In
The House on Mango Street, by
Sandra Cisneros, Esperanza Cordero is determined to "say goodbye" to her Latino neighborhood. While living in an impoverished Chicago ghetto, Esperanza witnesses the lives of people living on Mango Street, which include her family that sleeps in one room, men that prey on young girls, and husbands and fathers that mistreat their loved ones. This is a coming-of-age novel that is written as a series of vignettes. While reading this book, it is as if you are growing up with Esperanza, going through the things she goes through: betrayal, shame, rape, and finally, acceptance. You find yourself as Esperanza finds herself, and Cisneros makes you feel all the emotions she has put into this book. I recommend this book to everyone because it is a very sweet, honest, and blunt book that doesn't use many literary embellishments to get to its passionate core.
- Reviewed by Ina, grade 9.
.
Comments
I'm usually not into this genre of books but this one was interesting. I liked the way it placed me into someone's else's shoes to see what poverty is like from their perspective. I also like how it went into depth with the many characters in the book like Sally and Nenny. Esperanza is an innocent and relatively shy girl, and you can see people trying to take advantage of this throughout the book, but she is smart enough to avoid these situations. I would recommend this to those who are interested in learning the difference in social class structure in the past.
Reviewed by Charles B., Grade 9
Montrose Library
The House on Mango Street was a book I first read in 4th grade–it was the first book I read when I moved from a predominately white state to one that had more diversity, and it has stuck with me ever since. In a sense, I felt as if I was Esperanza in some moments, trying to navigate my surroundings while feeling like an outsider.
Rereading The House on Mango Street, I still resonated and felt connected to the message of the book: although there are criticisms that the book is either too confusing or too obvious in its symbolism, I think that looking at the deeper meaning has more value than nitpicking Cisneros' stylistic choices. I personally enjoyed the vivid imagery, and highly recommend this book to those going into high school, or even those older. There is a lot to be learned from Esperanza, and others who reside on Mango Street.
Reviewed by M.L., Grade 12
Montrose Library
The House on Mango Street is a highly acclaimed coming-of-age novel that offers a poignant and lyrical portrayal of Esperanza's journey toward self-discovery. Sandra Cisneros skillfully explores themes of identity, culture, and the longing for belonging through a series of beautifully crafted vignettes. The writing style is poetic, concise, and evocative, immersing readers in the rich tapestry of Esperanza's world. "The House on Mango Street" is particularly meaningful for readers who appreciate diverse voices, cultural exploration, and narratives that delve into the complexities of growing up. It offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The book prompts introspection and fosters empathy, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.
Reviewed by Abraham K., Grade 9
Montrose Library