Music to My Years

A Mixtape-Memoir of Growing Up and Standing Up

By: Cristela Alonzo

Narrated by: Cristela Alonzo

This memoir is “an emotional journey that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between” (Wanda Sykes) as it explores comedian, writer, and producer Cristela Alonzo’s childhood as a first-generation Mexican American in Texas and her dreams to pursue a career in comedy.

When Cristela Alonzo and her family lived as squatters in an abandoned diner, they only had two luxuries: a television and a radio. These became her pop cultural touchstones and a guiding light that ushered her forward.

In Music to My Years, Cristela shares her experiences and struggles of being a first-generation American, her dreams of becoming a comedian, and how it feels to be a creator in a world that often minimizes people of color and women. Her stories range from the ridiculous—like the time she made her own tap shoes out of bottle caps or how the theme song of The Golden Girls landed her in the principal’s office—to the sobering moments, like how she turned to stand-up comedy to grieve the heartbreaking loss of her mother and how, years later, she’s committed to giving back to the community.

Each significant moment of the book relates to a song, and the resulting playlist is deeply moving, resonant, and unforgettable. Music to My Years is “a timely reminder that regardless of economic status, race, or gender, love is the connection that ties together all humanity” (Booklist).

Amazing Book!

Cristela shares such heartfelt life stories. As a daughter of immigrant parents imher story is so relatable. Loved it!

Upbeat

Funny, sad, eye opener, social issues. This book has it all! Kept me focus and intrigued.

Beautiful, Hilarious, Powerful.

Oh my, I loved this book. The mixtape framework was incredible. I resonated so much with Cristela’s stories and yet also learned so much about her particular experience. Very grateful for the nuance she brings to the conversation around Latinx representation in media. Want another book from her asap….and a writing class!

love how she add music in her life

this book touched my heart loved it I can't wait ❤️ to see what Cristela Alonzo does in the future 🥰😍

Worth my money & time

Will listen to at least 2 more times. I discovered Cristela through this book. She's now a personal hero. I cannot wait to follow her on her journey and discover more of her work. Her delivery and written story is beyond touching. She's a true gem.