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When I Was Puerto Rican

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1993

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Esmeralda Santiago

When I Was Puerto Rican

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

274

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Puerto Rico • 1950s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

Lexile Level

1020L

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Super Short Summary

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago is a coming-of-age memoir recounting Santiago's childhood in Puerto Rico and her immigration to the United States. Amidst poverty and familial challenges, Esmeralda explores questions of identity, duty, and education while growing up. Her journey involves grappling with cultural dislocation and realizing personal aspirations, concluding with her high school graduation and the decision to pursue higher education. The memoir includes topics related to sexual harassment and infidelity.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

14,323 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of Puerto Rican culture and the immigrant experience. Readers appreciate Santiago's evocative writing and emotional depth. However, some find the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's celebrated as an insightful and compelling memoir.

Who should read this

Who Should Read When I Was Puerto Rican?

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago appeals to readers interested in memoirs about cultural identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Comparable to Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street, it captivates those who appreciate personal stories of adversity and growth within a rich cultural context.

4.3

14,323 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Esmeralda Santiago

A spirited and independent young girl who navigates the complexities of growing up, observing her parents' relationship and adapting to constant relocations, including moving from Puerto Rico to New York.

Esmeralda’s father, often well-meaning but unreliable, who does not marry Esmeralda’s mother despite having seven children with her and develops a distant relationship with his kids.

Esmeralda’s mother, who loves her children but can be harsh and serves as a contradictory role model for Esmeralda, eventually embodying the pursuit of the American Dream.

A boy who tries to engage Esmeralda in inappropriate activities and is described as fearless, showing another side of his personality with his actions towards her.

Esmeralda’s younger brother, who suffers a serious accident while riding a bicycle, symbolizing Esmeralda's feelings of guilt.

Esmeralda’s cousin, portrayed as spoiled and indulged, whose ownership of a new bike indirectly leads to Raymond’s accident.

A neighborhood woman known for her tight clothes and party lifestyle, serving as a negative example in Mami’s eyes for female children.

A neighbor of Esmeralda, who provides her with candid and informal education on topics like men, sex, and menstruation that her mother avoids discussing.

Esmeralda’s teacher, who is disappointingly antagonistic towards her, failing to support and nurture her enthusiasm for learning.

A powerful preacher whose sermons have a strong emotional impact on the congregation, impressing Esmeralda with his ability to inspire fervor.

The principal and temporary piano instructor at Esmeralda’s school, whose inappropriate behavior prompts a confrontation with her mother.

Esmeralda’s uncle in New York, who initially appears friendly but later becomes a source of discomfort due to his inappropriate advances.

One of Esmeralda's mentors at the Performing Arts school, who offers her critical encouragement and unconditional support, greatly influencing her educational journey.

Book Details
Pages

274

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Puerto Rico • 1950s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

Lexile Level

1020L

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