READ THIS: Ellis Island Interviews by Peter Morton Coan

We featured author Peter Morton Coan as a Mover and Shaker:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/08/movers-and-shakers-peter-morton-coan.html

as we met him on Liberty Island on the 4th of July when the crown was reopened. He was there with his book that day and now that we have read it cover to cover, we cannot think of a more appropriate book to be sold there! This is the most comprehensive personal history that we know of for the immigrant experience and is well worth the time it takes to hear about the personal story of each immigrant Coan has profiled.

Coan really takes the time to capture each personality and his/her story in the context of the country they are coming from to enter through Ellis Island. Although each story is unique they obviously all share a common bond. Coan starts off with profiling Ellis Island Employees who provide an excellent context for setting the stage for each person's journey through. Then the book is categorized by mother country in seven parts: Italy, The British Isles, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Western Europe, and The Middle East.

Each interview is a shining light that collectively illuminate the experience of coming to a foreign country with dreams, visions, goals and above all, happiness. We loved the book and recommend it, although it is so well-done and intense we think it is best enjoyed by reading a few profiles a day and reflect on them, rather than many at once.

Excellent job, Peter!