A Path to the World Format: Paperback

A chorus of essays from a variety of voices, backgrounds, and experiences, exploring what it means to be human and true to yourself.

What does it mean to be yourself? To be born here or somewhere else? To be from one family instead of another? What does it mean to be human? Collected by Lori Carlson-Hijuelos, A Path to the World showcases essays by a vast variety of luminaries—from Gary Soto to Nawal Nasrallah to Ying Ying Yu, from chefs to artists to teens to philosophers to politicians (keep your eyes peeled for a surprise appearance by George Washington)—all of which speak to the common thread of humanity, the desire to be your truest self, and to belong.

Contributors include: Lori Marie Carlson-Hijuelos, Joseph Bruchac, Jacinto Jesús Cardona, William Sloane Coffin, Pat Conroy, Mario Cuomo, Timothy Egan, Alan Ehrenhalt, Shadi Feddin, Ralph Fletcher, Valerie Gribben, Alexandre Hollan, Molly Ivins, Geeta Kothari, Jeremy Lee, Yuyi Li, Emily Lisker, Kamaal Majeed, Madge McKeithen, Nawal Nasrallah, Scott Pitoniak, Anna Quindlen, Michael J. Sandel, Raquel Sentíes, David E. Skaggs, Gary Soto, Alexandra Stoddard, KellyNoel Waldorf, George Washington, and Ying Ying Yu.

Lori Carlson-Hijuelos was born in Jamestown, New York. She went to College of Wooster for her BA in Spanish literature and linguistics and received her MA in Hispanic literature from Indiana University. She has taught at several universities, most recently Duke, and is the editor of several books and collections for children and young adults, including Cool Salsa, American Eyes, Voices in First Person: Reflections on Latino Identity; and Burnt Sugar Caña Quemada. She lives in New York City.

Anna Quindlen is an author, journalist, and opinion columnist. She is the author of many bestselling books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Rise and Shine. Her other novels include Blessings, One True Thing, Black and Blue, Still Life with Bread Crumbs and After Annie.