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Un Viaje Improbable: Despertando de Mi Sueño Americano
The keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC, former San Antonio mayor and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Julian Castro, tells his remarkable and inspiring life story.
In the spirit of a young Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father, comes a candid and compelling memoir about race and poverty in America. In many ways, there was no reason Julian Castro would have been expected to be a success. Born to unmarried parents in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of a struggling city, his prospects of escaping his circumstance seemed bleak.
But he and his twin brother Joaquin had something going for them: their mother. A former political activist, she provided the launch pad for what would become an astonishing ascent. Julian and Joaquin would go on to attend Stanford and Harvard before entering politics at the ripe age of 26. Soon after, Joaquin become a state representative and Julian was elected mayor of San Antonio, a city he helped revitalize and transform into one of the country's leading economies. His success in Texas propelled him onto the national stage, where he was the keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC--the same spot President Obama held three conventions prior--and then to Washington D.C. where he served as the Obama Administration's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. After being shortlisted as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, he is now seen by many as a future presidential candidate.
Julian Castro's story not only affirms the American dream, but also resonates with millions, who in an age of political cynicism and hardening hearts are searching for a new hero. No matter one's politics, this book is the transcendent story of a resilient family and the unlikely journey of an emerging national icon.
In the spirit of a young Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father, comes a candid and compelling memoir about race and poverty in America. In many ways, there was no reason Julian Castro would have been expected to be a success. Born to unmarried parents in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of a struggling city, his prospects of escaping his circumstance seemed bleak.
But he and his twin brother Joaquin had something going for them: their mother. A former political activist, she provided the launch pad for what would become an astonishing ascent. Julian and Joaquin would go on to attend Stanford and Harvard before entering politics at the ripe age of 26. Soon after, Joaquin become a state representative and Julian was elected mayor of San Antonio, a city he helped revitalize and transform into one of the country's leading economies. His success in Texas propelled him onto the national stage, where he was the keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC--the same spot President Obama held three conventions prior--and then to Washington D.C. where he served as the Obama Administration's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. After being shortlisted as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, he is now seen by many as a future presidential candidate.
Julian Castro's story not only affirms the American dream, but also resonates with millions, who in an age of political cynicism and hardening hearts are searching for a new hero. No matter one's politics, this book is the transcendent story of a resilient family and the unlikely journey of an emerging national icon.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
36 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 28, 2019
I am attempting to read the books by those people running for president. There are too many running and that means too many books to read.
This is a memoir of Julian Castro. He and his brother, Joaquin, are identical twins. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His grandmother was an immigrant from Mexico. She had very little education, therefore, she pushed her offspring to get an education. Julian’s mother was politically active and taught her children to be active in local affairs and national politics. Both their parents were teachers. The twins went to Stanford University and then Harvard Law School. Both are active in politics. Joaquin is a member of the House of Representatives and Julian was the mayor of San Antonio; then was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Obama. He is now running for president.
This book is more about his personal life and less about his political beliefs or policies. I wished it had been equally balanced. I know I have complained in reviews of other candidates that their books were more on policy and less on personal life. I guess I cannot be satisfied. Overall, it was an interesting read and a look into the life of a Hispanic growing up in Texas. I do feel I have a better understanding of Julian after reading the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and forty-four minutes. Julian Castro narrated this own book.
This is a memoir of Julian Castro. He and his brother, Joaquin, are identical twins. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His grandmother was an immigrant from Mexico. She had very little education, therefore, she pushed her offspring to get an education. Julian’s mother was politically active and taught her children to be active in local affairs and national politics. Both their parents were teachers. The twins went to Stanford University and then Harvard Law School. Both are active in politics. Joaquin is a member of the House of Representatives and Julian was the mayor of San Antonio; then was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Obama. He is now running for president.
This book is more about his personal life and less about his political beliefs or policies. I wished it had been equally balanced. I know I have complained in reviews of other candidates that their books were more on policy and less on personal life. I guess I cannot be satisfied. Overall, it was an interesting read and a look into the life of a Hispanic growing up in Texas. I do feel I have a better understanding of Julian after reading the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and forty-four minutes. Julian Castro narrated this own book.
January 27, 2019
A heartfelt and at times bittersweet story about the American dream.
First, this is not a policy book. It touches on some policy, but it’s more about Castro’s relationship with politics as part of his American journey. In this book, Castro takes readers along that journey, sharing many personal details about his childhood, reflecting on his victories and defeats, and explaining the many challenges and hardships stacked up against those who do not come from privileged backgrounds. I listened to the audio book and found Castro’s reading frank and sincere.
One thing that really comes through is Castro's values. Family - After graduating Harvard law, Castro could have done anything, but he returned to San Antonio to be with his family. He credits his family with so much, and the fact that he devotes so much attention to them in his book is a testament to that. Education - Castro worked hard for everything he has, and education was his path to success. He spent some time teaching as well and understands how important education is as a ladder to better opportunity. Service and Integrity - Castro quit a high-paying law firm job in order to avoid a conflict of interest and vote his beliefs in a city council election. As HUD Secretary, he flew coach because he was aware of who’s money he was spending. Can you imagine?
I don't want to get negative in this review, but Castro is everything our current president is not.
I am much more hopeful now about the 2020 election after reading this. It’s encouraging to know that there are still good, smart people out there getting into politics for the right reasons - serving the public and improving people's lives. I will be watching Castro's campaign closely and with excitement.
First, this is not a policy book. It touches on some policy, but it’s more about Castro’s relationship with politics as part of his American journey. In this book, Castro takes readers along that journey, sharing many personal details about his childhood, reflecting on his victories and defeats, and explaining the many challenges and hardships stacked up against those who do not come from privileged backgrounds. I listened to the audio book and found Castro’s reading frank and sincere.
One thing that really comes through is Castro's values. Family - After graduating Harvard law, Castro could have done anything, but he returned to San Antonio to be with his family. He credits his family with so much, and the fact that he devotes so much attention to them in his book is a testament to that. Education - Castro worked hard for everything he has, and education was his path to success. He spent some time teaching as well and understands how important education is as a ladder to better opportunity. Service and Integrity - Castro quit a high-paying law firm job in order to avoid a conflict of interest and vote his beliefs in a city council election. As HUD Secretary, he flew coach because he was aware of who’s money he was spending. Can you imagine?
I don't want to get negative in this review, but Castro is everything our current president is not.
I am much more hopeful now about the 2020 election after reading this. It’s encouraging to know that there are still good, smart people out there getting into politics for the right reasons - serving the public and improving people's lives. I will be watching Castro's campaign closely and with excitement.
June 19, 2025
Embrace your unlikely journey.
An Unlikely Journey ~~~ Julian Castro
I love Julian Castro. HC made a huge mistake in not choosing him as VP nominee ~~ one of many huge mistakes she made in her campaign. I'm sad his voice was silenced during the debate process.
This is a great memoir from a great man.
An Unlikely Journey ~~~ Julian Castro
I love Julian Castro. HC made a huge mistake in not choosing him as VP nominee ~~ one of many huge mistakes she made in her campaign. I'm sad his voice was silenced during the debate process.
This is a great memoir from a great man.
March 22, 2019
Memoirs are de rigueur for anyone aspiring to the presidency. And so they should be, to introduce themselves and to give us an idea from where their sense of duty emanates. Nonetheless, it is disconcerting to read the memoir of someone running for president in their forties who never mentions travel abroad.
At least half this book is composed of Julián’s life before he was twenty. For those who argue that “youthful indiscretions don’t matter,” here is someone who clearly thinks one’s sense of self and others grows up with you.
While I might go along with that notion of human development, it is the time after age twenty when we have to make decisions that really show who we are. After graduating from Stanford University and Harvard Law, Castro returned to his home city of San Antonio, took a job with a law firm and promptly ran for San Antonio City Council in his home district and won.
Right out of the gate was a big conflict of interest. Castro’s law firm represented a developer who wanted to build a golf course over the city’s aquifer and get a tax break to do it. Castro quit his paying job with the law firm, ended up voting no on the proposal with the backing of 56% of San Antonio residents.
The initial project failed--not because of his vote--but another came right behind it, this time for two golf courses, but with stronger environmental protections and no tax breaks. Castro voted for the project the second time. He uses the example of this project to show the importance of local government work, but also what people can do when they have principled objections and work together.
The experience fueled Castro’s interest in higher office. He lost at his first attempt to run for mayor of San Antonio, and it looks like it was his first big public failure. He felt humiliated. But like everyone who eventually succeeds, he had to pick himself up and do it again, which he did, winning in 2009. After that, he went back and forth to Washington, as head of HUD under Obama, and then mentioned as vice-presidential pick during the run up to the 2016 election.
It takes a special personality to want the blood sport that is politics. Castro learned the power of the people from his mother, who was known for her organizing work. He has a twin brother who absorbed the same lessons and worked alongside him to set up and win elections while they were in college and after. But what makes one reach for the highest office?
We all have to find the answer to that one, and while I am not impressed with those who want to see their names in lights—or gold letters eight feet high—there are people who are at least as capable as the rest of us but who want the limelight. I’m willing to give it to them if it makes sense for the direction we need to move.
Julián Castro is not ready, to my mind, to run for the presidency. I do not get the reassurance he even knows what it is. I don't mind some learning on the job, but look at what Teresa May just went through. There is a largeness to the job that will always exceed our best attempts to put our arms around it. Do I think he would be worthy some day? Maybe.
What we are doing now in our presidential slates--going as old as we can and as young as we can--is unappealing to me. Precociousness is a real thing, and I don't want to stand in the way of talent. To me, Castro for President is premature, but I have to admit the world belongs to the young now, who are going to have to find a way to live in it.
At least half this book is composed of Julián’s life before he was twenty. For those who argue that “youthful indiscretions don’t matter,” here is someone who clearly thinks one’s sense of self and others grows up with you.
While I might go along with that notion of human development, it is the time after age twenty when we have to make decisions that really show who we are. After graduating from Stanford University and Harvard Law, Castro returned to his home city of San Antonio, took a job with a law firm and promptly ran for San Antonio City Council in his home district and won.
Right out of the gate was a big conflict of interest. Castro’s law firm represented a developer who wanted to build a golf course over the city’s aquifer and get a tax break to do it. Castro quit his paying job with the law firm, ended up voting no on the proposal with the backing of 56% of San Antonio residents.
The initial project failed--not because of his vote--but another came right behind it, this time for two golf courses, but with stronger environmental protections and no tax breaks. Castro voted for the project the second time. He uses the example of this project to show the importance of local government work, but also what people can do when they have principled objections and work together.
The experience fueled Castro’s interest in higher office. He lost at his first attempt to run for mayor of San Antonio, and it looks like it was his first big public failure. He felt humiliated. But like everyone who eventually succeeds, he had to pick himself up and do it again, which he did, winning in 2009. After that, he went back and forth to Washington, as head of HUD under Obama, and then mentioned as vice-presidential pick during the run up to the 2016 election.
It takes a special personality to want the blood sport that is politics. Castro learned the power of the people from his mother, who was known for her organizing work. He has a twin brother who absorbed the same lessons and worked alongside him to set up and win elections while they were in college and after. But what makes one reach for the highest office?
We all have to find the answer to that one, and while I am not impressed with those who want to see their names in lights—or gold letters eight feet high—there are people who are at least as capable as the rest of us but who want the limelight. I’m willing to give it to them if it makes sense for the direction we need to move.
Julián Castro is not ready, to my mind, to run for the presidency. I do not get the reassurance he even knows what it is. I don't mind some learning on the job, but look at what Teresa May just went through. There is a largeness to the job that will always exceed our best attempts to put our arms around it. Do I think he would be worthy some day? Maybe.
What we are doing now in our presidential slates--going as old as we can and as young as we can--is unappealing to me. Precociousness is a real thing, and I don't want to stand in the way of talent. To me, Castro for President is premature, but I have to admit the world belongs to the young now, who are going to have to find a way to live in it.
January 13, 2019
I’m a big fan of Julián Castro, but this book was a bit disappointing. To be fair, I had a very high bar for political memoirs after reading Michelle Obama’s Becoming. As a San Antonio resident, in Castro’s old neighborhood no less, it was exciting to read about his family’s history on the West Side, and the Castro brothers are royalty here. However, his writing was pitched to the reading level of his children, and I didn’t find the same warm intimacy of other great memoirs. I wished for more insight into Julián the person rather than Julián the candidate - not that it felt calculating, more that it didn’t measure up to the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of Becoming (I know, comparisons aren’t totally fair).
August 16, 2019
This is entirely a memoir and has no policy whatsoever. As a memoir, it’s cute, but it entirely skips his winning election for Mayor, and his time as Mayor, which is the period of time he is best known for. Additionally, that period of time is the time when he started developing a relationship with President Obama which ultimately led to his position on the cabinet for HUD.
I was pleasantly surprised by the HUD program to help homeless veterans pay for housing that was able to give vouchers to every homeless veteran that qualified and wanted help. Impressive work.
I was pleasantly surprised by the HUD program to help homeless veterans pay for housing that was able to give vouchers to every homeless veteran that qualified and wanted help. Impressive work.
October 24, 2019
Julián Castro is another of the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidates. But his 2018 book, An Unlikely Journey, isn’t about the campaign. It contains no specific platforms or policies. Instead, it’s one man’s unique origin story. Unless you count that his identical twin brother, Joaquin has nearly the same story.
Castro grew up in San Antonio, Texas, a third-generation Mexican American. His grandmother, called Mamo, crossed the border as a 7-year-old orphan. She later had an illegitimate daughter, Castro’s strong mother Rosie. And then Rosie had her twins with a married man, who had another family on the opposite side of town.
Rosie raised her sons in the poorest of the poor neighborhoods. She relied on Mamo for child care, and worked full-time to support the family. Despite these difficulties, she and her sons were able to rise up enough to give back to their community. It’s an inspiring story.
My conclusions
Two elements tie the Castro generations together—education and politics. Rosie brought her sons along as she fought for the rights of San Antonio’s Mexican Americans. So their involvement in politics and community service isn’t surprising.
And when he was a kid, Castro knew that Mamo regretted not completing more of her education. His family talked often about the importance of school, and Rosie also demonstrated it in her own actions. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that Julián and Joaquin both attended a high-quality university and each achieved a post-graduate degree.
I appreciated learning more about the genuine concern Julián Castro feels for his fellow man. His story has some complexity that he didn’t dive into deeply. For example, he could have written more about his mayoral and cabinet secretary experiences.
However, Castro throwing his hat in the President election ring seems based in a desire to be of service. Reading this book didn’t clarify whether he’s the man for the job this time, but it did introduce me to his life and the work he’s already done.
Castro is self-effacing about his mistakes in life, and comfortably confident in his overall success. His writing style is simple and easy to read. And finishing a book in two days is always a good thing for me. If you’re looking for information about the 2020 candidates, this one should be on your list.
Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com, where you can find all of the 2020 candidate books I've read.
Castro grew up in San Antonio, Texas, a third-generation Mexican American. His grandmother, called Mamo, crossed the border as a 7-year-old orphan. She later had an illegitimate daughter, Castro’s strong mother Rosie. And then Rosie had her twins with a married man, who had another family on the opposite side of town.
Rosie raised her sons in the poorest of the poor neighborhoods. She relied on Mamo for child care, and worked full-time to support the family. Despite these difficulties, she and her sons were able to rise up enough to give back to their community. It’s an inspiring story.
My conclusions
Two elements tie the Castro generations together—education and politics. Rosie brought her sons along as she fought for the rights of San Antonio’s Mexican Americans. So their involvement in politics and community service isn’t surprising.
And when he was a kid, Castro knew that Mamo regretted not completing more of her education. His family talked often about the importance of school, and Rosie also demonstrated it in her own actions. Knowing this, it’s no surprise that Julián and Joaquin both attended a high-quality university and each achieved a post-graduate degree.
I appreciated learning more about the genuine concern Julián Castro feels for his fellow man. His story has some complexity that he didn’t dive into deeply. For example, he could have written more about his mayoral and cabinet secretary experiences.
However, Castro throwing his hat in the President election ring seems based in a desire to be of service. Reading this book didn’t clarify whether he’s the man for the job this time, but it did introduce me to his life and the work he’s already done.
Castro is self-effacing about his mistakes in life, and comfortably confident in his overall success. His writing style is simple and easy to read. And finishing a book in two days is always a good thing for me. If you’re looking for information about the 2020 candidates, this one should be on your list.
Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com, where you can find all of the 2020 candidate books I've read.
March 5, 2019
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
Julian Castro is a nice guy. He genuinely wants to help people and he's the sort of dude that tries to build bridges between people. He has a sense of community, of self, and of how important it is to bring those things together for the greater good. I truly like Julian Castro after reading this book.
Is he presidential? I don't know. The biography portions are...weak. He didn't really write this in a way to let us get in and feel what he feels. I will say that I fell in love with his Mamo and she is a truly great woman who I wish I had met.
Julian Castro is a nice guy. He genuinely wants to help people and he's the sort of dude that tries to build bridges between people. He has a sense of community, of self, and of how important it is to bring those things together for the greater good. I truly like Julian Castro after reading this book.
Is he presidential? I don't know. The biography portions are...weak. He didn't really write this in a way to let us get in and feel what he feels. I will say that I fell in love with his Mamo and she is a truly great woman who I wish I had met.
January 15, 2019
A story much like my own. Julian has command of his story and a drive to provide America's Youth the opportunity for their own personal Unlikely Journey
January 15, 2019
The American Dream
Julian has lived a classic American success story -- from the poverty of west side San Antonio to the Cabinet. If he can show the policy chops for his presidential run, we could have a contender.
Julian has lived a classic American success story -- from the poverty of west side San Antonio to the Cabinet. If he can show the policy chops for his presidential run, we could have a contender.
January 23, 2019
A quick and mildly entertaining read, but sorely lacking in any meaty indications of what a Castro presidency would look like. For a man who just declared, I was hoping this book would lead me to understand what he wants done, what his vision for America is. Instead, we got a watered down and tired “American Dream” narrative peppered with the most fleeting snippets of wokenness.
I am still rooting for Julián, but he needs to be clear about exactly what he’s going to do to mejorar nuestro país.
I am still rooting for Julián, but he needs to be clear about exactly what he’s going to do to mejorar nuestro país.
April 12, 2019
This is an excellent audiobook narrated by the well-spoken and entertaining narrator, the author. I found this book quite interesting, & even funny at times, and feel like I got great insight into this trailblazer. My favorite stories were the ones with him & his twin brother, Joaquin.
June 9, 2019
This was a short very inspiring book. Even though the book is short Julian gives a lot of information on his family background and what made him become interested in politics.
October 8, 2019
With this book, now-presidential candidate Julia Castro shares his life story with his readers. Starting with how three of his four grandparents crossed the border of Mexico during its civil war to escape the horrors of the fighting that was happening there. They all settled into San Antonio, Texas. Mamo, Castro's mother's mother, struggled without an education, but a willingness to work hard, made her way in the world, raising a daughter who would become a municipal employee and someone willing to fight for civil rights as a political advocate.
Julian and his twin brother Joachim grew up in a small home and a very tight budget, but there was no shortage of love and support. Together, they would make their way through a successful career in high school before heading to Berkeley for their undergraduate degrees at Stanford and to Harvard for their law degrees before each finding their way into politics. Castro also shares the story of his life as a politician, serving as the mayor of San Antonio before heading off to be one of President Obama's Secretary of Housing & Urban Development.
Along the way, readers get a sense of why Castro has the political beliefs that he does. One refreshing characteristics is that the book really is a biography rather than being overwhelmed by being a diatribe of his stances on various issues. It is not that readers can't tell what he believes, but the sharing of his story is not just about politicking.
Julian and his twin brother Joachim grew up in a small home and a very tight budget, but there was no shortage of love and support. Together, they would make their way through a successful career in high school before heading to Berkeley for their undergraduate degrees at Stanford and to Harvard for their law degrees before each finding their way into politics. Castro also shares the story of his life as a politician, serving as the mayor of San Antonio before heading off to be one of President Obama's Secretary of Housing & Urban Development.
Along the way, readers get a sense of why Castro has the political beliefs that he does. One refreshing characteristics is that the book really is a biography rather than being overwhelmed by being a diatribe of his stances on various issues. It is not that readers can't tell what he believes, but the sharing of his story is not just about politicking.
January 7, 2019
I began getting into politics a few years ago, my freshman year of high school. I started watching the news more, listening to podcasts about political topics and issues, and read articles about all kinds of political things. Until this year though, I had not read a political book or anything written by a politician. I found this book randomly one night on my local library app. At first, I was afraid it would be boring. I have to admit that I thought it would be full of concise facts and take a huge stance on political issues. To my surprise, this book has a tone and flow that draws in the reader. The author offers just enough detail about his life to make it interesting, but not an overwhelming amount of information. There were many separate events that created the timeline of the author's life, but he connected it all to his heritage. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster that I didn't want to get off. I was fully invested in the descriptions of how this man grew up and became the politician that he is today. This was a good book to introduce me to the world of political novels.
February 25, 2019
To be honest, when Julian Castro announced his candidacy for president of the United States I really didnt know much about him. I wanted to learn more so I ordered this book from the library. I learned that his granparents were Mexican immigrants and he and his identical twin brother were raised by a single mother. They actually had a pretty good childhood because their family was very loving and encouraged them to get ahead. Through hard work they went to college, both became lawyers, but Julian was the one who wanted to enter politics to make a difference, first by becoming the youngest mayor of San Antonio, Texas, and then becoming Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama. This is an inspirational memoir with the message that if you want something and work hard you can achieve it.
December 30, 2019
Julian Castro is a candidate for the President of United States and this is his memoir of his family's humble beginnings. His grandmother, Mamo was forcefully pulled from her dying mother and sent with her sister across the border to live with relatives that they had never met before.
Living in extreme poverty, his mother worked hard to get more education. Julian and his twin were inspired by her activism and drive for social justice. I enjoyed reading this memoir but wanted more in depth information in what he believes. His profound passion is for education and I hope that he continues on the path.
I received a finished received copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
Living in extreme poverty, his mother worked hard to get more education. Julian and his twin were inspired by her activism and drive for social justice. I enjoyed reading this memoir but wanted more in depth information in what he believes. His profound passion is for education and I hope that he continues on the path.
I received a finished received copy of this book from the Publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way made a difference in my thoughts or feelings in this review.
May 10, 2019
In my continuing effort to read memoirs of presidential hopefuls, I checked out this book (audiobook actually) from the library. Castro tells a compelling story of his career in public service. I think he's solid on understanding where he stands on political issues (particularly those related to immigration) but I don't know if he has the oration skills needed to sway the votes away from the front-runners. He needs to inspire people Obama style if he's going to move up among the leaders.
March 7, 2019
It’s a nice perspective on the development of a person through the multi-generational struggles of his family. The lessons Castro learned from his family seem a little forced or interrupts the transition of life experiences. However, this point is driven that we are nothing unless we learn from our experiences.
August 9, 2019
This book had a similar tone as "Becoming" by Michelle Obama. However, it didnt come close to having the same impact as Obama's book had. I read this book in effort to understand.Castro's political positions; but, I was sadly left without an understanding of any of that.
November 1, 2018
Super quick and interesting read! Castro seems like a natural storyteller, I loved the writing. Such a valuable perspective on public service!
February 13, 2019
I feel Julian Castro is perfect.
Too perfect.
might be unrelatable to the American people.
Too perfect.
might be unrelatable to the American people.
January 21, 2019
Reading this book made me very impressed with Julian Castro.
December 27, 2018
A Worthy Presidential Candidate
Castro gives us a decent chronological account of his unlikely journey to the upper tier of current progressive Democrats, starting with his grandmother’s crossing from the Mexican border as a young girl. He makes a compelling case for the power of education to change lives. He also comes across as an expert in immigration and HUD issues. I craved some deeper introspection around his philosophy and faith, but Castro overall shows great integrity, good intentions, and smarts—all in short supply these days.
Castro gives us a decent chronological account of his unlikely journey to the upper tier of current progressive Democrats, starting with his grandmother’s crossing from the Mexican border as a young girl. He makes a compelling case for the power of education to change lives. He also comes across as an expert in immigration and HUD issues. I craved some deeper introspection around his philosophy and faith, but Castro overall shows great integrity, good intentions, and smarts—all in short supply these days.
September 27, 2019
An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream is an autobiography written by Julián Castro. This memoir chronicles the struggle on how he rose from humble origins to live the American Dream.
Julián Castro is an American politician from San Antonio. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the youngest member of President Obama's Cabinet, serving as the 16th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014–2017. Castro served as the mayor of his native San Antonio, Texas from 2009 until he joined Barack Obama's cabinet in 2014. Castro was mentioned as a possible running mate for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign and launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2020.
Born to Chicano activist parents, Castro and his twin brother, Joaquín, grew up in a household where both were taught the importance of political engagement from an early age. They also grew up learning about their culture provided to them by their Mexican grandmother, who had first crossed into the United States as an orphan in the early 1920s.
Castro's mother completed a master's program in urban studies and worked at an internship with the City of San Antonio while raising her sons and caring for an aging mother – even after their father leaving early in their lives. The difficulties the brothers faced at home forced them to learn how to support each other without a parent around and helped them overcome their ongoing rivalry.
Determined to fulfill their mother's wishes that they reach as high as they possibly could, they graduated high school near the top of their class and entered Stanford University. There, they continued to excel and won election to the student senate.
Before the brothers went on to attend Harvard Law School, Julián Castro briefly taught high school in San Antonio in a working-class Mexican-American neighborhood similar to the ones he had known as a child. The experience left him determined to use his education to help ordinary citizens and especially Mexican-Americans.
He and Joaquín returned to San Antonio to work as lawyers and begin careers in politics. Joaquín went on to win a seat in the House of Representatives while the author became mayor and then joined the Barack Obama administration as HUD secretary.
An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream is written rather well. Castro writes in an eloquent manner in its simplicity. The autobiography offers a moving account of immigrant success that seeks to encourage all Americans to continue the fight against government injustice toward immigrants.
All in all, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream is a timely and well written memoir of an immigrant family's journey to fulfill the American Dream.
Julián Castro is an American politician from San Antonio. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the youngest member of President Obama's Cabinet, serving as the 16th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2014–2017. Castro served as the mayor of his native San Antonio, Texas from 2009 until he joined Barack Obama's cabinet in 2014. Castro was mentioned as a possible running mate for Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign and launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2020.
Born to Chicano activist parents, Castro and his twin brother, Joaquín, grew up in a household where both were taught the importance of political engagement from an early age. They also grew up learning about their culture provided to them by their Mexican grandmother, who had first crossed into the United States as an orphan in the early 1920s.
Castro's mother completed a master's program in urban studies and worked at an internship with the City of San Antonio while raising her sons and caring for an aging mother – even after their father leaving early in their lives. The difficulties the brothers faced at home forced them to learn how to support each other without a parent around and helped them overcome their ongoing rivalry.
Determined to fulfill their mother's wishes that they reach as high as they possibly could, they graduated high school near the top of their class and entered Stanford University. There, they continued to excel and won election to the student senate.
Before the brothers went on to attend Harvard Law School, Julián Castro briefly taught high school in San Antonio in a working-class Mexican-American neighborhood similar to the ones he had known as a child. The experience left him determined to use his education to help ordinary citizens and especially Mexican-Americans.
He and Joaquín returned to San Antonio to work as lawyers and begin careers in politics. Joaquín went on to win a seat in the House of Representatives while the author became mayor and then joined the Barack Obama administration as HUD secretary.
An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream is written rather well. Castro writes in an eloquent manner in its simplicity. The autobiography offers a moving account of immigrant success that seeks to encourage all Americans to continue the fight against government injustice toward immigrants.
All in all, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream is a timely and well written memoir of an immigrant family's journey to fulfill the American Dream.
December 29, 2018
A delightful and interesting read. I especially loved the way Castro shares his journey in a concise, relaxing and informative style. He willingly opens the doors of his life, whether high or low moments, and allows the reader to experience Castro's passion for family and public service.
I firmly believe that Castro will be one of the primary candidates for his party's nomination, if not the nominee. He brings a spirit of honesty, humility and character that has been lacking in the White House the past four years. Castro is not Barack Obama, yet he possesses the quiet, pastoral strength in leadership that Obama exhibited during his term, and is sorely needed now.
I firmly believe that Castro will be one of the primary candidates for his party's nomination, if not the nominee. He brings a spirit of honesty, humility and character that has been lacking in the White House the past four years. Castro is not Barack Obama, yet he possesses the quiet, pastoral strength in leadership that Obama exhibited during his term, and is sorely needed now.
May 8, 2019
I was disappointed with this book. The author had an interesting life story but could not write a good memoir. He does not relate to people and does not do justice to his mom and grandma ‘s life stories. His descriptions are dry and without detail. Read two pages about the first failed mayoral election and lessons he learned. It seems he paid his campaign manager to write it.
After reading this book I still do not know who this man is and that is the reason for two stars.
After reading this book I still do not know who this man is and that is the reason for two stars.
March 3, 2019
I wasn’t crazy about his writing style but it is a great book in the sense that I got to learn more about Julian and his upbringing. He sounds like a very remarkable person who overcame all the obstacles growing up in a poor neighborhood of minorities and immigrants and went up to become a lawyer and public servant with a mission of helping those less fortunate attain their dreams of success.
March 2, 2020
This book is fine for letting you learn more superficially about the Castro family, and Julián, but it’s not ground breaking. It’s more of a PR book them a true memoir. I don’t actually feel like I know him when the book ends. Like other people who have written a memoir while still young, there is very little personal information. He doesn’t really admit his flaws, and the book stays in the shallow end, never really letting us into his head.
Unlike Elizabeth Warren’s book, I’m not smarter for having read it. It’s a good way to “meet” a candidate, but utterly forgettable.
Unlike Elizabeth Warren’s book, I’m not smarter for having read it. It’s a good way to “meet” a candidate, but utterly forgettable.
January 19, 2019
I will start by saying that I may be a bit biased because I've lived in San Antonio, Texas since 1977 approximately and am familiar with the Castro Bros., not the cuban siblings, but the chicanos. Although I didn't learn much new about Julian Castro and his family's roots and background I still liked the memoir. I read it the day before he announced his candidacy to capture the democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States, he's got my vote already. Now, before he goes against the man-child that occupies the White House at the moment, Julian will face other formidable candidates such as Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders -to name a few- and others, but he represents the new blood, the new generation of democrats that are taking over the political spectrum i the wake of Trump's unorthodox presidency. Julian stands a good chance and I am committed to do my part to advance his postulation.
Quick read entire book while perusing other titles on which to spend my $30 gift card that my daughter gave me for Christmas.
Quick read entire book while perusing other titles on which to spend my $30 gift card that my daughter gave me for Christmas.
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