When I Was Puerto Rican

When I Was Puerto Rican is a memoir chronicling Esmeralda Santiago's journey from her childhood in rural Puerto Rico to her youth in New York City. The story begins in Macún, Puerto Rico, where Santiago lives with her parents and siblings in the 1950s. The narrative follows Santiago's observations of her parents' complex relationship and the family dynamics that shape her early years. Her mother's decision to relocate the family to New York, driven by the need for better medical care for one of Santiago's siblings, marks a pivotal transition in their lives. The book documents Santiago's experiences adapting to life in Brooklyn, including learning English, navigating the American school system, and supporting her mother with translation. The memoir concludes with Santiago's pursuit of educational opportunities that would shape her future. This autobiography explores themes of cultural identity, family bonds, and the immigrant experience in America, capturing the tension between holding onto one's heritage while adapting to a new culture.

Readers connect with Santiago's detailed memories of Puerto Rico and her candid portrayal of navigating between two cultures. Many note the vivid sensory descriptions of food, landscapes, and family life. Readers appreciate: - Raw honesty about family tensions and poverty - Clear portrayal of cultural identity struggles - Rich details about Puerto Rican traditions and daily life - Accessible writing style that flows like storytelling Common criticisms: - Narrative feels disjointed at times - Some readers wanted more depth about her later years - A few found the pacing uneven Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (850+ ratings) "Reading this was like sitting with a friend sharing memories," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader noted: "The food descriptions alone make this worth reading." Critical reviews often mention the abrupt ending: "Just as I became invested in her New York life, the book ended," said a top Goodreads review.

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🌟 The book's title "When I Was Puerto Rican" reflects Santiago's complex relationship with identity - she later said she used "was" because she no longer felt purely Puerto Rican after moving to America. 🌟 Santiago wrote the memoir first in English, then translated it herself into Spanish, titling it "Cuando Era Puertorriqueña" - a process that helped her reconnect with her native language. 🌟 Before becoming a writer, Santiago worked as an actress and documentary producer, skills that influenced her vivid, scene-by-scene storytelling approach in the memoir. 🌟 The book is part of a trilogy, followed by "Almost a Woman" and "The Turkish Lover," chronicling Santiago's journey from childhood through young adulthood. 🌟 Santiago graduated from Harvard University despite arriving in America at age thirteen speaking no English - a journey she partially chronicles in this memoir.