A collection of poetry, pondering of life and living, and inspirations and wisdom.

A journal of inquisitive feelings, questions, and ramblings reflecting the mind of every man. A soul-searching quest for meaning and beauty infusing optimism and a fresh spin on the banal realities of Life. The essence of the simplest truths blended in words.

From New York Times bestselling author Amy Tan, a memoir about finding meaning in life through acts of creativity and imagination. As seen on PBS American Masters "Unintended Memoir." In Where the Past Begins, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club and The Valley of Amazement Amy Tan reveals the ways that our memories and personal experiences can inform our creative work. Drawing on her vivid impressions of her upbringing, Tan investigates the truths and inspirations behind her writing while illuminating how we all explore, confront, and process complex memories, especially half-forgotten ones from childhood. With candor, empathy, and humor, Tan sheds light on her own writing process, sharing her hard-won insights on the nature of creativity and inspiration while exploring the universal urge to examine truth through the workings of imagination—and what that imaginative world tells us about our own lives. Where the Past Begins is both a unique look into the mind of an extraordinary storyteller and an indispensable guide for writers, artists, and other creative thinkers.

In pursuing what would be next after graduating from the National University of Rwanda (Clementine). Now Ivania got a Visa, which allowed her to immigrate to the US. This was a dream come true! When she set her feet in the US, she realized every step was a challenge to achieving the American Dream. Despite her naivety and vulnerability due to the sheltered culture she grew up in, she learned to remain true to herself in a new world. In this witty yet honest, Ivania shares stories on undertaking Aspirations, Friendship, Sex, and dating. In her everyday life, she shows us what means Love, Loneliness, and Racism while being far from her roots. From learning to navigate L.A. traffic to enjoying showing someone a middle finger, she is stepping forward to embrace this new culture but wonders what may become of her. This book promises to excite a desire in every reader to travel the world to have a first-hand taste of the advantages of multicultural life. If diversity in nationality, civilization, sexuality, and quality of life is a pool we need to dive in to refresh our humanity, then let Ivania Inyange’s story be your diving board. Her adventure in her new home country will make just you, and I appreciate the concept of cultural sensitivity.