Year One

De: Marina Raydun

Narrado por: Lauren Elder

Marina is off to a rough start in the country of her dreams. Fresh off the plane from Belarus, this eleven year old cannot seem to catch a break. Her family is split in two, she doesn’t speak a lick of English, and there is a rusty fire escape outside her grandmother’s bathroom window that terrifies her. The adults around her are convinced that, by virtue of her age, she’s immune to true hardships. After all, they have bigger things to worry about than her overwhelm. But the complicated family dynamics and the complexity of becoming a middle schooler in Brooklyn, NY in 1994 prove that nothing is as easy as it is prophesied. Marina is in for a lonely and testing ride, seeking solace in the bright colors of American television and finding company in the music played on her second-hand stereo.

What awaits Marina on this journey that is her Year One?

©2023 Marina Raydun (P)2023 Marina Raydun

Awesome coming of age story

Loved it! “Year One” is witty, funny, and so relatable! Marina’s writing is so descriptive—I felt like I was right there with her, experiencing junior high all over again.

Delightful

Thoroughly enjoying this walk down memory lane. Light and easy on the ears. Relatable on every level.

Very relatable to those of us who immigrated in early to mid nineties!

It’s nice to have a book that really defines my experience moving to the United States out of the former Soviet union. The author is easy to listen to/read and does a great job describing the feelings of the move from the perspective of an adolescent.

A charming and touching portrait of immigration and adaptation

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and it didn’t disappoint. Despite the existence of many immigrant narratives, there are few from the perspective of a child. In “ Year One” the challenges of puberty merge with the horrors of those early days in America and every step becomes an emotional minefield.

This story of a plucky seventh grader in a new country excavates the loneliness, confusion, and shame that comes with that unique experience while also making you laugh in the process.

I also enjoyed the performance — the voice actress did a great job in bringing this book to life.

As a former Soviet immigrant, I can relate!

Love the details of your journey coming to US, I could very much relate. Great storytelling.

Great story

Since Marina’s story based on her personal immigration experience during the first year, it is very relatable to other immigrants experiences. I also enjoyed the performance by the person reading Marina’s book.