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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Very interesting insight into the problems and loopholes of the US immigration process.
Everyone in United States needs to read this book. The ultimate question we need to ask ourselves is why do we believe any of us have more of a right to live in this country than anyone else. This book will definitely get you to ponder that question.
This book made me so sad, angry, frustrated, and hopeful.
From the title, this book obviously concerns political issues, but it's truly a memoir at heart. Maybe it's because I found Vargas very relatable (though I was born a US Citizen), but I found this book really moving. He's someone who is determined, independent, and creative, and we see him work hard to make the best of what he has. Although the last section wasn't as good as the beginning in my opinion (perhaps because he's had less time to reflect on it), the book as a whole was still very moving. What hit me the hardest was when Vargas talked about feeling like he needed to "earn" his spot, like no matter what he did, he was still undeserving of his successes. Of course, with many people saying that undocumented Americans are "taking away" jobs/opportunities/resources, it's not surprising that one would feel this way. The best parts of this book are when Vargas just talks about how he felt. The struggles he goes through, externally and internally, humanizes the idea of an "illegal immigrant."
Because it's mostly just his story, not a lecture but on what immigration policies in America 'should be', I would definitely recommend everyone to read this book, even if you're politically more conservative.
From the title, this book obviously concerns political issues, but it's truly a memoir at heart. Maybe it's because I found Vargas very relatable (though I was born a US Citizen), but I found this book really moving. He's someone who is determined, independent, and creative, and we see him work hard to make the best of what he has. Although the last section wasn't as good as the beginning in my opinion (perhaps because he's had less time to reflect on it), the book as a whole was still very moving. What hit me the hardest was when Vargas talked about feeling like he needed to "earn" his spot, like no matter what he did, he was still undeserving of his successes. Of course, with many people saying that undocumented Americans are "taking away" jobs/opportunities/resources, it's not surprising that one would feel this way. The best parts of this book are when Vargas just talks about how he felt. The struggles he goes through, externally and internally, humanizes the idea of an "illegal immigrant."
Because it's mostly just his story, not a lecture but on what immigration policies in America 'should be', I would definitely recommend everyone to read this book, even if you're politically more conservative.
Good perspective by an illegal immigrant with a unique story. Jose Vargas learns and represents the cause and is bold in engaging with both parties and all media. The fear associated with having to hide your status to procure a better life is palpable in this book. I also appreciated the fact that as a Filipino with a Spanish name Jose finds himself being challenged to represent demographics that are new to him. Good book!!
I do not understand why this country cannot figure out immigration. Reading the story of Jose Antonio Vargas' life made me angry & sad for him and the other 11 million undocumented immigrants.
That said, I am really glad I had the opportunity to read this book & I'm looking forward to the community discussion hosted by my local library in April. I appreciated reading about real life encounters and relationships with people who helped the author survive in the country he loves despite not being accepted by the government. I want to be a helper like those people were. It was also neat to read about Mountain View, CA as it is a neighboring town to where I currently live.
That said, I am really glad I had the opportunity to read this book & I'm looking forward to the community discussion hosted by my local library in April. I appreciated reading about real life encounters and relationships with people who helped the author survive in the country he loves despite not being accepted by the government. I want to be a helper like those people were. It was also neat to read about Mountain View, CA as it is a neighboring town to where I currently live.
“Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen” by Jose Antonio Vargas is one of the most honest and powerful memoirs I’ve read. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to understand the real experiences of undocumented immigrants in America.
Vargas shares his personal journey in such a raw and compelling way, really making you think about what it means to live without papers in a country that both embraces and rejects you. He dives deep into how borders are more than just lines on a map—they’re tools of exclusion shaped by America’s history of imperialism and racism.
The book also sheds light on how America’s approach to immigration has evolved (or devolved) over time. From the days when white settlers didn’t even need papers to the strict regulations now imposed on people of color, Vargas highlights the arbitrary and often unfair nature of these systems.
But more than anything, this book is about humanity. Vargas challenges us to see beyond the labels and boxes society uses to define us. His story is both deeply personal and universally relevant, making you question what it really means to belong.
If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after you’ve finished it, “Dear America” is a must-read. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience in America today.
Vargas shares his personal journey in such a raw and compelling way, really making you think about what it means to live without papers in a country that both embraces and rejects you. He dives deep into how borders are more than just lines on a map—they’re tools of exclusion shaped by America’s history of imperialism and racism.
The book also sheds light on how America’s approach to immigration has evolved (or devolved) over time. From the days when white settlers didn’t even need papers to the strict regulations now imposed on people of color, Vargas highlights the arbitrary and often unfair nature of these systems.
But more than anything, this book is about humanity. Vargas challenges us to see beyond the labels and boxes society uses to define us. His story is both deeply personal and universally relevant, making you question what it really means to belong.
If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after you’ve finished it, “Dear America” is a must-read. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience in America today.