Cuando Era Puertorriquena (Texto Completo) [When I was Puerto Rican ]

By: Esmeralda Santiago

Narrated by: Esmeralda Santiago

Esta es una historia de la migración latina desde Puerto Rico hacia Estados Unidos. Se trata de un fenómeno particular, ya que la isla es un estado libre asociado a los Estados Unidos.

Esmeralda Santiago era una niña en el seno de una familia numerosa en una zona rural de Puerto Rico. En aquel entonces, la vida estaba en orden. Pero cuando su hermano menor sufre un accidente y los padres se separan, la madre se lleva a Esmeralda, de trece años, y sus seis hermanos menores a Estados Unidos. Se van en busca de un tratamiento médico para el chico accidentado y de una mejor vida.

Entonces empieza para ella la verdadera vida. Desenraizada de su casa y su entorno, Nueva York se le presenta como una amenaza, como un sitio desconocido y como un reto. Ella se crece ante la adversidad, aprende inglés en tiempo récord y se gradúa de Harvard.

Este audiolibro está narrado en primera persona por la autora misma, una mujer que, con el paso del tiempo, ha perdido su identidad original, pero que está decidida a recuperarla mediante un ejercicio de memoria. La autora lee sus propias memorias y reflexiones, con una voz tersa y dulce pero también firme, que refleja el sentimiento de puertorriqueidad que está buscando.

Publicado en 1994, Cuando era puertorriqueña ha estado desde entonces en la lista de libros imprescindibles. Además de que se ha llevado al teatro, ha servido de guía para el más de medio millón de puertorriqueños que han emigrado desde 2010 en un éxodo ininterrumpido y para muchos latinos más que han ido a buscar fortuna a los Estados Unidos.

Please note: This audiobook is in Spanish. Este audiolibro es en Espanol.

©1993 Esmeralda Santiago (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Strength and wisdom don’t come easy

Descriptive and honest look at a real family and it’s dynamics-the parents, the kids, even their neighbors. I liked being able to see the main character, at her best and worst. Not liking the responsibilities of her siblings. Sometimes clashing with her mother, trying not to need her. Sometimes being so grown and still wanting to be a child. Fantastic example of our Latino never give up-keep on going forward attitude. Loved her memories of Puerto Rico, the food, the things she missed.

All is connected!

Extraordinary story! My own story came to life while listening to this narrative. Maybe most of us “boricuas” find something to relate to when we got the responsibility to create the path to all the ones coming behind. Love it!

muy, muy bien

Me encanta este libro; es muy inteligente sin ser pesado. Lo lei primero, pero la version audible - narrado por la autora - hace el cuento mas vivo.

Wonderful book

Even though our age difference is around 20 years. I experienced a lot of the same things Esmeralda experience when I was a child and then moving to the mainland. I absolutely loved the book

Love it!

I closed my eyes and imagined seen everything Esmeralda was saying! I was transported to all the places she went to! I bought other books from her!!! Awesome !!

great story

loved it ,can relate to the story. Read it in two days if you are Puerto Rican recommend

Loved it!!

I loved the book and I'm gonna buy her other two. I even loved her prologue. It was specifically made for the Spanish version because the book was originally in English and made me want to read the book in that version too. Gracias Esmeralda.

Touching

This book held my interest and was very enjoyable. Unlike the other reviewers, I'm not from Puerto Rico but have been learning Spanish and purchased the book in order to practice reading in that language.
I was fascinated with the story and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. There was humor throughout and the author had a unique way of reacting to things. She and I graduated from high school in the same year (as it turns out) and I could relate to some of the history in the book and the family stories were also quite moving.
I did feel as though the author sometimes seemed to feel a little "picked on" but that didn't detract from the story at all. She was also completely impressive and intelligent and lived a life far different from my own. I loved the book and learned lots of Spanish along the way. The story was quite touching and I'm looking forward to reading anything I can by Esmeralda Santiago.

I really enjoyed this book

great story telling by the author. the book flows and the stories are compelling and funny at times.

Tremenda historia

Me transporto a un PR que yo había olvidado. Me hizo llorar, reír, y traer memorias que había olvidado