Growing Up Cuban in Decatur, Georgia

by Carmen Agra Deedy

Award-winning author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy takes readers through her personal immigration journey from her island roots in Havana, Cuba, to a small-town southern life in Decatur, Georgia.

In this collection of twelve stories, Deedy introduces us to the wise and witty Agra family and the hilarious and often poignant collision of cultures they experience when they immigrate to the US. From adventures with a neighborhood friend to her mother standing before a judge, these stories are full of moments that are sure to stick with you.


Parents’ Choice Gold Award –Parents’ Choice Foundation

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Adult, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published September 28, 1994

About the author

Carmen Agra Deedy is an internationally known author of children’s literature, a storyteller and radio contributor. Born in Havana, Cuba, she immigrated to the United States with her family in 1963 after the Cuban Revolution. Deedy grew up in Decatur, Georgia and currently lives in Atlanta and has three daughters.

Reviews

[Rose Ocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic stories from a girl whose family came here from Cuba when she was very young. It was cool to hear her reference familiar places from my hometown, but what really makes her stories amazing is her gift for storytelling and voices that really bring you into her world. My favorite story I think was "The Peanut Man" which begins in Havana, and ends at a Braves game. Really beautiful treatments of what it means to be from Cuba but to grow up in America, particularly the last story, "Mangoes and Magnolias." I would recommend this to anyone. Even if you're not normally a fan of audiobooks, this one is different because it's oral storytelling at its finest!

[Rudy Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a 1st generation Cuban American from South Florida I can relate to so many of her stories. She brought back memories and articulated an upbringing that not everyone might fully understand but I did. Growing up in a country that is yours but not your parents creates a very special mix of the normal at home and the normal elsewhere. I believe that growing up with 2 languages and two cultures makes for a richer experience and this book brings that out clearly.

[Mayda Martinez O'Herlihy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. So many reflections on my own upbringing....growing up Cuban in Chicago IL and Miami FL. She's a great storyteller.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of short stories written and read by storyteller Carmen Deedy. The humor and wisdom in these stories are made even more enjoyable when combined with Carmen's own voice as she tells stories of her life. The entire CD takes only 45 minutes.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this one. Highly recommend finding it if you're able. Hilarious, heartwarming stories from a master storyteller.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful stories read by the author!♥️

[Mistyblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these stories of Mrs. Deedy's life. I fell in love with her story telling style when she came to speak to the kids at my school. This collection of stories did not disappoint.

[Elle Drue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen Agra Deedy is a fantastic storyteller!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not actually read, but listened to, book on CD. Absolutely wonderful.

[Tonya Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. Just lovely.