68 pages • 2 hours read
George J. SanchezBecoming Mexican American
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Becoming Mexican American by George J. Sánchez explores how Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles between 1900 and 1945 adapted culturally, merging Mexican and American practices to create a unique Chicano identity, which was later instrumental in labor and political movements in the American Southwest. The book details Mexican immigrants' journeys, their experiences with Americanization and Mexicanization efforts, and the generational shifts that defined Chicano political and social identities. The narrative also covers the Great Depression, labor organizing, and racial discrimination against Mexican youth in Los Angeles. The book includes sensitive topics such as poverty, displacement, and racial discrimination.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
George J. Sanchez's Becoming Mexican American has been praised for its detailed historical analysis and rich narrative exploring the Mexican American immigrant experience in 20th-century Los Angeles. Critics appreciate its robust integration of cultural, social, and political contexts. However, some note the dense academic prose may be challenging for general readers.
Who Should Read Becoming Mexican American?
Becoming Mexican American by George J. Sanchez appeals to readers interested in immigration, identity, and cultural assimilation. Fans of Richard Rodriguez’s Hunger of Memory or Ronald Takaki’s A Different Mirror will find it insightful. It offers a rich exploration of Mexican American history and identity within the broader American experience.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Society: Nation
History: U.S.