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sinceslicedbread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
ikuo1000's review against another edition
5.0
An inspiring read that shows just how much America has to gain by welcoming immigrants and investing in all people equally. As a memoir, this book is very approachable. Only a small bit of policy is mentioned towards the end, when Castro discusses his political offices.
Julián Castro describes the American dream not as a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay in which each generation passes along what they have achieved in the hopes that the next generation might have even better and more accessible opportunities for success. He tells his own family history, an example of this relay for the American dream.
Castro is a Mexican-American who grew up in an underprivileged part of San Antonio, TX in a single-parent, multi-generational household. He and his identical twin brother Joaquin shared a special bond, and together they were raised by a passionately politically active mother who taught them how to help improve their community by taking action. There's always some debate about nature versus nurture, but it's fascinating that Julián went on to become a San Antonio city councilman, then mayor, then President Obama's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, while Joaquin became a state representative in Texas, and then a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Through his life story, it's clear how Castro developed his sense of service and giving back. He believes that all people have ability and ambition, and it is mostly a lack of opportunity that holds back those of modest means. As someone who received critical mentoring along the way, he believes in both acknowledging the efforts of those who paved the path before him, and also reaching back and helping those who will follow behind him. His dedication to his hometown of San Antonio is admirable.
Julián Castro describes the American dream not as a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay in which each generation passes along what they have achieved in the hopes that the next generation might have even better and more accessible opportunities for success. He tells his own family history, an example of this relay for the American dream.
Castro is a Mexican-American who grew up in an underprivileged part of San Antonio, TX in a single-parent, multi-generational household. He and his identical twin brother Joaquin shared a special bond, and together they were raised by a passionately politically active mother who taught them how to help improve their community by taking action. There's always some debate about nature versus nurture, but it's fascinating that Julián went on to become a San Antonio city councilman, then mayor, then President Obama's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, while Joaquin became a state representative in Texas, and then a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Through his life story, it's clear how Castro developed his sense of service and giving back. He believes that all people have ability and ambition, and it is mostly a lack of opportunity that holds back those of modest means. As someone who received critical mentoring along the way, he believes in both acknowledging the efforts of those who paved the path before him, and also reaching back and helping those who will follow behind him. His dedication to his hometown of San Antonio is admirable.
cajunhusker's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes, especially now, we need a little inspiration. This book gave me that.
jessicabrazeal's review against another edition
4.0
The latest in the 2020 Democratic nominee memoirs. I have been impressed with Julian Castro in the debates and his background and story only furthered my respect. Interested to see how he continues to do leading up to the nomination.
byrningup's review against another edition
3.0
Major topics covered:
- Immigration
- Electoral representation
- Access to education (although not explicitly public edu, and he did benefit from school of choice)
- Poverty and homelessness
- Diversity and representation
Also, he has a gorgeous reading voice, and his Obama impression is on point.
- Immigration
- Electoral representation
- Access to education (although not explicitly public edu, and he did benefit from school of choice)
- Poverty and homelessness
- Diversity and representation
Also, he has a gorgeous reading voice, and his Obama impression is on point.
tofutofutofu's review against another edition
4.0
This is the most interesting political memoir I've read this year, maybe because not every story has to have a moral (e.g. his cystic acne story). A better title would be "Hijinks with Joaquin"
sydbothehobbit's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a huge fan of Julian Castro. This was a great little book. There were a few moments that weren't super engaging, but, for the most part, it was a delightful book.
kcwreads's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed that the first half of the book focused on his childhood. Also much more of a memoir than policy document.
nfox_272's review against another edition
4.0
I'm trying to read books written by 2020 candidates before the primaries. I liked learning more about Julian's experiences and career as a Mexican American. His tone was casual which made this an enjoyable read!