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American Street is a powerful story that celebrates the religion and culture of Haiti. I loved how Zoboi wove the Haitian lwas into the story through other characters and mystical appearings. I also appreciated the heartbreaking realism used to create the conflicts that many immigrants and Americans face in their pursuit of the "American Dream".
I have two minor complaints:
First, Fabiola begins as a moral character, driven by the standards her mother held for her. Considering the circumstance of being separated from her mother for the first time, I thought there would be more loyalty to being the person her mother wished her to be but Fabiola quickly transitions to morally gray. This transition is plausible, but her character change at the climax is abrupt and confusing given some of the themes presented.
Second, the ending felt cliche and rushed. Without revealing the ending, I question whether the result to the climax was realistic or if Zoboi pushed the violence for shock value.
Overall, this is a text that will live in my mind for years to come and will certainly remain on my list of recommended texts for my district's unit on International Citizenship for its presentation of immigration and non-American culture.
I have two minor complaints:
First, Fabiola begins as a moral character, driven by the standards her mother held for her. Considering the circumstance of being separated from her mother for the first time, I thought there would be more loyalty to being the person her mother wished her to be but Fabiola quickly transitions to morally gray. This transition is plausible, but her character change at the climax is abrupt and confusing given some of the themes presented.
Second, the ending felt cliche and rushed. Without revealing the ending, I question whether the result to the climax was realistic or if Zoboi pushed the violence for shock value.
Overall, this is a text that will live in my mind for years to come and will certainly remain on my list of recommended texts for my district's unit on International Citizenship for its presentation of immigration and non-American culture.
This was a difficult book for me to rate. Learning about Haitian culture and how Fabiola learns to navigate American culture was so well done. There were so many important topics covered in the novel and I wished the book was longer to give each topic some more time. My main issue with the book was the ending, it leaves me with so many questions.
Vibrant yet menacing, Zoboi laces her novel with grit and prose. Her words haunted me as she harnessed so many of the hard conversations families either avoid (due to privilege) or are forced to have (to keep their babies alive).
The way she placed Fabiola on the cross streets of American and Joy road really spoke to me. Can these two things exist? Can these two ideals collide in the war zone that is our divided nation? Is there really joy waiting on the other side of these walls so many immigrants cross for the American life?
Zoboi highlights the depths of teenage exploration of life, love, and heartbreak. And in between the volatile and often confusing moment of these teens lives, she adds another element in- the Iwas. She dabs a spiritual note throughout her story. A reminder that our ancestors are still watching us, and are ready to guide us through our trials and tribulations.
"If there were no blood vessels, no rib cage, no muscles holding up my heart to where it beats in my chest, it would have fallen out onto the floor."
"But then I realized that everyone is climbing their own mountain here in America. They are tall and mighty and they live in the heart and everyday lives of the people."
Intense. I would have liked it a bit more of an ending but it was written with unknowns and the vagueness at the end speaks volumes in itself.
"But then I realized that everyone is climbing their own mountain here in America. They are tall and mighty and they live in the heart and everyday lives of the people."
Intense. I would have liked it a bit more of an ending but it was written with unknowns and the vagueness at the end speaks volumes in itself.
4.5
"But then I realize that everyone is climbing their own mountain here in America. They are tall and mighty and they live in the hearts and everyday lives of the people."
"But then I realize that everyone is climbing their own mountain here in America. They are tall and mighty and they live in the hearts and everyday lives of the people."
A beautiful blend of balancing cultures. I am looking forward to getting this into my classroom.
3.5 ⭐️. The middle third was kind of that long clicking trek up the roller coaster before the ending— felt long with a lot of extra details. Ironically, I liked the details in the book that made me have a strong mental image of each character.
i didn't ever feel emotionally invested in or connected to any of these characters, but maybe that's partly because i started skimming just to get to the end (because it was a bookclub read; might not have finished it otherwise). also some of the climactic conflict felt very un-earned. i want to give it only one star but that feels mean so i'm just leaving it un-starred.
I still am processing this book (finished like 10 minutes ago) but just....wow wow wow wow. 10/10 would recommend. Fabiola’s story sucks you in, and while I did totally call the plot twist at the end, it didn’t make it any less gutting. What a powerful, incredible read.