Juan Baires-Adair's memoir, Citizen of the USA by Choice, offers a deeply personal account of one immigrant's path from political disillusionment in Mexico to achieving professional and civic fulfillment in the United States. The book, which has been featured at major literary events including the London Book Fair and the Guadalajara International Book Fair, underscores the resilience required to rebuild identity and purpose in a new country.
The memoir opens in Mexico City, where Baires-Adair worked as a draftsman amid systemic corruption and bureaucratic dysfunction. His early career, set against ambitious infrastructure projects, exposed the difficult choices faced by individuals striving for integrity within flawed systems. These experiences ultimately drove him to reconsider his future and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Transitioning to the United States, the narrative follows his journey of perseverance and self-reinvention. Overcoming educational interruptions and professional barriers, Baires-Adair eventually became a licensed architect, embodying the promise of merit-based success. The memoir serves as a voice for countless immigrants, shedding light on the risks, sacrifices, and aspirations that shape their journeys.
Available through multiple retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AbeBooks, the book has gained exposure at several major literary events. It made a notable appearance at the London Book Fair in March 2025, which attracted around 30,000 attendees. Later that year, it was featured at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, and in April 2026, it was showcased at both the LA Times Festival of Books and BookCon in New York.
Published by Citi of Books, a New Mexico-based literary boutique that has expanded to serve authors across the United States and Canada, the memoir reflects the company's mission to support diverse voices and foster a community centered on storytelling. Citizen of the USA by Choice stands as both a personal triumph and a broader call to recognize the dignity and contributions of those who choose to build new lives in pursuit of freedom and opportunity.
