Overview

A New Life, A New Menu: An Almanac of Belonging A Memoir of Hospitality, Heritage, and the Human Spirit From a Soviet childhood shaped by scarcity to a life built on abundance, Marina's story is a tribute to the quiet strength of women, the language of food, and the unrelenting search for belonging. Born in Germany, raised across the former USSR, and eventually arriving in America with a suitcase full of hope, she charts a path not toward perfection, but toward presence-through kitchens and hotel lobbies, through heartbreak and reinvention. More than a memoir, this is a mosaic of stories: of a grandmother's jam, a mother's silent sacrifices, and the countless souls met along the way in the world of hospitality. For anyone who's ever felt invisible while giving everything-for those who long to lead with heart and live with purpose-this book offers a seat at the table. A powerful reminder that to serve is not to disappear, but to become. A New Life, A New Menu: An Almanac of Belonging A Memoir of Immigration, Hospitality, and Becoming Whole What if the act of serving others became the way you found yourself? In this moving and richly layered memoir, Marina takes us from the gardens of her grandmother's Lithuanian dacha to the concrete corridors of a Soviet military outpost, from the chaos of 2000s New York to the elegant hush of luxury hotels. With heart and honesty, she shares her journey across borders-literal and emotional-as a woman, an immigrant, a hospitality leader, and a seeker of meaning. Through food, service, and the unshakable human need to belong, she weaves together memory and insight into a deeply personal story that resonates far beyond the industry she's dedicated her life to. Perfect for fans of memoirs like Becoming by Michelle Obama, Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl, and In the Country We Love by Diane Guerrero, this book invites you to reflect on what it means to lead with care, live with integrity, and create connection even when you feel alone. Whether you work in hospitality or simply believe in the dignity of service, this almanac of stories will nourish you-body, heart, and soul. ✦ Includes themes of immigration, womanhood, food culture, leadership, and healing. ✦ A must-read for hospitality professionals, memoir lovers, and anyone navigating identity across cultures.

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