Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date:

Review

In her humorous memoir, Sara Saedi recollects her years as an average teenager worrying about acne, dreaming about becoming a celebrity and obsessing over her crushes, all the while living as an undocumented immigrant. Saedi begins her story with background of Iran, explaining why her family left Tehran in the middle of the Islamic Revolution, but much of the book is about her teen years. In between her stories of adolescent angst, Saedi explains why Iranians keep watering cans in their bathrooms, the Persian custom of arguing over the check, and Iranian Wedding Traditions. There are also interesting pop culture references, excerpts from Saedi’s childhood journal, and family photos. This memoir will appeal to a large audience. Readers will learn about Iranian history and traditions, and the universal experience of being a teenager in the U.S. no matter your citizenship status. This is a must purchase!

Overall Book Score: excellent