Adjusting to Life in the USA: A Complete Guide to Culture, Belonging, and Essential Life Skills for Newcomers, Long-Time Residents, and Their Supporters

 

Adjusting to Life in the USA:

A Complete Guide to Culture, Belonging, and Essential Life Skills for Newcomers, Long-Time Residents, and Their Supporters

Moving to a new country is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you have recently arrived or have been in the U.S. for some time, adapting to American culture, understanding workplace expectations, financial systems, and social norms can be challenging. Adjusting to Life in the USA: A Complete Guide to Culture, Belonging, and Essential Life Skills for Newcomers, Long-Time Residents, and Their Supporters is a comprehensive guide designed to help immigrants, refugees, international students, and even those who have been here for a while, take the next step in improving their lives and feeling more confident in their new environment.

Includes a FREE Downloadable Workbook.  

Educators that purchase this book can request ESL lessons that go with each chapter.  

Written by Selma Toporan, an educator, advocate, and immigrant who has personally experienced these challenges, this book offers practical advice, cultural insights, and real-life examples to support you every step of the way. Whether you're looking for help with learning English, finding a job, renting a home, or understanding social norms, this guide provides clear, actionable steps to navigate your new life successfully.

What You Will Learn in This Book:

• Mastering Everyday Life in the U.S. – Learn how to communicate effectively, build relationships, and adapt to cultural expectations.
• Understanding American Work Culture – Discover the importance of work ethic, professional behavior, job interviews, and networking for career success.
• Financial and Housing Essentials – Learn how to rent or buy a home, manage credit, save money, and understand banking in the U.S.
• Navigating Education and Social Systems – Gain insights into school systems, college opportunities, and social norms that will help you or your family thrive.
• Emotional and Cultural Adjustment – Find out how to handle culture shock, regulate emotions, and build a supportive community to feel at home.
• Building Confidence and Success – Overcome language barriers, connect with mentors and immigrant communities, and develop skills to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Through real-life case studies, reflection questions, and expert insights, Adjusting to Life in the USA: A Complete Guide to Culture, Belonging, and Essential Life Skills for Newcomers, Long-Time Residents, and Their Supporters provides encouragement, support, and knowledge to help newcomers feel empowered.

Who Is This Book For?

• Immigrants & Refugees adjusting to life in the U.S.
• International Students & Professionals seeking success in school and work.
• Educators, Coaches, and Mentors supporting diverse learners and communities.
• Those who have been in the U.S. for a while and want to improve their lives and integration.
• Anyone looking to understand American culture and social norms.

Why This Book Matters:
The transition to a new country can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Selma Toporan shares her personal journey as an immigrant, educator, and community advocate, offering both guidance and inspiration. Her experiences working with immigrant families, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions have shown her the power of connection, mentorship, and resilience.

Whether you are looking for practical tools or emotional support, Adjusting to Life in the USA: A Complete Guide to Culture, Belonging, and Essential Life Skills for Newcomers, Long-Time Residents, and Their Supporters is here to help you succeed, feel at home, and build a brighter future in the United States. Your journey starts now. Welcome home!

Check out the Interview with the Author Below:

 Click here to get Adjusting to Life in the USA

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■ Adjusting to Life in the USA

Sponsor a Book – Empower a Life

About the Book

Adjusting to Life in the USA helps newcomers build confidence, communication skills, and belonging as they adapt to their new home. It is being shared in ESL programs, cultural workshops, and community centers to guide immigrants, students, and families.

How You Can Help

Every $15 sponsors one book that will go directly to a student, family, or community program. Your sponsorship makes it possible to:

• Provide free copies in libraries, schools, and ESL programs

• Empower newcomers with practical cultural guidance

• Build stronger, more connected communities

Sponsorship Options

$15 1 book for a student/family

$75 5 books for a small class group

$150 10 books for a community center/library

$300 20 books for an ESL program

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your gift puts Adjusting to Life in the USA directly into the hands of someone who needs it.

■ Sponsor today:

■ aspireusacoaching@gmail.com

Together, we can empower newcomers to thrive in the USA — one book at a time.

 

Sacrificial Lambs

Long ago, before Genesis, a secret experiment was conducted. One which consisted of combining the DNA of a reptilian humanoid with the celestial chemistry of an angel. It had gone terribly wrong and now the fate of Vatican City will have to depend on an apprentice angel named Darr, a pistol packing pope with a dirty conscious, and a few ragtag cardinals with baggage of their own. United under the banner of righteousness, they will have to battle a legion of mystical creatures and seal off an ancient gateway, if they want to prevent the newly escaped nemesis from cloning a hybrid army capable of biblical destruction.

Click here to get Sacrificial Lambs on Amazon / Kindle 

Romancing the Galaxy: Adventures of a Cosmic Wanderer

 

Romancing the Galaxy:

Adventures of a Cosmic Wanderer

Noir is an anomaly in a galaxy engineered for perfection, naturally born in a world where humans are designed in labs. A rogue contractor, a man haunted by loss, and a survivor in a universe that never wanted him, Noir has learned to navigate the underbelly of interstellar society. But everything unravels when he's assigned a high-risk mission to transport the galaxy's most dangerous cyborg criminal, Humar Danjon, across the lawless Xenosys region.

Hijackers, corrupt syndicates, and a long-buried cosmic threat collide as Noir's simple job turns into a fight for survival. Alongside Saffron, an alien woman caught in the chaos, and Pulse, a rival contractor with secrets of her own, Noir must outmaneuver enemies he never saw coming-including those closest to him.

But when an insidious virus is unleashed and the walls between empires crumble, Noir is forced to confront the truth: this was never just a job. The fate of entire civilizations may rest on the choices of a man who was never meant to matter.

Explosive, dark, and deeply human, Romancing the Galaxy is a gripping space opera blending cyberpunk intrigue, deep personal struggles, and high-stakes adventure. Fans of The Expanse, Altered Carbon, and Mass Effect will find themselves at home in this thrilling sci-fi noir.

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Romancing the Galaxy: Adventures of a Cosmic Wanderer

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or at

luckeykdbooks.com

   

Believing in the Secret

"Believing in the Secret" follows Kamau and his friend Jesse on a journey of self-discovery and determination. When their teacher introduces the concept of future careers, Kamau struggles to choose and believes he lacks the ability to make his dreams come true. However, a magical encounter with the dashing dream director changes everything. Kamau learns to believe in himself and his aspirations, despite doubts and setbacks. Through basketball, he discovers the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to his dreams. This heartwarming tale reminds young readers that belief in oneself can make even the loftiest dreams a reality.

Click here to get your copy of Believing in the Secret

 

PROJET LITHIUM

 

PROJET LITHIUM

L’HISTOIRE Au cœur des glaces nordiques, une découverte archéologique menace de bouleverser l’histoire humaine. Élisa Torres, brillante chercheuse est appelée en Norvège pour analyser d’anciens artefacts retrouvés sous la mer du Nord. Mais lorsqu’un mystérieux silex identique est mis au jour à des milliers de kilomètres, au cœur du désert de Salars d’Uyuni, en Bolivie, une énigme scientifique et géopolitique se dessine. Entre explorations sous-marines, secrets enfouis et enjeux environnementaux, Élisa et son équipe se retrouvent pris dans une course contre la montre. Entre le passé et l’avenir, entre savoir et pouvoir, une seule question demeure : jusqu’où sommes-nous prêts à aller pour révéler – ou dissimuler – la vérité ? SYNOPSIS Ce roman Projet Lithium s’appuie sur des références variées, allant de l’histoire (conquête espagnole, civilisations perdues), à la psychologie (modèles de personnalité, éducation), en passant par la géopolitique (exploitation du lithium), la technologie (IA et énergies renouvelables), et l’anthropologie (systèmes d’écriture). L’univers décrit dans ce projet entre en résonance avec plusieurs courants de pensée contemporains, notamment : • L’idée d’une civilisation avancée et cachée (Luminia), inspirée par les théories alternatives sur Doggerland et les civilisations englouties. • Une approche éducative innovante, fondée sur des principes psychologiques éprouvés (Jung, Berne, Bandura). • Une vision technologique et écologique, proche des travaux de Rifkin et Smil sur les villes durables. • L’importance croissante de l’IA, illustrée par des références à Minsky, Bostrom et Kurzweil. Un thriller scientifique haletant où l’archéologie, la psychologie et la géopolitique se mêlent dans une quête fascinante aux confins du monde et de l’histoire.

English Translation:

THE STORY

Deep in the Nordic ice, an archaeological discovery threatens to upend human history. Élisa Torres, a brilliant researcher, is called to Norway to analyze ancient artifacts found under the North Sea. But when a mysterious, identical flint is unearthed thousands of kilometers away, in the heart of the Salars de Uyuni desert in Bolivia, a scientific and geopolitical enigma emerges. Between underwater exploration, buried secrets, and environmental issues, Élisa and her team find themselves caught in a race against time. Between past and future, between knowledge and power, only one question remains: how far are we willing to go to reveal—or conceal—the truth?

SYNOPSIS This novel, Project Lithium, draws on a variety of references, ranging from history (Spanish conquest, lost civilizations), to psychology (personality models, education), through geopolitics (lithium mining), technology (AI and renewable energies), and anthropology (writing systems).

The universe described in this project resonates with several contemporary schools of thought, including:

• The idea of an advanced and hidden civilization (Luminia), inspired by alternative theories on Doggerland and sunken civilizations.

• An innovative educational approach, based on proven psychological principles (Jung, Berne, Bandura).

• A technological and ecological vision, close to the work of Rifkin and Smil on sustainable cities.

• The growing importance of AI, illustrated by references to Minsky, Bostrom and Kurzweil.

A gripping scientific thriller where archaeology, psychology, and geopolitics combine in a fascinating quest to the far reaches of the world and history.

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on Amazon / Kindle US Store

 

BONE HASH

In the vast untamed desert of northern Arizona, Aideen Connor signs on as lead archaeologist at Moenkopi Ridge hoping to find peace after witnessing her husband’s violent death. Instead, she stumbles into a mystery as ancient and dangerous as the land itself. Shortly after she arrives, Aideen’s team uncovers a “bone hash,” human bones showing evidence of prehistoric cannibalism. Her job takes on a darker turn when a brutal murder shocks the residents of the nearby Hopi Reservation. Unsettling connections begin to emerge between her excavation and the crime.

Trust from the local community fractures, threats escalate, and Aideen’s world begins to unravel. First her boss blames her when the entire bone hash is stolen. Then local Native Americans accuse her of disrespecting their ancestors. Violent threats against her ensue: a sheep is killed, viciously eviscerated and left under her residential trailer. A photo of her dead husband is stolen from her bedroom and stuck in its blood. All threats point to a grim reality: someone wants her gone.

As her desperation grows, Aideen turns to Frank Nakai, the BLM Special Agent assigned to the case. But Frank’s presence is as complicating as it is compelling, leaving Aideen torn between grief and her unexpected attraction. When Frank is ordered to return to his office in Santa Fe, Aideen must navigate a maze of buried truths with only her dog, Dakota for companionship. Every clue leads her closer to danger and the secrets buried at Moenkopi Ridge. Secrets that could cost her more than her career—they could cost her life.

Checkout

Bone Hash and get your copy at the Website Below

https://skyegriffith.com/

About the Author Skye Griffith

Award-winning event producer and passionate explorer, Skye Griffith debuts her talent for storytelling with Bone Hash, a gripping mystery inspired by her explorations of archaeological sites and rugged backcountry across the American Southwest.

Skye’s fascination with prehistoric cultures and their ability to thrive in unforgiving landscapes sparked the heart of her story. Through years of research and first-hand adventures, she crafts an authentic and vivid narrative of secrets buried in desert sands.

Before turning to fiction, Skye orchestrated large-scale events—including Denver’s first world championship, the Stanley Cup celebration, and the Pope’s historic visit to Denver during World Youth Day. Her articles have appeared in the National Endowment for the Arts newsletter and other industry publications. She holds degrees from the Universities of Cincinnati and Denver and is a member of the Denver Woman’s Press Club, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Denver with her husband and their 115 lb Malamute.

The New PSYCHOLOGY: A Unified Field of Brain, Mind, Behavior, Perception, Culture...

 

The New PSYCHOLOGY:

A Unified Field of Brain, Mind, Behavior, Perception, Culture...

480 Pages, 8.5X11” Fully Illustrated These are the bits and pieces that make up a deep understanding of our mind.

Psychology controls the biology of our brain. At the witch trials in Salem, when the girls began to shriek “Witch, Witch!”adrenaline and cortisol would have shot into the bloodstream of the spectators. Neurotransmitters would have surged through their brain. Their very brain waves would have shot up from 12 to 40 cycles per second. A P300 brain wave would have screamed “ALERT”. Their heart jumped. A chill went up their spine.

We know this because the same thing happens in America today among those watching a Hollywood horror movie about witches, zombies, demons, murder and more. This is basic to understanding how our brain works in dealing with anxiety, depression, politics, love, sex, interpersonal relations, and life. 
PSYCHOLOGY CONTROLS THE BIOLOGY OF OUR BRAIN. Knowing how this works is essential to understanding how our mind works. The failure to understand that has led to the media's preoccupation with claiming it is all in your DNA or biochemistry; a media preoccupied with the magic words of DNA and biochemicals in the brain cannot grasp a deeper level of understanding.
All teachers are inspired by the idea, however hopeful, that we are getting something across that someday, someway, will benefit our students, make their life better, and give them the tools that they need to understand a very difficult world.

In a critical study by Harvard, MIT, The National Science Foundation, and the Smithsonian, they found that we are often unable to get across even the most basic of ideas that we teach.

A study by the prestigious PEW Research Center found that America ranks 24th in the world in science. Why?
We still teach by rote memory and we have failed to get across the very information we need to think with.
In psychology, students flock to our courses, eager to learn the lessons of life, how their mind works, and how to understand others. They want to understand what the world is all about. Yet what they learn is often that they must memorize vast amounts of data, studies, and jargon that make little sense in how to apply what they learn to the real world. They memorize what they need to know to pass a test, not what they need to know to understand life.

These are the bits and pieces that make up a deep understanding of how the mind works. Welcome to the deep woods...

Click here to get The New PSYCHOLOGY on Amazon