Catherine Ceniza Choy

Catherine Ceniza Choy is a professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley and a prominent historian focusing on Asian American history, migration studies, and the history of nursing. Her research examines the relationship between the United States, Asia, and the Philippines, with particular emphasis on transnational migration and healthcare. Choy's most notable work includes "Empire of Care: Nursing and Migration in Filipino American History" (2003), which won multiple scholarly awards and explored how U.S. colonialism in the Philippines shaped the migration of Filipino nurses to America. Her book "Global Families: A History of Asian International Adoption in America" (2013) documented the emergence of Asian international adoption from the mid-twentieth century onward. More recently, Choy published "Asian American Histories of the United States" (2022), which examines over 200 years of Asian American history through various perspectives and themes. Her work consistently connects historical patterns to contemporary issues, including anti-Asian racism, healthcare inequities, and immigration policies. She serves as a Department Chair at UC Berkeley and has received numerous fellowships and awards for her scholarship, including recognition from the Organization of American Historians and the Association for Asian American Studies. Choy regularly contributes to public discussions about Asian American issues and has been featured in various media outlets discussing the historical context of anti-Asian racism and Asian American experiences.

Readers appreciate Choy's clear writing style and thorough research, particularly in "Empire of Care" and "Asian American Histories." Many note her ability to connect historical events to current issues of racism and immigration. Readers value: - Accessible academic writing that avoids jargon - Personal stories and oral histories that illustrate broader themes - Detailed documentation and extensive source citations - Balance between scholarly analysis and narrative flow Common criticisms: - Some sections can be repetitive - Academic price points limit accessibility - Desire for more personal narratives in certain chapters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Empire of Care": 4.2/5 (89 ratings) - "Asian American Histories": 4.4/5 (156 ratings) - "Global Families": 4.3/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: - "Empire of Care": 4.5/5 (28 reviews) - "Asian American Histories": 4.7/5 (84 reviews) - "Global Families": 4.6/5 (12 reviews) One reader noted: "Choy presents complex historical information in a way that helps readers understand modern Asian American experiences."

Empire of Care: Nursing and Migration in Filipino American History (2003) Traces the history of Filipino nurse migration to the United States, examining colonial and post-colonial relationships, labor policies, and the impact on both nations' healthcare systems.

Global Families: A History of Asian International Adoption in America (2013) Documents the development of Asian international adoption in the United States from the mid-20th century onward, focusing on adoptions from China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Asian American Histories of the United States (2022) Chronicles over 200 years of Asian American history, detailing migration patterns, community formation, and contributions to American society while examining discrimination and resistance.

In the Shadow of the Pandemic [forthcoming 2024] Analyzes anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic within the broader historical context of Asian American experiences in the United States.

Mae Ngai writes about Asian American immigration history and exclusion policies in the United States during the 20th century. Her work focuses on how immigration law and racial categories shaped Asian American experiences, similar to Choy's examination of Filipino nurses.

Nayan Shah examines public health, race relations, and gender in Asian American communities on the West Coast. His research connects medicine, migration, and social transformation like Choy's work on healthcare workers and transnational movements.

Dorothy Fujita-Rony studies Filipino American labor history and communities in the American West. Her research traces migration patterns and worker experiences that parallel Choy's focus on Filipino healthcare professionals.

Yen Le Espiritu analyzes Vietnamese refugee experiences and Asian American family dynamics. Her work on care labor and transnational families shares themes with Choy's research on nursing and global migration.

Erika Lee documents Asian exclusion laws and immigration policies in United States history. Her research on how immigration restrictions affected Asian communities aligns with Choy's examination of professional migration pathways.