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Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear into Pride, Power, and Real Change
A MacArthur “Genius” shares her inspiring story, from undocumented newcomer to activist in a powerful immigrant youth movement that changed the lives of millions
Cristina Jiménez’s family struggled to overcome the loss of her sister to cancer and stay afloat as Ecuador fell into a political and economic crisis. When she was thirteen, her parents courageously decided to seek a better life in the U.S. They landed in Queens, New York, cramming into a one-bedroom apartment with relatives and working multiple jobs. Despite the hardships and constant fear of deportation, Cristina learned English and became an honors student. Her dream of attending college was almost shattered by her undocumented status, but she iwasadmitted after immigrant rights advocates won a change in the state’s law.
In college, she soon discovered she was not alone, not the only person struggling with feeling unwelcome and unworthy. Galvanized by her family’s experience and inspired by her new allies, she found her voice, eventually co-founding United We Dream, a national network that catalyzed a powerful youth movement to win DACA and protect over half a million young people from deportation.
In Dreaming of Home, Cristina reminds us that the antidote to fear and isolation is community. Being a “good” immigrant doesn’t protect you from systematic racism, but everyday people have the power to create a country where we all belong and thrive.
Cristina Jiménez’s family struggled to overcome the loss of her sister to cancer and stay afloat as Ecuador fell into a political and economic crisis. When she was thirteen, her parents courageously decided to seek a better life in the U.S. They landed in Queens, New York, cramming into a one-bedroom apartment with relatives and working multiple jobs. Despite the hardships and constant fear of deportation, Cristina learned English and became an honors student. Her dream of attending college was almost shattered by her undocumented status, but she iwasadmitted after immigrant rights advocates won a change in the state’s law.
In college, she soon discovered she was not alone, not the only person struggling with feeling unwelcome and unworthy. Galvanized by her family’s experience and inspired by her new allies, she found her voice, eventually co-founding United We Dream, a national network that catalyzed a powerful youth movement to win DACA and protect over half a million young people from deportation.
In Dreaming of Home, Cristina reminds us that the antidote to fear and isolation is community. Being a “good” immigrant doesn’t protect you from systematic racism, but everyday people have the power to create a country where we all belong and thrive.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 27, 2025
50 people are currently reading
2730 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Jiménez
12 books16 followersCristina Jiménez es una ilustradora y diseñadora gráfica de Pamplona, licenciada en Bellas Artes por la Universidad del País Vasco.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 3, 2025
If you enjoyed reading The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio and/or want to know more about the fight for rights with DACA, PLEASE pick up Dreaming of Home by Cristina Jiménez.
Cristina writes her memoir in a very breezy format that feels like we are having a conversation. I learned so much from Cristina's story. I honestly can say it helped to show how ignorant I am of the history of DACA. I thought it had been around a lot longer than 13 years. Undocumented are so important in the framework of our nation and her work highlights the ways time and time again our country and abused them, especially those with darker skin complexions. The fight for undocumented is still very much alive in our country and we need to stand together against the hatred our current administration and so there is less of it in the future. Like Cristina's family, many came to this country hoping for a better life and instead all they get are doors slammed in their faces and so many other horrible things. Books like this are so important and need to be read.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
Cristina writes her memoir in a very breezy format that feels like we are having a conversation. I learned so much from Cristina's story. I honestly can say it helped to show how ignorant I am of the history of DACA. I thought it had been around a lot longer than 13 years. Undocumented are so important in the framework of our nation and her work highlights the ways time and time again our country and abused them, especially those with darker skin complexions. The fight for undocumented is still very much alive in our country and we need to stand together against the hatred our current administration and so there is less of it in the future. Like Cristina's family, many came to this country hoping for a better life and instead all they get are doors slammed in their faces and so many other horrible things. Books like this are so important and need to be read.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.
May 19, 2025
Dreaming of Home is an eye-opening account of the lives of immigrants in the US and the immigration system.
“Our immigration system, by design, has created millions of undocumented immigrants. Today there are 11.2 million undocumented people in the country, most of whom have lived here at least ten years.”
I found this memoir compelling and full of so much new information (and previously I considered myself aware on this subject!)
But this is a must read for anyone living in the United States. This is a kind of coming of age story as the author recounts her very personal experience finding her way as an undocumented youth in New York with her undocumented family. She gets through school and fights for the right to go to college and continues in community organizing and immigration justice. She’s an inspiring leader and organizer. From grassroots organizing locally to meeting with the president, demanding he take action where he can. I found her story deeply moving. I’m still in awe at her perseverance and continued hope during the present administration.
This was a well researched book, with so many facts (important, but at times was a little dry). And super informative look at the fight for immigration rights in the US.
Again I’d say this is a must-read. Thank you so much to Christina for sharing yours and others’ stories through this lense. And thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
“Our immigration system, by design, has created millions of undocumented immigrants. Today there are 11.2 million undocumented people in the country, most of whom have lived here at least ten years.”
I found this memoir compelling and full of so much new information (and previously I considered myself aware on this subject!)
But this is a must read for anyone living in the United States. This is a kind of coming of age story as the author recounts her very personal experience finding her way as an undocumented youth in New York with her undocumented family. She gets through school and fights for the right to go to college and continues in community organizing and immigration justice. She’s an inspiring leader and organizer. From grassroots organizing locally to meeting with the president, demanding he take action where he can. I found her story deeply moving. I’m still in awe at her perseverance and continued hope during the present administration.
This was a well researched book, with so many facts (important, but at times was a little dry). And super informative look at the fight for immigration rights in the US.
Again I’d say this is a must-read. Thank you so much to Christina for sharing yours and others’ stories through this lense. And thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
May 7, 2025
Amazing! I was hooked on this book. I was able to resonate with the author in such a deeper level. I am also from Ecuador and currently reside in Jersey.
The author’s transition from the beginning of the book to the ending demonstrates how she has grown to be a fierce and courageous women who will fight to the end and has made such an impact to the Hispanic society.
The author, Cristina, shares her Journey. She talks about leaving Ecuador to come to America with her family at a young age and everything she had to endure since she was undocumented. As she reached adulthood, she began to speak up for the people and fight for our rights.
I want to say THANK YOU for never giving up on our community and sharing life experiences with your readers. Being so open about your family. This book was emotional and I’ve shed tears a few times.
I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in reading about girl power, Hispanics, and politics. It was an honor to read your book!
The author’s transition from the beginning of the book to the ending demonstrates how she has grown to be a fierce and courageous women who will fight to the end and has made such an impact to the Hispanic society.
The author, Cristina, shares her Journey. She talks about leaving Ecuador to come to America with her family at a young age and everything she had to endure since she was undocumented. As she reached adulthood, she began to speak up for the people and fight for our rights.
I want to say THANK YOU for never giving up on our community and sharing life experiences with your readers. Being so open about your family. This book was emotional and I’ve shed tears a few times.
I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in reading about girl power, Hispanics, and politics. It was an honor to read your book!
May 25, 2025
I received an ARC of Dreaming of Home from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Cristina Jiménez and her family fled to the United States in search of a better life after losing her sister to cancer. In this memoir, she shares her story as an undocumented immigrant. She narrates her struggle for education and her leadership in immigration rights. She becomes increasingly vocal about the plight of undocumented students, the so-called DREAMERS, and expresses her disappointment in both political parties for their lack of support. Her story is particularly relevant given the current administration's stance on undocumented individuals.
Although her story is inspiring and necessary, the narrative feels flat. The account reads more like a list of dates and events. While Jiménez conveys her feelings, they come across as robotic. Honestly, the book seems a bit disorganized, detracting from the reader's experience. I read a pre-release edition, and I hope the published version underwent some editing. This is such an important story, and it should be told in a way that compels the reader to engage with the book in one sitting.
Cristina Jiménez and her family fled to the United States in search of a better life after losing her sister to cancer. In this memoir, she shares her story as an undocumented immigrant. She narrates her struggle for education and her leadership in immigration rights. She becomes increasingly vocal about the plight of undocumented students, the so-called DREAMERS, and expresses her disappointment in both political parties for their lack of support. Her story is particularly relevant given the current administration's stance on undocumented individuals.
Although her story is inspiring and necessary, the narrative feels flat. The account reads more like a list of dates and events. While Jiménez conveys her feelings, they come across as robotic. Honestly, the book seems a bit disorganized, detracting from the reader's experience. I read a pre-release edition, and I hope the published version underwent some editing. This is such an important story, and it should be told in a way that compels the reader to engage with the book in one sitting.
June 9, 2025
I love to read books that challenge my opinion with a good argument. And my opinion has been changed in the past by a couple of them. But not this book…not hardly!
After painstakingly reading this entire book, I could have been swayed back towards supporting a cause that I used to agree with for many years. But I can’t begin to think about changing my mindset on illegal immigration. I’m too busy reading about how I’m being scapegoated as a white American for every single thing that happens to this girl in her life. This book isn’t just laying out the case against US government policies and describing her journey to find pride in herself and the power for her cause to succeed …Instead this book is dripping with racism, so much so that I can’t even feel any compassion for the woman I’m reading about. The fact that a major US publisher thinks it’s fine to print such hatred against white people is grotesque. White people are labeled in every scene as white. Even when it has nothing to do with anything. The book is all about what color and ethnicity everyone is. In every chapter, she routinely uses the word “white” as an extremely negative reference. There is no need to word things this way. It is horribly divisive. Every person who disagrees with her cause is “racist and a white supremacist.” Of course she leaves out the huge numbers of Hispanic, Asian and black Americans who don’t want people coming here illegally or staying here illegally. About half of Hispanics don’t. She doesn’t ever mention them, just mentions “racism and white supremacy” ENDLESSLY.
It is obvious that she truly hates white people as a whole. I’m not assuming this. She tells me how horrible it is to be white on almost every page by saying every last thing in history we have done to “people of color” and personally to her. She feels “uncomfortable and unsafe around white people”. There is not a single positive thing she says about any white individuals unless they are working for her cause and also “marginalized” such as being Jewish or gay. (Except for one “white guy” who smiled at her at the White House late in the book) She also only says extremely negative things about this country. If she says anything good, she follows it up with that is what she used to believe until she learned the truth.
Never..One..Good..Thing! -about a country she is demanding to be a part of!!
Even on the day she takes the oath as a new citizen, she says the story we are told about American values and the country itself isn’t true. But she’s going to change this. Earlier in the book, her husband wants to move to Australia because he will do anything not to go back to his country of origin and says he will work to change Australia too. He isn’t even there yet! The entitlement of these people is unreal. I never read any words about changing the countries they came from though…
I personally can’t imagine illegally living in another country, and then lambasting the members of the populace as a bunch of racists when they want me to leave because I didn’t do things the legal way. And then have the audacity to demand they change their laws to make me happy and put the president of the country (in her case, Obama) “on notice” to do what I want in a TV interview.
The biggest reason I don’t want illegals here is the environment. More people means more land development where I live. It’s that simple. The first generation live in cities and maybe don’t own homes, but their children and grandchildren will. I just want less people around me and less “developed” land.
Abuse of illegal workers by their employers was one good point made by the author. Then she goes into the rape and killing of indigenous people centuries ago and how that is affecting her life today. Just stop! The entire book is like this. The anti-white dogma in every chapter is indoctrinating young people into something that is just as bad as pro-white dogma was 75 yrs ago. But the publisher, St Martin’s, makes money off of this cottage industry of racism. There is nothing remotely balanced about this book. Good non fiction gives thoughtful analysis and not just one sided dogma. This is just a hate manifesto and a memoir rolled into one.
I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
After painstakingly reading this entire book, I could have been swayed back towards supporting a cause that I used to agree with for many years. But I can’t begin to think about changing my mindset on illegal immigration. I’m too busy reading about how I’m being scapegoated as a white American for every single thing that happens to this girl in her life. This book isn’t just laying out the case against US government policies and describing her journey to find pride in herself and the power for her cause to succeed …Instead this book is dripping with racism, so much so that I can’t even feel any compassion for the woman I’m reading about. The fact that a major US publisher thinks it’s fine to print such hatred against white people is grotesque. White people are labeled in every scene as white. Even when it has nothing to do with anything. The book is all about what color and ethnicity everyone is. In every chapter, she routinely uses the word “white” as an extremely negative reference. There is no need to word things this way. It is horribly divisive. Every person who disagrees with her cause is “racist and a white supremacist.” Of course she leaves out the huge numbers of Hispanic, Asian and black Americans who don’t want people coming here illegally or staying here illegally. About half of Hispanics don’t. She doesn’t ever mention them, just mentions “racism and white supremacy” ENDLESSLY.
It is obvious that she truly hates white people as a whole. I’m not assuming this. She tells me how horrible it is to be white on almost every page by saying every last thing in history we have done to “people of color” and personally to her. She feels “uncomfortable and unsafe around white people”. There is not a single positive thing she says about any white individuals unless they are working for her cause and also “marginalized” such as being Jewish or gay. (Except for one “white guy” who smiled at her at the White House late in the book) She also only says extremely negative things about this country. If she says anything good, she follows it up with that is what she used to believe until she learned the truth.
Never..One..Good..Thing! -about a country she is demanding to be a part of!!
Even on the day she takes the oath as a new citizen, she says the story we are told about American values and the country itself isn’t true. But she’s going to change this. Earlier in the book, her husband wants to move to Australia because he will do anything not to go back to his country of origin and says he will work to change Australia too. He isn’t even there yet! The entitlement of these people is unreal. I never read any words about changing the countries they came from though…
I personally can’t imagine illegally living in another country, and then lambasting the members of the populace as a bunch of racists when they want me to leave because I didn’t do things the legal way. And then have the audacity to demand they change their laws to make me happy and put the president of the country (in her case, Obama) “on notice” to do what I want in a TV interview.
The biggest reason I don’t want illegals here is the environment. More people means more land development where I live. It’s that simple. The first generation live in cities and maybe don’t own homes, but their children and grandchildren will. I just want less people around me and less “developed” land.
Abuse of illegal workers by their employers was one good point made by the author. Then she goes into the rape and killing of indigenous people centuries ago and how that is affecting her life today. Just stop! The entire book is like this. The anti-white dogma in every chapter is indoctrinating young people into something that is just as bad as pro-white dogma was 75 yrs ago. But the publisher, St Martin’s, makes money off of this cottage industry of racism. There is nothing remotely balanced about this book. Good non fiction gives thoughtful analysis and not just one sided dogma. This is just a hate manifesto and a memoir rolled into one.
I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2025
"Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear Into Pride, Power, and Real Change" is a particularly important book to read RIGHT NOW, in this current political moment. It is a powerful and emotional book about undocumented youth fighting for their community and for their rights. It forcibly struck home to me how slow change can be and how hard you have to fight for it. I think a lot of people who are concerned about the direction our government is going right now are already feeling overwhelmed and burned out and hopeless. But we cannot just give up. Cristina Jiminez and her peers have fought for years - decades now - for immigration reforms that benefit undocumented people, and they are still fighting. It is an inspiration and an affirmation.
Cristina Jiminez moved with her family from Ecuador to New York City when she was a teenager, and they became undocumented immigrants. She relates her experiences as an undocumented high school student and then college student, as she slowly found her voice (she was rightfully terrified of being outed as undocumented) and helped propel a youth movement for DACA and other reforms.
Premise (from Goodreads):
While "Dreaming of Home" sometimes felt a little dry and repetitive to me, the content was important enough to overlook any stylistic issues. I most enjoyed the parts that were more personal, where Jiminez describes her homelife, her family, her feelings. However, the political elements, which comprise the majority of the second half of the book, were also interesting and extremely eye-opening. I didn't realize how resistant Barack Obama was to immigration reform. It was quite disappointing to read about how he avoided and equivocated on the issue for years (in addition to deporting thousands and thousands of people).
You can tell that this book was mostly finished prior to the 2024 election cycle (published in May 2025), although Jiminez briefly mentions how frightening a second Trump presidency is for her and her community. I can only imagine what this book would look like if it had been published a year from now. As Jiminez and her peers have done all along, we must continue to fight and push back against the racism and xenophobia that are behind the government's current cruel and extreme immigration policies.
Cristina Jiminez moved with her family from Ecuador to New York City when she was a teenager, and they became undocumented immigrants. She relates her experiences as an undocumented high school student and then college student, as she slowly found her voice (she was rightfully terrified of being outed as undocumented) and helped propel a youth movement for DACA and other reforms.
Premise (from Goodreads):
Cristina Jiménez’s family struggled to overcome the loss of her sister to cancer and stay afloat as Ecuador fell into a political and economic crisis. When she was thirteen, her parents courageously decided to seek a better life in the U.S. They landed in Queens, New York, cramming into a one-bedroom apartment with relatives and working multiple jobs. Despite the hardships and constant fear of deportation, Cristina learned English and became an honors student. Her dream of attending college was almost shattered by her undocumented status, but she iwasadmitted after immigrant rights advocates won a change in the state’s law.
In college, she soon discovered she was not alone, not the only person struggling with feeling unwelcome and unworthy. Galvanized by her family’s experience and inspired by her new allies, she found her voice, eventually co-founding United We Dream, a national network that catalyzed a powerful youth movement to win DACA and protect over half a million young people from deportation.
In Dreaming of Home, Cristina reminds us that the antidote to fear and isolation is community. Being a “good” immigrant doesn’t protect you from systematic racism, but everyday people have the power to create a country where we all belong and thrive.
While "Dreaming of Home" sometimes felt a little dry and repetitive to me, the content was important enough to overlook any stylistic issues. I most enjoyed the parts that were more personal, where Jiminez describes her homelife, her family, her feelings. However, the political elements, which comprise the majority of the second half of the book, were also interesting and extremely eye-opening. I didn't realize how resistant Barack Obama was to immigration reform. It was quite disappointing to read about how he avoided and equivocated on the issue for years (in addition to deporting thousands and thousands of people).
You can tell that this book was mostly finished prior to the 2024 election cycle (published in May 2025), although Jiminez briefly mentions how frightening a second Trump presidency is for her and her community. I can only imagine what this book would look like if it had been published a year from now. As Jiminez and her peers have done all along, we must continue to fight and push back against the racism and xenophobia that are behind the government's current cruel and extreme immigration policies.
June 28, 2025
Don't know anything about the author but the title and author got my attention. Cristina Jiménez's eventually decides to move to the US after the death of her sister from her cancer, and this book chronicles Jiménez's journey to living as an undocumented person in the US, always on the fringes of having to stay just under the surface to not draw attention. That means it's difficult to get a job, go to college, etc. but Jiménez eventually goes on to co-found United We Dream and win what is commonly known as DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which allows the undocumented to arrives as children a sort of safer status from deportation and even the ability to work if eligible.
Jiménez describes her life, from her childhood to her family fleeing Ecuador and trying to make a living in the US. Much of this probably won't be new if you've ever read up and followed stories of the undocumented in the United States. Along the way Jiménez is mocked and derided for even thinking about going to college. And being unable to provide documentation such as a Social Security card? Forget it according to one school official. But of course there are also other stories of one teacher who encouraged and helped Jiménez on her journey in school and to go onto college after all. Which was a nice read.
A lot of the book also covers her work as an immigration advocate, as obviously her story is only one of millions in the US. And it does not spare any party, as it's painfully obviously both of the major ones in the US just don't know how (or even want) to deal with a system that is in desperate, painful need of an overhaul. So if you're interested in the story of DACA and the "Dreamers", this is an interesting perspective.
However, I do agree that the writing needs work. Her story is fascinating and the first part was about her personal experiences with the system were fascinating, but overall this was really dull. It did felt a bit like listing "this happened and then that happened" instead of a story. Which really shouldn't affect how someone feels, but if you're looking to have your mind changed, I can see why this wouldn't do it.
If you're at all interested in the US immigration system, history, DACA/Dreamers, etc. this would be a good pick up. Would recommend the library though, unless you have a specific need for a reference or information. Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
Jiménez describes her life, from her childhood to her family fleeing Ecuador and trying to make a living in the US. Much of this probably won't be new if you've ever read up and followed stories of the undocumented in the United States. Along the way Jiménez is mocked and derided for even thinking about going to college. And being unable to provide documentation such as a Social Security card? Forget it according to one school official. But of course there are also other stories of one teacher who encouraged and helped Jiménez on her journey in school and to go onto college after all. Which was a nice read.
A lot of the book also covers her work as an immigration advocate, as obviously her story is only one of millions in the US. And it does not spare any party, as it's painfully obviously both of the major ones in the US just don't know how (or even want) to deal with a system that is in desperate, painful need of an overhaul. So if you're interested in the story of DACA and the "Dreamers", this is an interesting perspective.
However, I do agree that the writing needs work. Her story is fascinating and the first part was about her personal experiences with the system were fascinating, but overall this was really dull. It did felt a bit like listing "this happened and then that happened" instead of a story. Which really shouldn't affect how someone feels, but if you're looking to have your mind changed, I can see why this wouldn't do it.
If you're at all interested in the US immigration system, history, DACA/Dreamers, etc. this would be a good pick up. Would recommend the library though, unless you have a specific need for a reference or information. Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
July 28, 2025
Reading *Dreaming of Home* by Cristina Jiménez felt like being wrapped in the familiar warmth of a conversation with a hermana —someone who’s walked through the fire and came out carrying light for the rest of us.
From the first chapter, I knew I was holding something sacred. Cristina doesn’t just tell her story—she tells *our* story. She stitches together the beauty and pain of immigrant life with language that breathes, that sings, that resists. I saw my mother in her mother. I saw myself in her teenage hustle. And I saw our collective movement in her rise—from an undocumented teen cleaning houses in Queens to co-founding United We Dream and advising a president.
The title *Dreaming of Home* holds so many meanings, and Cristina captures them all. There’s the literal longing for a place we were forced to leave. But there’s also the redefinition of “home” as something we carry inside us, something we build together when systems fail to offer us shelter. As she writes, *“We are not broken. The system is.”* That line hit me like lyrics from my favorite songs—soft and fierce all at once.
Cristina’s storytelling is rooted in truth-telling. It’s clear she honors the communities who’ve lifted her up, and she doesn’t flinch from the trauma—whether it’s the terror of ICE raids, the grief of family separation, or the exhaustion of being expected to be both exceptional and invisible. But what makes this book truly soar is her belief in collective power. “We dream in defiance,” she writes. That’s not just a line. It’s a rallying cry.
As a fellow immigrant and woman of color navigating civic life, I felt seen in these pages. I’ve read Maya Angelou’s *Still I Rise* on the hard days—and Cristina’s story feels like a modern echo of that same spirit. She rises, but she brings a whole generation with her. Her journey reminds us that organizing isn’t just policy or protest—it’s poetry, love, and home-making in a world that tries to exile us from all three.
*Dreaming of Home* is more than a memoir. It’s a testament to what happens when we dare to believe that our lives—our undocumented, brown, bold lives—are worth fighting for. For anyone who’s ever loved a country that didn’t always love you back, this book is your mirror and your map.
To borrow Maya’s words: Cristina, *you are phenomenal woman.* And to that, I add: Mil gracias
June 8, 2025
Wow, this was incredibly informative and deeply important. I want to start by saying this: I’m not here to argue about politics. I firmly believe that everyone deserves basic human rights, and nothing will change my mind on that. Don’t even try.
Jimenez shares her personal story and her work advocating for immigrant rights. With everything happening in the world right now, this book couldn't have come at a better time. I beg you to read it and truly listen to what these human beings endure. They’re not here to "steal jobs" or "be criminals." They’re trying, often for many years, to navigate legal channels in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Cristina's story touches on just a portion of what it was like living through Trump's presidency. I can’t imagine the fear she must feel, not only for herself, but for her family and friends.
She recounts her journey with raw honesty, describing how every obstacle felt like an uphill battle. The constant fear of deportation when all she wanted was to go to school, and live a normal life, is heartbreaking. This country was built by immigrants, and I will die on that hill. Immigrants are vital, valuable, and necessary. The racial profiling happening today is both disgusting and terrifying. Please, take the time to listen to her story. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Cristina has dedicated her life to speaking out and helping immigrants. She’s an organizer and the co-founder of United We Dream. I’m linking it here --> United We Dream --< so you can learn more. The work they’re doing is more important now than ever. Cristina didn’t plan for her book to be released during such dark times, but I think it's here at the perfect time. I highly recommend picking it up.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Jimenez shares her personal story and her work advocating for immigrant rights. With everything happening in the world right now, this book couldn't have come at a better time. I beg you to read it and truly listen to what these human beings endure. They’re not here to "steal jobs" or "be criminals." They’re trying, often for many years, to navigate legal channels in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Cristina's story touches on just a portion of what it was like living through Trump's presidency. I can’t imagine the fear she must feel, not only for herself, but for her family and friends.
She recounts her journey with raw honesty, describing how every obstacle felt like an uphill battle. The constant fear of deportation when all she wanted was to go to school, and live a normal life, is heartbreaking. This country was built by immigrants, and I will die on that hill. Immigrants are vital, valuable, and necessary. The racial profiling happening today is both disgusting and terrifying. Please, take the time to listen to her story. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Cristina has dedicated her life to speaking out and helping immigrants. She’s an organizer and the co-founder of United We Dream. I’m linking it here --> United We Dream --< so you can learn more. The work they’re doing is more important now than ever. Cristina didn’t plan for her book to be released during such dark times, but I think it's here at the perfect time. I highly recommend picking it up.
Thank you, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
June 2, 2025
Cristina Jimenez’s "Dreaming of Home" is an extraordinary and deeply moving book that shines a powerful light on the struggles of growing up undocumented in America. As someone who works with undocumented youth, I thought I understood the challenges they face, but this book opened my eyes to the daily realities and anxieties that are so often overlooked.
Jimenez writes with honesty and empathy, capturing not just the big, dramatic moments, but also the small, everyday fears that shape the lives of undocumented children and teenagers. One of the most impactful aspects of the book is how it reveals the constant undercurrent of anxiety—how even simple things, like disputing a bill or answering a knock at the door, can trigger overwhelming fear of deportation. These details are rendered with such clarity and compassion that they linger long after you finish reading.
The storytelling is both personal and universal. Jimenez’s voice is authentic and compelling, drawing readers into her world and making the stakes feel heartbreakingly real. She doesn’t shy away from the pain and injustice, but she also celebrates the resilience, hope, and dreams that persist in the face of adversity.
What makes "Dreaming of Home" truly exceptional is its ability to foster understanding. This isn’t just a book for those who are already sympathetic to the plight of undocumented immigrants—it’s a book that everyone should read. It has the power to change minds and hearts, to inspire greater compassion and empathy for those whose stories are too often ignored or misunderstood.
In short, "Dreaming of Home" is a must-read. It’s an important, beautifully written book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Five stars, without hesitation.
Jimenez writes with honesty and empathy, capturing not just the big, dramatic moments, but also the small, everyday fears that shape the lives of undocumented children and teenagers. One of the most impactful aspects of the book is how it reveals the constant undercurrent of anxiety—how even simple things, like disputing a bill or answering a knock at the door, can trigger overwhelming fear of deportation. These details are rendered with such clarity and compassion that they linger long after you finish reading.
The storytelling is both personal and universal. Jimenez’s voice is authentic and compelling, drawing readers into her world and making the stakes feel heartbreakingly real. She doesn’t shy away from the pain and injustice, but she also celebrates the resilience, hope, and dreams that persist in the face of adversity.
What makes "Dreaming of Home" truly exceptional is its ability to foster understanding. This isn’t just a book for those who are already sympathetic to the plight of undocumented immigrants—it’s a book that everyone should read. It has the power to change minds and hearts, to inspire greater compassion and empathy for those whose stories are too often ignored or misunderstood.
In short, "Dreaming of Home" is a must-read. It’s an important, beautifully written book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Five stars, without hesitation.
June 9, 2025
“I’ve internalized the idea that immigrants are “bad” and undocumented immigrants are “criminals” for coming here seeking a better life. I believe the lie too.”
I normally don’t rate memoirs but this one truly was a 5/5 star read. Cristina’s story is emotional and horrific at times, but it’s also inspiring and hopeful.
Cristina tells us her entire story from growing up in Ecuador to fleeing to the US when she’s a teenager as her parents seek a better life for her and her brother. The transition for her family is hard, but her parents are determined to give Cristina and her brother an education that will allow them to succeed in this country, even though they are undocumented. Cristina becomes involved with a political science group in college that changes everything for her and allows her to not only find herself, but also help others like her who are hiding their undocumented status.
“I’m also angry at myself for longing for this country to embrace me. Even though I know this country has never wanted the Indigenous people of this land, Black people, and people of color, I still feel rejected and unwanted.”
I hadn’t heard of the DREAM Act until reading this book, but what Cristina and the rest of her group have tried to do for the last 20 years is nothing short of impressive. They have persevered and never given up trying to have a seat at the table to let their voices be heard. I couldn’t help but hope they had made some kind of progress even if it seemed like they had to take baby steps to get there.
“Home is a practice. You can find home remembering where you come from. Your history and your roots. Remember you come from ancestors who built nations, invented languages and the calendar, and survived genocide, violence, and poverty. Their ingenuity, courage, and resilience led to you. Despite what the haters may say about you—“illegal,” “animal,”“taker,”“ugly,”“criminal,” and just “not enough”—remember you are a beautiful manifestation of your ancestors’ dreams. You are beautiful just as you are.”
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I normally don’t rate memoirs but this one truly was a 5/5 star read. Cristina’s story is emotional and horrific at times, but it’s also inspiring and hopeful.
Cristina tells us her entire story from growing up in Ecuador to fleeing to the US when she’s a teenager as her parents seek a better life for her and her brother. The transition for her family is hard, but her parents are determined to give Cristina and her brother an education that will allow them to succeed in this country, even though they are undocumented. Cristina becomes involved with a political science group in college that changes everything for her and allows her to not only find herself, but also help others like her who are hiding their undocumented status.
“I’m also angry at myself for longing for this country to embrace me. Even though I know this country has never wanted the Indigenous people of this land, Black people, and people of color, I still feel rejected and unwanted.”
I hadn’t heard of the DREAM Act until reading this book, but what Cristina and the rest of her group have tried to do for the last 20 years is nothing short of impressive. They have persevered and never given up trying to have a seat at the table to let their voices be heard. I couldn’t help but hope they had made some kind of progress even if it seemed like they had to take baby steps to get there.
“Home is a practice. You can find home remembering where you come from. Your history and your roots. Remember you come from ancestors who built nations, invented languages and the calendar, and survived genocide, violence, and poverty. Their ingenuity, courage, and resilience led to you. Despite what the haters may say about you—“illegal,” “animal,”“taker,”“ugly,”“criminal,” and just “not enough”—remember you are a beautiful manifestation of your ancestors’ dreams. You are beautiful just as you are.”
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
DREAMING OF HOME – A Young Latina’s Journey To Pride, Power, And Belonging – by Cristina Jiménez
‘Migration is not a criminal act but an act of love and bravery. Migrants and refugees are true heroes. My parents’ love for my brother and me knows no bounds, and they join the millions of migrants and refugee heroes that take great risks for their children and families to have a chance at a better life.’
It’s a difficult read, especially considering the current political climate. There are heartbreaking moments and encouraging, incremental wins. Jiménez’s journey is a testament to never giving up the fight for what is right, even when you are afraid.
The book has some repetition throughout. Jiménez mentions some mistakes she made in a leadership role, and I would have loved to hear how she worked through them.
Overall…
Recommend!
‘Over the years on this journey of learning and healing, I have become proud of who I am and the process that it has taken to wholeheartedly believe I am enough, beautiful just the way I am, and worthy of love, freedom, and a life with dignity.’
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with an eBook of DREAMING OF HOME at the request of an honest review.
‘Migration is not a criminal act but an act of love and bravery. Migrants and refugees are true heroes. My parents’ love for my brother and me knows no bounds, and they join the millions of migrants and refugee heroes that take great risks for their children and families to have a chance at a better life.’
It’s a difficult read, especially considering the current political climate. There are heartbreaking moments and encouraging, incremental wins. Jiménez’s journey is a testament to never giving up the fight for what is right, even when you are afraid.
The book has some repetition throughout. Jiménez mentions some mistakes she made in a leadership role, and I would have loved to hear how she worked through them.
Overall…
Recommend!
‘Over the years on this journey of learning and healing, I have become proud of who I am and the process that it has taken to wholeheartedly believe I am enough, beautiful just the way I am, and worthy of love, freedom, and a life with dignity.’
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with an eBook of DREAMING OF HOME at the request of an honest review.
June 26, 2025
If you are interested in the recent/current history of DACA and how the plight of the undocumented American immigrant is going, this is a great book to pick up! Jimenez details her time from childhood to adulthood, through dreaming of going to a college but not thinking she will be allowed, to finding love, to working at civil rights organizations and clubs that helped pave the way and fight for DACA. It is both inspiring and infuriating, seeing how much work undocumented immigrants put into the United States, for such little payout, and for so much horror. Jimenez really details it all and puts it into perspective, how both parties have helped and hurt the cause.
The whole memoir is valuable, but I think I enjoyed the first half more than the second. The first half read as more of a memoir to me, and the second half of the book becomes a little more "this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened" which made me enthusiasm wane a little. Yet, it was still very interesting!
Thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC!
The whole memoir is valuable, but I think I enjoyed the first half more than the second. The first half read as more of a memoir to me, and the second half of the book becomes a little more "this happened, and then this happened, and then this happened" which made me enthusiasm wane a little. Yet, it was still very interesting!
Thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC!
June 24, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for the my honest review. I saw that the author had received a MacArthur genius grant and wanted to know more about her. This memoir is what you would expect - story of how she came to the US at a young age with her parents and the discrimination and feeling of not belonging and constantly being afraid that someone would find out her secret. It becomes more difficult as she needs to take the SAT and apply for colleges as there are many questions about SS# and citizenship. Yet, throughout the book, you see that the author is resilient, determined, curious, has built a community of support, and learns that there's a way to have one's voice heard and make a difference. Her path takes her to activism and she becomes the co-founder of United We Dream, advocating for undocumented Americans. The book was well written and her story is inspiring.
October 11, 2025
This is a hard but very important read. Immigration might be one of the most important issues facing our nation today. Hard to imagine, as we are a nation known for the genocide that was committed for white people to claim it over native people. I learned so much reading this, things I had no idea about: the immigration process, policies of the US government, the judicial process, DACA, refugees, education, green cards, ICE detention centers, and so much more. More than anything it is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to affect change when people unite in a common cause for good. Jimenez shares here personal story but also the story of millions of immigrants who are seeking a better way of life legally in a country that claims to promote equality for all. Nothing could be less true. Jimenez is the embodiment of creativity, courage and resourcefulness! A mover and shaker!!!!
May 8, 2025
This is such a timely and intimate story of what it means to be an immigrant in this country, such stories should be required reading for all of us. The psychological, physical, and emotional truth telling of the dehumanizing ways immigrants are viewed and treated was powerfully conveyed by Cristina is this debut memoir. Dreaming Of Home is mostly a story of personal awakening and a toolbox on the many ways we can support each other to become the best versions of ourselves for our communities and for humanity — that finding our personal power and the courage to stand and fight for our collective dignity is, in these times, a necessary right of passage for the world we want and need to create.
Get.
This.
Book!
It is a beacon of light, hope, joy, and community in a time when we are all afraid and Dreaming Of Home.
Get.
This.
Book!
It is a beacon of light, hope, joy, and community in a time when we are all afraid and Dreaming Of Home.
July 14, 2025
In Dreaming of Home Cristina Jiménez relates her personal story of immigration. She and her family fled to the United States after her sister died from cancer. The family hoped to find a better life, and like most immigrants they also found significant struggles. Her efforts to find her way were met with disappointment - thanks to the political state of things in our current climate. The author chose to get involved. She chose not to sit quietly and hide. She chose to try and make change.
Her story is inspiring and important.
I do wish that the book was more emotional. I didn't necessarily connect to her story the way I would have expected, and I couldn't pinpoint why that was. I did think that her thoughts were a bit jumbled and that her voice was slightly disorganized. Despite these minor complaints, I found the book to be one that should be read more widely.
Her story is inspiring and important.
I do wish that the book was more emotional. I didn't necessarily connect to her story the way I would have expected, and I couldn't pinpoint why that was. I did think that her thoughts were a bit jumbled and that her voice was slightly disorganized. Despite these minor complaints, I found the book to be one that should be read more widely.
August 16, 2025
This book is really good at talking about it immigration laws and regulations, and how they tie into the authors everyday life. It’s really good at showing how immigration laws and racist politics affect everyone and how everything is political. Also Cristina’s story is pretty inspirational, being that she is one of the founders of United We Dream, which is the organization that pushed Obama to implement DACA.
4 stars because the writing style really irritated me at times, because it felt like I was being talked at, rather than a flowing narrative on her journey through grassroots organizing and advice.
Still would recommend this book to anyone, especially people passionate about politics and immigration policy
4 stars because the writing style really irritated me at times, because it felt like I was being talked at, rather than a flowing narrative on her journey through grassroots organizing and advice.
Still would recommend this book to anyone, especially people passionate about politics and immigration policy
December 15, 2025
A must read non-fiction memoir!
Cristina documents life growing up as an undocumented immigrant, and what it was like to find her voice in advocacy for herself and her community.
Read if you love...
✨non-fiction
✨memoir
✨learning immigrant stories
With everything happening in the US right now, this is an absolute must read book.
If you’re looking to learn more about what it’s like to be an undocumented immigrant in the US, read this.
If you’re looking to learn more about how DACA started, read this.
If you’re looking to learn more about how the government treats immigrants, read this.
If you’re looking to learn more about advocating for immigrants, read this.
If you’re looking for a must read memoir, read this.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It’s inspiring, heartbreaking, funny, incredibly frustrating, and just a wide range of emotions. You’ll laugh & you’ll be pissed. You’ll finish the book wanting to do everything possible to advocate for the immigrant community.
✨Representation: Latine author
Cristina documents life growing up as an undocumented immigrant, and what it was like to find her voice in advocacy for herself and her community.
Read if you love...
✨non-fiction
✨memoir
✨learning immigrant stories
With everything happening in the US right now, this is an absolute must read book.
If you’re looking to learn more about what it’s like to be an undocumented immigrant in the US, read this.
If you’re looking to learn more about how DACA started, read this.
If you’re looking to learn more about how the government treats immigrants, read this.
If you’re looking to learn more about advocating for immigrants, read this.
If you’re looking for a must read memoir, read this.
I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It’s inspiring, heartbreaking, funny, incredibly frustrating, and just a wide range of emotions. You’ll laugh & you’ll be pissed. You’ll finish the book wanting to do everything possible to advocate for the immigrant community.
✨Representation: Latine author
September 23, 2025
I learned so much! And I’m exhausted just reading about all the work :/ I can’t believe I’m still shocked by how unfriendly the USA is towards non-whites. I’m hopeful all of us reading this will help change that!
But this is another one with a misleading tagline. DoH is Christina’s story, and the story of United We Dream, with very little “how to” aside from build community and organize. It was difficult for me to get into; choppy sentences (ESL I know but that’s what editors are for!) and mostly chronological, except when it wasn’t. Do I really need to know the full name of everyone and a list of states represented?
But this is another one with a misleading tagline. DoH is Christina’s story, and the story of United We Dream, with very little “how to” aside from build community and organize. It was difficult for me to get into; choppy sentences (ESL I know but that’s what editors are for!) and mostly chronological, except when it wasn’t. Do I really need to know the full name of everyone and a list of states represented?
March 6, 2025
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley. I have to say that this was an emotional read. I was extremely angry about finding out how much the US has messed in other countries' and left them worse off and then complain about immigrants trying to come here. I think this should be required reading for everyone. Cristina speaks about coming to the US as a young child, the difficulties of her family trying to survive working multiple menial jobs and getting an education while being a proponent for immigrant legislation. A warm and impassioned memoir.
May 28, 2025
Everyone NEEDS to read this! It's a timely necessary memoir about the authors'climb in this country as an undocumented immigrant. Cristina powerfully conveys the dehumanizing way immigrants are often treated in America and the psychological/emotional toll it takes.
No matter the political side you find yourself on with this issue, it's important to remember that we are all one race-Human.
Read this and then let's discuss!
I don't give out many 5 ⭐s, but THIS is so worth it!
Thank you to MacMillan and NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy of this.
Happy Publication Day!
No matter the political side you find yourself on with this issue, it's important to remember that we are all one race-Human.
Read this and then let's discuss!
I don't give out many 5 ⭐s, but THIS is so worth it!
Thank you to MacMillan and NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy of this.
Happy Publication Day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
This book is amazing. The author not only share with us her story but also give a voice to everyone outside who identifies as an undocumented student. The way she speaks about her fears, anxiety, her beliefs and how she transformed all of these in power, community and resilience is incredible.
Thank you Cristina for giving us a voice, this book make feel belong in this country, and gave hope for a future where everyone can live with dignity even if we have to fight for it.
I really hope everyone reads this book in order to feel, see and understand the other side of the stories never told.
Thank you Cristina for giving us a voice, this book make feel belong in this country, and gave hope for a future where everyone can live with dignity even if we have to fight for it.
I really hope everyone reads this book in order to feel, see and understand the other side of the stories never told.
November 6, 2025
I loved this book! In the times we are living right now, Cristina reflected so many experiences and shared historical facts that are still relevant today. United We Dream has fought for so many important initatives for the undocumented community and they go unnoticed. I also enjoyed reading about Cristina's life experiences and how she overcame the obstacles she faced. I finished this book feeling very inspired.
Read
November 9, 2025(I do not rate memoirs.)
Jimémez opens up and lays out all the vulnerable parts using beautiful, compelling prose. This vulnerability reveals her humanity, something so many who support the current administration's treatment of immigrants choose to willfully ignore. I want to shove this memoir in their face and force them to reckon with the inhumanity of their beliefs even though I know how ineffective such actions would likely be. I highly recommend this memoir.
Jimémez opens up and lays out all the vulnerable parts using beautiful, compelling prose. This vulnerability reveals her humanity, something so many who support the current administration's treatment of immigrants choose to willfully ignore. I want to shove this memoir in their face and force them to reckon with the inhumanity of their beliefs even though I know how ineffective such actions would likely be. I highly recommend this memoir.
February 2, 2025
NetGalley ARC - writing style fluctuates from informal to scholarly, and story ranges from about the author to about many, many others in the movement. Appreciate how the author calls out the shitty behavior of both republicans and democrats alike. Overall a compelling story about a sadly still VERY relevant topic. #istandwithdreamers
February 27, 2025
4.5 stars.
Christina describes her story of her life back in Honduras prior to her life in the United States. She goes thru and explains the policies and interference from other governments, mainly the US, that led to the decline of life in her country. She then describes her life after her migration. She weaves her personal tale with the history of immigration policy in the US.
This is a scholarly work. I really appreciated how she made the history come to life by giving examples of how they affected actual people. She wrote about real people, from strangers to person friends and family. She tells of how politicians from both sides have made life more difficult for immigrants to come to this country legally and how certain migrants are more welcome than others. This was a very important read and I’m sad that it has not received more attention. I have been recommending it to all of my friends that are either readers or interested in politics.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for providing this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Christina describes her story of her life back in Honduras prior to her life in the United States. She goes thru and explains the policies and interference from other governments, mainly the US, that led to the decline of life in her country. She then describes her life after her migration. She weaves her personal tale with the history of immigration policy in the US.
This is a scholarly work. I really appreciated how she made the history come to life by giving examples of how they affected actual people. She wrote about real people, from strangers to person friends and family. She tells of how politicians from both sides have made life more difficult for immigrants to come to this country legally and how certain migrants are more welcome than others. This was a very important read and I’m sad that it has not received more attention. I have been recommending it to all of my friends that are either readers or interested in politics.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for providing this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2025
Beautifully written narrative of the immigrant story that many can relate to. I learned SO much about immigration policy in the last 20 years through their impact on the author’s life and family. She is truly an inspiration that’s had enormous impact on immigration reform I have personally benefited from.
September 3, 2025
I learned a lot about a subject I thought I already knew an awful lot about and I appreciated the personal stories which flipped the script in my head. In this regard, the book was challenging and I appreciate it.
The author does a fabulous job narrating slowly - which allowed me to listen at 2x speed but offers something for everyone - including those who need to listen at a much lower speed.
The author does a fabulous job narrating slowly - which allowed me to listen at 2x speed but offers something for everyone - including those who need to listen at a much lower speed.
September 16, 2025
This book helped me picture real families and people with the undocumented situation in the USA. In out current political situation, it is a great read on how this group has been mistreated both historically and especially now. Hopefully books like this will push for much needed immigration reform.
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