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notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
3.5 I was hot and cold over the course of this one. Surprising to no one who knows me: I identified with the parts criticizing America and her history and her biases the most.
faith123's review
2.0
Overall, I found the book to be less than readable -- mainly, I think, because of the writing style; it felt like a lecture. I did find some sections on US history to be quite insightful. (As a side note: The subtitle of this book could be "For the WELL-TO-DO Immigant and Curious.")
hjmo's review
5.0
This guide is written in second person and seems to be an aggregate of various immigrant experiences. The writing has a lyrical and almost poetic quality, overflowing with metaphors and symbols. I have read several memoirs about first and second-generation immigrants but this brought something new to the table with its approach. The second person works for the most part. At times it grows tedious and cumbersome. But it also has the effect of removing barriers between the reader and the events described. I liked how it walked the line of loving and hating America, I identify with that a lot. I think it brought to light many aspects of an immigrant's life that many might never have thought of before and in a way that is forceful and interesting. I ended up with a lot of notes and highlights. It's closer to a 4.5 for me. Mostly because the second person just got a little old. It's a short read and well worth the time.