62 pages • 2 hours read
Esmeralda SantiagoA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
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.
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.
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.
Lexile Level
1020LImmigration / Refugee
Race / Racism
Education
Values/Ideas: Music
Relationships: Family
Life/Time: Coming of Age
American Literature
Education
Biography