Book 1 Post 2
As I touched on in my previous post, I chose to read American Like Me by America Fererra because I was really interested in hearing about many of the personal and childhood experiences of some of my favorite public figures who also grew up in immigrant households, just like I did. I have to say, even after reading the first five chapters of the book (which included essays from America Fererra herself, Reshma Saujani, Al Madrigal, Jenny Zhang, and Bambadjan Bamba) in just one evening, I was extremely satisfied with the book choice that I made, as I found each of the stories and essays unique despite each talking on the same topic. I loved it so much that I finished reading it in just 2 days, and feel like I may read this book once again in a few months.
Out of all of the stories, I think I liked Anna Akana’s the most (even though, once again, they were all amazing). I actually watched her Youtube videos religiously from the ages of 13-16, and as a young, confident, accomplished, and outspoken Asian woman, I was inspired--even if I didn’t reflect that type of personality myself all of the time. I really identified with the dichotomy she experienced between her two parents growing up--what she describes as a “wild animal of a mother and a robot of a dad.” Granted, I wouldn’t describe my parents exactly this same way, but when Akana discussed how her dad pushed her to more prodigious goals while her mom pushed her towards her creative passions, I laughed because that’s exactly how I describe my parents to my friends when they ask me how they feel about me being a non-STEM, non-business major and someone extremely into start-up culture. Ultimately, Akana ends her essay off with a thank you to her parents, acknowledging that at times, her childhood was not what she thought of as ideal at the time, but also recognizing the sacrifices and qualities that they instilled in her throughout her crazy childhood that made her who she is today.
Ultimately I would 100% recommend this book to anybody, as it speaks a lot to the realities of the American dream and culture. In particular, would highly recommend it to any person who immigrant, person with immigrant parents or grandparents, multiracial, or marginalized person. Regardless of whether someone who reads it had no issues with their lives growing up, or struggled greatly with their identity, I think this book is a great way to be able to read 30+ different, unique, yet all grateful perspectives on how one’s youth, no matter how tough, can offer great growth and learning for the future.
As an Asian American with immigrant parents, I can definitely relate to this. I know this book was a popular choice for our class, but I enjoyed getting to read your take on it. I also think it is very impressive that you were able to read this book in two days, but it has made me really curious to know whether it was that good of a book. I will definitely be adding this to my list of books to read to find out! Thanks for sharing! - Eileen Tak
ReplyDeleteSerena, first I think it's so cool that this is one of those books that you could not put down. The way you related your life and this book is something that is super interesting to me. It is funny seeing you talk about your parents relation to Akana's parents. Thank you for posting, looks like an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteHi Serena - I loved reading your take on the book and how you were able to relate it back to your own life and experiences with immigrant parents. It's also so cool how one of the contributors was a YouTuber that you religiously watched growing up.
ReplyDelete-- maddie pink
DeleteHey Serena. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this book. My parents also had different expectations of me when choosing a career path. They wanted me pursue in something related to biology (medical field) or architecture, but here I am studying real estate. However, it is nice to know that you are doing something you love rather than doing something that was forced upon.
ReplyDeleteHi Serena! I read American Like Me too, and I loved it until the very end. Ferrara's idea was genius. Being raised in America and having parents who were so to, I did not experience many of the challenges faced by the book's authors. This book gave me great insight into what it's like starting afresh in America, and I can now practice more empathy towards immigrants. It would be cool if you wrote an essay similar to the authors in this book. It could be just for fun, and I am sure people would be interested in reading it!
ReplyDeleteHey Serena. It is cool to hear your thoughts on this book. I did not read it, but I think that it is positive to be reading books about youth in this time when it feels like this stage of life had altered so dramatically in the past year. Anyway, it is great to find a book that you love so much that you can't put it down! Maybe I will read it next.
ReplyDeleteHi Serena, Overall I really related to your posting because I to chose this book for the same reasons (indentifying with multiculturalism and growing up in the U.S. while experiencing a different culture in my household). I wanted to say that your reflection reminded me a lot of this book in that even the audience has different perspectives after reading it. I loved your personal connection you talked about and parental expecations. I think that so many first generation students struggle with what their parents have in mind for them, versus their own dreams and aspirations. Like other classmates responses, I would love to hear more about your own experience and even a reflection! Great work!
ReplyDelete-Carlo Rincón
Hi Serena! It's interesting that you bring up the idea of rereading this book in a few months. I like that idea, and I think I may do the same if I find myself looking to do some deep thinking over the summer. I'm glad you were able to relate to the stories that all the contributors shared. I normally don't talk about these things/feelings with very many people, and it's very cool to hear you and other peers share your thoughts. -Andrew Piazza
ReplyDeleteHi Serena,
ReplyDeleteI liked your response to reading American Like Me and especially how you related it to your own Asian-immigrant experience. I know that growing up as the eldest daughter of my Asian-Immigrant household my parents definitely held a certain expectation for me that probably shaped the way I am today as well. I think its cool to find stories that you can relate to because it helps you understand the affect of your experience as well!