55 pages • 1 hour read
Almost a Woman
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Book Brief
336
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 1960s-1970s
1998
Adult
14-18 years
1030L
Super Short Summary
In 1961, 13-year-old Esmeralda Santiago and her family relocate from Puerto Rico to Brooklyn, where she navigates the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language. While dealing with the noise and chaos of a crowded apartment, Esmeralda's relationship with her mother, Mami, becomes central as they navigate their evolving roles. Encouraged by her teachers, Esmeralda attends Performing Arts High School and discovers her passion for acting and dancing. Throughout the memoir, she juggles work, community college, and relationships, ultimately faced with a pivotal choice between following her heart and staying loyal to her mother.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
3,649 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Esmeralda Santiago's Almost a Woman is a poignant memoir that vividly captures the immigrant experience, detailing the struggles and triumphs of a young Puerto Rican girl in New York. Praised for its emotional depth and cultural authenticity, the narrative occasionally falters with pacing issues. Overall, it's an engaging and insightful read.
Who Should Read Almost a Woman?
Readers who appreciate autobiographical works with themes of cultural identity, resilience, and coming-of-age will enjoy Almost a Woman by Esmeralda Santiago. This memoir is akin to Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street and Julia Alvarez's How the García Girls Lost Their Accents, providing a rich Puerto Rican experience in 1960s New York.
3,649 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mami
Mami
Esmeralda's mother, a strong yet complex woman who tries to guide her daughter towards a better life while dealing with her own personal challenges.
Ulvi
Ulvi
A Turkish filmmaker who becomes romantically involved with Esmeralda and represents a cultural outsider who attempts to influence her life choices.
Shoshana
Shoshana
Esmeralda's adventurous best friend from community college, with whom she shares the experience of having a strict upbringing and immigrant background.
Tata
Tata
Esmeralda’s grandmother, who acts as another parental figure by supporting the family, although her actions often contradict her advice to Esmeralda.
Papi
Papi
Esmeralda’s father, a distant figure whose absence and past relationship with Esmeralda impact her emotional landscape.
336
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
New York City • 1960s-1970s
1998
Adult
14-18 years
1030L
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