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Francisco #4
Taking Hold: From Migrant Childhood to Columbia University
In this fourth book in his award-winning memoir series, Francisco Jimenez leaves everything behind in California—a loving family, a devoted girlfriend, and the culture that shaped him—to attend Columbia University in New York City. With few true accounts of the Latino experience in America, Francisco Jimenez’s work comes alive with telling details about the warmth and resiliency of family and the quest for identity against seemingly impossible odds. "Many [students] have commented that your books give them hope and courage and, thanks to you, many are seriously thinking about college for the first time in their lives" --John Padula, teacher, Boston Public Schools
191 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2015
36 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Francisco Jiménez
82 books219 followersFrancisco Jimenez emigrated from Tlaquepaque, Mexico, to California, where he worked for many years in the fields with his family. He received both his master's degree and his Ph.D. from Columbia University and is now chairman of the Modern Languages and Literature Department at Santa Clara University, the setting of much of Reaching Out. He is the award-winning author of The Circuit, Breaking Through, La Mariposa, and his newest memoir, Reaching Out. He lives in Santa Clara, California, with his family.
Author photo courtesy of Santa Clara University.
Author photo courtesy of Santa Clara University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 9, 2018
This is the fourth book I have read in this autobiographical series that began with The Circuit, a book I teach every year to my sixth grade students. Beginning with that author's life when he is four or five years old, Professor Jimenez's stories are beautifully written and deeply moving to me. This latest (and perhaps last) volume tells the story of his time at Columbia University in New York during the turbulent later years of the 1960s. When I think about where this man started--an illegal migrant farm worker moving around California--and compare it to where he ended--a Ph.D and teaching college--I cannot help but be in awe of his courage, his discipline, and his faith in education. A truly remarkable story from a remarkable American.
For years, Professor Jimenez (called Panchito by his family) and his older brother Roberto cleaned schools as janitors to help their struggling family in Santa Maria, California. Two years ago, a new elementary school in that city was named in their honor. There is no greater testament to the possibilities of America than Francisco Jimenez's story. Likewise, there is no greater condemnation of our economic and social systems, which allow good people to live in crushing poverty based largely on the color of their skin.
I have never quite understood what it is about this man's life that speaks to me the way that it does. Perhaps I see elements of my own life in his story (although he had it a hell of a lot harder than I did). Maybe it's the immigrant piece of his narrative, since I have always had such a strong connection to my own Irish roots. Or it could be the pervasive and powerful influence of Catholicism in his life, which is something I have struggled with since I was 12 years old. Whatever the reasons, I find his story to be incredibly compelling.
A few years ago I wrote him an email, and he was kind enough to write back to me. I read it to my students every year. My understanding is that he's recently retired from a long career teaching at Santa Clara University. I hope that he finds time to do some more writing! I will certainly buy his next book.
For years, Professor Jimenez (called Panchito by his family) and his older brother Roberto cleaned schools as janitors to help their struggling family in Santa Maria, California. Two years ago, a new elementary school in that city was named in their honor. There is no greater testament to the possibilities of America than Francisco Jimenez's story. Likewise, there is no greater condemnation of our economic and social systems, which allow good people to live in crushing poverty based largely on the color of their skin.
I have never quite understood what it is about this man's life that speaks to me the way that it does. Perhaps I see elements of my own life in his story (although he had it a hell of a lot harder than I did). Maybe it's the immigrant piece of his narrative, since I have always had such a strong connection to my own Irish roots. Or it could be the pervasive and powerful influence of Catholicism in his life, which is something I have struggled with since I was 12 years old. Whatever the reasons, I find his story to be incredibly compelling.
A few years ago I wrote him an email, and he was kind enough to write back to me. I read it to my students every year. My understanding is that he's recently retired from a long career teaching at Santa Clara University. I hope that he finds time to do some more writing! I will certainly buy his next book.
July 5, 2019
When J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter, she created a storyline that aged with the readers. In my opinion, Francisco Jimenez retold his childhood in the same fashion. His four part life journey is remarkable in so many ways and book #1 (The Circuit) is a great fit for middle schoolers. I originally stumbled upon his first book when I was teaching in a small town in Washington state. Many of my students were the children of migrant workers or in many cases field workers themselves. Through a Donor's Choose request, I was able to purchase a class set and added this title to our middle school classroom reading. Although I enjoyed the fourth installment, Taking Hold, the content would be a reach for middle school students. Learning about his time at Columbia, getting married, and beginning a family would be a better fit for upper high school/college students, especially those who have read the three books leading up to the finale. I find it to be a series that should be read over years. To this day, this is a storyline I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with and will continue to tell others about it.
November 29, 2020
Jiménez, one of the world's preeminent scholars of Mexican American studies and literature serves as a professor of modern languages and literature at Santa Clara University. He took his PhD through a highly competitive and exclusive program at Columbia University in the 1960s, a time when hispanics were all but absent at Ivy League schools, where his choice to study Mexican American lit was belittled and suppressed. The truly inspiring story here is not just where Jiménez ended up but where he began. He spent his childhood as a migrant worker in California, a child laborer picking strawberries and cotton along side his parents in blazing fields, eyes burning from crop duster pesticides, empty stomach, bleeding hands. Moving from school to school, erratically enrolled, deported to Mexico, finding a way back in, just gaining basic literacy was (and still is) a struggle for migrant workers in America. Jiménez made it "out" but never disconnected from the migrant community, spending the rest of his life fighting for our society to extend basic dignity toward the laborers we so markedly depend upon.
August 7, 2025
The fourth and final installment of Francisco Jiménez's memoir of his childhood and youth. This one deals with his early adult years when he pursued post-graduate degrees from Columbia University in New York City.
Jiménez defied the odds throughout his life. As a youngster he spoke only Spanish, and every year he missed many weeks of school as he helped support his family as they followed the harvest of various crops throughout California.
Because of the loving guidance and support that some of his teachers provided for him, Francisco succeeded and achieved his goal of becoming a teacher (a University professor no less) himself.
These stories are so inspiring and so uplifting and so enlightening. I highly recommend them to everyone.
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2nd reading completed 7 August 2025. So good and such an enjoyable way for me to practice and improve my Spanish language skills.
Jiménez defied the odds throughout his life. As a youngster he spoke only Spanish, and every year he missed many weeks of school as he helped support his family as they followed the harvest of various crops throughout California.
Because of the loving guidance and support that some of his teachers provided for him, Francisco succeeded and achieved his goal of becoming a teacher (a University professor no less) himself.
These stories are so inspiring and so uplifting and so enlightening. I highly recommend them to everyone.
-------
2nd reading completed 7 August 2025. So good and such an enjoyable way for me to practice and improve my Spanish language skills.
July 25, 2016
I love read about people who come nothing the struggles they have get they are. It should be a must read for all seniors in high schools
June 22, 2017
Just finished reading Taking Hold by Francisco Jimenez. I have missed so much. This the first book that I have read by the author yet he written so much more. Now I am very eager to read more. He was a child in a migrant farm worker family yet he managed to earn his doctorate degree from Columbia University.
When he was only four years old, he crossed the United States and Mexico border illegally. Their purpose was to escape crushing poverty and have a much better future. The author begins with his earliest memories of his family working in cotton fields and strawberry farms. He described having moving farm to farm and the difficulty of finding food and shelter. My mother's diary told me about strawberry picking during the Great Depression so I already knew about the back breaking labor, often in the hot sun. She wanted to earn some money but after three weeks she gave up. But they could not give up because his family needed food and shelter for them to survive. Many of his stories about his life told of perseverance That trait was instilled in him by his family and it keep him going while he was in college and graduate school.
What really impressed me was the strong sense of the value of family. Reading about his family made me feel at home with all of them and a deep admiration for them. I also loved that he talks about the books and teachers who he loved.
I highly recommend this book because of its inspiring themes. His culture is very different from the one that I grew up in but the family values are happily the same.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling.
When he was only four years old, he crossed the United States and Mexico border illegally. Their purpose was to escape crushing poverty and have a much better future. The author begins with his earliest memories of his family working in cotton fields and strawberry farms. He described having moving farm to farm and the difficulty of finding food and shelter. My mother's diary told me about strawberry picking during the Great Depression so I already knew about the back breaking labor, often in the hot sun. She wanted to earn some money but after three weeks she gave up. But they could not give up because his family needed food and shelter for them to survive. Many of his stories about his life told of perseverance That trait was instilled in him by his family and it keep him going while he was in college and graduate school.
What really impressed me was the strong sense of the value of family. Reading about his family made me feel at home with all of them and a deep admiration for them. I also loved that he talks about the books and teachers who he loved.
I highly recommend this book because of its inspiring themes. His culture is very different from the one that I grew up in but the family values are happily the same.
I received this Advanced Reading Copy by making a selection from Amazon Vine books but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. I also posted this review only on sites meant for reading not for selling.
March 26, 2023
"I thought of how lucky my family and I were to come back to the United States legally, thanks to Ito, a Japanese sharecropper for whom we picked strawberries. He sponsored us and loaned us money."
"My mother always told us that we should never lose hope, no matter how difficult life is. She said, 'If we lose hope and faith, mijo, what do we have left? A television set, a car, a house, if you're rich.'"
"I respected them and other authors who used their writing talent to combat injustices in society."
"I threw myself into suffering in the United States to have us all together as long as I could, but my poor body failed me."
"Because he insisted that we leave places we lived in cleaner than we found them. It was a way of thanking the owner and increasing our chances of being welcomed if we ever came back."
"I felt grateful for the sacrifices our families made. Their courage and hard work made it possible for her and me to enjoy a good life. We were the heirs of their dreams."
"Your professional life is just beginning, and just as life is made up of single days, so are accomplishments. They come in little steps, and each little step leads to your goal. You need to be more patient with yourself."
"My mother always told us that we should never lose hope, no matter how difficult life is. She said, 'If we lose hope and faith, mijo, what do we have left? A television set, a car, a house, if you're rich.'"
"I respected them and other authors who used their writing talent to combat injustices in society."
"I threw myself into suffering in the United States to have us all together as long as I could, but my poor body failed me."
"Because he insisted that we leave places we lived in cleaner than we found them. It was a way of thanking the owner and increasing our chances of being welcomed if we ever came back."
"I felt grateful for the sacrifices our families made. Their courage and hard work made it possible for her and me to enjoy a good life. We were the heirs of their dreams."
"Your professional life is just beginning, and just as life is made up of single days, so are accomplishments. They come in little steps, and each little step leads to your goal. You need to be more patient with yourself."
September 21, 2021
This is not really a Spanish language book, but I put it in this category because it is the final book in a series, and the first three books (of which I read two) were written in Spanish. I did not enjoy this one as much as the others. Perhaps the reason I didn't enjoy this book is the same reason I did enjoy the Spanish memoirs: the language was very simplistic! It was basically, first I did this, then I did this, then I did this. It told the story of his years at Columbia University earning his master's and doctoral degrees, and included a very brief description of his wedding to Laura, her job teaching high school on Staten Island, and the births of their two children. There was very little emotion in the book, other than to say "we were sad that my father couldn't come to the wedding" or "we were excited to learn that we were going to have a baby." He mentions his father a few times, but he does not see him at all during these years. By the end of the book he has accepted a job at the University of Santa Clara and he and Laura and their two children have moved back to California.
September 29, 2018
I randomly grabbed this book off the shelf at the library when I was there looking for another book. It's the fourth book in a series of four, and I did not read the first three but now I wish I had. This book tells the story of the author's experience as the child of illegal immigrants who made it from being born into a family of migrant workers in California into the PhD program at Columbia. This guy achieved the immigrant dream, and, even better, the field of study he pursued was one of my several fantasy academic pursuits, Latin American studies. Reading this book did make me think about serious issues like race and national identity and assimilation and the immigrant experience, but it also let me pretend for a few hours that I was reading, writing, and studying about Latin America in grungy student housing. Oh, to be a grad student again! I'm glad this book took me back there in my mind, even if just for a few hours.
August 30, 2019
Francisco Jimenez shares his experiences in graduate school, working to a PhD in Spanish Literature. This is meant to be the fourth installment in his series, but this is the only one I've read. I'm not sure if the other books would help provide more context for how amazing it is that he is in graduate school, but you do get a very up-front tale of what it's like getting a graduate degree--in other words, an incredible amount of work.
While this is interesting and I appreciate his journey through grad school and his early years of marriage, the writing is a bit dry. I thought this might work for YA audiences (and I think it's meant to be), but it reads like an autobiography from the 1970's. I think that it might be good for me to check out his earlier pieces. This one might be too hard to relate to for teens (and even most adults), but is still admirable that he did so much with his education and life!
While this is interesting and I appreciate his journey through grad school and his early years of marriage, the writing is a bit dry. I thought this might work for YA audiences (and I think it's meant to be), but it reads like an autobiography from the 1970's. I think that it might be good for me to check out his earlier pieces. This one might be too hard to relate to for teens (and even most adults), but is still admirable that he did so much with his education and life!
May 20, 2019
Inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and perseverance... But it was very repetitive.
Throughout the series, the author told the same memories over and over. I eventually began skipping over the parts where he recalled his childhood.
Formula: I was sad and lonely, and it reminded me of __(sad childhood memory)__. Repeat...
I was glad that it ended happily: That he reached his goals, married his best friend, got a job at his alma mater near his family, had children that he adored, and lived happily ever after. I’m also glad things worked out well for the rest of his family.
Out of the series, I think books one and two were the best. Three was okay. And this one could have been a lot shorter or combined with book three (with all the repetition omitted).
Throughout the series, the author told the same memories over and over. I eventually began skipping over the parts where he recalled his childhood.
Formula: I was sad and lonely, and it reminded me of __(sad childhood memory)__. Repeat...
I was glad that it ended happily: That he reached his goals, married his best friend, got a job at his alma mater near his family, had children that he adored, and lived happily ever after. I’m also glad things worked out well for the rest of his family.
Out of the series, I think books one and two were the best. Three was okay. And this one could have been a lot shorter or combined with book three (with all the repetition omitted).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
This finishes off this series for me. I’ve marked them all five stars in part because they are books I feel like everyone should read to gain a better understanding of migrant children and families in the US. I rarely read autobiographies, but really enjoyed the story format of this series. I related well to this last book especially because my husband went through many years of school for a doctorate in African Studies. It’s a long road, and it was fun to share in Francisco’s journey. Favorite quote: “...inhuman conditions did not define them [Blacks in Harlem]; nor did they define families like my own.” I love that fighting spirit of optimism and faith!
August 30, 2019
Francisco Jimenez shares his experiences in graduate school, working to a PhD in Spanish Literature. This is meant to be the fourth installment in his series, but this is the only one I've read. I'm not sure if the other books would help provide more context for how amazing it is that he is in graduate school, but you do get a very up-front tale of what it's like getting a graduate degree--in other words, an incredible amount of work.
While this is interesting and I appreciate his journey through grad school and his early years of marriage, the writing is a bit dry. I thought this might work for YA audiences (and I think it's meant to be), but it reads like an autobiography from the 1970's. I think that it might be good for me to check out his earlier pieces. This one might be too hard to relate to for teens (and even most adults), but is still admirable that he did so much with his education and life!
While this is interesting and I appreciate his journey through grad school and his early years of marriage, the writing is a bit dry. I thought this might work for YA audiences (and I think it's meant to be), but it reads like an autobiography from the 1970's. I think that it might be good for me to check out his earlier pieces. This one might be too hard to relate to for teens (and even most adults), but is still admirable that he did so much with his education and life!
January 13, 2020
Two earlier books, "Breaking Through" and "Reaching Out" both do a better job of covering the same years as this book. I started reading "Reaching Out" in Spanish class, and have read all three of the early-childhood-to-young-adult books in English (and only one in Spanish). I would recommend this for anyone who wonders if an illegal immigrant without any education, minimal English, and few opportunities, can "make it" in the United States through hard work, deep beliefs, and fortitude. (At least, the baby boomer generation could make it...as the author is now in his mid-70's.) Definitely worth a read...but "Reaching Out" is better by far.
October 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, because I am so invested in the main character. This book was not as universally relatable as the other three, because it takes place entirely in graduate school. The other three books were in elementary school, jr and sr High School, and college; all places that I have been, and that feel familiar. This made the impact more emotional for me.
I liked reading about his fears and successes at Columbia, so far sway from home. His courtship, marriage and early married years were also nice,
Professor Jiminez is an intriguing, inspiring and relatable character, and I would recommend this series to everyone.
I liked reading about his fears and successes at Columbia, so far sway from home. His courtship, marriage and early married years were also nice,
Professor Jiminez is an intriguing, inspiring and relatable character, and I would recommend this series to everyone.
April 24, 2019
Glad I read Jimenez’s account of going through graduate school at Columbia during a tumultuous period in American history. It was also an unstable time for his own family as well who were still struggling to find financial stability and their father in Mexico treating his stomach tumor at the witch doctor. He was never resentful of his dad, instead showed pride in his father throughout the account by referring to things he had said or things he’d taught him. Jimenez sails gracefully and with grit through it all.
September 11, 2019
Again, this is a very moving story of hard work and determination in a young man's life and what results. Francisco takes advantage of the opportunities in front of him and "takes hold" as the title indicates of his version of the American Dream. Though a gifted student, it is only through a willingness to bear the hardship and loneliness of taking a solitary journey is he able to realize his dreams of earning a doctorate. I couldn't put this final volume down having followed him from his early days in the previous volumes.
February 8, 2018
I enjoyed all three of Dr. Jimenez's autobiographical works: The Circuit, Breaking Through, and Reaching Out, and now, I can add Taking Hold to that list. I greatly admire Dr. Jimenez for his courage to share his successes and struggles in graduate school and to fight for the inclusion of Mexican American literature in mainstream education. He is an incredible writer and an even more extraordinary man.
September 1, 2019
Jiménez's final book in his autobiographical trilogy presents a rewarding semi-conclusion to his educational journey. While redundant to one who had read the series consecutively, Jiménez includes recap of previous events, touched on in prior books, to give context to the experiences shared. He gives voice to the struggle of a first-generation college student of a migrant family -- an essential read in understanding the broad range of the "American experience".
April 12, 2024
Taking Hold by Francisco Jiménez is a fascinating book to read. Francisco is a young man who leaves his family in California to go to Columbia University in New York City. Remembering the years of his childhood living in poverty and facing prejudice, he learns to navigate this new chapter of his life. Taking Hold is such an amazing, eye-opening book to read. I would definitely recommend it to others.
September 6, 2018
3 1/2 stars. I did enjoy this autobiographical look at the higher education of a Mexican American professor. But it did get a little bogged down in recitation of doctoral studies in latter part of book. I do want to read his books on his early childhood & migrant life. (Own)
January 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading about Dr. Jimenez’s experience in graduate school. It gave me insight and inspiration. His determination and the support of those around him were an invaluable combination for success. One I hope to emulate one day.
March 15, 2022
The last in the series. This was very interesting to me to read about New York in the 60s and Columbia University because it gave me insight about my parents just north in Connecticut around the same time.
May 18, 2024
I enjoyed the last installment to Jimenez’s retelling of his life. I did not rate it 5 stars because I felt this covered such a wide timeframe of his life and it was such a short novel I don’t feel like it did all of the events justice.
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October 21, 2024The conclusion of Jiménez's story was touching and inspiring. I am curious as to how he used his graduate education to help his family, as was a major motivator for him.
I seriously recommend this series- though not extremely fast paced, it is well done and insightful.
I seriously recommend this series- though not extremely fast paced, it is well done and insightful.
February 17, 2017
I think it is fun to read. Some parts were boring.
June 25, 2020
An immigrant story, and written by the person himself makes it more real, from the heart and very inspirational.
I love these true stories for struggles and triumphs. This book makes a good read.
I love these true stories for struggles and triumphs. This book makes a good read.
October 6, 2020
The end of the series telling the life of a migrant family, their ups and downs and the climax of receiving a doctorate from Colunbia University by the author. He is amazing!
September 6, 2022
the book have good plot
September 6, 2022
good story and plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews