kerickertful's review against another edition
2.0
This book was pretty infuriating to read. Rodriguez contradicts himself over and over again and many of his statements are very hypocritical. He argues that elementary education needs reform, yet he knows nothing of the public school system in which the majority of minorities go through in this country. In my opinion, he is completely out of touch with the subject matter he discusses and therefore it makes it hard for me to see any merit in his stances.
gracedrex's review against another edition
3.0
while i disagree fiercely with a lot of things said in this book and the reasoning behind it, specifically his stance on affirmative action and bilingual education, rodriguez writes beautifully and i found myself with goosebumps throughout the thing.
rumbledethumps's review against another edition
4.0
An internal memoir, more an explanation of who he is instead of a transformative or redemptive memoir. He relates his thoughts and feelings about external events and the external world, as opposed to following a classic character arc of challenge and change. I disagreed with much of what he said, but agreed with just as much. It is a complex, deeply personal autobiography, and overall recommended as an exemplar of its form.
cyblue's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the way Richard Rodriguez tells us his story. His struggle with language and his road to become a man and an american man. Sometimes I found it hard to agree with him. I've never been dealing with what he had to went through, that must be the reason. But he was honest and described the way he changed as he felt and saw it. Having to learn english and to put spanish aside, feeling like growing up, speaking english, becoming a american man changed his relation with spanish and so with his family. Seperating private life with public life because spanish was a private language and english the public one. Feeling the loss of his former identity. You may not agree but you end up asking yourselves some questions.
slimbooks's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Overlying takeaways:
The essence of private and public life/feelings. Comfort and ability to hold and share these feelings.
Misusing affirmative action. The philosophy is benefiting the wrong minority. Class vs status?
(This is mostly for me)
The essence of private and public life/feelings. Comfort and ability to hold and share these feelings.
Misusing affirmative action. The philosophy is benefiting the wrong minority. Class vs status?
(This is mostly for me)