This book was short but had a lot packed into it. I believe that it should be required reading for everyone. I learned so much about what it is like to be undocumented in the US and the reasons people risk it all to come here. Mixing the author’s own experience being undocumented and living with undocumented parents along with interviews with undocumented workers, Cornejo Villavicencio provides readers with a variety experiences.

I was particularly struck by the chapter on 9/11, where the author highlights how much of the contributions of undocumented workers goes unacknowledged out of fear of being deported. Many of these workers helped clean up in the aftermath of the attacks and now suffer health problems because of what they were exposed to. But for a variety of reasons they cannot get treated for these ailments.

Overall, this is a raw and heartbreaking portrayal of undocumented life in America. Cornejo Villavicencio has a unique way of writing that feels conversational, accessible and profound all at the same time.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a review

TW: deportation; death of a family member; discussion of mental illness, especially suicidal ideation and depression; alcoholism