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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
My husband got me this book before a trip to Puerto Rico. As a third-generation P.R. to U.S. Puerto Rican, it was nice to read more about Puerto Rico (even if it was several years ago) and the culture of the island at that time. It helped me feel closer to my grandparents and the type of environment they grew up in, particularly my grandfather. I thought Santiago's descriptions were vivid and she sketched the adults in her life with complexity. For example, I felt bad for Mami but also hated the cruelty in which she subjected her children to. Overall, I enjoyed this read but the ending felt so rushed. I get that it is because there's a sequel but I still think closing this up with more care could have benefited the book, particularly because it had been so strong prior.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
lo identificao que se siente uno con cosas que llevan pasando tanto y tanto tiempo!!! esmeralda eres la caballota
lighthearted
slow-paced
I really liked it. I wished she wouldn't have left some things umresolved, but other than that, it was a great book. I even forgot at times that this was an autobiography. 4.5 stars.
Through a series of stories about her family and her childhood, Santiago gives readers a glimpse into her life in Puerto Rico. In an upbeat and self assured tone, Santiago tackles heavy issues such as poverty, familial dysfunction, sexuality and immigration. Her stories capture the scope of her life and also provide a poignant take on American cultural misconceptions.
I truly enjoyed Santiago’s honest and often humorous anecdotes about the world around her. I was particularly enlightened by the chapter entitled “The American Invasion of Macun.” In this part of her book, Santiago describes an incident during an election year in which Americans came to Puerto Rico to drum up voter support. The Americans impose vaccinations, dental care regimes and nutritional guidelines on the community without any cultural sensitivity. Santiago’s story serves as a harsh reminder that American intervention in other cultures is often unwanted and poorly executed and, as a result, not well received.
I truly enjoyed Santiago’s honest and often humorous anecdotes about the world around her. I was particularly enlightened by the chapter entitled “The American Invasion of Macun.” In this part of her book, Santiago describes an incident during an election year in which Americans came to Puerto Rico to drum up voter support. The Americans impose vaccinations, dental care regimes and nutritional guidelines on the community without any cultural sensitivity. Santiago’s story serves as a harsh reminder that American intervention in other cultures is often unwanted and poorly executed and, as a result, not well received.
reflective
i adored reading this memoir and feeling like i was on the island at parts
I enjoyed her writing style as well as the story itself. Her description of her parents’ complicated relationship and her depictions of them as whole human beings pulled me in, as well as the overall story. She was so insightful and down to earth without resorting to judgments.