Saturday, April 4, 2009

The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros

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. .

3 comments:

Teen Speak said...

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is told from a 12 year old girl’s perspective, Esperanza. The House on Mango Street is centered around the idea of poverty and what it’s like. Esperanza’s family has been moving from house to house searching for a place to stay for good. During her time staying at the red, rundown house, Esperanza goes through many different life changing moments that makes her realize that she can’t keep living like this.

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

Melissa said...

Following a year of life for twelve-year-old Chicana Esperanza, the novel begins with Esperanza’s family moving into a house on Mango Street. Although this house is the first house the family has formally owned/it it much bigger than their last house, Esperanza finds herself wishing to escape Mango Street, which is located in racially-segregated Chicago (many of the poorer areas are effected by segregation), due to the run-down nature of the house. Following Esperanza as she journeys through Mango Street, the reader also explores themes of sexuality, community, intersectionality, and the experience of growing up as an impoverished, young Mexican woman.

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

Melissa said...

"The House on Mango Street" is a coming-of-age novel written by Sandra Cisneros. The book follows the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. Through a series of vignettes, Esperanza recounts her experiences, observations, and dreams while navigating the challenges of adolescence and discovering her own identity. The novel explores themes of cultural heritage, gender roles, and the desire for freedom and self-expression. Through poetic prose and vivid imagery, "The House on Mango Street" captures the complexities and hopes of a young girl searching for her place in the world.

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