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American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From award-winning actress and political activist America Ferrera comes a vibrant and varied collection of first-person accounts from prominent figures about the experience of growing up between cultures.
America Ferrera has always felt wholly American, and yet, her identity is inextricably linked to her parents’ homeland and Honduran culture. Speaking Spanish at home, having Saturday-morning-salsa-dance-parties in the kitchen, and eating tamales alongside apple pie at Christmas never seemed at odds with her American identity.
Still, she yearned to see that identity reflected in the larger American narrative.
Now, in American Like Me , America invites thirty-one of her friends, peers, and heroes to share their stories about life between cultures. We know them as actors, comedians, athletes, politicians, artists, and writers. However, they are also immigrants, children or grandchildren of immigrants, indigenous people, or people who otherwise grew up with deep and personal connections to more than one culture. Each of them struggled to establish a sense of self, find belonging, and feel seen. And they call themselves American enthusiastically, reluctantly, or not at all.
Ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious, their stories shine a light on a quintessentially American experience and will appeal to anyone with a complicated relationship to family, culture, and growing up.
From award-winning actress and political activist America Ferrera comes a vibrant and varied collection of first-person accounts from prominent figures about the experience of growing up between cultures.
America Ferrera has always felt wholly American, and yet, her identity is inextricably linked to her parents’ homeland and Honduran culture. Speaking Spanish at home, having Saturday-morning-salsa-dance-parties in the kitchen, and eating tamales alongside apple pie at Christmas never seemed at odds with her American identity.
Still, she yearned to see that identity reflected in the larger American narrative.
Now, in American Like Me , America invites thirty-one of her friends, peers, and heroes to share their stories about life between cultures. We know them as actors, comedians, athletes, politicians, artists, and writers. However, they are also immigrants, children or grandchildren of immigrants, indigenous people, or people who otherwise grew up with deep and personal connections to more than one culture. Each of them struggled to establish a sense of self, find belonging, and feel seen. And they call themselves American enthusiastically, reluctantly, or not at all.
Ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious, their stories shine a light on a quintessentially American experience and will appeal to anyone with a complicated relationship to family, culture, and growing up.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2018
484 people are currently reading
12559 people want to read
About the author
America Ferrera
6 books76 followersAmerica Ferrera is an award-winning actress, producer, director and activist. Ferrera is best known for her breakthrough role as “Betty Suarez” on ABC’s hit comedy, Ugly Betty, for which she won Golden Globe, Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, ALMA, and Imagen Awards. She produces and stars in the acclaimed NBC workplace comedy, Superstore, currently in its fourth season. In 2016 Ferrera cofounded HARNESS, an organization connecting storytellers and activists to amplify the cultural narrative around social justice. She speaks throughout the country as an advocate for human and civil rights and was the opening speaker at the monumental Women’s March on Washington in January 2017. Ferrera resides in New York and Los Angeles with her husband Ryan, their son Sebastian, and their two golden retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 894 reviews
September 29, 2018
Please stop whatever you’re doing and buy this book! I knew it would be right up my alley, but this book greatly exceeded my expectations. I was blown away by most of the essays, and was able to relate so closely to their themes. As person of mixed race who was raised by a Japanese immigrant, I was so pleased to see so many of my experiences reflected on the pages of this book. There were so many little things that resonated with me too such as Reshma Saujani talking about using an “easier” fake name at Starbucks (I use my old initials: Sam) to Liza Koshy’s comments of being racially ambiguous.
Even if you’re not a person of color, I believe this book would be great way to gain perspective of what it’s like to feel connected to multiple cultures while living in this country. I learned so much about other cultures and customs, and even if I didn’t know the writer of the essay initially - I ended up doing a lot of googling afterward because I was so moved by their comments. I flew through this book, and was excited to flip the page at the end of each essay to see who was next! American Like Me is a timely and unique collection that has so much to offer.
Even if you’re not a person of color, I believe this book would be great way to gain perspective of what it’s like to feel connected to multiple cultures while living in this country. I learned so much about other cultures and customs, and even if I didn’t know the writer of the essay initially - I ended up doing a lot of googling afterward because I was so moved by their comments. I flew through this book, and was excited to flip the page at the end of each essay to see who was next! American Like Me is a timely and unique collection that has so much to offer.
November 17, 2018
One of the most effective small things we cis white people in the United States can do is to read other people's stories with curiosity, veracity, love, and gratitude. And do it over and over, for as long as we can read or listen.
August 26, 2019
I actually started this book yesterday and finished it earlier today. I loved the stories and the backgrounds and the families of all the different people that were included in this book. I didnt rate each story Individually because I feel like every person has a story and even though I enjoyed some more then others they all deserved a 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Nonfiction is usually not my go to read but would highly recommend this if you feel like reading about why America is so great because we are so diverse and beautiful💕
October 4, 2018
“But what ARE you?!”
As someone who’s grown up, especially as a child, not knowing exactly what to tell people when they ask where I’m from after I say, “Here?” or “My family is from Texas, they’ve always been from Texas..” I’m just American, right? “But you look Mexican!”
Do I?
This book showcases pretty heartwarming accounts about what its like growing up in America and not always feeling American, and learning to love yourself and where you came from. Whether you started out here, or found yourself here.
I laughed and cried. It’s worth a read or listen.
As someone who’s grown up, especially as a child, not knowing exactly what to tell people when they ask where I’m from after I say, “Here?” or “My family is from Texas, they’ve always been from Texas..” I’m just American, right? “But you look Mexican!”
Do I?
This book showcases pretty heartwarming accounts about what its like growing up in America and not always feeling American, and learning to love yourself and where you came from. Whether you started out here, or found yourself here.
I laughed and cried. It’s worth a read or listen.
January 10, 2020
Phenomenal collection of vignettes from children of immigrants that are at turns familiar and fresh, rib-tickling and eye-opening. Highly recommend.
America: yes, denied sleepovers (but justly so)!
Reshma: yes, denied custom name keychains! Glad she didn’t change her name when she entered politics. Honestly, if there is a ballot with names I don’t know on an issue I don’t care about, I vote for the foreign name first, woman second, then just pick whichever name I’ve seen on the lawns in my neighborhood.
Al: fantastic how-to list for any one as canjoose as I am.
Jenny: our special occasion oh so American restaurant was, as my husband has us now calling it, “Redneck Lobster.” My Egyptian friend’s dad would go wild over Outback Steakhouse and their blooming onions. Like your family, can’t imagine eating at a Sizzler-type joint anymore.
Padma: I, too, know the Siberia of sitting in the back of the Catholic school church!
Randall: interviewing your parents and grandparents is a fantastic idea. I began a blog for my mom but it only has four or five anecdotes. Not nearly enough!
Roxanne: “I don’t have a family, I have an army.” I have an army and a navy!
Carmen: I also did not learn at my parents’ native language very well because they did not want to be confused and English was more important at the time. Now, I can understand most of it but I sound like a caveman when I speak.
Issa: on behalf of Ramadan observing Muslims everywhere (if I have to be the religions spokesperson for everything else, why not this?), glad you gave Ramadan a shot.
Diane: representation does matter! That’s why I’m so excited that my kids will see familiar brown Desi faces on TV, in the news, in comic books.
Liza: I like being racially ambiguous too!
Kumail: I never get tired of hearing about your journey from Pakistan to America and your first impressions.
Frank: “food violence” - another thing for me to feel sick about.
Jeremy: “I got better and better at tuning out their perceptions and negativity, and just focused on my own goals to shut out the haters.” Good advice. Also good advice: drinking as many refills as you can at the old spaghetti factory.
America again: Who even are you? Who told you that you could be an actress, an activist, and a great writer?
Ravi: thank you for breaking down the Patel Ponzi scheme!
Lin: you are adorable.
Wilmer: your dad sounds like a gem.
Laurie: [thumbs up emoji]
Anjelah: Cholaville sounds fraught with danger!
Uzo: Oh! Your mom is the one who uttered that delicious quote “if they can learn to say Tchaikovsky and Michelangelo and Dostoevsky, then they can learn to say Uzoamaka.” High five to her highness!
Linda: The story of your exuberant father, so proud and joyful about his daughters when the homeland craves sons, reminded me of my own beloved father.
America: yes, denied sleepovers (but justly so)!
Reshma: yes, denied custom name keychains! Glad she didn’t change her name when she entered politics. Honestly, if there is a ballot with names I don’t know on an issue I don’t care about, I vote for the foreign name first, woman second, then just pick whichever name I’ve seen on the lawns in my neighborhood.
Al: fantastic how-to list for any one as canjoose as I am.
Jenny: our special occasion oh so American restaurant was, as my husband has us now calling it, “Redneck Lobster.” My Egyptian friend’s dad would go wild over Outback Steakhouse and their blooming onions. Like your family, can’t imagine eating at a Sizzler-type joint anymore.
Padma: I, too, know the Siberia of sitting in the back of the Catholic school church!
Randall: interviewing your parents and grandparents is a fantastic idea. I began a blog for my mom but it only has four or five anecdotes. Not nearly enough!
Roxanne: “I don’t have a family, I have an army.” I have an army and a navy!
Carmen: I also did not learn at my parents’ native language very well because they did not want to be confused and English was more important at the time. Now, I can understand most of it but I sound like a caveman when I speak.
Issa: on behalf of Ramadan observing Muslims everywhere (if I have to be the religions spokesperson for everything else, why not this?), glad you gave Ramadan a shot.
Diane: representation does matter! That’s why I’m so excited that my kids will see familiar brown Desi faces on TV, in the news, in comic books.
Liza: I like being racially ambiguous too!
Kumail: I never get tired of hearing about your journey from Pakistan to America and your first impressions.
Frank: “food violence” - another thing for me to feel sick about.
Jeremy: “I got better and better at tuning out their perceptions and negativity, and just focused on my own goals to shut out the haters.” Good advice. Also good advice: drinking as many refills as you can at the old spaghetti factory.
America again: Who even are you? Who told you that you could be an actress, an activist, and a great writer?
Ravi: thank you for breaking down the Patel Ponzi scheme!
Lin: you are adorable.
Wilmer: your dad sounds like a gem.
Laurie: [thumbs up emoji]
Anjelah: Cholaville sounds fraught with danger!
Uzo: Oh! Your mom is the one who uttered that delicious quote “if they can learn to say Tchaikovsky and Michelangelo and Dostoevsky, then they can learn to say Uzoamaka.” High five to her highness!
Linda: The story of your exuberant father, so proud and joyful about his daughters when the homeland craves sons, reminded me of my own beloved father.
June 19, 2020
"We are the kids with no key chains, daughters carrying history in the gaps of our teeth. We are the sons of our parents who don't speak of the past, inheritors of warriors' blood and mad bargaining skills. We are the grandchildren of survival: legacies, delivered from genocide, colonization and enslavement. We are the slayers of "impossible". We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors' dreams wearing the weight of their sacrifice on our backs. Our love is radical; our unstraightened hair, a tiny revolution. We are here to survive, to thrive, to live."
My American immigration and minorities reading binge continues.
This review is short because I don't feel like I have a lot to say about this (and there's an entire econ chapter that I just don't understand, ahhh). American Like Me is an anthology of short essays written by immigrants. Apparently most of them are celebrities but I only knew a handful.
Some essays here really stood out. There's an essay written by a trans woman from the Philippines who discusses the ways immigration influenced her and it's fascinating. There's an essay about an idyllic childhood in Texas, full of diversity and rich cultures. Uzo Aduba's descriptions of her mother and Nigeria were also a highlight. I also adored reading Frank Waln's essay about being Lakota in America.
However, as a whole, I can't say this was more than just fine. I think some editing would have done wonders. Maybe Ferrera should have chosen several themes and asked for submissions about those themes so that there would be less repetitiveness.
I picked this book up because the more I think about it, the more America just seems wild. I mean, I grew up learning that the American ethos was that immigrants come in and can live their dreams, that America is willing to take in anyone who needs a home as long as they are prepared to work hard. Or, in words much nicer than I could ever write:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
However, America seems to be fighting with its own diversity in a way that strikes me as just odd. Like, sure, you could argue that an American nationality has been solidified and therefore, Americans don't want to change their country but still, you'd assume the ethos would have some reflection in reality, as you look at ICE's behavior and the incredibly strict immigration laws. How did this happen?
This book didn't quite provide the analytical discussion I had maybe hoped for. It's just not a very surprising or controversial piece of work. If you're looking for anecdotes about immigration, I suppose this will be great. I still think I'm going to look for something with more content.
What I'm Taking With Me
- I'm so ridiculously behind all of my reviews, ugh.
- Honestly, I'm kinda bitter that naturalized citizens can't run for president.
- Anna Akana is a ray of sunshine.
My American immigration and minorities reading binge continues.
This review is short because I don't feel like I have a lot to say about this (and there's an entire econ chapter that I just don't understand, ahhh). American Like Me is an anthology of short essays written by immigrants. Apparently most of them are celebrities but I only knew a handful.
Some essays here really stood out. There's an essay written by a trans woman from the Philippines who discusses the ways immigration influenced her and it's fascinating. There's an essay about an idyllic childhood in Texas, full of diversity and rich cultures. Uzo Aduba's descriptions of her mother and Nigeria were also a highlight. I also adored reading Frank Waln's essay about being Lakota in America.
However, as a whole, I can't say this was more than just fine. I think some editing would have done wonders. Maybe Ferrera should have chosen several themes and asked for submissions about those themes so that there would be less repetitiveness.
I picked this book up because the more I think about it, the more America just seems wild. I mean, I grew up learning that the American ethos was that immigrants come in and can live their dreams, that America is willing to take in anyone who needs a home as long as they are prepared to work hard. Or, in words much nicer than I could ever write:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
However, America seems to be fighting with its own diversity in a way that strikes me as just odd. Like, sure, you could argue that an American nationality has been solidified and therefore, Americans don't want to change their country but still, you'd assume the ethos would have some reflection in reality, as you look at ICE's behavior and the incredibly strict immigration laws. How did this happen?
This book didn't quite provide the analytical discussion I had maybe hoped for. It's just not a very surprising or controversial piece of work. If you're looking for anecdotes about immigration, I suppose this will be great. I still think I'm going to look for something with more content.
What I'm Taking With Me
- I'm so ridiculously behind all of my reviews, ugh.
- Honestly, I'm kinda bitter that naturalized citizens can't run for president.
- Anna Akana is a ray of sunshine.
Read
September 15, 2022In American Like Me, you will find essays from famous Americans who have struggled with feeling “other” in their home country and with finding a way to meld their cultural identities. Some of these essays are hilarious, some are heartbreaking, and most are a beautiful mixture of the two.
Finding your sense of self is something we can all relate to and I learned a lot from the diverse authors in this book! – Michelle V.
Finding your sense of self is something we can all relate to and I learned a lot from the diverse authors in this book! – Michelle V.
October 8, 2018
This book is utterly compelling, and came at quite literally the perfect time in our American history. I think this is not only an IMPORTANT book, but a NEEDED one.
As things begin to change and move forward in our country (hopefully for the better!), there will understandably be some resistance: change can be frightening. But we can't let that small minority paralyze the rest of us.
I think this book will stand the test of time, and hopefully will serve to enlighten and galvanize people to realize that, though we are all different, and our stories are each unique, we are also the same, and each is integral to this democratic experiment.
My thanks to America Ferrera, and to all the featured artists for sharing their stories. You have each installed me with a tiny bit of hope.
As things begin to change and move forward in our country (hopefully for the better!), there will understandably be some resistance: change can be frightening. But we can't let that small minority paralyze the rest of us.
I think this book will stand the test of time, and hopefully will serve to enlighten and galvanize people to realize that, though we are all different, and our stories are each unique, we are also the same, and each is integral to this democratic experiment.
My thanks to America Ferrera, and to all the featured artists for sharing their stories. You have each installed me with a tiny bit of hope.
January 13, 2019
An exceptionally relevant, beautiful book in this ignorant, paranoid climate of rabid nationalism. Do yourself a favor, take a break from their farcical dystopia and read this.
December 31, 2019
I do like the premise of this book; hearing stories of many diverse people in the United States is so vital. I believe the book does make a contribution in this regard. That said, I found many of the stories to be overtly surface-y, and there’s a certain tone to the book that makes it ring of overly simplistic liberal multiculturalism - that if we just celebrate our differences all will be fine. Given the times we live in, this just seems too utopian to me.
However, America is clear she wanted a compilation that helped people see themselves, and this book does do that. It has a very wide range of contributors. Although, many of these people are actors and athletes, so again, it just felt a little bit unrealistic to me. Too much “I worked hard and succeeded, so can you [minority] person.” This is too meritocratic for me. It’s a cool American mythology, but it just is not reality at the present time.
However, America is clear she wanted a compilation that helped people see themselves, and this book does do that. It has a very wide range of contributors. Although, many of these people are actors and athletes, so again, it just felt a little bit unrealistic to me. Too much “I worked hard and succeeded, so can you [minority] person.” This is too meritocratic for me. It’s a cool American mythology, but it just is not reality at the present time.
December 30, 2024
Digital audiobook read by the various authors
Subtitle: Reflections on Life Between Cultures
America Ferrara is the editor (and contributor) to this collection of essays, written by thirty-two people in the public eye who, like Ferrara, live a life that encompasses more than one culture. Some of the stories are humorous, some heartbreakingly touching. All are honest and poignant and heartfelt.
The audiobook is narrated by each author of his/her own essay. This was very effective for such personal stories.
Subtitle: Reflections on Life Between Cultures
America Ferrara is the editor (and contributor) to this collection of essays, written by thirty-two people in the public eye who, like Ferrara, live a life that encompasses more than one culture. Some of the stories are humorous, some heartbreakingly touching. All are honest and poignant and heartfelt.
The audiobook is narrated by each author of his/her own essay. This was very effective for such personal stories.
November 9, 2018
America Ferrera has put together an earnest, honest, powerful, and brilliant collection of personal essays and stories.
I am not sure a book has ever filled my heart so much. So much hope. So much radical love. So much pride in what being an American can mean. So much appreciation of the differences that make up our collective we, and the strength it gives us all as individuals when we come together as a community to share those differences.
I am not sure a book has ever filled my heart so much. So much hope. So much radical love. So much pride in what being an American can mean. So much appreciation of the differences that make up our collective we, and the strength it gives us all as individuals when we come together as a community to share those differences.
November 29, 2022
I cannot begin to express what this book meant to me. I am still weeping as I type this and I think I need to sit in this and process a bit more before I write a true review. A must read.
*updated review*
In a time where a president tells our own government elected officials to go back to where they came from, a time where hate seems to permeate so much of what is said and done, and a time where ignorance abounds- this is a vital and enlightening collection of American stories. America Ferrera collects and also shares insights on what it means to be an American when your melanin or your ancestry doesn’t reflect the stereotype of an “American Family”. It is authentic, insightful, vulnerable, and at least for me- deeply relatable. It reminds us of our humanity and reinforces the American Dream and American Ideals but it also reminds us that it doesn’t just apply to one specific group. Despite being written by a wide number of people with drastically different experiences and cultures than my own I have never felt more understood or known. I wept as I read this because I understood and I felt their words in my heart. I implore you to take the time to read this book, it’s a quick and easy read, but try to take your time to soak it in. Reflect while you do. For some it will be personal and comforting because feelings or experiences you have never known how to articulate will be right there for you to embrace. For others this is an opportunity to see your neighbors through a lens you have never had the opportunity to look through. After which you can hopefully walk away with less ignorance and much more compassion to what so many of your fellow Americans know to be their reality. 10/10 recommend.
*updated review*
In a time where a president tells our own government elected officials to go back to where they came from, a time where hate seems to permeate so much of what is said and done, and a time where ignorance abounds- this is a vital and enlightening collection of American stories. America Ferrera collects and also shares insights on what it means to be an American when your melanin or your ancestry doesn’t reflect the stereotype of an “American Family”. It is authentic, insightful, vulnerable, and at least for me- deeply relatable. It reminds us of our humanity and reinforces the American Dream and American Ideals but it also reminds us that it doesn’t just apply to one specific group. Despite being written by a wide number of people with drastically different experiences and cultures than my own I have never felt more understood or known. I wept as I read this because I understood and I felt their words in my heart. I implore you to take the time to read this book, it’s a quick and easy read, but try to take your time to soak it in. Reflect while you do. For some it will be personal and comforting because feelings or experiences you have never known how to articulate will be right there for you to embrace. For others this is an opportunity to see your neighbors through a lens you have never had the opportunity to look through. After which you can hopefully walk away with less ignorance and much more compassion to what so many of your fellow Americans know to be their reality. 10/10 recommend.
November 7, 2018
American Like Me is a wonderful collection of diverse stories centred around the mixing of cultures, oftentimes through immigration.
I really was impressed by the variety of authors. Though they're all famous in some way, there are actors, singers, politicians, activists, and more; and on top of that, they all come from a variety of cultural backgrounds—including some Native Americans, which I thought was cool. Amongst the essays, there's a lot of divergence, too. Some short, some long; some funny, some serious, some both; some that played with format. All of the difference amongst the essays only further drove home the overarching message about the value of diversity, and by extension, immigration. It's a timely topic and as someone who is not an immigrant, I enjoyed that each contributor focused on very different elements of their experience with immigration and life between cultures.
I really was impressed by the variety of authors. Though they're all famous in some way, there are actors, singers, politicians, activists, and more; and on top of that, they all come from a variety of cultural backgrounds—including some Native Americans, which I thought was cool. Amongst the essays, there's a lot of divergence, too. Some short, some long; some funny, some serious, some both; some that played with format. All of the difference amongst the essays only further drove home the overarching message about the value of diversity, and by extension, immigration. It's a timely topic and as someone who is not an immigrant, I enjoyed that each contributor focused on very different elements of their experience with immigration and life between cultures.
January 31, 2019
I'm glad we're living in an era of contradictions. Awareness of immigrant stories is at an all time high, but in certain places tensions between immigrants and non-immigrants are also at an all time high. I've enjoyed reading and listening to people's experiences over the past year.
In American Like Me, I've found a collection that spoke to me. No story was mine, but in every story I felt comfort. How many times have these things happened to me? It was nice to read these stories coming from people in pop culture. Part of the appeal of this book for me was my semi-familiarity with some of the names, particularly the actors. Each section is a short story that each author has chosen to tell. The style is inconsistent, but that just adds to the individuality of each story.
Normally a book written by celebrities and famous figures is bound to be terrible, but I was hooked from the moment I read America Ferrera's foreword. She was so honest and it was nice to read about the origin of her name and what it meant to her - it was definitely something I used to wonder about actually. She is definitely a great writer.
Overall it is a story about The American Dream. I'm not sure how much I believe in The American Dream but since all of these people have essentially achieved it, you can feel it emanating from their stories. They embody the result of The Dream - their parents sacrificed so they could succeed. Most stories was about grit and sacrifice, which eventually leads success. Is this always true? No.. we only hear stories from those that "made it". I also think some of these stories were just.. more positive than they really were. I've read Anna Akana's own book, and her story here was definitely much more postive than her book.
I liked a lot of the stories but wasn't as familiar with some of the people, so I don't quite recall their names or exact circumstances. Some comments on stories that stood out to me for one read or another:
- Michelle Kwan's family, damn gurl. It's clear she was born with the mindset of an Olympian, but the sacrifice of her parents was heartwarming and breaking at the same time.
- I much preferred Anna Akana's writing in this book and it was interesting to see what elements she included and which she excluded. It's clear she could have produced a better book if she wasn't writing in the dumb Youtuber memoir style.
- I liked Randall Park's reflection on his parents, asian parents are definitely not chatty, but they show their love through actions rather than words.
- Carmen Carrerra was much more articulate than I expected.
I found reading these stories cathartic, and I'd be happy to read 1000 more. I think I'll get a hard copy of this.
In American Like Me, I've found a collection that spoke to me. No story was mine, but in every story I felt comfort. How many times have these things happened to me? It was nice to read these stories coming from people in pop culture. Part of the appeal of this book for me was my semi-familiarity with some of the names, particularly the actors. Each section is a short story that each author has chosen to tell. The style is inconsistent, but that just adds to the individuality of each story.
Normally a book written by celebrities and famous figures is bound to be terrible, but I was hooked from the moment I read America Ferrera's foreword. She was so honest and it was nice to read about the origin of her name and what it meant to her - it was definitely something I used to wonder about actually. She is definitely a great writer.
Overall it is a story about The American Dream. I'm not sure how much I believe in The American Dream but since all of these people have essentially achieved it, you can feel it emanating from their stories. They embody the result of The Dream - their parents sacrificed so they could succeed. Most stories was about grit and sacrifice, which eventually leads success. Is this always true? No.. we only hear stories from those that "made it". I also think some of these stories were just.. more positive than they really were. I've read Anna Akana's own book, and her story here was definitely much more postive than her book.
I liked a lot of the stories but wasn't as familiar with some of the people, so I don't quite recall their names or exact circumstances. Some comments on stories that stood out to me for one read or another:
- Michelle Kwan's family, damn gurl. It's clear she was born with the mindset of an Olympian, but the sacrifice of her parents was heartwarming and breaking at the same time.
- I much preferred Anna Akana's writing in this book and it was interesting to see what elements she included and which she excluded. It's clear she could have produced a better book if she wasn't writing in the dumb Youtuber memoir style.
- I liked Randall Park's reflection on his parents, asian parents are definitely not chatty, but they show their love through actions rather than words.
- Carmen Carrerra was much more articulate than I expected.
I found reading these stories cathartic, and I'd be happy to read 1000 more. I think I'll get a hard copy of this.
September 26, 2018
I laughed, I cried!
May 29, 2019
The first half was pretty boring, and I had to realize that these pretty interesting cultural remembrances were written by famous people, not necessarily by writers. For the first half of the book, it felt like I was reading a dozen college entrance essays, one after another, and I was really sick of this sentence: "If someone had told me 10 years ago that today I'd be [fill in the blank], I'd have [a) never believed it b) told them they were crazy]". I think that the editors could have told the writers, "Hey, this sentence will pop up for the reader like 10 times in this collection, so can you think of another way to say this?" I would've appreciated that.
It picked up eventually, with some of the pieces I liked more toward the end. My favorites include those written by Frank Waln, Michelle Kwan, America Ferrera, Lin Manuel Miranda, Wilmer Valderrama, Anjelah Johnson Reyes, and Linda Sarsour. I didn't know any of these people, I think I should point out. Overall, though, I think I leave with a more comprehensive glimpse into what American childhoods were like for all kinds of people, and so I benefited from reading this. If I had to choose one to share with teens today in my rural high school, it'd be Linda Sarsour's because it could prompt our school community to face their current prejudices. I think our kids would also really appreciate the one in the beginning about the girl who grew up in Oxnard and excelled in basketball; it was all about teamwork and sports with some bonus stereotype-busting and profiling addressing to go along with it.
This isn't a "must read," but it's a "glad I read it" one.
It picked up eventually, with some of the pieces I liked more toward the end. My favorites include those written by Frank Waln, Michelle Kwan, America Ferrera, Lin Manuel Miranda, Wilmer Valderrama, Anjelah Johnson Reyes, and Linda Sarsour. I didn't know any of these people, I think I should point out. Overall, though, I think I leave with a more comprehensive glimpse into what American childhoods were like for all kinds of people, and so I benefited from reading this. If I had to choose one to share with teens today in my rural high school, it'd be Linda Sarsour's because it could prompt our school community to face their current prejudices. I think our kids would also really appreciate the one in the beginning about the girl who grew up in Oxnard and excelled in basketball; it was all about teamwork and sports with some bonus stereotype-busting and profiling addressing to go along with it.
This isn't a "must read," but it's a "glad I read it" one.
March 20, 2020
3.84/5 stars (the average of the ratings of the collection)
American Like Me is a collection of short stories/essays written by some well-known people of colour detailing some of their experiences being people of colour in the United States, and my goodness, I wish I had had the opportunity to read a book like this when I was younger, and a lot more confused and embarrassed by my identity. I wish I could put this book into the hands of every young person of colour growing up in North America because some of these narratives spoke so well to my younger self.
This might be the highest I’ve ever rated a collection of essays/stories, and I feel that properly reflects the quality of the novel, naturally not every story is going to work for me, and some I found too short, but majority of them I enjoyed. America Ferrera’s introduction, essay, and conclusion were especially great and now I’m wishing she would write and narrate her own novel. I think this is a must read for everyone.
Reshma Saujani 3.75/5
Al Madrigal 1.5/5
Jenny Zhang 3/5
Bambadjan Bamba 3.75/5
Padma Laksmi 3.75/5
Randall Park 4.75/5
Roxanne Gay 3.5/5
Carmen Perez 4/5
Issa Rae 3.5/5
Diane Guerrero 3.5/5
Joy Cho 3/5
Liza Koshy 4.5/5
Kumail Nanjiani 4/5
Michelle Kwan 4/5
Geena Rocero 4/5
Frank Waln 4.5/5
Aulii Cravalho 4.5/5
Jeremy Lin 4.5/5
America Ferrera 4.5/5
Ravi Patel 3.5/5
Lin Manuel Miranda 4/5
Tanaya Winder 4/5
Wilmer Valderrama 4.25/5
Anna Akana 4/5
Laurie Hernandez 4/5
Kal Penn 3.5/5
Anjelah Johnson Reyes 3.25/5
Martin Sensmeier 4/5
Carmen Carrera 4.5
Uzo Aduba 4/5
Linda Sarsour 4/5
Joaquin Castro 4/5
American Like Me is a collection of short stories/essays written by some well-known people of colour detailing some of their experiences being people of colour in the United States, and my goodness, I wish I had had the opportunity to read a book like this when I was younger, and a lot more confused and embarrassed by my identity. I wish I could put this book into the hands of every young person of colour growing up in North America because some of these narratives spoke so well to my younger self.
This might be the highest I’ve ever rated a collection of essays/stories, and I feel that properly reflects the quality of the novel, naturally not every story is going to work for me, and some I found too short, but majority of them I enjoyed. America Ferrera’s introduction, essay, and conclusion were especially great and now I’m wishing she would write and narrate her own novel. I think this is a must read for everyone.
Reshma Saujani 3.75/5
Al Madrigal 1.5/5
Jenny Zhang 3/5
Bambadjan Bamba 3.75/5
Padma Laksmi 3.75/5
Randall Park 4.75/5
Roxanne Gay 3.5/5
Carmen Perez 4/5
Issa Rae 3.5/5
Diane Guerrero 3.5/5
Joy Cho 3/5
Liza Koshy 4.5/5
Kumail Nanjiani 4/5
Michelle Kwan 4/5
Geena Rocero 4/5
Frank Waln 4.5/5
Aulii Cravalho 4.5/5
Jeremy Lin 4.5/5
America Ferrera 4.5/5
Ravi Patel 3.5/5
Lin Manuel Miranda 4/5
Tanaya Winder 4/5
Wilmer Valderrama 4.25/5
Anna Akana 4/5
Laurie Hernandez 4/5
Kal Penn 3.5/5
Anjelah Johnson Reyes 3.25/5
Martin Sensmeier 4/5
Carmen Carrera 4.5
Uzo Aduba 4/5
Linda Sarsour 4/5
Joaquin Castro 4/5
October 12, 2022
We call ourselves "American" enthusiastically, reluctantly, or not at all... We live as citizens of a country that does not always claim us or even see us, and yet, we continue to build, to create, and to compel it toward its own promise. - America Ferrera
**Personal story incoming**
It's been a confusing and difficult year for me. I've become prouder than ever of being Chinese American. I'm happy to acknowledge that which makes me unique. But with that has come a sometimes-crippling insecurity. Comparing myself to my Asian peers, I often feel 'not enough.' I didn't grow up speaking Mandarin or cooking traditional dishes with my parents. I'm learning about my own history and culture second-hand, and that's frustrating. When I was younger, I referred to myself as a 'white girl in an Asian body' in a joking way. Now, while I proudly claim being Chinese, I still often feel that way, and rather than bringing me laughter, it brings me sadness.
All this is to give you some context how I felt going into this book. I was worried I would end up feeling even more disconnected from my identity. Rather, I came away feeling validated. Randall Park, who shared of that he's always felt like he was "never quite Korean enough," and Carmen Perez, who worried that it was "wrong to feel more urban, more basketball, more hip-hop than Mexican," showed me that I'm not alone in my struggles. Anjelah Johnson-Reyes told me that "you can be unapologetically proud of your culture, your heritage, and your heart, and you can celebrate everything about yourself without justification." And I learned from Auli'i Cravalho saying "It took a long time of defending myself to realize I didn't have to. Not to anybody. I am who I am. I am what I am."
I am beyond glad that I read this book. The stories included in it were incredibly powerful and moving. I related to a lot of these stories. I learned from all of them. All of these individuals were able to bare their lives for us readers - their family stories, their insecurities, their successes. It was deeply personal, but also deeply comforting. I could talk about learning about different cultures and religions, but really, I learned about people and what has made them who they are. I can't recommend this book enough. There's a whole generation of people like me who didn't grow up seeing themselves in media, something that's discussed in many of the essays, but these voices need to be heard. And I was happy to listen.
November 5, 2019
I loved listening to all these stories of accomplished Americans. I adore America Ferrera. She really put together an interesting and diverse set of voices.
The audio was great, but I was really bummed at some of the essays that were not read by the authors. I'm looking at you, Lin-Manuel, Kal Penn, Liza Koshy, Wilmer Valderrama, and Uzo Aduba. But I'm glad every one of you shared your personal story.
Not surprisingly, frugality is a very common theme for children of immigrants, producing often amusing anecdotes. But all the experiences are unique and inspirational.
[As an aside, I'm currently watching "Designated Survivor", and was delighted to learn that Kal Penn's character's first trip on Air Force One was inspired by his own real life experience.]
4.7 stars
The audio was great, but I was really bummed at some of the essays that were not read by the authors. I'm looking at you, Lin-Manuel, Kal Penn, Liza Koshy, Wilmer Valderrama, and Uzo Aduba. But I'm glad every one of you shared your personal story.
Not surprisingly, frugality is a very common theme for children of immigrants, producing often amusing anecdotes. But all the experiences are unique and inspirational.
[As an aside, I'm currently watching "Designated Survivor", and was delighted to learn that Kal Penn's character's first trip on Air Force One was inspired by his own real life experience.]
4.7 stars
January 10, 2020
Even better the second time...
November 5, 2020
I loved this collection of essays. They were real, personal, touching, and at times funny. I highly recommend, especially on audio!
February 11, 2021
What an amazingly diverse collection of essays by individuals who have lived life between cultures, and have learned to establish a sense of self and pride in where they come from. At times, this book is hilarious, and at other times, thought provoking and heat-breaking. This is such an important book to read to help understand that although there is no "quintessential American experience" we all experience; we all experience the love of a grandmother, the smell of a family dish, or the memory of a perfect day. This book will appeal to anyone! It was a fantastic read.
March 23, 2021
2021 Popsugar Challenge - A gifted book from your TBR list
March 26, 2021
I loved it! Hearing other people tell their stories and thought processes was encouraging and left me feeling affirmed for my thoughts. Recommend the audiobook!
October 13, 2019
Some of the essays in this collection are fantastic, but too many of them are trite - just because you are famous doesn't mean you are a good writer or even have something interesting to say. This book is best read in pieces - an essay here or there. I definitely am recommending our school library get it as I think individually some of the essays are funny, inspiring, insightful. And yes it's good to read essays from many different cultures so you can see commonalities like how food and language both connect to family and can cause kids to feel like outsiders at school -- bringing their homemade lunches to school setting them apart from their peers.
Lin Manuel Miranda, Ravi Patel, Roxanne Gay (always), America herself, Wilmer (from That 70s Show) Castro, had, IMHO, some of the stronger more memorable essays. Funny, poignant, insightful. Some, like Michelle Kwan's, seemed irritatingly detached or unaware? Like Kwan, everyone in these stories "made it" - most with little difficulty or setbacks beyond feeling like the odd kid out because they ate curry while everyone else ate bologna. Kwan did talk about all the sacrifices her parents made - how they didn't get Christmas trees because her parents bought her and her sister $1200 skates every time their feet grew, and her parents only slept four hours a night for 15 years to drive them to skating rinks two hours a way. . . but of course it was all worth it because anyone who works hard can make it in America - the moral of each and every essay in this collection - is sweet but unrealistic. Does she not realize her own older sister worked just as hard as she did? Received the benefits of all the same sacrifices? And yet she did not go on to become an Olympic gold medal figure skater and, in the words of Wikipedia "is best known for being the older sister of Michelle Kwan." It is very easy when you have "made it" to say "anyone who works hard can make it - look at me" but that dishonors and negates the millions of people who work really damn hard also - and don't make it for whatever reason.
I did love Castro's essay, which is one of the last. Not Julián, but his twin brother. His grandmother immigrated from Mexico, and cleaned houses and nannied children and taught herself English and raised her daughter who went to college. He talks about Trump's plan to only alow immigrants who are "valuable" - who are computer scientists and engineers. He reminds us of Obama's speech where he told us immigration is not a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay race. Sometimes the first generation works hard so the next generation can go on to do amazing things - Castro's grandmother never owned her own home, she retired on $335 a month, but she was an honest, hard working, kind woman - she was a success. And her grandsons have gone on to be respected politicians. But all three generations are valuable.
Lin Manuel Miranda, Ravi Patel, Roxanne Gay (always), America herself, Wilmer (from That 70s Show) Castro, had, IMHO, some of the stronger more memorable essays. Funny, poignant, insightful. Some, like Michelle Kwan's, seemed irritatingly detached or unaware? Like Kwan, everyone in these stories "made it" - most with little difficulty or setbacks beyond feeling like the odd kid out because they ate curry while everyone else ate bologna. Kwan did talk about all the sacrifices her parents made - how they didn't get Christmas trees because her parents bought her and her sister $1200 skates every time their feet grew, and her parents only slept four hours a night for 15 years to drive them to skating rinks two hours a way. . . but of course it was all worth it because anyone who works hard can make it in America - the moral of each and every essay in this collection - is sweet but unrealistic. Does she not realize her own older sister worked just as hard as she did? Received the benefits of all the same sacrifices? And yet she did not go on to become an Olympic gold medal figure skater and, in the words of Wikipedia "is best known for being the older sister of Michelle Kwan." It is very easy when you have "made it" to say "anyone who works hard can make it - look at me" but that dishonors and negates the millions of people who work really damn hard also - and don't make it for whatever reason.
I did love Castro's essay, which is one of the last. Not Julián, but his twin brother. His grandmother immigrated from Mexico, and cleaned houses and nannied children and taught herself English and raised her daughter who went to college. He talks about Trump's plan to only alow immigrants who are "valuable" - who are computer scientists and engineers. He reminds us of Obama's speech where he told us immigration is not a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay race. Sometimes the first generation works hard so the next generation can go on to do amazing things - Castro's grandmother never owned her own home, she retired on $335 a month, but she was an honest, hard working, kind woman - she was a success. And her grandsons have gone on to be respected politicians. But all three generations are valuable.
October 23, 2018
We have people coming into the country, or trying to come in — and we're stopping a lot of them — but we're taking people out of the country. You wouldn't believe how bad these people are. These aren't people. These are animals. And we're taking them out of the country at a level and at a rate that's never happened before. And because of the weak laws, they come in fast, we get them, we release them, we get them again, we bring them out. It's crazy.
President Trump
American did not cherry-pick her way to greatness. Instead, we created a system and infrastructure of opportunity that enables the pursuit of the American Dream through hard work.
Congressman Joaquin Castro
America Ferrera book “American Like Me” reflections on life between cultures come out during the most divisive period in decades in the argument over immigration role in building and maintaining our country. Our Nationalistic President has all but declared war against immigrates legal or otherwise, and he is using the hottest rhetoric he can to excite his base to build up the fear anger and hate for his own political ends. Ms. Ferrera’s book elegantly counters this fear with a lovely collection of stories 32 in number of different inspiring stories of Love and struggle and family. Uzo Aduba your family story is amazing and I want to watch you again in Orange is the new Black, knowing a bit more now about what inspired you. Michelle Kwan and Jeremy Lin, were inspirational in there respective struggles. A number of others Kumail Nanjiani, Wilmer Valderrama , and Liza Koshy, were also short but amazing uplifting reaffirmation of love of family and hope and life. There wasn’t any weak stories among these all were very interesting some fascinating but all very relevant to the discussion of immigration and what immigrants bring to the life of America I think this book properly demonstrates that it’s not a zero sum game, and it shouldn’t be a political football immigration is the essence of the American dream.
President Trump
American did not cherry-pick her way to greatness. Instead, we created a system and infrastructure of opportunity that enables the pursuit of the American Dream through hard work.
Congressman Joaquin Castro
America Ferrera book “American Like Me” reflections on life between cultures come out during the most divisive period in decades in the argument over immigration role in building and maintaining our country. Our Nationalistic President has all but declared war against immigrates legal or otherwise, and he is using the hottest rhetoric he can to excite his base to build up the fear anger and hate for his own political ends. Ms. Ferrera’s book elegantly counters this fear with a lovely collection of stories 32 in number of different inspiring stories of Love and struggle and family. Uzo Aduba your family story is amazing and I want to watch you again in Orange is the new Black, knowing a bit more now about what inspired you. Michelle Kwan and Jeremy Lin, were inspirational in there respective struggles. A number of others Kumail Nanjiani, Wilmer Valderrama , and Liza Koshy, were also short but amazing uplifting reaffirmation of love of family and hope and life. There wasn’t any weak stories among these all were very interesting some fascinating but all very relevant to the discussion of immigration and what immigrants bring to the life of America I think this book properly demonstrates that it’s not a zero sum game, and it shouldn’t be a political football immigration is the essence of the American dream.
May 1, 2019
The most important part for me in this was that each story had some component that rang true to my own lived experience, my own times along the boundaries of what make me American, and it is always going to come back to the variety of components that make up this life.
full review: https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/...
full review: https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/...
December 31, 2020
I have no idea how this book fell into my world, but I am SO glad I actually picked it up at the library and opened it. The stories are so varied and heartwarming....well written and fascinating.
There is such a mix of people from all over the world and even some native Americans....different jobs, different worlds. I was delighted to read all the different stories, view points....dreams.
As an ESL teacher....I want to use some of these essays in my lessons--- and have my students read about people who came here and succeeded and how they see America. Not this perfect world with streets paved in gold, but the realities and how they are making their own space and creating their own definitions.
Read--- I think everyone should pick up this book....and read a couple of essays, if not the whole thing.
2020 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: An anthology.
There is such a mix of people from all over the world and even some native Americans....different jobs, different worlds. I was delighted to read all the different stories, view points....dreams.
As an ESL teacher....I want to use some of these essays in my lessons--- and have my students read about people who came here and succeeded and how they see America. Not this perfect world with streets paved in gold, but the realities and how they are making their own space and creating their own definitions.
Read--- I think everyone should pick up this book....and read a couple of essays, if not the whole thing.
2020 Pop Sugar Reading Challenge: An anthology.
February 13, 2019
I really have enjoyed all the essays about growing up in America. All the authors came at it from a different angle, but there were a lot of common themes, and most of them grew up in the 80s and 90s like I did so there was a lot of fun nostalgia sprinkled throughout. It's heartbreaking that many of them were bullied because of their differences and so they tried to assimilate in some cases by downplaying their cultural heritage. I'm happy they all grew up to realize how rich their lives are because of their heritage, and I'm even more happy that they are sharing their stories so that younger generations can read about and see themselves reflected in a way that these authors missed in their youth.
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