Almost a Woman

Esmeralda Santiago’s, Almost a Woman, is about an immigrant child who faces difficult obstacles and content moments. Esmeralda’s book makes me reflect back on some of my younger days as well. As the oldest, and only daughter, I was forced to be a good example for my two younger brothers. Esmeralda was not the only daughter, but she was the one who Mami secretly depended on. I was not allowed to have boyfriends. Which was fine at the time, I was only 9. Esmeralda was not allowed to have any boyfriends as well. Since I was the first born, I had to help my mother to the fullest of my ability. Of course this meant changing diapers, washing dishes, and translation. Esmeralda would also help Mami out in these types of circumstances. At that moment in time, I felt good and proud of myself for helping my mother. I felt like an independent adult; although, I still required some assistance in third grade math homework. Esmeralda also felt a sense of accomplishment in herself for helping her mother. Esmeralda and I are similar to each other, but we think differently. From the moment we were inseparable from our mothers, to wanting freedom and independence. Esmeralda reminds me of myself in many different positions. Esmeralda also has some characters that remind me of some of my family members. She has a mother that was overprotective, old-school, and could not speak English.
Esmeralda’s biography begins with her coming to the United States. Mami brought all of her children here to have a better future. But little did she know that Esmeralda would change bit by bit in this country. This is where Esmeralda began to get “Americanized”, as Mami put it. When my parents came to the United States, they both became ‘Americanized’ once they walked in a McDonalds for the very first time. When Mami said this word, Esmeralda felt scared. “Mami said they were Americanized. The way she pronounced the word, ‘Americanized’ sounded like a terrible thing, to be avoided at all costs, another...