I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir | 
pick#ItTakesAllKinds Day 31: Reviewed this #GraphicNovel memoir for my guest curation over this March at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative (GLLI). It has elucidated with such compassion and thoughtfulness what intersectionality means; the fluidity of our cultural influences and resulting identities; and the many ways through which our multi-layered identities are challenged by the larger society. My review: https://wp.me/p7Q7pO-cc2
pickAfter reading the author‘s most recent graphic novel/memoir, It Won‘t Always Be Like This, I realized I had her previous title on my bookshelf. This one has a lighter touch, but is just as affecting. I loved them both!
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This was a good, quick read, and I especially enjoyed what I learned about Filipino culture. It lacked some depth that I was looking for, essentially reading as if someone asked Gharib “what was it like to grow up first generation American with Filipino-Egyptian heritage?” and here‘s her answer.
I‘m sure many children of multiple cultures would strongly relate, and I‘d certainly read more from Gharib in the future.
Read this at my campsite this week- and smiled to myself when I realized my fruit matched the book!
pickMalaka‘s graphic memoir is a treat to read. I love the format, and the creative use of cute-out activity pages. She discusses her Egyptian-Filipino family, her parents‘ experiences, and her experience growing up the American daughter of immigrants from two different parts of the world. She also discusses micro aggressions, and micro aggressions she herself has committed. #Memoir #Comic #Nonfiction #GraphicMemoir #MixedRaceFamily #FirstGenAmerican
pickI loved this very much. I signed up to read it for my college book committee‘s nomination process. The art style didn‘t grab me at first but grew on me quickly, and I deeply appreciate the way she told her story of growing up Filipino/Egyptian American in SoCal. It‘s funny and sweet and a truly great analysis of the American Dream, identity, and more.
pickA graphic memoir about coming of age in America when Malaka is trying to find where she belongs and how to honor all of her cultures. Cute illustrations too!
pickA fun graphic memoir about being American and embracing your roots, both in your own way.
pickRead this on my car ride to Chicago. Really enjoyed it!
pickRead with my coffee this morning, great story and artwork!
pick2020 Read Harder Challenge : Read A Graphic Memoir
Isn't it funny that we want to be noticed for our culture and diversity but cringe when the wrong tone of voice is used when labels are put on us? This was an interesting walk in someone else's shoes as Malaka comes of age as an Filipino- Egyptian-American in the US.
pickA graphic novel about finding your place, culture, and immigrant parents.
One nice thing about people my age becoming memorists is gems like this
#graphicmemoir #late80sbabies #mychildhood
pickA fast read! I enjoy graphic novels about people‘s cultures and backgrounds, and this was no exception. This one focused on Malaka‘s Filipino and Egyptian heritage and her experience growing up in California. The illustrations were vibrant and the main character was exuberant and quirky.
Does anyone have suggestions of other graphic novels with a focus on the author‘s culture?
pickI really liked learning about Malaka‘s childhood, her understanding of family cultures, and her overall realization of being her parents‘ American Dream. A very good graphic memoir that I‘m happy to have read!
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On how she tried to make her mom‘s life easier.
How do I get my kids to do this for me?!
pickPicked this up at the library today. A short read, but also very real and honest.
