Scan barcode
socorrobaptista's review against another edition
4.0
Sempre gosto de ler livros escritos por pessoas de outras etnias, outras origens, outras culturas, pois aprendo muito. Gostei imensamente da forma como a autora coloca, de forma ao mesmo tempo leve e séria, os transtornos de ser uma imigrante sem documentos nos EUA. Recomendo!
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, fast memoir about a girl growing up in the 90s and still dealing with a lot of typical teen issues, but with the added layers of being an undocumented immigrant. There were a lot of pop culture references (most of them 90s, which makes sense and I felt she explain any that would go way over a teen reader’s head, but a few modern ones that are already a little dated for teens, like the Beyoncé and Becky with the Good Hair one). A lot of it also felt like reading a teen girl’s diary (which again, was the point and you even get excepts from her actual diary). I liked how she organized everything. Each chapter dealt with either teen angst (skin problems, boys, etc), her family, or trying to gain citizenship. I loved the family chapters and getting some insight on growing up with less than conventional Iranian parents along with the adult author’s reflection on how much they sacrificed for her and her siblings. Some of the more dramatic family backstories were also the most interesting to me personally. In between chapters the author answers some typical “whys?” about her culture that were very insightful and helpful (I’ll never mispronounce Iran again!). The overall tone was humorous, which I think make this work so well as a memoir written for teens. The most serious part is a “Why?” answer at the end to any teens reading this that are currently undocumented that does take us back to the reality of the times we live in now. I think this book does a good job of giving poignant insight to one woman’s undocumented immigrant experiences with humor and heart that certainly educates the reader along the way.
tyson_and_rainbow's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use
burstnwithbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars?
I really enjoyed this memoir. It was extremely well done, being both informative and entertaining. I genuinely learned a lot, but I also enjoyed reading about Sara's experience. This book is incredibly accessible to teens and it should absolutely be shared more. I highly recommend picking this up, both to have a fun experience and to become more knowledgeable about a number of relevant worldly topics.
I really enjoyed this memoir. It was extremely well done, being both informative and entertaining. I genuinely learned a lot, but I also enjoyed reading about Sara's experience. This book is incredibly accessible to teens and it should absolutely be shared more. I highly recommend picking this up, both to have a fun experience and to become more knowledgeable about a number of relevant worldly topics.
biblioemily's review against another edition
4.0
Any immigrant child will relate to this story, and all teens will learn about Persian culture and the truth of being an undocumented immigrant. There are a lot of 90s pop culture references, and discussions of sex, drugs, and alcohol. (which is why I consider this YA only) There are lots of gems here--especially Sara's spork analogy at the end of the book.
vivacissimx's review against another edition
2.0
Have to assume this was written specifically for white American teenagers who have, by some incredible twist of fate, never met an immigrant in their lives. The author overjustifies her own existence to prove that she is "just like everyone else," but that actually makes this book less interesting than it could have been. Would have been 3 stars but 2 for neoliberalism.
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sara and her family fled the new restrictive regime of Iran to America. It wasn’t until she was 13 that Sara learned she was undocumented. Sara had only ever known America and while she had cultural ties to Iran, she was just like any other American citizen (except for the fact that she wasn’t legally a citizen). Sara goes through the trials of unrequited crushes, body image issues, and family issues. Sara describes her process to getting a green card, with explanations on her ability to travel, drive, and obtain financial aid from colleges.
I found this book funny and relatable. Sara experiences many of the pains we all do when growing up. She makes many references to the 90s, which makes this book appeal more to new adults and college-age readers. Sara unflinchingly talks about her sexual awakening and drugs, which parents of younger teens may not want their children reading, just yet. However, it is even in these moments that her voice remains real and relevant.
Sara and her family fled the new restrictive regime of Iran to America. It wasn’t until she was 13 that Sara learned she was undocumented. Sara had only ever known America and while she had cultural ties to Iran, she was just like any other American citizen (except for the fact that she wasn’t legally a citizen). Sara goes through the trials of unrequited crushes, body image issues, and family issues. Sara describes her process to getting a green card, with explanations on her ability to travel, drive, and obtain financial aid from colleges.
I found this book funny and relatable. Sara experiences many of the pains we all do when growing up. She makes many references to the 90s, which makes this book appeal more to new adults and college-age readers. Sara unflinchingly talks about her sexual awakening and drugs, which parents of younger teens may not want their children reading, just yet. However, it is even in these moments that her voice remains real and relevant.