Masticate and Swallow: A Cuban-American Childhood

by Fabio Hurtado

Fabio A. Hurtado was born in La Habana, Cuba at Hijas de Galicia Hospital in February 1971. He attended Cuban schools until 5th grade and left Cuba in September of 1980 and moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey. The stories in this memoir document life in Cuba in the late 1970s as well as the author's immigrant experience growing up in the United States. With humor and through memorable stories, the author explores loss, family, poverty, memories, as he struggles to be Cuban-American.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2017

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabio's stories from his childhood in Cuba -- and his observations as a young boy upon his arrival in the United States -- are a joy to read. Even when the content is difficult, Fabio's voice carries us through the awkwardness with its eternal optimism and level-headedness. Read these stories with others. Read them aloud. Read them over and over again. This is one man's view -- and he's kind enough to crack a window into his life open a bit so we can see, too.

[MaryEdmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. It's an important perspective on communism and life as an immigrant. I would like to sit down and talk with Mr. Hurtado. It seems to me that his family (for whom he wrote the memoir) is so blessed to have this beautiful, honest, funny piece of his heart, and I'm thankful that he decided to share it with the rest of us. I also loved the book list at the end.

[Anne W · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest memoir about the joys and challenges of living in and leaving Castro's Cuba. Timely stories that bring the excitement and difficulties of immigrating to the US to light. Knowing Fabio personally it was a delight to read these stories and gain a peek into the experiences that formed the wise and caring man he is today. I hope he's working on the next edition. I sense he has so much more to share.

[Mark Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories that comprise this book are vivid and intimate. Some of them are brutal, some beautiful, but all of them paint a portrait of a life in transition. For those of us largely unfamiliar with the struggles of the Cuban people, these stories explain so much. Education as indoctrination; political fabrications sold as truth; the shunning of anyone who dared to dissent...all of that is here, related to us by the evolving voice of Fabio Hurtado as his mind and heart are exposed to sights and events both humorous and poignant. It's fascinating to read about the acculturation he goes through after arriving in the US in the 80s, and to have the chance to see a familiar world through unfamiliar eyes.

I'm so glad I read Masticate and Swallow--an enjoyable and elucidating read.

[Clay Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest look into the life of someone I admire greatly. A pleasure to read, particularly hearing Fabio’s voice along the way, narrating the stories of his childhood.