34 pages1 hour read

The Undocumented Americans

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

The Undocumented Americans

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Various, USA • 2010s

Publication Year

2020

Publisher

One World

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.5

25,063 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Undocumented Americans?

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.

4.5

25,063 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio was one of the first undocumented students to graduate from Harvard University, a notable achievement that informs her perspective in The Undocumented Americans.

The Undocumented Americans was a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2020, highlighting its impact and recognition in literary circles.

The book combines autobiography and journalism to explore the lives of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., showcasing Villavicencio's unique narrative style without adhering to traditional documentary storytelling techniques.

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio was one of the first undocumented students to graduate from Harvard University, a notable achievement that informs her perspective in The Undocumented Americans.

The Undocumented Americans was a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2020, highlighting its impact and recognition in literary circles.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The book combines autobiography and journalism to explore the lives of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., showcasing Villavicencio's unique narrative style without adhering to traditional documentary storytelling techniques.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Various, USA • 2010s

Publication Year

2020

Publisher

One World

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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