Somewhere We Are Human audiobook

Moving anthology of the myriad experiences of American immigration in our time. There is no way to read these words and not marvel at the creativity that runs through all these individual works. This is not an anthology that is easily read in one sitting. The book as a whole stayed with me for quite awhile after completion. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

“Before driving away, he told you to remember the struggle and sacrifice it took to get here. That everything he’s done has always been for you, which every child of immigrants knows is code for a debt that you never asked for and will always remain h payable.”

A sobering insight into the complexities and constant anxieties as a consequence of labelling humans as “illegal” for existing, for surviving. Would be amazing to have a UK version of this published.

Collection of essays, poems, and artwork on the experience of living undocumented in the US today. Deeply impactful. Highly recommend.

A beautiful collection of essays and poetry written by migrants and refugees newly arrived to America. In our world today, our minds are focused on the political debate regarding immigration that we lose sight of humanity and forget about the people behind the issue. This collection is a must read for everyone! These stories and essays are inspiring, while others are truly heart-breaking. In the end, you take with you a deeper understanding of life and what really matters. *Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I adore this book. Imagine you’re walking through a local art exhibit displaying works by and for migrants /refugee and dreamers—vignettes rich-lived experience. This was the impression I felt after finishing “Somewhere We Are Human”. The book is a mosaic of short stories, poems and few art work that illuminates around the theme of diaspora, acclimation, race/class/sexuality (and list goes on). However, the pacing and rhythm of the book did felt disjointed at time for me. I had to remind myself that these are short stories from different writers and so the expectation of theme and structure will vary more so then reading a book from a single author (again not much of a fault of the book but rather my lack of experience reading a collection piece). With that said, as someone who identifies as a refugee, I felt seen after reading this book. Mentions of immigration status, the constant anxiety of “white gaze”, to the power dynamic of “front-desk gatekeepers” (DMV, hospital, employers, government establishment) all felt too familiar to me. Important read of the collective resilience👌

If this book is on your want-to-read list, get it in your hands ASAP. This compilation of poems, essays, paintings, and short stories- in pieces, and in its entirety- are/is truly a work of art. I cannot speak highly enough; I am recommending it to all my reading buddies. It brings humanity, warmth, and life into a conversation that media and politics have frozen. Somewhere We Are Human discusses identity across borders, race, sexual orientation, religion, and gender identity. From heartache to hope and back to heartache, this book is a living, breathing witness to the strength of the human spirit and the evils of our systems. It is transcendence. A breath-taking, heart-wrenching, eye-opening, connective, absolutely essential read.

A very illuminating book about the real difficulties immigrants to America face in a country that more often than not is neither welcoming nor inclusive. Told through essays and poems, it becomes clear that undocumented immigrants are plagued by fear of discovery, knowing full well the capricious nature of the immigration system and the barriers it puts up to the hope of ever becoming a citizen. Fear of deportation is present in everyday life. The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because the poetry was often hard to understand, but that is because of my own ignorance since I have no frame of reference to relate to it.

I am in tears and in awe at the resilience of my community. A community that I once wished I didn’t belong to because of how hard it is to be brown skinned and undocumented in America. Because of the mental and emotional damage you take on when you watch your friends grow up and lead normal lives and you can’t get a job or a drivers license. These stories made me feel heard, they made me feel seen, they showed me I am not alone and I am a part of a vibrant and creative and resilient community that I have grown to become insanely proud of.

This is an essential read for anyone who wants a better understanding of migrants and the toll it takes on any one person. What a great collection by so many talented authors, in all walks of life. Showcasing the effects felt not just by Latinos but by all cultures who leave love of country, home and family behind.

Beautiful. If you want to learn more about (im)migrants from (im)migrants, and how migration affects... everything... I highly recommend this book. So many diverse perspectives and ways of sharing (short stories, poetry, artwork), it was beautiful to read - and listen.

this book pulls out the best and most insightful way to understand the heart of immigration with essays, poetry and prose. I was enlightened and felt there is a compassionate way to look as immigrates as your neighbors and take more action to welcome into our melting pot culture, good read

Loved the short stories and artwork; struggled with some of the poetry. Beautiful diversity of authors and backgrounds.

This is a great collection of human experiences during different phases of the immigration process.

Really important stories from a variety of voices. The only regret is that I didn't have the physical book (I listened via Libro) because there are images as well.