MK & TCK Book Club discussion

Join us in May 2015 (exact date TBD) for a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the revised edition of Pollock and Van Reken's classic, "Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds."

HOW TO JOIN
Our chapter discussions will take place at Goodreads.com. If you don’t have an account at Goodreads yet, you can create one for free. Once you’re logged in, join our book club here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

ABOUT THE BOOK
Here’s a look at the chapters and topics we’ll cover:

Part I: Understanding the World of TCKs
• Where is Home? Erika’s Story – Led by Kilian Kröll
• Who are “Third Culture Kids”? – Led by Ruth Van Reken
• Who are “Cross-Cultural Kids”? – Led by Ruth Van Reken
• Why a Cross-Cultural Childhood Matters – Led by Julia Simens
• Why High Mobility Matters – Led by Myra Dumapias and Erin Sinogba

Part II: The TCK Profile
• Benefits and Challenges – Led by Danielle Lovell
• Personal Characteristics – Led by Emily McDermott
• Practical Skills – Led by Emily McDermott
• Rootlessness and Restlessness – Led by Kilian Kröll
• Relational Patterns – Led by Jo Clifford
• Developmental Issues – Led by Michael Pollock
• Unresolved Grief – Led by Lois Bushong

Part III: Maximizing the Benefits
• Building a Strong Foundation – Led by Janet Blomberg
• Dealing With Transition – Led by Katarina Holm-DiDio
• Meeting Educational Needs – Led by Rebecca Grappo
• Enjoying the Journey – Led by Marilyn Gardner
• Coming “Home”: Reentry – Led by Tina Quick
• How Sponsoring Organizations Can Help – Led by Michèle Phoenix
• It’s Never Too Late – Led by Ghadeer Hasan

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: DAVID POLLOCK

Dr. David C. Pollock was the Executive Director of Interaction International from 1980 until his passing in 2004, and a founding member of Global Nomads International. He was also an Adjunct Professor of Sociology in Intercultural Studies and Director of Intercultural Programs at Houghton College, New York.

David was a tireless educator and advocate for Third Culture Kids (TCKs):

"He was recognized around the world as an authority on third culture kids (TCKs), transitions and internationally mobile families. His work has been varied, but focused in its purpose: meeting the needs of people through teaching and training that brought reconciliation, compassion, hope, encouragement and practical tools." (Source: Interaction International)

In 1999, he and Ruth Van Reken co-authored the first edition of their book, Third Culture Kids. Before his passing, David and Ruth had already begun collaborating on the new ideas that are now presented in the revised edition.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: RUTH VAN REKEN

Ruth Van Reken is a second-generation TCK, having been raised in Africa for thirteen years. She is also a mother and grandmother of TCKs. She explored her own TCK experience through journaling, which let to the publication of her book, Letters Never Sent. Ruth is a co-founder of the annual Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference. She travels internationally as a lecturer, consultant, and advocate for TCKs.

Many people have contacted her over the years, saying they don’t match the TCK definition, but relate to the typical TCK experience nonetheless. In response, Ruth coined the term “Cross-Cultural Kid” (CCK), a topic that is covered in the revised edition of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds.

This group will give me the push to finally read this book! I've carried it around and read excerpts. Important book as an ATCK and working with TCKs!

It's great that you've found us, Jaimee! Hang tight until May, when we plan to begin discussing the book here. Of course, you're welcome to get a head-start on reading it now if you like. :)

I will have to get the new edition, I have the first one.

Yes, I did too, Shary. Both my husband and I bought copies of the first edition before we met each other, so we have two copies at home. This time I decided to go with the e-book version, so that we can share it. :)

Good! I haven't started yet.

In response to special invitation to caregivers:
Dana, I'm not an official caregiver, but will be working with a group of new-to-college-age "re-entry" TCK's in the upcoming academic year.

When I left the TCK world of my parent's work and tried to settle in NL the first time, I set up a group "Global Nomads Netherlands" (after discussion with Norma) that was tasked to develop "the suitcase" ("het koffertje") that would be filled with information and products that "returning" TCK's would need. We never fully completed "a suitcase" but got so much out of being able to gather together regularly to share our weirdnesses.

Recently, I was given the mandate to address the necessary development of intercultural competence of a university going through rapid internationalisation, and, though the TCK/GN group does not officially belong to that mandate, I can't let this opportunity pass my by. I don't quite know what we're going to do together yet, I have a young MK honours student working with me to whom I ask: "what would you really like?"

I would really appreciate being able to use the best thinking of those who work more frequently, intensely with this target group.

If that counts, count me in...

Just checking - Is the revised version that you are referring to the one printed in 2010? I am planning on getting it on Kindle.

yes, I assume that question was answered before but that is the right one...

Yes it is, and thanks for answering, Ruth, because Juliet's post fell through the cracks somehow. Sorry about that, Juliet!

In case you haven't seen our group photo album yet, you'll find it at:

https://www.goodreads.com/photo/group...

Feel free to save and share any photos you like from our photo album!

I love all of those photos!! Thank you for making them.

Bethany wrote: "I love all of those photos!! Thank you for making them."

You're very kind, Bethany. Thank you. :)

Hi, I grew up as an MK, and boy, I wish we had had books like this around when I was a kid. I have not read the book yet, but several people have recommended it to me!