Albuquerque, NM – Juan Baires-Adair's memoir, Citizen of the USA by Choice, offers a deeply personal account of one man's transformation from political disillusionment in Mexico to professional success and civic fulfillment in the United States. The book, which has been featured at major literary events including The London Book Fair, the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the LA Times Festival of Books, and BookCon, provides a candid look at the immigration experience and the resilience needed to overcome systemic challenges.
The memoir opens in Mexico City, where Baires-Adair confronts the realities of political patronage, bureaucratic dysfunction, and corruption that pervade his early career as a draftsman. Working on ambitious infrastructure projects, he witnesses how compromised governance forces individuals to make difficult choices between integrity and advancement. This disillusionment ultimately drives him to reconsider his future and pursue opportunities in the United States.
Transitioning from uncertainty to opportunity, the book follows Baires-Adair's migration to the U.S., where perseverance and adaptability become his guiding principles. Despite educational interruptions and professional barriers, he achieves his goal of becoming a licensed architect, embodying the promise of merit-based success. His story serves as a testament to the immigrant experience, highlighting the risks, sacrifices, and aspirations that shape the journeys of countless individuals seeking a better life.
“The book captures the emotional, ethical, and practical struggles of immigration,” according to the press release, “while highlighting the resilience required to rebuild identity, career, and purpose in a new country.” Baires-Adair's narrative is both a personal triumph and a broader call to recognize the dignity, determination, and contributions of immigrants who choose to build new lives in pursuit of freedom and opportunity.
The memoir has gained significant exposure at international book fairs. It made a notable appearance at The London Book Fair in March 2025, which attracted around 30,000 attendees. Later that year, from November 29 to December 7, 2025, it was featured by Citi of Books at the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico. In 2026, the book was showcased at the LA Times Festival of Books and BookCon, further expanding its reach among diverse audiences.
Citi of Books, the publisher, began as a small literary boutique in New Mexico focused on helping local authors publish and market their books. The company has since expanded to serve writers across the United States and Canada, emphasizing high-quality publishing services including book production, rights management, sales, royalties, and promotion. “Citi of Books aims to support diverse authors, help them achieve their publishing goals, and foster a growing community centered on storytelling, innovation, and literary success,” the release states.
For business and technology leaders, Citizen of the USA by Choice offers insights into the immigrant experience that can inform diversity and inclusion initiatives. Understanding the challenges and resilience of immigrants can help organizations create more supportive environments for talent from diverse backgrounds. The memoir also underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability—qualities that are essential in today's fast-paced technological and economic landscape.
Copies of Citizen of the USA by Choice are available through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
