34 pages • 1 hour read
208
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various, USA • 2010s
2020
Adult
18+ years
In The Undocumented Americans (2020), Karla Cornejo Villavicencio offers a poignant portrayal of undocumented Latinx immigrants in the US, exploring their lives beyond labor to include education and various personal aspects. Through interviews, she shares their stories set in diverse locales, addressing immigrant contributions and the injustices they face, all while intricately involved in their lives. The book includes discussions of mistreatment, trauma, and the impact of American racism on immigrant communities.
Gritty
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Informative
25,063 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio has been praised for its raw, intimate portrayal of undocumented life in the U.S., blending first-person narrative with reportage. Critics commend its emotional depth and unique perspective but note occasional narrative disjointedness. Overall, the book is a compelling, necessary read on immigrant resilience and identity.
Ideal for readers interested in immigration issues, social justice, and personal narratives, The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio will appeal to fans of The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea and Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luiselli. It suits those who appreciate compelling, empathetic storytelling about the undocumented experience.
25,063 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Various, USA • 2010s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.