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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.
smemmott's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining but scattered and sometimes awkward, as the author tries to write from a 90s teen perspective for an audience of today's teens, but ends up sounding like an adult trying too hard to connect with young people.
resslesa's review against another edition
5.0
Awesome. So much of my experiences were similar and yet the threat of deportation so different. Love the ‘Big question’ sections and everything is explained so well-never dumbed down, yet never dull. Also made me realize my crazy teenage thinking all over again. So great!
mrsbond's review against another edition
4.0
A memoir that feels like it could be written by the girl next door. At times painfully ordinary, but I believe that was by design. The author is your typical teenage girl, worried about fashion, friends, and sibling rivalry. I could almost hear the gum popping and upward inflection while reading (perhaps she reminds me of some of my "ordinary" students). What sets this family apart is the fact that they have overstayed their visit to America by about a decade. They are working through the appropriate legal channels, finding them time consuming, cumbersome, and frustrating. Told from a very personal point of view, this story follows the typical teenage challenges as they occur alongside the long journey to a green card. I appreciate the historical context on why her family had to leave Iran, and the frustrations she feels toward the typical American view of Iran and its people. Recommend this for middle school to adult readers.
Note: I received this from netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Note: I received this from netgalley in exchange for a honest review.