Juan Baires-Adair's memoir, Citizen of the USA by Choice, has garnered significant attention after being showcased at several major book fairs, including the London Book Fair, the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the LA Times Festival of Books, and BookCon. The book's presence at these events underscores its resonance with diverse audiences and its contribution to the ongoing dialogue about immigration and the American dream.
Published by Citi of Books, the memoir chronicles Baires-Adair's personal journey from political disillusionment in Mexico to achieving professional success and civic fulfillment in the United States. Through vivid storytelling, the book captures the emotional, ethical, and practical struggles of immigration, highlighting the resilience required to rebuild identity, career, and purpose in a new country.
The book made a notable appearance at The London Book Fair held March 11–13, 2025, at Olympia London. The event, which brought together around 30,000 attendees from the global publishing community, provided a platform for the memoir to reach an international audience. Shortly after, from November 29 to December 7, 2025, the book was featured by Citi of Books at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, drawing readers and literary enthusiasts from around the world.
In 2026, the book was showcased at two major literary gatherings on April 18–19: the LA Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California and BookCon at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. These events further expanded the book's reach, connecting it with diverse audiences and strengthening its presence in the literary scene.
At its core, Citizen of the USA by Choice presents a compelling narrative that resonates across borders. Beginning in Mexico City, the memoir exposes the realities of political patronage, bureaucratic dysfunction, and disillusionment that ultimately drive Baires-Adair to reconsider his future. His early career as a draftsman—set against a backdrop of ambitious infrastructure projects and compromised governance—reveals the difficult choices faced by individuals striving for integrity within flawed systems.
Transitioning from uncertainty to opportunity, the book follows Baires-Adair's migration to the United States, where perseverance, adaptability, and self-reinvention define his path forward. Overcoming educational interruptions and professional barriers, he ultimately achieves 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. With its candid tone and human-centered perspective, the book stands as both a personal triumph and a broader call to recognize the dignity, determination, and contributions of those who choose to build new lives in pursuit of freedom and opportunity.
Citi of Books, which began as a small literary boutique in New Mexico, has expanded to serve writers across the United States and Canada. The company emphasizes high-quality publishing services, including book production, rights management, sales, royalties, and promotion. Its support for Citizen of the USA by Choice exemplifies its mission to support diverse authors and foster a growing community centered on storytelling, innovation, and literary success.
