Plot Summary

American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood

Marie Arana
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American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

Marie Arana

American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

309

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Peru, United States • 1950s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood by Marie Arana is a memoir that narrates her experiences growing up between Peru and America, highlighting her struggle to form a hybrid cultural identity. The book oscillates between past and present, contrasting Peruvian and American values, while also exploring her parents' complex relationship and her family's history, ultimately celebrating cultural differences and their capacity to enrich one's identity.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,001 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood by Marie Arana is praised for its vibrant storytelling and insightful exploration of cultural duality. Reviewers commend Arana's eloquent writing and rich, evocative descriptions. However, some readers find the narrative's pacing uneven. Overall, it is a compelling memoir that illuminates the complexities of bicultural identity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood?

Readers who enjoy multicultural memoirs like Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner or Esmeralda Santiago’s When I Was Puerto Rican will find American Chica: Two Worlds, One Childhood by Marie Arana captivating. The book uniquely explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and self-discovery between Peruvian and American cultures.

4.0

1,001 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

309

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Peru, United States • 1950s

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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