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What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 25 items
Oct 31, 2023JCLJenV rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A novel that uses the perspectives of several South Americans and what brought them to the United States. A few of the characters are given the majority of the focus and their experiences are captivating.
Jul 15, 2023ailan33 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Book of Unknown Americans is about a girl named Maribel and her parents who leave their peaceful life in Mexico and risk their lives to come to the US due to Maribel’s major injury. The US is the only place that her parents see hope…
Apr 24, 2023
This is a moving fictional account of the ups and downs in the lives of two immigrant families, one from Panama and the other from Mexico. Beautifully written, with sympathetic and highly relatable characters, the story is at times…
Mar 27, 2023Kassandra17 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book is about the River family navigating in their new home in the US. It discusses language, financial, and cultural barriers that make it challenging to adapt to their new home. I enjoyed how the novel incorporated other people from…
Oct 27, 2021rjramirez rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
After their daughter Maribel suffers a near-fatal accident, the Riveras leave México and come to America. But upon settling at Redwood Apartments, a two-story cinderblock complex just off a highway in Delaware, they discover that Maribel's…
Oct 17, 2021marthalist rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This really was a very compelling story of people who are trying to survive!
Sep 22, 2020iloveseaotters rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book was so much more than I expected. After reading a couple of books (non-related) that were hard to get into, I found myself immersed in this one. I was drawn to the characters-particularly Alma and her devotion to her family; her…
Aug 20, 2020iloveseaotters rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book was so much more than I expected. After reading a couple of books (non-related) that were hard to get into, I found myself immersed in this one. I was drawn to the characters-particularly Alma and her devotion to her family; her…
Jan 29, 2020Megmillermn rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This was an exquisite story. The characters so rich and deep. This is a story that will always live in my soul.
Jan 17, 2019BowToTheBookworm rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The book's depiction of a new immigrant's struggle in America is very real and very eye-opening, and I appreciated that aspect. The plot seemed a little slow and boring in some places, but that didn't stop me from getting completely…
May 11, 2018BostonPL_JordanD rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Holy fluff, this book just sucker punched me in the gut.
Mar 11, 2018p33atti rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Married to a first generation immigrant from Mexico. I can tell you their struggle is real. I can also tell you I've witnessed most of the "stereotypes" and they're actually true. The drinking. The philandering. Their government=…
Jul 21, 2017ArapahoeAnnaL rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A closeup look at an immigrant community as they deal with universal life experiences.
prettiipreppii
May 17, 2017prettiipreppii rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
Nice and refreshing.
Sep 14, 2016lino_coria rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book avoids most of the cliches I always find in books about Latinos. The novel shows well rounded characters and the story develops through the actions of the characters instead of by some by-the-numbers plot. It is a very sad story…
Jun 04, 2016TSCPL_ChrisB rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Overall, The Book of Unknown Americans is a lovely and poignant tale. The primary narratives, told through the alternating voices of Alma and Mayor, were a pleasure to read. The secondary narratives, chapters entwined with the primary ones…
Apr 28, 2015MamaLovesBooks rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I loved the character development in this book. I loved the way the characters lives came together differently - all tied together by that apartment complex in Delaware. I wished it didn't end when/where it did, but I have recommended it…
memoriesofthefuture
Apr 18, 2015memoriesofthefuture rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Powerful stories. Great Novel.
Mar 04, 2015
It is a story of immigrants anywhere in the world. Hope, confusion, clinging to culture, hoping for acceptance, only to be rejected by their own kids, who desperately want to blend in with the new world. Some of the chapters of individual…
Jan 07, 2015jl94110 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
a great book!
Dec 02, 2014JCLEmilyW rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A fascinating exploration of the Latino immigrant experience in the U.S. The author vividly portrays the everyday shocks of life in an unfamiliar culture, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters of the Rivera and Toro families.…
rosenyny
Jul 30, 2014rosenyny rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
In this time of immigration chaos, this is a great book to read that humanizes the people that are so often demeaned and dismissed by politicians and community members who see only stereotypes for those seeking a better life. While it…
SpringAltman
Jul 15, 2014SpringAltman rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Immigrants from Mexico and Central American tell about their experience living in the United States. The story showcases Alma, Arturo and Maribel, a small family who dreams of a better life after Maribel suffers brain damage in an…
madison382
Jun 21, 2014madison382 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is a moving story about a group of Hispanic immigrants from various Latin countries and their integration in the American culture. The writer draws you into the families and make you feel like you are there with them rooting for them…
Jun 11, 2014JanieHH rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Cristina Henriquez and I know that I will be seeking out her past books for future reading. Her writing is crisp and clear, the voices in the story are strong and the dialogue in the story reels…