An Unlikely Journey

Waking Up from My American Dream

By: Julian Castro

Narrated by: Julian Castro

The keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC and the former San Antonio mayor and secretary of housing and urban development, Julian Castro, tells his remarkable and inspiring life story.

In the spirit of a young Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father comes a candid and compelling memoir about race and poverty in America. In many ways, there was no reason Julian Castro would have been expected to be a success. Born to unmarried parents in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of a struggling city, his prospects of escaping his circumstance seemed bleak.

But he and his twin brother, Joaquin, had something going for them: their mother. A former political activist, she provided the launch pad for what would become an astonishing ascent. Julian and Joaquin would go on to attend Stanford and Harvard before entering politics at the ripe age of 26. Soon after, Joaquin become a state representative, and Julian was elected mayor of San Antonio, a city he helped revitalize and transform into one of the country's leading economies. His success in Texas propelled him onto the national stage, where he was the keynote speaker at the 2012 DNC - the same spot President Obama held three conventions prior - and then to Washington, DC, where he served as the Obama administration's secretary of housing and urban development. After being shortlisted as a potential running mate for Hillary Clinton, he is now seen by many as a future presidential candidate.

Julian Castro's story not only affirms the American dream, but also resonates with millions who in an age of political cynicism and hardening hearts are searching for a new hero. No matter one's politics, this audiobook is the transcendent story of a resilient family and the unlikely journey of an emerging national icon.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 Julian Castro (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Great American Story

Narrated by the author himself, this book provides a glimpse into an American story not familiar to most. You'll learn something not just about a Mexican-American family's hopes, dreams, struggles, and triumphs, but also how the family's long tradition of activism shaped Julian's and his twin brother, Joaquin's, political ascension.

Very interesting and sometimes humorous book by someone who will likely one day be president.

Inspiring and Enlightening

Growing up in a white upper-middle-class suburban family, sheltered me from the struggle and lifestyles of others in different socioeconomic/cultural backgrounds from myself. Now in my late 20’s I have found myself seeking out literature that can help me more fully develop an understanding of the range of life experiences people in my country go through. This book helped me to more fully understand the lives of my fellow Mexican Americans and how much they sacrifice to have the things so many of us take for granted. I appreciate the author being vulnerable and sharing his experiences and perspectives because it has helped me to have a more well rounded world view. I would recommend this book to anyone! It was a great listen :)

Servant Leader

Good to hear the story of our service leaders and why they began the journey they walk. This book give good insight to Mr. Castro and his passion for others

Proud

As a high schooler who had the honor of meeting the young mayor, to a university student marching at the United state’s biggest MLK March behind the Castro twins I could not be more proud of Julian. I’m many ways he represents my family, many of them growing up not too far from the street he did. I hope to get the opportunity to see him in the Oval Office one day .

I may be biased, but as a memoir, this was articulate and well written. I learned a lot!

Reminded me of my own american dream

Thank you, Mr. Castro, for writing this book and reminding us of what the real American dream is all about. I am also a Mexican American that immigrated to this country and your experiences are shared by so many others. This is a great book!

An American story that tugs at your heart.

I enjoyed every word and think others will enjoy it as much as I did.

Embrace your own unlikely journey!

Great narration bringing to life a story that represents the fabric of our nations growth and prosperity when we embrace our diversity and provide opportunities for all Americans and aspiring Americans.

Loved it

Julian, thank you for this beautiful book! Thank you for the reminder that hard work always pays off and for the wake up call! great things to come.

Inspiring

An inspiring Chicano journey. Julian is us. He is every child in America lost to invisible barriers that keep them from being the best they can be. I came out of this experience feeling that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. This book needs to be on the reading list of every high school in America.

Engaging

I am attempting to read the books by those people running for president. There are too many running and that means too many books to read.

This is a memoir of Julian Castro. He and his brother, Joaquin, are identical twins. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His grandmother was an immigrant from Mexico. She had very little education, therefore, she pushed her offspring to get an education. Julian’s mother was politically active and taught her children to be active in local affairs and national politics. Both their parents were teachers. The twins went to Stanford University and then Harvard Law School. Both are active in politics. Joaquin is a member of the House of Representatives and Julian was the mayor of San Antonio; then was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Obama. He is now running for president.
This book is more about his personal life and less about his political beliefs or policies. I wished it had been equally balanced. I know I have complained in reviews of other candidates that their books were more on policy and less on personal life. I guess I cannot be satisfied. Overall, it was an interesting read and a look into the life of a Hispanic growing up in Texas. I do feel I have a better understanding of Julian after reading the book.

The book is five hours and forty-four minutes. Julian Castro narrated this own book.