-to-date information on TCKs.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An endlessly entertaining look at TCKs and what they bring to the world

This book is exactly what I expected it to be: entertaining and insightful. From the very first page, Chris takes the reader in a educational journey, using his wealth of personal experience to illustrate the many aspects of third culture kids.

[Christy Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic TCK book! Chris combines humor and storytelling with great truths about cross-cultural life. Great read for teenagers, parents of TCKs and ATCKs.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up all around the world as a "military brat." There aren't too many books about the crazy life I lived traveling around the globe as 3rd culture kids in an upbringing like no other. Until I discovered this book, and it is brilliant. More than the laugh-out-loud stories within (and there are plenty of those), there are also lots of wonderful and well-researched insights into the lives of this particular brand of cross cultural upbringing that transports kids like me around the world and outside their parents’ culture. I saw myself and learned about myself in this book—and laughed quite a lot too.

[Becca Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen Chris speak at the kids' school, I wouldn't have expected anything less of this book. Some definite laugh out loud parts, but each story is an anecdote to life as a third-culture kid (TCK). Such a great book to read as a parent, but therapeutic to read as someone who grew up a military brat and could never answer the question 'where are you from.' Definitely wish the term TCK existed 30-40 years ago!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light-hearted, easy-to-read book on the challenges and joys of life as a third culture kid. Chris writes to a young/teen audience, weaving humor with reflection as he tackles challenging aspects of the TCK life: developing a core identity, adjusting amidst transitions, maintaining friendships and forming new ones.

[Kenji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! Great stories and fantastic insights into the life of a TCK. Found myself nodding along with some things but having my eyes opened with other things. Recommend to any TCK or adult who engages with TCK's!

[Louise Parjol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, informative read. Love the stories. A must read for all expat parents, teenagers, teachers. I’ve worked abroad for 15 years and this book explains the experience so clearly.

[Amy Fukunaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great book for any TCK (third culture kid) to read! Or anyone who knows a TCK! I personally resonated with a lot of the book and the stories the author tells are hilarious!

[Aurélie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an expat, I found the read quite interesting. However, the writing style wasn't always to my liking. I felt that some experiences, explanations were drawn out unnecessarily.

[Suzanne Roq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and laugh-out-loud funny informational book about growing up in a cross cultural and third cultural world.

[Becky Johnson Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recommended this book to so many TCKs and their parents. Chris is a great communicator and he has lived what he says. The best way to enjoy this book is to listen to him read it. It is laugh-out-loud funny sometimes, but he speaks forthrightly about the benefits and challenges of growing up between cultures.

[Ariele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, encouraging

[Ingrid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just cannot through this book... I guess you don't need to read it when you're living it?!