American Like Me

August 1, 2018
Writers from diverse ethnic backgrounds ring in on American identity.Actor and activist Ferrera makes her book debut as editor of this collection of spunky, fresh, and often moving personal essays responding to the question: What do I call an American like me? Because she grew up believing she was "alone in feeling stuck between cultures," Ferrera sees the book as a way to foster a sense of belonging as well as to celebrate difference. "We live as citizens of a country that does not always claim us or even see us," she writes, "and yet, we continue to build, to create, and to compel it toward its own promise." That promise beckoned many writers' parents or grandparents to make an arduous journey to a new homeland. "For my family," writes Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, "the American dream wasn't just a fairy-tale notion or a meaningless phrase. It has always been real and extremely motivating." Hoping for a bright future for themselves and their children, Kwan's parents left China, arriving in the U.S. penniless and knowing no English but certain that "if you work hard and take big risks for what you believe in, you can accomplish anything." They sacrificed time and money to support Kwan's passion for ice skating. Other writers include comedians Al Madrigal and Kumail Nanjiani, cookbook author and TV host Padma Lakshmi, transgender advocate Geena Rocero, NBA player Jeremy Lin, actor and documentary filmmaker Ravi Patel, gymnast Laurie Hernandez, and composer and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda. Some, bullied and mocked as children, wanted to blend into white America, begging for white-bread sandwiches rather than curry in their lunchboxes. Others flaunted their difference. Growing up in Houston, actress Liza Koshy liked "being racially ambiguous. Forever the ethnically mysterious little brown girl." She saw her Asian and Latino friends not as a melting pot but a salad bowl, "tossed haphazardly together" to produce "something delicious," each contributing a "special flavor or texture."Heartfelt essays from vibrant American voices.

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October 15, 2018
Ferrera, known for playing the title character on the sitcom Ugly Betty, opens this essay collection with a conversational and honest account of growing up with conflicting messages as the American-born child of immigrant parents. It’s a theme that runs throughout the following pieces, which are brief snapshots of those moments in which 32 actors, politicians, writers, athletes, filmmakers, musicians, and activists recognized how they occupied a space between different cultures. Parents feature heavily, including Randall Park’s, whose backgrounds in Korea were a mystery to him until he interviewed them for his essay, and Geena Rocero’s “trans mother figure for two of the most important years of my life,” Tigerlily, who shepherded her through beauty pageants in the Philippines and inspired her to continue to “sashay” the pageant stage in the U.S. Some of these celebrities are not great writers, but their pieces still evoke strong emotions, and Ferrara sprinkles enough gifted storytellers among them to keep up the momentum. To name one example of a strong contributor, when Uzo Aduba writes about her high school graduation and asking her mom to wear the vibrant, traditional Nigerian clothes of her heritage, the effect is as dazzling and varied as this book as a whole. Agent: David Kuhn, Aevitas.

November 1, 2018

An anthology of short, personal essays by first- and second-generation immigrants or members of marginalized communities, most of whom are celebrated actors, activists, authors, and athletes. Ferrera (of Ugly Betty and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants fame) starts the collection with a breezy entry on the origins of her name and the microagressions, and even overt racism, that it has inspired over the years. Most of these pieces discuss the awkward and difficult in-between spaces the contributors have often occupied, mostly involuntarily, because of their family's country of origin or place in the majority white United States. The selections range in length and topic, touching on first crushes, holiday celebrations, intergenerational clashes, financial struggle, religious observance, and more. What unites these short works is the inherent pride in being part of "America," but also the acknowledgement that this nation often fails to live up to the promise of its founders. Teens will find lots to connect with, as many of the entries focus on childhood, coming of age, and the growing pains that accompany adolescence and identity formation. VERDICT A strong selection where anthologies and personal essay collections have a readership; a good choice for supplementing civics courses.-Shelley M. Diaz, School Library Journal

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2018
For this beautifully woven collection of memoir essays, actress and activist Ferrera called on dozens of famous Americans to share their experiences of living in the U.S. with more than one cultural, racial, ethnic, or national identity. In addition to household names like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Michelle Kwan, and Padma Lakshmi, the impressive roster of contributors includes Lakota rapper Frank Waln, model and activist Geena Rocero, Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, and NBA player Jeremy Lin. Each piece gifts readers with intimate glimpses of contributors' private lives, rife with admiration for immigrant parents and pride in cultural backgrounds, along with the frustration and anguish that come with feeling like an outsider in their own country. Familiar writers share new stories: Roxane Gay explores the boundary-free relationship she has with her parents; Issa Rae remembers the first time she observed Ramadan with her Muslim relatives; Kumail Nanjiani shares his pride in living in a country where someone can stand on stage and tell jokes for a living. Ferrara herself opens up about her past, including a trip she took to her parents' native Honduras, where she visited the grave of her estranged father for the first time.This essential collection is a love letter to all who call America home.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

Starred review from September 15, 2018

Composed of essays on what it means to be American, particularly in the context of also being an immigrant or the child of immigrants, this editorial debut by Ferrera, of Ugly Betty fame, features the stories of beloved musicians, actors, writers, and athletes. Readers will recognize names such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Roxane Gay, Auli'i Cravalho, Diane Guerrero, and more. Some essays focus on the experience of childhood while others speak on current matters and the effects of modern society with focuses on racism and sexism. Each essay packs a powerful punch, instilling empathy and understanding. Though the essays could be read individually (and would make excellent material for the classroom or book club), they provide an equally great read straight through. Like a symphony, the collection includes standouts and is bookended by remarks from Ferrera. VERDICT Readers will come for the big names, but they'll stay for the powerful stories, excellent writing, and feeling of connection. An absolute must for well-rounded collections.--Abby Hargreaves, Dist. of Columbia P.L.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.