What do You think about Almost A Woman (1999)?
This was a very good book that really went into the life experiences of Esmeralda Santiago. Before I read Almost A Woman I read another book by Santiago, When I Was Puerto Rican. I Loved When I was Puerto Rican and wanted to read Almost a Woman because of that. Although I found a lot of overlap between the two books, they are still amazing texts. Almost a Woman is a very relateable text that goes through Santiago's struggle with maintaing her Puerto Rican culture while trying to assimilate and become a successful American. Santiago must deal with the differences between Puerto Rico and New York City. It is a really enjoyable book to read because Santiago does in fact become successful due to her intense drive. It is interesting to read about all of the people Santiago encountered that both were in similar situations and ha no idea where she was coming from. Overall this is a great book that I would recommend to anyone interested in reading about a problem that is very common in NYC, assimilation without losing where you come from and who you are.
—Hannah
Is on page 150Negi has a secret life while a sleep as like a dream, she would do whatever she wanted and think how she wanted. She would feel free.she became an American in those dreams. I know i would dream the same if i wasn't American Negi wants to loose her puerto rican accent. Negi realizes how much her mom has done for them. Negi becomes ashamed of where they live. Negi starts thinking about guys. After Negi's mom starts to feel better after the death of her boyfriend she takes Negi out to club's with her. Negi feels the beauty of her self as she dances.After Negi gets disappointed at her father because he was never there for her. She misses him more than ever as she gets older.
—Mary S.
What a lovely book. Santiago shares her feelings, fears, and fantasies, growing up as a young Puerto Rican girl. She arrives in New York at the age of thirteen. That's a crucial time in a girl's life. Her experiences within her large family are recounted lovingly, with humor and typical teen-aged disdain. Her experiences with men are recounted honestly, without any sugar-coating, I believe. This was a fast read for me. I was engaged in the story from beginning to end and see this as a true, coming-of-age story from the 60's.
—Doreen
