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joslynhebda's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Deportation and Suicidal thoughts
exhilaratezara's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I read this book for a Latinas/BIPOC book club and it was very enjoyable even with the heavier topics the author shared in her story. As it was released this year the content of her story was very current and relatable especially as a fellow Mexican American femme person who grew up as a first gen immigrant in a Mexican family with all the pressures, expectations, and more that go into surviving and thriving in life. Big themes are the impact of racism, capitalism, classism, family separation and the harm of the model minority myth. I loved how the author wrote in such a relatable and human tone that didn’t tell how smart she was, it showed us. ♥️ thank you Elizabeth
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Colonisation
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
marbelousreads's review against another edition
This book might be better for someone who knows less about border politics. I think I was supposed to be shocked by the authors situation and I wasn't. But i think it is a valuable book and story. The pacing was slow for me and i may come back to it later.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Xenophobia, and Child abuse
rootedreader's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to review. My Side of the River follows Elizabeth (and her family) as she navigates two worlds-being an American and being the child of immigrants. She writes in detail of the pressure she feels to be the best while feeling outside pressure that she isn't and never will be. Following her from a young age until young adulthood we see her struggle to become her own person without losing touch with where she comes from.
I enjoyed this quite a bit, my only issue with the last couple of chapters not as in depth as the rest of the book.
I enjoyed this quite a bit, my only issue with the last couple of chapters not as in depth as the rest of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Racism, and Deportation
Minor: Mental illness and Abandonment
resquite's review
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
Gutierrez is well known for her TED talk titled, "What's missing from the American immigrant narrative", which I found to be not only personally relatable but also important given my own family's immigration journey and the political climate we find ourselves in.
In her book, "My Side of the River", Gutierrez recounts her story of growing up with immigrant parents, and the emergence of the SB1070 bill, which essentially legalized racial profiling by allowing authorities to request legal documentation from any person for any reason at any time. Her story continues into adulthood and her journey not only in higher education but also in joining the corporate world.
Gutierrez writes in what feels like her own speaking voice, which makes the book very readable, but a bit difficult to engage with at times. As it does read more like a transcript of a conversation she's having with a friend, I do feel that this would be an excellent audiobook and I look forward to listening to this when the audiobook becomes available.
I recommend this book if you enjoy:
Latin-American stories, stepping into someone else's shoes, sprinkles of humor, coming-of-age stories, and learning more about what it's like to be a first-generation child of immigrants.
In her book, "My Side of the River", Gutierrez recounts her story of growing up with immigrant parents, and the emergence of the SB1070 bill, which essentially legalized racial profiling by allowing authorities to request legal documentation from any person for any reason at any time. Her story continues into adulthood and her journey not only in higher education but also in joining the corporate world.
Gutierrez writes in what feels like her own speaking voice, which makes the book very readable, but a bit difficult to engage with at times. As it does read more like a transcript of a conversation she's having with a friend, I do feel that this would be an excellent audiobook and I look forward to listening to this when the audiobook becomes available.
I recommend this book if you enjoy:
Latin-American stories, stepping into someone else's shoes, sprinkles of humor, coming-of-age stories, and learning more about what it's like to be a first-generation child of immigrants.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Xenophobia, and Ableism
Minor: Suicide
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