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Summary: When I Was Puerto Rican
Review: This was one of the best written books that I have read, and for a memoir it held a lot of symbolic meaning. She has a great writing style. I reccomend this book or "Almost A Woman" to anyone who is interested in a good book rich with culture.
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Summary: One of the best memoirs in years
Review: Not since Frank Conroy's STOP-TIME have I enjoyed a memoir so much. I bought this book, couldn't put it down, finished it, and picked up ALMOST A WOMAN, which I am now dragging with me everywhere, reading a stolen page whenever I can. Santiago has a gift for narrative, character, and detail. The result is a coming-of-age story so vivid that you feel you are there, you KNOW these fully developed "characters," and you certainly care about what happens to them. The sense of being apart from the rest--whether "the rest" is the family, people your age, others who live in your country, any group--is very strong here, but Santiago is not so separate from them that she can't make all these groups utterly real.I LOVE THESE BOOKS! And don't be misled--these are not books only for women; they are exceedingly and brilliantly human. Regardless of what cynical, spoiled college students have to say.
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Summary: Santiago is incredibly talented
Review: This book is a must have. I couldn't put it down. Santiago amazes me with her unique style of writing. I love the way she describes her childhood memories. I can't wait to read "Almost a woman" Santiago, KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Summary: Poignant story of the Puerto Rican experience
Review: I read this memoir a year ago but didn't have access to the Internet til this year. Although I was born in the 60's, this book reminded me of the "cuentos" my mom used to tell me about her childhood in P.R. My mother passed along the expressions, cooked the foods, talked the talk, walked the walk to make life better for her children. Santiago's triumph in the face of adversity is something Latinos should admire and emulate. The only negative aspect was Santiago's mother "falling in love" and having so many children--but then loving & children are our weaknesses. And to all those negative reviewers, maybe you should try writing your own memoir if you think you can do better. I think if publishers are willing to publish material from minorities, we should go for it. After reading Anglo books/memoirs all my life, I needed this. ALSO READ, "SILENT DANCING" by JUDITH ORTIZ COFER.
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Summary: it was a truely enlightening insightful book.. i loved it
Review: Ms. Santiago I must say being a Puerto Rican born and raised in Brooklyn NY. I totally loved it. It made me think about how my grandmothers' life must have been like living on a finca in Puerto Rico. However during the 1920's-1950's. Although born and raised not in Puerto Rico (unfortunately for me) I was truely able to relate. And was able to link myself with some of the things you went through. The foods you ate "asopao","arroz con leche"(which I now make for myself once in a while. I totally loved your book and look forward to reading your other works.
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Summary: boring...
Review: ...this is boring...this is stupid...this is boring...this is stupid...buy another thing...buy at amazon...but don't buy this...this is stupid...this is boring...
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Summary: A very considerate amount of trash!
Review: For all of you trash lovers, this is an exquisite treasure of idiocy. Esmeralda Santiago is one of the recent idiots that have succeded in contemporary publishing due to being a "minority." I had to read this novel for a class; otherwise, I wouldn't have finished it. It starts OK. The narrator speaks of her childhood in childish, but cute tones. The first three chapters are not that bad, if you like anthropological literature, inside of which one sees the customs of an "exotic", or "minor", land. But after chapter four, one starts to get attacked by the most horrible cliches in fashion. The stupid narrator discovers her sexuality; discovers the hate for her father; discovers life; discovers Harvard. If you like Latin American lit, and are tired of Garcia Marquez, try Reverend Borges, Cabrera Infante or Onetti. If you're into women lit, try Poniatowska. If you like the Kinky Kincaid sort of lit, well, read more of Santiago, and good luck in your dumb readings.
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Summary: TASTE A BIT OF PUERTO RICO...¡LA ISLA DEL ENCANTO!
Review: As I read her book, I listened to her story. She brought back memories of growing up mixed with pain and joy. I read the Spanish version and later read it in English to make sure I didn't miss a beat! I found both versions incredibly similar as only an author's translation could be. She vividly expressed the heartache of being ridiculed for feeling different and overcoming, yet never forgetting the grief associated with it. Esmeralda is a remarkable, descriptive writer. Her words are spirited and force your empathy. I commend her for bringing forth so many of her deep, dark feelings into words that all of us can relate to...no matter where you are from. She made me question how much I have stowed away for the greater good, and at what sacrifice. She reminded me of la jíbara que soy and that poverty is a state of mind. If you have faith in yourself and your family ties are strong, you can accomplish anything. This book should be a must on your reading list. It is contemporary, sensitive, and enlightening. Many will relate to her story whether they are from el campo or la ciudad. I wholeheartedly encourage this cultural experience through Esmeralda's eyes. ¡Pa'lante!
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Summary: Inspiring story that offers much insight!
Review: Esmeralda Santiago gives a wonderfully touching account of her childhood in Puerto Rico. Her autobiography opened my eyes to the hardships of poverty and made me greatly appreciate the life I lead. Details of her difficult move to New York City give hope to those who are struggling in the world. She proves that even the meekest, most frightened child can break through hard times and blossom into a successful, proud young woman.
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Summary: An amazing emotion consuming story that touches the heart.
Review: I just finished reading this book and found it truly incredible. Once I'd started I just couldn't put it down. I could relate with Esmeralda so well, that at times it was frightening. This is one of the most well written books that I have ever read. Esmeralda is definetly talented and deserves all the compliments in the world.
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