Once I Was You

by Maria Hinojosa
Once I Was You cover
Good Books rating 4.22
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 7281
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781982128654
  • Publisher: Atria Books
  • Published: 2020-09-15
  • Reviews: 3

Maria Hinojosa, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor of NPR’s Latino USA, brings her unique perspective to the forefront in this powerful memoir. Through her family’s experiences and extensive reporting, she paints a vivid picture of the immigration crisis in America, highlighting the systemic negligence and profiteering that have led to the current state of affairs. Hinojosa’s intimate account of growing up Mexican American on the South Side of Chicago provides a personal lens through which to view the broader issues at play. /n/nIn Once I Was You, Hinojosa combines her journalistic expertise with her personal story to create an urgent call to action. She challenges readers to open their eyes to the immigration crisis and understand its impact on all Americans. This honest and heartrending memoir not only sheds light on the broken system but also offers a glimpse into the life of a journalist who strives for the truth while navigating her own identity and experiences.

Reviews
South Side Weekly · 2023-05-05
profound 4.00

The book offers a deep analysis of America's attitude towards immigrants over the decades. Hinojosa's personal narrative adds a human touch to the broader historical context.

Maria Hinojosa's memoir is a profound exploration of the immigrant experience in America, spanning decades of history and personal anecdotes. The book is not just a recounting of Hinojosa's life but also a critical examination of the broader societal attitudes towards immigrants. Her personal narrative adds a human touch to the historical context, making the book both informative and deeply moving. The memoir is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and triumphs of immigrants, and it's a book that will resonate with anyone interested in the complexities of the American experience.

Quick quotes

    The book analyzes America's attitude towards immigrants throughout the decades.

    Hinojosa narrates her life from the time she entered the U.S.

    This story wasn't going away. The story of immigration, I was horrified and convinced, was going to be the story of my career, of my lifetime.

Reframe Sussex · 2021-12-09
essential 4.50

The memoir serves as a strong antidote to amnesia, providing a vivid account of the immigrant experience. It's a poignant and necessary read in today's political climate.

María Hinojosa's memoir is a timely and essential read that sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of immigrants. The book is not just a personal narrative but also a call to action, urging readers to remember and understand the struggles of those who come to America seeking a better life. Hinojosa's writing is both poignant and necessary, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of immigration. The memoir is a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the political debates, and it's a book that will leave a lasting impact on its readers.

Quick quotes

    María Hinojosa's recent memoir, Once I Was You (2020) provides a strong antidote to any forgetting.

    The book is as much a manifesto as it is a memoir.

    The narrative is chiseled by points of convergence between her own story and the...

Goodreads · 2020-09-15
insightful 4.16

Maria's perspective is powerful and vital, offering a unique insight into the immigrant experience. The memoir is both personal and political, resonating deeply with readers.

Maria Hinojosa's memoir is a compelling read that combines personal narrative with a broader commentary on immigration. The author's experiences are shared with honesty and directness, making the book both intimate and impactful. Her stories are not just about her own journey but also about the larger issues facing immigrants in America. This memoir is a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of immigration and the personal struggles that come with it. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    Maria's perspective is powerful and vital.

    Years ago, when In the Heights...

    The book is honest and direct, with Maria telling her own stories, admitting mistakes.

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