Paula P. (roosterlady645) reviewed on 1/5/2014 + 12 more book reviews

Born in 1952 in Pennsylvania of Puerto Rican parents, I could relate to the author's story in reverse. It wasn't until I visited Puerto Rico in mid70s and saw and felt its beauty and culture thru my mind, body and soul that I can appreciate this wonderful book. I too spent time in NYC with relatives when my mother had to return for family emergencies/deaths.


's. Santiago writes so vividly that I felt like a fly on the walls of the varies places she transported me to, I could taste all the foods & desserts, I could smell all the scents of the native bushes, flowers, fruits & vegetables as well as El Mangle.


In the 60s it was so true being of mixed cultures.....
You never fit in either one! And being the eldest, you were EXPECTED to set the example for the rest of your siblings. Education was the way up and out. Esmeralda also hits it on the head when she says we were the family/neighborhood interpreters.

I recommend this book to all generational families as well as required reading for Diversity Classes. THEN maybe people will learn that we ALL go thru the same things NO MATTER what country, religion, money we come from ---- WE ARE ALL THE SAME!!!

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