When I Was Puerto Rican

by Santiago, Esmeralda; Diaz, Jaquira; Alvarez, Julia

• ISBN13: 9780306814525
• ISBN10: 0306814528
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780786736867
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-02-28
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• More Book Details

About This Book

When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir by Esmeralda Santiago is a poignant and engaging memoir that chronicles the author's journey from the lush mango groves and barrios of Puerto Rico to the vibrant streets of Brooklyn and eventually to the prestigious halls of Harvard. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the experiences of immigrants, cultural identity, and personal resilience.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in courses focused on cultural studies, immigration, and personal narratives. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. Parents and students alike will find Esmeralda Santiago's story both inspiring and relatable.

History and Editions

Published on February 28, 2006, When I Was Puerto Rican has been widely acclaimed for its vivid storytelling and historical significance. The book is part of Esmeralda Santiago's three acclaimed memoirs, which include The Turkish Lover and Conquistadora. This memoir has been recognized as one of "The Best Memoirs of a Generation" by Oprah's Book Club.

Author and Other Works

Esmeralda Santiago is a renowned author known for her powerful and evocative writing style. In addition to When I Was Puerto Rican, she has written The Turkish Lover and Conquistadora. Her works often explore themes of identity, culture, and family, making her a beloved figure in contemporary literature.

Key Features

• Vivid Storytelling: Esmeralda Santiago's memoir is characterized by its vivid descriptions of both the tropical beauty of Puerto Rico and the harsh realities of poverty and domestic strife.
• Cultural Insight: The book offers a deep dive into Puerto Rican culture and the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States.
• Personal Resilience: Esmeralda's journey from a young girl in rural Puerto Rico to a successful author is a testament to her personal resilience and determination.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Trade Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780306814525
• Used Copies: Available through various retailers, including Gulf Coast Books, Your Online Bookstore, and Orion Tech (see sources below for specific details)[2][3].

Publication Details

• Publisher: Da Capo Press (published under the Merloyd Lawrence imprint)
• Publication Date: February 28, 2006
• Number of Pages: 288 pages
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no other editions or formats listed specifically for this ISBN, the book is widely available in trade paperback format. For those interested in purchasing used copies, several sellers offer fair to good condition books[2][3].

Related ISBNs:

Since this book is primarily available in a single format, there are no additional ISBNs to list. However, if you are looking for related works by the same author, you can consider her other memoirs:

• The Turkish Lover: ISBN-13: 9780306814532
• Conquistadora: ISBN-13: 9780306820367

These books offer further insights into Esmeralda Santiago's life and writing style, making them valuable additions to any reader's collection.

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Sources

1. Da Capo Press - [When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago](https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/esmeralda-santiago/when-i-was-puerto-rican/9780306814525/)

2. AbeBooks - [When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (A Merloyd Lawrence Book)](https://www.abebooks.com/9780306814525/When-Puerto-Rican-Memoir-Merloyd-0306814528/plp)

3. Biblio - [When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (A Merloyd Lawrence Book)](https://www.biblio.com/book/when-i-puerto-rican-memoir-merloyd/d/1378267327)

4. Books and Books KW - [When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir (A Merloyd Lawrence Book)](https://shop.booksandbookskw.com/book/9780306814525)

5. BiggerBooks - [When I Was Puerto Rican | BiggerBooks](https://www.biggerbooks.com/when-i-puerto-rican-santiago-esmeralda/bk/9780306814525)

Author Biography

Esmeralda Santiago is the author of two highly acclaimed memoirs, The Turkish Lover and Almost a Woman, which was made into a film for PBS's Masterpiece Theatre. She has also written a novel, America's Dream, and has co-edited two anthologies of Latino literature. She lives in Westchester County, New York.

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE: HOW TO EAT A GUAVA	1	(4)
JIBARA	5	(14)
FIGHTING NAKED	19	(16)
SOMEONE IS COMING TO TAKE YOUR LAP	35	(26)
THE AMERICAN INVASION OF MACUN	61	(24)
WHY WOMEN REMAIN JAMONA	85	(20)
MAMI GETS A JOB	105	(26)
EL MANGLE	131	(22)
LETTERS FROM NEW YORK	153	(18)
CASI SEÑORITA	171	(16)
DREAMS OF A BETTER LIFE	187	(24)
ANGELS ON THE CEILING	211	(30)
YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW	241	(14)
A SHOT AT IT	255	(12)
EPILOGUE: ONE OF THESE DAYS	267	(4)
Glossary	271