Hunger of Memory : The Education of Richard Rodriguez

The American dream is not always what it is cracked up to be. Rodriguez turned away from his heritage and assimilated to English speaking society while leaving his past behind him. This is so common nowadays, first generation immigrants lose their roots because of the pressures in American society. His story is not just about dealing with stereotypes in American society about minorities, but also dealing with the profound sense of lonelinesss in the academic community and the feeling of alienation that can occur between working class parents and their children who pursue higher education and become successful. While I am an avid proponent of learning many languages, anyone should be free to study whatever they want. Rodriguez’s path led him to reflect on life’s meaning in this autobiography. I believe that the title reflects his unconscious wish to know more about the past he left behind while pursuing academic success. It is not possible to accomplish everything in life. After reading this autobiography again, I see how the competitive and individualistic society in the U.S. can lead to a sense of alienation. I think bridges and gaps can be crossed if individuals make the effort to understand different people’s way of life. That is the hard work that all of us should be doing, including Rodriguez.

My older brother, a recent graduate from George Washington Law School, recommended me this book. Richard's autobiography had me captivated from the first word to the last. I don't know if it was the similarities between my own life with his, or because he spoke the very truth of affirmative action. Either way, this is a must read for all Mexican-Americans who want something to relate to, or for someone who wants to garner more knowledge of a middle-class Chicano living in this great country!

This book should be read by every student who is the first person in their family to go to college. Particularly if they grew up speaking a language other than English. These students lose their native culture by choice to become "American" and often their children want to regain the family's culture that their parents have lost. I taught English as a second language and saw many families fall apart as the children went on to college and almost felt ashamed of their hard working but uneducated parents. Sad! This is one boy's experience of how this happened to him. It is well written and illuminating.

I’ve used this book as the centerpiece for my Composition 1 course , Richard Rodriguez tells a compelling story about his assimilation into American society. His predictions came true and his book speaks volumes about what the American identity is, and the struggles one faces as an immigrant.

They say that English is one of the hardest languages to learn. However, it is much harder to navigate the language of culture, which Richard Rodriguez mastered well. Rodriguez's story plays out the same as way many second-generation Americans; he begins his educational career in parochial school, where he only knows 50 words of English. He is forced by Nuns to assimilate to American culture and learn the language, in doing so he leave some of his own Hispanic upbringing behind. His parents feel the pressure by Nuns as well, who insist that the Rodriguez's speak English at home. Rodriguez succeeds in school, goes to Stanford University, and begins a teaching career. He doesn't make himself visible in the Chicano studies program nor is he a supporter of Affirmative Action, which he feels designates persons of color as needing preferential treatment because they can't compete because of their race. Throughout his life he struggles to master remaining true to his roots, but understanding how his education leaves him out of touch from other Hispanics who never had the breaks Rodriguez had. As a first-generation college graduate I can relate to the struggles Rodriquez experienced, walking the line of relevancy of where you came from to realizing how distant you are from it. This book was an okay read, but left me wanting more.

Rodriguez is not writing opinion so much as he is writing experience. You might disagree with him, but hear him out. He has a valid argument based on his experience. The writing is fluid and personal. An easy read and important for anyone interested in memoir, Latin-American studies, immigrant studies, education, and political science and sociology.

Terrible book about immigrants in the U.S. I am all for legal immigration but unfortunately the parents of the author came here illegally and then had him as an anchor baby. I do not condone that and the book was just a selfish tale of immigrants. They think they are entitled to everything but they aren't! This is why Trump won! Americans are sick of the liberal propaganda like this book being spread around society. Schools should be ashamed for forcing us to read these deeply politicized books such as this. Absolute disgrace After chapter 1 I burned this book in an actual fire in my backyard. It is what this book deserved

This book explains the struggle of straddling two opposites. I can relate in some ways and as you read you can visually see the author going back and forth about who he is.

alte Edition aber in guter Verfassung

I bought it for a friend's birthday present. I haven't read this but I admire the writer.

It offers a perspective on language accusation and language loss… if you read it you will say ok… if you don’t — you haven’t missed much.