Juan Baires-Adair's memoir 'Citizen of the USA by Choice' offers a deeply personal account of one man's journey from political disillusionment in Mexico to professional and civic achievement 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 human-centered perspective on immigration that resonates across borders.
The narrative begins in Mexico City, where Baires-Adair worked as a draftsman amid ambitious infrastructure projects and systemic corruption. The memoir exposes the realities of political patronage and bureaucratic dysfunction that ultimately drove him to seek a better future elsewhere. His early career was marked by difficult choices as he navigated flawed systems while striving to maintain integrity.
Transitioning to the United States, the book follows Baires-Adair's path of perseverance, adaptability, and self-reinvention. Overcoming educational interruptions and professional barriers, he eventually achieved his goal of becoming 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.
The book made a notable appearance at The London Book Fair from March 11–13, 2025, at Olympia London, which brought together around 30,000 attendees from the global publishing community. Later, from November 29 to December 7, 2025, it was featured by Citi of Books at the Guadalajara International Book Fair at Expo Guadalajara, drawing readers and literary enthusiasts worldwide.
This year, the book was showcased during two major literary gatherings on April 18–19, 2026: the LA Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California, and BookCon at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. These events expanded the book's reach and strengthened its presence in the literary scene.
The memoir's importance lies in its candid portrayal of the immigrant experience, emphasizing the dignity, determination, and contributions of those who choose to build new lives in pursuit of freedom and opportunity. Baires-Adair's story is both a personal triumph and a broader call to recognize the resilience required to rebuild identity, career, and purpose in a new country.
Citi of Books, the publisher, began as a small literary boutique in New Mexico and has since expanded to serve authors across the United States and Canada. The company focuses on high-quality publishing services, including book production, rights management, sales, royalties, and promotion, aiming to support diverse authors and foster a community centered on storytelling and innovation.
Copies of 'Citizen of the USA by Choice' are available through Citi of Books, AbeBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
