In 'American Like Me', actress America Ferrera brings together a diverse collection of personal narratives from various artists, authors, and activists who share their experiences as children of immigrants. Through their powerful stories, the contributors reveal the complexity of identity in a nation that often emphasizes division over unity. The book serves as a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be American, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the richness of multiculturalism. Each voice resonates with themes of resilience, belonging, and the universal quest for acceptance. This compelling anthology not only intrigues readers to reflect on their own identities but inspires a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience in America.
By America Ferrera
Published: 2019
""We are all made up of stories, and every story is a piece of who we are; when we share our truths, we create bridges to understand one another.""
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From award-winning actress and political activist America Ferrera comes a vibrant and varied collection of first-person accounts from prominent figures about the experience of growing up between cultures. America Ferrera has always felt wholly American, and yet, her identity is inextricably linked to her parents’ homeland and Honduran culture. Speaking Spanish at home, having Saturday-morning-salsa-dance-parties in the kitchen, and eating tamales alongside apple pie at Christmas never seemed at odds with her American identity. Still, she yearned to see that identity reflected in the larger American narrative. Now, in American Like Me, America invites thirty-one of her friends, peers, and heroes to share their stories about life between cultures. We know them as actors, comedians, athletes, politicians, artists, and writers. However, they are also immigrants, children or grandchildren of immigrants, indigenous people, or people who otherwise grew up with deep and personal connections to more than one culture. Each of them struggled to establish a sense of self, find belonging, and feel seen. And they call themselves American enthusiastically, reluctantly, or not at all. Ranging from the heartfelt to the hilarious, their stories shine a light on a quintessentially American experience and will appeal to anyone with a complicated relationship to family, culture, and growing up.
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“"We are all made up of stories, and every story is a piece of who we are; when we share our truths, we create bridges to understand one another."”
American Like Me
By America Ferrera
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America Ferrera is a celebrated actress, producer, and author known for her powerful storytelling and advocacy for social change. She made her mark in the entertainment industry with notable performances in films such as 'Real Women Have Curves' and the television series 'Ugly Betty,' which earned her multiple awards. In her writing, Ferrera combines personal anecdotes with broader cultural insights, focusing on themes of identity, empowerment, and resilience. Her debut book, 'American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures,' showcases her unique voice and perspective, inviting readers to explore the complexities of growing up in a multicultural society. With her engaging style and commitment to authentic representation, America Ferrera continues to inspire and connect with audiences through both her performances and her literary contributions.
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