Home Bound

In her memoir, "The Dictionary of Home," Vanessa A. Bee explores the concept of home and belonging, reflecting on her diverse upbringing and the search for identity. She questions what defines us and our place in the world, and offers a thought-provoking exploration of these themes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2023
Publisher: Astra Publishing House

In this captivating and deeply personal memoir, Vanessa A. Bee delves into the intricate exploration of identity and self-discovery. From her humble beginnings in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to her journey of adoption by her aunt and her aunt's white French husband, to her experiences of housing insecurity in Europe and her eventual immigration to the United States, Bee weaves a tapestry of experiences that shape her understanding of "home" and "belonging."

After her parents' divorce, Vanessa embarked on a journey with her mother, first to Lyon and then to London, where they eventually settled in Reno, Nevada. It was during this time, amidst the financial crisis and the collapse of the housing market, that Vanessa's life took a pivotal turn. At the age of twenty, she was a practicing evangelical Christian and newly married, but her path was forever altered when she applied and was accepted into Harvard Law School.

At Harvard, Vanessa embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery. She forged a new belief system, divorced her husband, left the church, and pursued a career in economic justice, inspired by the tumultuous experiences of her childhood. Her adoptive, multiracial, multilingual, multinational, and transcontinental upbringing had left her grappling with fundamental questions about identity: What is home? Is it the country of birth, the body we possess, or the name that identifies us? Is it the house we hold dear, the social status assigned to us, or the ideology we embrace? What truly defines us and sets us apart from others?

In this unconventional memoir, Vanessa tackles these timeless questions thematically, using her own dictionary-style definitions of the word "home" as a framework. She unpacks the many layers that contribute to and condition our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Through her poignant storytelling and introspective analysis, Bee offers a profound exploration of the human experience, inspiring readers to reflect on their own identities and seek connections, belonging, and understanding.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper sense of connection, belonging, and empathy. Vanessa's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit
spirit and the power of self-discovery. Her story reminds us that our identities are not fixed or predetermined, but are constantly evolving and shaped by the experiences we encounter and the choices we make. It encourages us to embrace our uniqueness, to challenge the norms and expectations that society imposes upon us, and to pursue our passions and dreams with unwavering determination.

In conclusion, Vanessa A. Bee's memoir is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of identity and self-discovery. Through her poignant storytelling and introspective analysis, she offers a profound exploration of the human experience, inspiring readers to reflect on their own identities and seek connections, belonging, and understanding. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-discovery.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662601330