45 pages • 1 hour read
Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen
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Book Brief
256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 2010s
2018
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
Dear America—Notes of an Undocumented Citizen is a collection of essays by Jose Antonio Vargas that describes his experiences as an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. after being brought from the Philippines at age 12. It chronicles his challenges growing up, discovering his undocumented status and sexual orientation, pursuing journalism, and advocating for immigration reform. The book discusses themes of identity, legality, and belonging while highlighting the complex dynamics of living without documentation in America. Topics in the book include struggles related to sexual orientation and encounters with law enforcement.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
14,920 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dear America by Jose Antonio Vargas offers a deeply personal and evocative narrative on the complexities of immigrant identity in the U.S. Critics praise Vargas' candid storytelling and the book's ability to humanize the undocumented immigrant experience. However, some feel the narrative occasionally becomes repetitive. Overall, it's a compelling and necessary read.
Who Should Read Dear America?
Dear America by Jose Antonio Vargas captivates readers interested in memoirs highlighting immigration, identity, and social justice. Fans of Becoming by Michelle Obama and The Line Becomes a River by Francisco Cantú will find its compelling narrative and poignant insights particularly engaging.
14,920 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lolo and Lola
Lolo and Lola
The author's grandparents who provide physical and emotional support, navigating complex family dynamics and challenges related to immigration and personal identity.
The United States Government
The United States Government
Portrayed as the ever-present antagonist whose immigration policies and silence represent broader systemic challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.
256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
United States • 2010s
2018
Adult
14+ years
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