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Illegally Yours Ilegalmente tuyo: La comedia de mi vida
Mientras crec�a, los padres de Rafa no quer�an que se sintiera diferente porque, como su mam� le dijo: "Los sue�os no deben tener fronteras". Pero cuando intent� sacar su licencia de conducir en su tercer a�o de preparatoria, sus padres se vieron forzados a revelarle su estatus migratorio. De pronto, el chico que molde� todos sus estudios de preparatoria como en los programas de televisi�n estadounidenses, no ten�a idea de que iba a hacer --�no hab�a un episodio de Salvados por la campana donde Zack fuera deportado!--. Mientras sus padres se liberaron de la carga de vivir una mentira frente a su hijo, Rafa se encontr� deshecho por completo frente a su futuro.
Ilegalmente tuyo es un conmovedor y c�mico vistazo al modo en que esta familia de inmigrantes ecuatorianos metidos en problemas se une para navegar en la vida escolar de Rafa, la vida de trabajo de sus padres y su vida secreta compartida como estadounidenses indocumentados, determinados a hacer lo mejor de su, siempre turbulenta y a veces peligrosa, existencia en los Estados Unidos. Desde el uso de la "Explosi�n latina" de Ricky Martin/Jennifer L�pez para sacar ventaja en la sociedad en los a�os 90 hasta c�mo sus padres --doctores en su pa�s de origen, Ecuador-- fueron reducidos a realizar trabajos dom�sticos en Estados Unidos, el secreto de la familia se convirti� en su problema, y su problema se convirti� en ma�a. Exploraci�n de pertenencia e identidad que alterna entre lo gracioso y lo conmovedor, Ilegalmente tuyo gira alrededor de una pregunta simple: �Qu� significa ser estadounidense?
Growing up, Rafa's parents didn't want him to feel different because, as his mom told him: Dreams should not have borders. But when he tried to get his driver's license during his junior year of high school, his parents were forced to reveal his immigration status. Suddenly, the kid who modeled his entire high school career after American TV shows had no idea what to do -- there was no episode of Saved by the Bell where Zack gets deported! While his parents were relieved to no longer live a lie in front of their son, Rafa found himself completely unraveling in the face of his uncertain future.
Illegally Yours is a heartwarming, comical look at how this struggling Ecuadorian immigrant family bonded together to navigate Rafa's school life, his parents' work lives, and their shared secret life as undocumented Americans, determined to make the best of their always turbulent and sometimes dangerous American existence. From using the Ricky Martin/Jennifer Lopez "Latin Explosion" to his social advantage in the '90s to how his parents--doctors in their home country of Ecuador--were reduced to working menial jobs in the US, the family's secret became their struggle, and their struggle became their hustle. An alternatingly hilarious and touching exploration of belonging and identity, Illegally Yours revolves around one very simple question: What does it mean to be American?
Ilegalmente tuyo es un conmovedor y c�mico vistazo al modo en que esta familia de inmigrantes ecuatorianos metidos en problemas se une para navegar en la vida escolar de Rafa, la vida de trabajo de sus padres y su vida secreta compartida como estadounidenses indocumentados, determinados a hacer lo mejor de su, siempre turbulenta y a veces peligrosa, existencia en los Estados Unidos. Desde el uso de la "Explosi�n latina" de Ricky Martin/Jennifer L�pez para sacar ventaja en la sociedad en los a�os 90 hasta c�mo sus padres --doctores en su pa�s de origen, Ecuador-- fueron reducidos a realizar trabajos dom�sticos en Estados Unidos, el secreto de la familia se convirti� en su problema, y su problema se convirti� en ma�a. Exploraci�n de pertenencia e identidad que alterna entre lo gracioso y lo conmovedor, Ilegalmente tuyo gira alrededor de una pregunta simple: �Qu� significa ser estadounidense?
Growing up, Rafa's parents didn't want him to feel different because, as his mom told him: Dreams should not have borders. But when he tried to get his driver's license during his junior year of high school, his parents were forced to reveal his immigration status. Suddenly, the kid who modeled his entire high school career after American TV shows had no idea what to do -- there was no episode of Saved by the Bell where Zack gets deported! While his parents were relieved to no longer live a lie in front of their son, Rafa found himself completely unraveling in the face of his uncertain future.
Illegally Yours is a heartwarming, comical look at how this struggling Ecuadorian immigrant family bonded together to navigate Rafa's school life, his parents' work lives, and their shared secret life as undocumented Americans, determined to make the best of their always turbulent and sometimes dangerous American existence. From using the Ricky Martin/Jennifer Lopez "Latin Explosion" to his social advantage in the '90s to how his parents--doctors in their home country of Ecuador--were reduced to working menial jobs in the US, the family's secret became their struggle, and their struggle became their hustle. An alternatingly hilarious and touching exploration of belonging and identity, Illegally Yours revolves around one very simple question: What does it mean to be American?
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
August 16, 2022
'Illegally Yours' is a very heartwarming, often humorous and extraordinarily honest memoir by author/actor Rafael Agustin. He speaks candidly about his life from childhood through present day. He was born in Ecuador and immigrated to the U.S. with his mother and stepfather when he was young boy. He talks of the hardships of being marginalized and undocumented in the United States as well as the triumphs and successes he has experienced along way.
I was not familiar with Rafael Agustin before starting this book. However, I took an immediate liking to him once I started listening. He is just so unbelievably humble, kind, grateful and down to earth. His love for his family and genuine admiration for their resilience, sacrifice and support for his chosen career path is palpable. I think it is rare to find someone who has obtained the level of fame and notoriety he has who doesn't let it go to their head in some capacity. Rafael is a truly remarkable young man a great role model for us all. I am so glad he narrated his story because his voice his exuded kindness and compassion. If I had read this instead of listening to the audio I wouldn't have heard the heartfelt emotions in his voice which allowed me to appreciate just how huge his heart is and the sincere gratitude he has for the many people who supported - and continue to support - him along the way. Bravo, Rafael.
I was not familiar with Rafael Agustin before starting this book. However, I took an immediate liking to him once I started listening. He is just so unbelievably humble, kind, grateful and down to earth. His love for his family and genuine admiration for their resilience, sacrifice and support for his chosen career path is palpable. I think it is rare to find someone who has obtained the level of fame and notoriety he has who doesn't let it go to their head in some capacity. Rafael is a truly remarkable young man a great role model for us all. I am so glad he narrated his story because his voice his exuded kindness and compassion. If I had read this instead of listening to the audio I wouldn't have heard the heartfelt emotions in his voice which allowed me to appreciate just how huge his heart is and the sincere gratitude he has for the many people who supported - and continue to support - him along the way. Bravo, Rafael.
October 27, 2022
What an incredible telling of my story! I’m torn between accusing the author of writing my life’s story and becoming his best friend! He eloquently describes the experience of growing up with the American dream while undocumented in a way that reached into me and pulled out vivid memories, good and bad. This is absolutely a must-read!
October 24, 2022
I picked this memoir up after seeing it on a bunch of recommended reading lists for Latinx Heritage Month and really enjoyed it!! Not knowing much about the author or his career as a writer/standup in Hollywood (NWC & Jane the virgin, etc.) didn't detract from this moving immigrant story. Born in Ecuador, Rafael came to America with his mother and stepfather when he was younger, growing up trying to fit in and having a complicated relationship with his always working parents. I really enjoyed learning about his life and the way he worked to become an American citizen and find success in Hollywood. Great on audio read by the author and definitely worth a listen!
October 14, 2025
I wanted to learn more about the plight of immigrants and what the system looks and feels like from an actual immigrants perspective. This book delivered!
March 3, 2023
This memoir is by the guy who wrote Jane the Virgin. I didn’t know who he was, but the title grabbed my attention and I ended up listening to the audiobook (read by the author).
This book is heartwarming, funny, sad, and hopeful. Agustin is raw and honest about his journey to the “American Dream”, including how he didn’t find out he was undocumented until he was 16 and how he died his hair blonde to be like Zack Morris and ended up passing as white. It was a quick listen and one I’d recommend adding to your tbr!
This book is heartwarming, funny, sad, and hopeful. Agustin is raw and honest about his journey to the “American Dream”, including how he didn’t find out he was undocumented until he was 16 and how he died his hair blonde to be like Zack Morris and ended up passing as white. It was a quick listen and one I’d recommend adding to your tbr!
December 1, 2023
Excellent! Evocative and hilarious
August 8, 2022
“Wait…we’re illegal.”
So begins one of the defining moments of Rafael Agustin’s life as an unknowingly undocumented immigrant to the United States, as told in his witty and candid memoir, Illegally Yours.
Agustin takes us on a journey from his time growing up as the son of doctors in Ecuador, to their journey moving to the U.S. for better opportunity. To say that moving to the U.S. throws everything Agustin knew about his world into question is an understatement. He’s forced to navigate consistently changing schools/homes, race and identity, and most challenging of all, his undocumented status.
As if growing up isn’t hard enough (puberty, school, peer pressure), Agustin is always trying to find a balance between trying to fit in, be liked and find a place for himself with also being on edge, always being on his best behavior, simply because he doesn’t want to risk the livelihood of himself and his family. I really appreciated how this was covered in Illegally Yours, with Agustin being able to look at the story through his eyes at the time and now, with additional clarity.
Agustin’s commanding, hilarious voice demands your attention. Each chapter documents a memorable piece of his life; each chapter is lovingly and comically told but never afraid to challenge and educate. It’s clear by the way Agustin tells his story that there is a fire inside him that has always burned bright and that nothing, not even the many, many hurdles he’s dealt with, can put out.
Everyone should read this book. There are so many important discussions that can start by reading it and I hope that as more people do, we can look at the flawed systems that we have in place and think about what we can do to make it easier, not harder to give everyone an equal opportunity to fly.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for this gifted copy!
So begins one of the defining moments of Rafael Agustin’s life as an unknowingly undocumented immigrant to the United States, as told in his witty and candid memoir, Illegally Yours.
Agustin takes us on a journey from his time growing up as the son of doctors in Ecuador, to their journey moving to the U.S. for better opportunity. To say that moving to the U.S. throws everything Agustin knew about his world into question is an understatement. He’s forced to navigate consistently changing schools/homes, race and identity, and most challenging of all, his undocumented status.
As if growing up isn’t hard enough (puberty, school, peer pressure), Agustin is always trying to find a balance between trying to fit in, be liked and find a place for himself with also being on edge, always being on his best behavior, simply because he doesn’t want to risk the livelihood of himself and his family. I really appreciated how this was covered in Illegally Yours, with Agustin being able to look at the story through his eyes at the time and now, with additional clarity.
Agustin’s commanding, hilarious voice demands your attention. Each chapter documents a memorable piece of his life; each chapter is lovingly and comically told but never afraid to challenge and educate. It’s clear by the way Agustin tells his story that there is a fire inside him that has always burned bright and that nothing, not even the many, many hurdles he’s dealt with, can put out.
Everyone should read this book. There are so many important discussions that can start by reading it and I hope that as more people do, we can look at the flawed systems that we have in place and think about what we can do to make it easier, not harder to give everyone an equal opportunity to fly.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for this gifted copy!
September 19, 2023
One of the best books I’ve read this year! Would highly recommend. Rafael’s story is so incredibly meaningful. I learned a lot and hope to continue to learn how to best support. We as a society and country need to prioritize people first. We need to abolish ice and actually provide support to all people looking for a better life in the states. Thank you Rafael for being so vulnerable and sharing your story.
June 1, 2023
A compelling story but not great literature. Though struggling with being undocumented the author had many advantages most immigrants without papers don't have. It is interesting that many come to the US with skills they can't use yet work hard, pay taxes and are never given the right of citizenship.
September 26, 2025
“Young writers should always start with what they know. Funny enough, I didn't know much about how our immigration system actually worked. In researching the topic, I discovered that ‘illegal’ was the worst possible word to use when describing undocumented immigrants. People can't be illegal; only actions can. If you believe human beings can be illegal, then I beg you to think of this: When a person kills another person, they are not an illegal – they are a murderer. When a person steals something from another person, they are not an illegal – they are a thief. … So why would we call a group of people in search of a better life, working on the front lines, essential workers during a global pandemic, yearning to breathe free ‘illegals’? If that wasn't enough, I also discovered that the word ‘illegal’ was designed to criminalize a section of our population specifically to try to deny them their First Amendment right to free speech and their First Amendment right to assemble. Needless to say, I was having a political awakening.”
“Dreams should not have borders.”
Illegally Yours: A Memoir by Rafael Agustin is a real account of an undocumented kid growing up in the United States. The son of doctors from Ecuador, Agustin describes the stress he endured of the family having to move around so much to stay ahead of authorities and employers who took advantage of their status. But the kid worked hard and prevailed. It'll make you laugh and cry.
“Dreams should not have borders.”
Illegally Yours: A Memoir by Rafael Agustin is a real account of an undocumented kid growing up in the United States. The son of doctors from Ecuador, Agustin describes the stress he endured of the family having to move around so much to stay ahead of authorities and employers who took advantage of their status. But the kid worked hard and prevailed. It'll make you laugh and cry.
October 6, 2022
4.5 rounded up!
As funny as this book was, it was equally as informative. It’s digestible, inspiring, and provided a lot of empathy for those who live around us. It’s truly the perfect look into what it’s like to live undocumented, blending in right in plain sight of others.
ILLEGALLY YOURS includes snippets of Agustin’s life, dating back to his upbringing in Ecuador. His parents, who are both doctors, provided more than he could ever imagine. Until they moved to the United States and were forced to retake medical classes while working two jobs. To echo myself from earlier, Agustin provided such an educational read that made me feel like I was only talking to a friend, not necessarily learning something new. For example, I understand schooling in countries are different, but didn’t realize nothing “transferred” over when it came to practicing medicine.
That’s just one of the many lessons I took away from this book. The biggest? Those who move to America are most likely not moving for themselves, but for their children to have more opportunities than they did.
Big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy.
Content warnings: racism, xenophobia, alcoholism, panic attacks/disorders
As funny as this book was, it was equally as informative. It’s digestible, inspiring, and provided a lot of empathy for those who live around us. It’s truly the perfect look into what it’s like to live undocumented, blending in right in plain sight of others.
ILLEGALLY YOURS includes snippets of Agustin’s life, dating back to his upbringing in Ecuador. His parents, who are both doctors, provided more than he could ever imagine. Until they moved to the United States and were forced to retake medical classes while working two jobs. To echo myself from earlier, Agustin provided such an educational read that made me feel like I was only talking to a friend, not necessarily learning something new. For example, I understand schooling in countries are different, but didn’t realize nothing “transferred” over when it came to practicing medicine.
That’s just one of the many lessons I took away from this book. The biggest? Those who move to America are most likely not moving for themselves, but for their children to have more opportunities than they did.
Big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy.
Content warnings: racism, xenophobia, alcoholism, panic attacks/disorders
September 25, 2023
This book for me didn’t start off great, but is an easy and engaging read I was doing for a book club, so I kept going. I finally was hooked as I started to realize Agustin and I experienced some LA and SoCal events at around the same age. Then I was reeled when I realized Agustin and I both experienced the east San Gabriel Valley at around the same time. It was so interesting to read some of the same experiences, neighborhoods, schools and people, music, movies and TV shows of that era, but from a different perspective.
I definitely related to and have similar memories of the SGV teenage party scene.
And then when he started talking about NWC there was some thing really familiar that just kept nagging at me…. Why do I know about this? And it turns out that I had a huge and deep crush on Rafael’s fellow cast member, Miles, for years.
Setting aside the fact that our paths were so close during that time period, I fell in with his story and found the book to be overall enjoyable, with an authentic and sincere voice.
I would recommend this to somebody who needs a light entry into a discussion of immigration thoughts and policies.
And if Agustin’s tales of the SGV intrigues you, try the podcast series Party Crews.
I read-along with the audiobook, which was read by Rafael Agustin, himself.
I definitely related to and have similar memories of the SGV teenage party scene.
And then when he started talking about NWC there was some thing really familiar that just kept nagging at me…. Why do I know about this? And it turns out that I had a huge and deep crush on Rafael’s fellow cast member, Miles, for years.
Setting aside the fact that our paths were so close during that time period, I fell in with his story and found the book to be overall enjoyable, with an authentic and sincere voice.
I would recommend this to somebody who needs a light entry into a discussion of immigration thoughts and policies.
And if Agustin’s tales of the SGV intrigues you, try the podcast series Party Crews.
I read-along with the audiobook, which was read by Rafael Agustin, himself.
April 4, 2024
I know I play it fast and loose with the ratings of memoirs, but Agustin is possibly the funniest author I’ve read all year. Listening to him narrate his story really added to the experience - at times it feels like he pauses the story and turns directly to tell you a joke. I definitely see how he became class president, and why I enjoyed the writing on Jane the Virgin so much!
Ultimately, his take on what it means to be American is unflinching and incredibly well articulated. His descriptions of the aughts in LA was a sharp contrast coming of Kate Flannerys Strip Tees.
Very well done! I’d love to see if I can find a version of NWC to watch as well
Ultimately, his take on what it means to be American is unflinching and incredibly well articulated. His descriptions of the aughts in LA was a sharp contrast coming of Kate Flannerys Strip Tees.
Very well done! I’d love to see if I can find a version of NWC to watch as well
August 20, 2022
3✨
I was very excited for this memoir — Rafael Agustin is one of the writers for one of my favorite shows, Jane the Virgin. And while some parts of this book were a little funny, I just didn't really connect with his writing in this form. I also felt like pretty much every reference and joke related to pop culture went right over my head. I do appreciate his social commentary, which was delivered in a light-hearted way. But overall, this was just okay. I'm glad that I gave it a shot but I won't be picking this back up.
—
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I was very excited for this memoir — Rafael Agustin is one of the writers for one of my favorite shows, Jane the Virgin. And while some parts of this book were a little funny, I just didn't really connect with his writing in this form. I also felt like pretty much every reference and joke related to pop culture went right over my head. I do appreciate his social commentary, which was delivered in a light-hearted way. But overall, this was just okay. I'm glad that I gave it a shot but I won't be picking this back up.
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
August 26, 2022
I want to share some of my favorite quotes from this memoir.
“Because the greatest lesson my parents ever learned in this country was that the American Dream is not for you, but for your children.”
“In researching the topic, I discovered that ‘illegal’ was the worst possible word to use when describing undocumented immigrants. People can’t be illegal; only actions can.”
“Because the greatest lesson my parents ever learned in this country was that the American Dream is not for you, but for your children.”
“In researching the topic, I discovered that ‘illegal’ was the worst possible word to use when describing undocumented immigrants. People can’t be illegal; only actions can.”
July 21, 2022
A funny, heart-warming memoir about the life of an immigrant and living in the United States undocumented. Rafael writes with honesty and incorporates humorous moments along the way. I really enjoyed every moment.
Thank you Hachette Audio for my audiobook.
Thank you Hachette Audio for my audiobook.
August 3, 2022
3.5. Author did a good job with the audio. A good understanding of the personal way being undocumented affects a child/teen/adult. I do not personally know who this author is, but he tells a good story of his life.
January 30, 2025
This made me laugh. This made me smile. But damn, that epilogue nearly had me in tears. Vive ríe ama vivaporú <3
December 31, 2025
My last book of the year was this poignant and often hilarious immigrant memoir. So relatable within my own family, and a great reminder of who makes up and contributes greatly to this country.
November 7, 2022
I loved this memoir! It was another great example of the faulty immigration process of America and the anxiety and hardship it causes for people trying to achieve their American dream. It is told with humor so sucks you right in.
October 19, 2023
Read this book for a class, and I don’t usually enjoy non fiction, but this was incredibly easy to get lost in, and the story itself is incredibly moving.
August 1, 2023
It was interesting to view the undocumented experience through Rafael Agustin’s eyes — someone who came to the US with a visa, had parents with higher education, and at times could pass as “white.”
While it is an easy read that won’t necessarily make you feel depressed for an hour after reading a few paragraphs, it does glide too fast through a lot of issues/conflict he faced that it makes it feel superficial. But maybe that’s the point of this book — to make a painful story easy to consume.
The parts that I disliked the most was when it felt like he would go out of his way to make his “non-Americaness” the butt of the joke, which was cringe for me. Maybe I was not the intended audience for those jokes. Everyone else seems to like it very much, so good for him!
While it is an easy read that won’t necessarily make you feel depressed for an hour after reading a few paragraphs, it does glide too fast through a lot of issues/conflict he faced that it makes it feel superficial. But maybe that’s the point of this book — to make a painful story easy to consume.
The parts that I disliked the most was when it felt like he would go out of his way to make his “non-Americaness” the butt of the joke, which was cringe for me. Maybe I was not the intended audience for those jokes. Everyone else seems to like it very much, so good for him!
November 26, 2025
This was an interesting and enlightening peek into the life of an undocumented family. I really enjoyed the stories the author shared and the way he blended humor with heavier moments. I listened to the audiobook, and although I get the intention behind the language he used, hearing him say N.W.C. repeatedly was a bit much for me.
June 18, 2024
This was a really delightful audiobook to listen to! Agustin is such a fun and dynamic narrator and brings a wonderful levity to all aspects of this memoir. It's not all fun and games by any means, but by coming at this story from his childhood memories, there's a sense of awakening and wonder to all he comes to learn about his family and situation. He recounts so much and despite a lot of the heartache and awfulness he had to endure, he looks back on most figures in his life kindly and generously. What this memoir really hammers home is that there is so much about coming to America that is just sheer fate and luck, and Agustin is certainly gracious in acknowledging that even he had privileges in his situation.
December 10, 2022
Una historia muy profunda sobre el proceso de migración de Rafael Agustín, un guayaquileño que termina haciéndose estadounidense a pesar de las dificultades y que consigue encontrarse como un escritor y dramaturgo en Estados Unidos.
El último toque sobre "sana sana colita de rana" me emocionó mucho por las dimensiones que siento intersecan con mi vida.
El último toque sobre "sana sana colita de rana" me emocionó mucho por las dimensiones que siento intersecan con mi vida.
November 17, 2025
There was a lot about this book I liked but the writing was so clunky- this read like a series of unrelated short stories that were awkwardly stuck together
November 5, 2022
I read this book in just two days and completely loved it. I first heard Rafael speak in an interview for the California Community Colleges podcast. I was so inspired by his story that I played that interview for my community college English I class in our segment on listening to immigrant voices and experiences.
I picked up the memoir because his interview intrigued me so much, and I felt that it was so relevant to the lived experience of my students. I wouldn't have come across this book were it not for my podcast playlist so I am grateful, because it now ranks among my favorite memoirs.
Being around the same age and also from Southern California, I related to his regional and pop-culture references. His story is inspiring and moving and extremely relevant to today's social discourse.
I picked up the memoir because his interview intrigued me so much, and I felt that it was so relevant to the lived experience of my students. I wouldn't have come across this book were it not for my podcast playlist so I am grateful, because it now ranks among my favorite memoirs.
Being around the same age and also from Southern California, I related to his regional and pop-culture references. His story is inspiring and moving and extremely relevant to today's social discourse.
September 25, 2025
People have different perspectives on what is “The American Dream.” TV writer (see: Jane the Virgin) Rafael Agustin came to the U.S. via Ecuador as a young child already enamored with Hollywood movies (see: American Ninja) and shows (see: Adam West’s Batman). His memoir Illegally Yours is personal and political. People describes the book as, “An astonishing take on the American dream told with wit, grit, and passion.”
Agustin starts his story with a scene of being detained in a Spanish airport. He has his U.S. green card, but Spain doesn’t allow people like him who have an Ecuadorian passport. Then, he flashes back in time to his childhood in Ecuador. Young Rafael grew up watching Hollywood action movies with “American” heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger (Austrian), Jean-Claude Van Damme (Belgian), and Sylvester Stallone (Italian-American). This paints his perspective on the U.S. before his parents move the family there in hopes of continuing their careers as doctors in the states. These early chapters focus on themes of immigration laws and differences in customs and cultures between Latin America and the United States.
I love the line “you never have to translate kicking ass.” I found this part funny about admiring actors that he thought of as United States action heroes even though they were all immigrants or products of immigration. This reminded me of my own childhood—growing up in California—when my first favorite Hollywood action star was Jackie Chan. He is from Hong Kong, but he was in a lot of popular English-language movies when I was a kid like Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and The Tuxedo. One of the most special things about the U.S. is the diversity of cultures thanks to a long history of immigration from around the world. Despite this, as Agustin points out, there is also a long history of anti-immigration laws. Rather than focusing on a legal analysis about U.S. immigration throughout history, Agustin shares his and his family’s personal experiences. Sometimes it’s funny, like when he says: “Years later, my dad shared with me that his lowest point in this country was having to take my mom and me to ampm for dinner. Crazy . . . that was the highlight of my childhood.” Sometimes it’s heartwarming, like when he uses his signed Dodgers baseball because he cares more about spending just a little more time playing catch with his dad in the park.
Agustin’s comedic take on growing up undocumented in the U.S. reminds me of Andy Samberg’s anti-roast of Aziz Ansari. During the Comedy Central Roast of James Franco, attendee Aziz Ansari received many uninspired insults based on outdated stereotypes about Indian-Americans. This enhanced Samberg’s style of pretending to roast everyone (in tone) while actually saying nice things and/or insulting himself. He said, “Aziz’s parents are from India but he was born in South Carolina. Hey Aziz, what’s it like to have a unique perspective on what it means to be American, you bag of shit?”
During Ansari’s eventual turn he commented on other roasters’ unoriginality when he said, “I think it was so cool that some of you guys were able to travel back to 1995 for those Indian jokes you did. That's so cool! Man, those stereotypes are so outdated, my god! There are more Indian dudes in sitcoms right now than running 7/11's. We are snatching roles from white actors. My last three roles were Randy, Chet, and Tom."
I bring up this example from televised entertainment because Rafael Agustin brings a similar style of humor to Illegally Yours. He also brings the reader on the journey of how a kid who grew up watching too much TV can go on to help bring more Latino representation in media.
Agustin starts his story with a scene of being detained in a Spanish airport. He has his U.S. green card, but Spain doesn’t allow people like him who have an Ecuadorian passport. Then, he flashes back in time to his childhood in Ecuador. Young Rafael grew up watching Hollywood action movies with “American” heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger (Austrian), Jean-Claude Van Damme (Belgian), and Sylvester Stallone (Italian-American). This paints his perspective on the U.S. before his parents move the family there in hopes of continuing their careers as doctors in the states. These early chapters focus on themes of immigration laws and differences in customs and cultures between Latin America and the United States.
I love the line “you never have to translate kicking ass.” I found this part funny about admiring actors that he thought of as United States action heroes even though they were all immigrants or products of immigration. This reminded me of my own childhood—growing up in California—when my first favorite Hollywood action star was Jackie Chan. He is from Hong Kong, but he was in a lot of popular English-language movies when I was a kid like Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and The Tuxedo. One of the most special things about the U.S. is the diversity of cultures thanks to a long history of immigration from around the world. Despite this, as Agustin points out, there is also a long history of anti-immigration laws. Rather than focusing on a legal analysis about U.S. immigration throughout history, Agustin shares his and his family’s personal experiences. Sometimes it’s funny, like when he says: “Years later, my dad shared with me that his lowest point in this country was having to take my mom and me to ampm for dinner. Crazy . . . that was the highlight of my childhood.” Sometimes it’s heartwarming, like when he uses his signed Dodgers baseball because he cares more about spending just a little more time playing catch with his dad in the park.
Agustin’s comedic take on growing up undocumented in the U.S. reminds me of Andy Samberg’s anti-roast of Aziz Ansari. During the Comedy Central Roast of James Franco, attendee Aziz Ansari received many uninspired insults based on outdated stereotypes about Indian-Americans. This enhanced Samberg’s style of pretending to roast everyone (in tone) while actually saying nice things and/or insulting himself. He said, “Aziz’s parents are from India but he was born in South Carolina. Hey Aziz, what’s it like to have a unique perspective on what it means to be American, you bag of shit?”
During Ansari’s eventual turn he commented on other roasters’ unoriginality when he said, “I think it was so cool that some of you guys were able to travel back to 1995 for those Indian jokes you did. That's so cool! Man, those stereotypes are so outdated, my god! There are more Indian dudes in sitcoms right now than running 7/11's. We are snatching roles from white actors. My last three roles were Randy, Chet, and Tom."
I bring up this example from televised entertainment because Rafael Agustin brings a similar style of humor to Illegally Yours. He also brings the reader on the journey of how a kid who grew up watching too much TV can go on to help bring more Latino representation in media.
October 17, 2023
Round Robin – General Impressions from Book Clubbers
Didn’t like it at first but ended up finishing the whole book in one day!
The parents left Ecuador for a better life – I kept waiting for a better life to materialize, but they struggled throughout and were never able to achieve their dreams.
An enjoyable book that had a lot of life lessons.
This book is about the "Ethnic Experience in America,” which we’ve read about in different biographies and memoirs, but this is the first time reading about Ecuador (for at least a few Book Clubbers).
It was interesting to learn what race means in Ecuador and how race was seen through the author’s eyes as he learns he is a non-white person in the United States.
Intrigued by the dynamics between child and parents while they struggled through having to find employment, move to different cities, live with family and friends, and change schools.
I wish there was more insight from the parents’ perspectives.
The Big Reveal
One Book Clubber noted that had Agustin known that he was “illegal” or “sin papeles” when he was younger, he would have incorporated the anxiety and fear of being caught and deported throughout his childhood. Agustin’s mom tells him why his parents chose to keep their immigration status from him: “We didn’t want you to grow up feeling different” p. 147.
Do you think the parents regret leaving Ecuador and/or staying in the U.S. so long when they were not able to achieve their dreams?
Most Book Clubbers agreed: No. One of the reasons they left Ecuador was because his parents were marginalized and/or living under the “palanca” system of benefitting from connections and influence (p. 8). In Ecuador, Rafael’s stepdad “lived in the shadow of his more successful pediatric surgeon father. Older surgeons would rather speak to my stepdad’s father than speak to him...” p. 9.
Even after they came to the realization that their own dreams of becoming doctors in the U.S. would not come true, they wanted Rafael to be able to fulfill his dreams: “... the greatest lesson my parents ever learned in this country was that the American Dream is not for you, but for your children” p. 31.
What do you think of Agustin’s comedy writing? Did you laugh? What was the funniest scene?
The comedy may have been why one Book Clubber enjoyed the book so much: Being able to see the humorous side of life is a coping mechanism, especially for comedians of color.
Funny scenes mentioned include the trip to Tijuana (pp. 189-196) and the “vivaporu” story (pp. 279-283).
Do you think the more specific a story is, the more universally it is received?
One Book Clubber put it well, the more you tell of your story, the more you can see we are more alike than we are different. Some Book Clubbers even related to Agustin’s experience of disappointing his “immigrant parents without trying” by choosing to pursue a degree in theater.
What is the importance of, or what does pop culture lend Agustin’s story?
Some Book clubbers noted that American pop culture can impact the world and be a powerful influence. Pop culture and American media was an important part of Agustin’s childhood in Ecuador and in the U.S. Part of the relationship he was able to build with his stepdad while in Ecuador was because of their shared love of American movies. Agustin talks about the times he and his mom rocked out in the car to Paula Abdul. Think of how Rafael changed and grew during high school because of his desire to be more like Zack from Saved By the Bell.
Didn’t like it at first but ended up finishing the whole book in one day!
The parents left Ecuador for a better life – I kept waiting for a better life to materialize, but they struggled throughout and were never able to achieve their dreams.
An enjoyable book that had a lot of life lessons.
This book is about the "Ethnic Experience in America,” which we’ve read about in different biographies and memoirs, but this is the first time reading about Ecuador (for at least a few Book Clubbers).
It was interesting to learn what race means in Ecuador and how race was seen through the author’s eyes as he learns he is a non-white person in the United States.
Intrigued by the dynamics between child and parents while they struggled through having to find employment, move to different cities, live with family and friends, and change schools.
I wish there was more insight from the parents’ perspectives.
The Big Reveal
One Book Clubber noted that had Agustin known that he was “illegal” or “sin papeles” when he was younger, he would have incorporated the anxiety and fear of being caught and deported throughout his childhood. Agustin’s mom tells him why his parents chose to keep their immigration status from him: “We didn’t want you to grow up feeling different” p. 147.
Do you think the parents regret leaving Ecuador and/or staying in the U.S. so long when they were not able to achieve their dreams?
Most Book Clubbers agreed: No. One of the reasons they left Ecuador was because his parents were marginalized and/or living under the “palanca” system of benefitting from connections and influence (p. 8). In Ecuador, Rafael’s stepdad “lived in the shadow of his more successful pediatric surgeon father. Older surgeons would rather speak to my stepdad’s father than speak to him...” p. 9.
Even after they came to the realization that their own dreams of becoming doctors in the U.S. would not come true, they wanted Rafael to be able to fulfill his dreams: “... the greatest lesson my parents ever learned in this country was that the American Dream is not for you, but for your children” p. 31.
What do you think of Agustin’s comedy writing? Did you laugh? What was the funniest scene?
The comedy may have been why one Book Clubber enjoyed the book so much: Being able to see the humorous side of life is a coping mechanism, especially for comedians of color.
Funny scenes mentioned include the trip to Tijuana (pp. 189-196) and the “vivaporu” story (pp. 279-283).
Do you think the more specific a story is, the more universally it is received?
One Book Clubber put it well, the more you tell of your story, the more you can see we are more alike than we are different. Some Book Clubbers even related to Agustin’s experience of disappointing his “immigrant parents without trying” by choosing to pursue a degree in theater.
What is the importance of, or what does pop culture lend Agustin’s story?
Some Book clubbers noted that American pop culture can impact the world and be a powerful influence. Pop culture and American media was an important part of Agustin’s childhood in Ecuador and in the U.S. Part of the relationship he was able to build with his stepdad while in Ecuador was because of their shared love of American movies. Agustin talks about the times he and his mom rocked out in the car to Paula Abdul. Think of how Rafael changed and grew during high school because of his desire to be more like Zack from Saved By the Bell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews