Here We Are

American Dreams, American Nightmares (A Memoir)

By: Aarti Namdev Shahani

Narrated by: Aarti Namdev Shahani

"This is simply a beautiful, moving memoir read exceptionally well by Shahani." (AudioFile Magazine)

This program is read by the author.

Here We Are is a heart-wrenching memoir about an immigrant family's American dream, the justice system that took it away, and the daughter who fought to get it back, from NPR correspondent Aarti Namdev Shahani.

The Shahanis came to Queens - from India, by way of Casablanca - in the 1980s. They were undocumented for a few unsteady years, and then, with the arrival of their green cards, they thought they'd made it. This is the story of how they did, and didn't; the unforeseen obstacles that propelled them into years of disillusionment and heartbreak; and the strength of a family determined to stay together.

Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares follows the lives of Aarti, the precocious scholarship kid at one of Manhattan's most elite prep schools, and her dad, the shopkeeper who mistakenly sells watches and calculators to the notorious Cali drug cartel. Together, the two represent the extremes that coexist in our country, even within a single family, and a truth about immigrants that gets lost in the headlines. It isn’t a matter of good or evil; it's complicated.

Ultimately, Here We Are is a coming-of-age story, a love letter from an outspoken modern daughter to her soft-spoken Old World father. She never expected they'd become best friends.

©2019 Aarti Namdev Shahani (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

2019 Library Journal Best Books of the Year

"This is simply a beautiful, moving memoir read exceptionally well by Shahani, a reporter for NPR.... Shahani does a wonderful job telling her family's story - including seamlessly shifting between English and the multiple languages her family speaks. This is a gripping memoir of struggle, hardship, family strife, and, in the end, achieving the American dream." (AudioFile Magazine)

"This timely, bittersweet immigration story will resonate powerfully with readers." (Publishers Weekly)

Touching Debut Memoir

This is really a wonderful debut work and I wanted to recommend it.

Aarti Shahani had really created a touching memoir filled with Queens, class, immigration, savviness, determination, and deep ruminations on love, respect, distance, family, and work. Especially in the the post-Obama era, it looks back unflinchingly at historical precedents on immigration injustices, while facing class, race, gender, and modern identity issues with an optimism and determination which makes the entire reading enjoyable.

I'm glad someone so 'young' is sharing this story now, but realize there is going to be another one in her future. She clearly has a Very bright future ahead of her still.

Buy it, read it, share it, listen to it.
It's worth it.

I laughed, cried, and learned so much

I have been highly recommending this book to all my friends; I learned a lot about our criminal justice system. Aarti’s voice is a breath of fresh air - honest and detailed but also infused with emotion from telling such a personal story. I both laughed and cried.

Amazing Story

Such a great book and story. Had me in tears! Thank you for sharing your story

Here We Are Review

The book was fantastic! I heard Aarthi Shahani interviewed on NPR’s Morning Edition. Steve Inskeep was the interviewer, I think, and it was so interesting that I ordered the book that day.
In this day of out of control immigration laws, the book was even more pertinent. I am appreciative of the author sharing so much about her family, culture, and her personal growth. Also how unfair the legal system can be.

Truth Rings True

The best told story ever. What a wonderful homage to a father. Well said. Well done.

Profoundly Beautiful!

A story of hope, courage, and triumph. Goes rightbto the heart of family and the immigrant experience. A love story if I ever heard one.

Excellent

Heard of this book on NPR and thought I should give it a shot. I Really enjoyed this audio book! The narration was phenomenal.

A heart-wrenching but hopeful American masterpiece

Ms. Shahani has written a masterpiece. Here We Are is vivid and colorful - an incredibly personal and courageous work. Never has an immigrant’s journey been illustrated in such detail and in such a powerfully evocative way. The impact of American immigration policy and the criminal justice system are brought to life. While much of Ms. Shahani’s story is heart wrenching, the work intersperses many humorous stories, and does deliver a hopeful message.

As the narrator of her own story, Ms. Shahani is also able to bring life to the story in a way that many narrators are unable. Bravo!

How does immigration impact real people?

I am an immigration lawyer for over 20 years. This book is phenomenal. Aarti’s voice is clear and authentic, with the perfect balance of feeling and reason. Her story illuminates the complexity of our immigration system, and challenges the limiting narratives we consume.

Poignant meaningful & Touching

This was a wonderful Journey- amazing story of the American Dream and how it can be such a daily challenge for so many... truly poignant