When I Was Puerto Rican

By: Esmerelda Santiago

Narrated by: Esmeralda Santiago

“The jíbaro can never wash away the stain of the plantain,” declares Esmeralda “Negi” Santiago as she begins telling her story. In this poignant audiobook, the first volume of her memoirs, she explores what it means to be Puerto Rican in the United States.

Esmeralda Santiago reminisces about her childhood in Puerto Rico and her early years in Brooklyn as the oldest of seven (soon to be 11) children. Her upbringing is turbulent on account of her parents’ relentless fighting, which only ever seems to stop when they decide to have another baby. When her youngest brother has an accident, her mother decides to move to New York with her children to seek medical treatment. Arriving in the United States, 13-year-old Santiago experiences uprooting and a loss of identity while she tries to adapt to a culture and language that are foreign to her.

The author herself narrates the memoir, which provides an additional emotional element to the story. Hearing her talk about the taste, color and smell of guavas makes the listener almost feel the texture of the fruit on their lips. It’s inspiring to hear a female perspective of what it’s like to be an immigrant pursuing the American dream.

When I was Puerto Rican is not only the literary debut of an extraordinary author and an entertaining autobiography sprinkled with touches of humor, but it is also a cultural text. This listen’s themes are so relevant that many schools across the country include it in the curriculum. It has also been adapted for the stage on several occasions.

©2006 Esmeralda Santiago (P)2018 CANTOMEDIA

Just SO good!

I’ve listened to more than seventy memoirs many narrated by the author, I’m a confirmed junkie of the genre!
Prior to this book Michele Obama held the #1 spot, now I think there’s a tie for first place. Ms Santiago is engaging, believable, honest and interesting. She is an excellent storyteller!
I have only one complaint about this book, it ended. I have already downloaded “Almost a Woman” and I’m starting it now!

excellent novel

it was a great storyline of Esmeralda's life growing up. it took you through "when she was Peurto Rican"

A glimpse in my family past

Growing up in New York, the child of a first generation American born to Puerto Rican parents,we were too far removed from what her parents experienced back on the island. Thank you for this look into my heritage. A joy!

Lively

Esmeralda brought me back in time to my childhood!! The narration of her very own life experience was amazing!!

great realistic Puerto rican story

I loved this book it really reminded me of my roots. It brought me back to simple times