When I Walk Through That Door, I Am

by Jimmy Santiago Baca
When I Walk Through That Door, I Am cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Poetry
Technical
  • ID: 1609
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780807059470
  • Publisher: Beacon Press
  • Published: 2019-02-19
  • Reviews: 4

Poet-activist Jimmy Baca crafts an epic narrative poem that immerses readers in the harrowing journey of Sophia, an El Salvadorian mother who faces a multitude of obstacles while trying to reunite with her son. Through vivid and poignant verses, Baca explores themes of immigration, family separation, and the resilience of the human spirit. Sophia's story is one of perseverance and love, as she carries the weight of her past and the hope for a better future. /n/nThe poem is a powerful exploration of the human condition, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of those who navigate the complexities of immigration and the brutal realities of ICE raids. Baca's work is not just a narrative but a testament to the strength and endurance of a mother's love, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant read.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2019-02-26
emotive 4.50

The book is a must-read for its emotive and beautifully written narrative, effectively reimagining the epic poem to tell a compelling story of an immigrant mother.

The reviewer from The New York Times praises the book for its incredibly emotive and beautifully written narrative. They highlight how it brilliantly reimagines the epic poem format to tell the story of an immigrant mother's quest for a better life. The book's ability to capture the emotional depth and resilience of its protagonist makes it a must-read, offering a poignant and timely exploration of the immigrant experience.

Quick quotes

    Incredibly emotive and beautifully written, When I Walk Through That Door, I Am is a must read.

    Jimmy Baca's new book brilliantly reimagines the epic poem—and reshapes the epic hero as a young immigrant woman struggling to escape violence and find a better life.

    This book is a poignant and timely exploration of the immigrant experience.

Jimmy Santiago Baca's Official Website · 2019-02-13
brilliant 4.50

The book brilliantly reimagines the epic poem, focusing on the struggles of an immigrant woman, making it a must-read.

The reviewer praises the book for its brilliant reimagining of the epic poem, centering on the struggles of an immigrant woman. They find the narrative both emotive and beautifully written, highlighting the author's ability to bring a human face to the issues of family separation and violence. The book is described as a must-read, with its powerful storytelling and emotional depth making it a standout work. The reviewer appreciates the way the book addresses contemporary issues with sensitivity and depth.

Quick quotes

    Jimmy Baca's new book brilliantly reimagines the epic poem—and reshapes the epic hero as a young immigrant woman struggling to escape violence.

    Incredibly emotive and beautifully written, When I Walk Through That Door, I Am is a must read.

    This book brings a human face to the issues of family separation and violence.

Chiricú Journal: Latina/o Literatures, Arts, and Cultures · F García · 2019-01-01
powerful 4.00

The book viscerally responds to contemporary issues of nativism and hate culture, offering a powerful narrative that resonates deeply.

F García highlights how the book powerfully addresses the resurgent nativism and hate culture prevalent today. They find the narrative to be visceral and emotionally charged, making it a compelling read. García appreciates the way the book reimagines the epic poem to tell a story of an immigrant mother's struggle, finding it both timely and impactful. The emotional depth and relevance to current social issues make it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    Jimmy Santiago Baca's When I Walk through That Door, I Am viscerally responds to the resurgent nativism, US social panic, and hate culture.

    The narrative is emotionally charged and deeply resonant.

    This book is both timely and impactful.

Bernie Gourley · Bernie Gourley · 2018-12-04
mixed 3.50

The poetic novella is gripping but sometimes over-the-top, which detracts from its impact. The emotional depth is commendable, but the intensity can feel excessive.

Bernie Gourley finds the book to be a gripping read, praising its emotional depth and poetic style. However, they feel that the intensity of the narrative sometimes borders on being over-the-top, which can detract from the overall impact. The exploration of motherhood and immigration is powerful, but the exaggerated moments make it hard to fully connect with the story. Gourley appreciates the effort to reimagine the epic poem in a modern context but wishes it had a more balanced approach.

Quick quotes

    This poetic novella is gripping to read, but is over-the-top in spots, and that does it a disservice in two ways.

    First of all, it takes the reader out of the story.

    The emotional depth is commendable, but the intensity can feel excessive.

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