42 pages 1 hour read

Jennine Capó Crucet

Make Your Home Among Strangers

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Jennine Capó Crucet's Make Your Home Among Strangers, Lizet Ramirez returns to Miami from her freshman year of college to find her family torn apart by divorce and relocation, while she struggles with academic pressures and financial stress. Lizet grapples with feelings of alienation from her community, a romantic proposal from her boyfriend, and her developing feelings for a fellow student. Her return coincides with the city's obsession over a young Cuban boy, Ariel Hernandez, which deepens her family's turmoil. Eventually, Lizet decides to accept a summer internship in California, leading to further estrangement from her family but gaining support from her father. Ultimately, Lizet reflects on her choices and their impact on her identity and relationships.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Make Your Home Among Strangers by Jennine Capó Crucet is highly praised for its authentic portrayal of a first-generation college student's struggles. Critics appreciate its nuanced exploration of cultural identity and societal pressures. Some note a slow pace and uneven subplot development. Overall, it's a compelling and insightful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Make Your Home Among Strangers?

Readers who enjoy Make Your Home Among Strangers by Jennine Capó Crucet are often drawn to themes of immigration, cultural identity, and family dynamics. They may also appreciate works like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz, which explore similar topics with depth and sensitivity.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Education

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Education