Reviews from our Readers
"After working in a hot-climate culture for a number of years, this book helped me make sense out of some of my puzzling observations (and frustrations!). I had been sharing this information with my son and daughter-in-law who are preparing as missionaries to a hot-climate country now, so I ordered a copy for them. It should ease their transition from a cold-climate to a hot-climate culture."
"I lived in Africa for 20 years and learned many things about the culture of the people I worked with. However, it wasn't until I read Sarah Lanier's book that I learned WHY people did the things they did. I wish I could have read this book before I ever went. If would have saved a lot of grief and headaches.
Thanks Sarah. "
"I think that this is a book that I would advise any one going cross cultural to read before going out there. I am from Africa and i struggled a lot in the USA but later when i read this book, it was of great help. Thanks Sarah"
"Another homeschool mom told me about this book and I think it will be very helpful in teaching World Cultures this year. It is also helpful in relating to the different personalities in my family!"
"Dear Ms. Lanier,
About two months ago, a friend here on Guam loaned me your book, Foreign to Familiar and I enjoyed it enormously. As someone who works cross-culturally both on Guam and with the teachers I assist in the Asia Pacific Region, I am excited to find this comprehensible and respectful explanation of cultural differences. Please accept my compliments on an excellent job of intelligently simplifying and clearly
explaining a complex topic. I have recently recommended the book to a friend who teaches Cross Cultural Communication."
Foreign to Familiar is a splendidly written, well-researched work on cultures. Anyone traveling abroad should not leave home without this valuable resource! I highly recommend it as required reading for cross-cultural workers. Sarah Lanier’s love and sensitivity for people of all nations will touch your heart. This book creates within us a greater appreciation for our extended families around the world and an increased desire to better serve them.
Dr. Kingsley A Fletcher
President, Hope for Africa, Inc
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
I always recommend this book for everyone I know that goes abroad and everyone that reads it has the same response, "now I understand why they do things so different in "x" country." I've seen so many people's perspectives go from judging other cultures to understanding by reading this book. It's short, clear, easy to understand but so powerful. It is such an easy read you could probably finish it on your flight to wherever you are going. I live abroad and I make it required reading for anyone coming to visit.
A Fan
When I read the book, I recognized immediately that it has precisely the balance between adult-level concepts and clear language that I need in developing materials for intermediate and advanced ESL students. As someone who works cross-culturally both on Guam and with the teachers I assist in the Asia Pacific Region, I am excited to find this comprehensible and respectful explanation of cultural differences. Please accept my compliments on an excellent job of intelligently simplifying and clearly explaining a complex topic.
M Johnson,
ESL professor, Asia-Pacific Region.
I work with major companies in the UK and Europe - training about 2,000 people every year. Your book is so fascinating that I could imagine giving every delegate a copy.
Deepak Mahtani, author
"The British and How to Deal with Them: Doing business with Britain's Ethnic Communities”.
My husband has worked his whole career in international business. I can't help wishing that we and others in similar positions had had access to the information and insights you provide in your book.
- Coleman,
New Zealand