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Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee: A Memoir
Facing up to twenty years in a Cuban prison, my father had to make the hardest decision of his life; remain in Cuba and go to prison or find a way to escape to the United States.
The climate in a Fidel Castro led communist country was just too much to bear, and carrying the last name Ochoa, meant we would always be a target. His decision would mean that we would have to risk everything, including our lives, for a chance at a better future.
Under normal circumstances, the decision to provide your family with a better future wouldn’t be a hard one to make. It would in fact be the absolute easiest decision that you would ever be faced with.
But it was 1994, it was Cuba, and these circumstances were anything but normal.
CONTENT WARNINGS: This memoir covers a range of true events and experiences that can be triggering, including but not limited to: Death and near death experiences by various means, suicide (others in the detention camps), mentions of domestic violence (by a parent), mentions of alcoholism (by a parent), self harm (others in the detention camps).
The climate in a Fidel Castro led communist country was just too much to bear, and carrying the last name Ochoa, meant we would always be a target. His decision would mean that we would have to risk everything, including our lives, for a chance at a better future.
Under normal circumstances, the decision to provide your family with a better future wouldn’t be a hard one to make. It would in fact be the absolute easiest decision that you would ever be faced with.
But it was 1994, it was Cuba, and these circumstances were anything but normal.
CONTENT WARNINGS: This memoir covers a range of true events and experiences that can be triggering, including but not limited to: Death and near death experiences by various means, suicide (others in the detention camps), mentions of domestic violence (by a parent), mentions of alcoholism (by a parent), self harm (others in the detention camps).
- GenresMemoir
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
8 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Celia E. Ochoa
2 books8 followersCelia is a Navy Veteran currently living in North Florida. She is a passionate storyteller, book lover, and creator who first found her voice as a bookstagrammer, sharing her love for books and for words and the way they shape our lives. She is an indie published author whose work spans genres. From her memoir: Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee, to a thoughtfully designed daily planner and journal, and most recently, to the vulnerable and healing poetry collection The Gentle Rise.
Through her writing, Celia invites readers to explore life’s hardest endings and most beautiful beginnings. Her work reflects her belief that words can mend, inspire, and remind us that no matter how broken we may feel, rising is always possible.
When she’s not writing or connecting with fellow readers, she works in Corporate Operations and enjoys spending time and making memories with her 4 year old daughters and her girlfriend who played a huge role in the inspiration for her poetry book.
She is currently working on her debut fiction novel.
Through her writing, Celia invites readers to explore life’s hardest endings and most beautiful beginnings. Her work reflects her belief that words can mend, inspire, and remind us that no matter how broken we may feel, rising is always possible.
When she’s not writing or connecting with fellow readers, she works in Corporate Operations and enjoys spending time and making memories with her 4 year old daughters and her girlfriend who played a huge role in the inspiration for her poetry book.
She is currently working on her debut fiction novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 12, 2023
A harrowing, unflinching look at one family’s escape from Cuba to the United States.
I appreciated that the author didn’t try to soften her reality for the reader. Celia has been through five lifetimes worth of experiences, and she details them clearly - no sugar coating here!
I am in complete awe of Celia, her sister and her mother and compel you to read this memoir so you can be, as well!
I appreciated that the author didn’t try to soften her reality for the reader. Celia has been through five lifetimes worth of experiences, and she details them clearly - no sugar coating here!
I am in complete awe of Celia, her sister and her mother and compel you to read this memoir so you can be, as well!
September 6, 2024
If you’re looking for a timeless classic that will be heralded as the great work of literature of our time…this book is not it.
BUT…if you’re looking for a real story, of real struggle, of real courage, from a real person…this book is it!
Thank you, Celia, for telling your story!
BUT…if you’re looking for a real story, of real struggle, of real courage, from a real person…this book is it!
Thank you, Celia, for telling your story!
August 23, 2023
Wow! What a story.
I have tried twice now to write this review and have been at a loss for words.
I went into this book completely blind. I had wanted to join @rebelreadersflorida book club and was able to catch their announcement at the beginning of August, introducing “Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee” as the August Book Club choice. That’s the only information I had when I downloaded it on KU.
I was a bit nervous to jump in. I have been reading primarily thrillers, dark romance, and a sprinkle of poetry, so I was a bit skeptical that a memoir would be able to hold my attention. However, I was pleasantly surprised right from the start.
Celia’s writing style is easy to follow, the chapters are in great bite-sized pieces, and, to make the events even more real, she included photos.
I felt deeply for Celia and her family. The entire situation from the beginning and the straw that ultimately led them to having to pull the trigger on fleeing. Celia did an excellent job of painting the physical impacts of their journey from Cuba to the US, but it’s the emotional ones that I truly can’t imagine - not for her, not for her mother, not for her sister.
I’ll admit, I have felt anger towards our country lately, especially since our move to Florida. However, “Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee” gave me a reminder of how life could’ve been so much different outside of this country. To put it in to perspective, Celia was 7 years old, and I was 4 during many of the events in this book.
I have tried twice now to write this review and have been at a loss for words.
I went into this book completely blind. I had wanted to join @rebelreadersflorida book club and was able to catch their announcement at the beginning of August, introducing “Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee” as the August Book Club choice. That’s the only information I had when I downloaded it on KU.
I was a bit nervous to jump in. I have been reading primarily thrillers, dark romance, and a sprinkle of poetry, so I was a bit skeptical that a memoir would be able to hold my attention. However, I was pleasantly surprised right from the start.
Celia’s writing style is easy to follow, the chapters are in great bite-sized pieces, and, to make the events even more real, she included photos.
I felt deeply for Celia and her family. The entire situation from the beginning and the straw that ultimately led them to having to pull the trigger on fleeing. Celia did an excellent job of painting the physical impacts of their journey from Cuba to the US, but it’s the emotional ones that I truly can’t imagine - not for her, not for her mother, not for her sister.
I’ll admit, I have felt anger towards our country lately, especially since our move to Florida. However, “Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee” gave me a reminder of how life could’ve been so much different outside of this country. To put it in to perspective, Celia was 7 years old, and I was 4 during many of the events in this book.
April 12, 2023
More thoughts coming soon, but wow this was such an important story, and I understand just why Celia had a fire burning in her to write it.
May 2, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had the honor of reading an ARC of this beautiful memoir by bookstagrams very own, Celia!! 😍
So I started it late at night, and just wanted to get a few chapters in, intending to go to bed shortly after. Instead - I stayed up to finish the entire book!! 😅
Celia's story of her early life in Cuba, her family escaping Cuba by boat, their months in a detention camp, and then settling into life in the United States completely captivated me! It was so interesting to read the first hand experiences.
The way the story is written & told was absolutely perfect because I found myself laughing, finding bits of the Celia I've come to know on this platform in the writing. Which I think is so, so special because the story is about her and her life. It was like I was having a conversation with her. Which made for an easy flow. The writing was incredibly personable.
I did not have a whole lot of knowledge of what had happened and of the difficulties during that time in Cuba. So this memoir completely opened my eyes and really just made me feel that much more in awe. I can't imagine being on a boat like that going across the water at that age. It truly opened my eyes.
One of my favorite things about this memoir were the accompanying photos, which were actual photos of Celia & her family & those they met along the way throughout the journey described in this story. It was so cool to be able to actually see it. & I can't thank Celia enough for sharing those photos because it really did add something so special to an already eye opening and wonderful memoir!
Another thing that really stood out to me was how Celia described the guards at the detention camps. I'm not exactly sure why it really sat with me, but she spoke of them in an entirely different light than I would have expected.
I cannot recommend this memoir enough! Even for those that maybe don't read memoirs. It was an easy read, that kept me intrigued, and then at the end thinking "I could keep reading about Celia and her life"!
I had the honor of reading an ARC of this beautiful memoir by bookstagrams very own, Celia!! 😍
So I started it late at night, and just wanted to get a few chapters in, intending to go to bed shortly after. Instead - I stayed up to finish the entire book!! 😅
Celia's story of her early life in Cuba, her family escaping Cuba by boat, their months in a detention camp, and then settling into life in the United States completely captivated me! It was so interesting to read the first hand experiences.
The way the story is written & told was absolutely perfect because I found myself laughing, finding bits of the Celia I've come to know on this platform in the writing. Which I think is so, so special because the story is about her and her life. It was like I was having a conversation with her. Which made for an easy flow. The writing was incredibly personable.
I did not have a whole lot of knowledge of what had happened and of the difficulties during that time in Cuba. So this memoir completely opened my eyes and really just made me feel that much more in awe. I can't imagine being on a boat like that going across the water at that age. It truly opened my eyes.
One of my favorite things about this memoir were the accompanying photos, which were actual photos of Celia & her family & those they met along the way throughout the journey described in this story. It was so cool to be able to actually see it. & I can't thank Celia enough for sharing those photos because it really did add something so special to an already eye opening and wonderful memoir!
Another thing that really stood out to me was how Celia described the guards at the detention camps. I'm not exactly sure why it really sat with me, but she spoke of them in an entirely different light than I would have expected.
I cannot recommend this memoir enough! Even for those that maybe don't read memoirs. It was an easy read, that kept me intrigued, and then at the end thinking "I could keep reading about Celia and her life"!
August 25, 2023
I mean, where do I even begin? This pulled at my heartstrings. I felt so nostalgic last night after finishing this read.
This is a beautiful memoir about the life of Celia and how she and her family escaped Cuba. Once in the United States, we get deeper into Celia’s own personal struggles trying to adjust to a new country and learn a whole new language.
This was such a beautiful story about resilience. I literally was sucked into the book and I felt like I knew Celia personally. The part where the boat was finally in the water, leaving Cuba, made me sick. I can’t imagine having to go through that, especially at such a young age.
I am very blessed my family won the Cuban lottery and were able to come here legally, but sadly that isn’t the case for most. In fact, I have a lot of family members that escaped the island in the 80s, through the ocean.
The reality is that Cubans in the island are so desperate to escape the conditions they’re in that they will literally make a boat out of whatever is around, and get on said boat with nothing but pure faith.
From escaping Cuba and surviving the ocean, to being stuck in Guantanamo Bay for months, and then trying to figure life in the United States - Celia is truly a person to admire. Celia is the definition of “I can survive anything.”
I can talk about this for hours but I don’t have enough word space. 😂 Just pick this one up, it’s quite a humbling read. Thank you, Celia, for the wonderful stickers and conversations.
This is a beautiful memoir about the life of Celia and how she and her family escaped Cuba. Once in the United States, we get deeper into Celia’s own personal struggles trying to adjust to a new country and learn a whole new language.
This was such a beautiful story about resilience. I literally was sucked into the book and I felt like I knew Celia personally. The part where the boat was finally in the water, leaving Cuba, made me sick. I can’t imagine having to go through that, especially at such a young age.
I am very blessed my family won the Cuban lottery and were able to come here legally, but sadly that isn’t the case for most. In fact, I have a lot of family members that escaped the island in the 80s, through the ocean.
The reality is that Cubans in the island are so desperate to escape the conditions they’re in that they will literally make a boat out of whatever is around, and get on said boat with nothing but pure faith.
From escaping Cuba and surviving the ocean, to being stuck in Guantanamo Bay for months, and then trying to figure life in the United States - Celia is truly a person to admire. Celia is the definition of “I can survive anything.”
I can talk about this for hours but I don’t have enough word space. 😂 Just pick this one up, it’s quite a humbling read. Thank you, Celia, for the wonderful stickers and conversations.
April 1, 2023
Celia E. Ochoa writes about her life living in Cuba and escaping the communist country. It is truly amazing what she and her family endured to get to the United States. It’s truly amazing how little they had and their strength to persevere.
This book was so well written and flowed really well. I am truly appreciative and grateful after reading this book. I learned a lot about the conditions in Cuba and just how important it was for the Ochoa family to leave for safety and for a better life.
I love the pictures that were included in this book and how Celia was named Celia.
This book was so well written and flowed really well. I am truly appreciative and grateful after reading this book. I learned a lot about the conditions in Cuba and just how important it was for the Ochoa family to leave for safety and for a better life.
I love the pictures that were included in this book and how Celia was named Celia.
April 16, 2023
I had the honor of reading an early release of Row Your Boat, and I am beyond thankful.
I started reading this book at 10pm with the intentions of only reading the first chapter. Next thing I know, Im sucked 50% into it and am fully incapable of putting it down until I finish.
Celia's memoirs talks about her life in Cuba, as they plan for an escape, her days on the water, months in detention camp, and her life in the states. It truly is a story of resilience--both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Celia as a writer is incredible. It takes a special kind of author to make me laugh while reading such heavy topics--which I found myself doing often.
This definitely goes down as one of my favorite memoirs of all time. 🤍
I started reading this book at 10pm with the intentions of only reading the first chapter. Next thing I know, Im sucked 50% into it and am fully incapable of putting it down until I finish.
Celia's memoirs talks about her life in Cuba, as they plan for an escape, her days on the water, months in detention camp, and her life in the states. It truly is a story of resilience--both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Celia as a writer is incredible. It takes a special kind of author to make me laugh while reading such heavy topics--which I found myself doing often.
This definitely goes down as one of my favorite memoirs of all time. 🤍
March 14, 2024
I’m an avid reader, but it’s difficult to recall any other book that dug its fingers into my gut as quickly and deeply as Celia Ochoa’s fabulous memoir, Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee. Ochoa was only a young girl when circumstances forced her family to flee Cuba and make a new home in the United States. It’s a story that, especially if you live in Florida, you may think you have already heard. You would be wrong. Ochoa writes with such passion that I was already crying when reading the Author’s Note before Chapter One, and she doesn’t let up for one minute. Hers is a nail-biting story of inhumanity ending in ultimate triumph, and I promise, you will root for her the entire time. Put Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee at the top of your TBR. Highly recommended!
April 3, 2023
I had the honor of reading this amazing memoir as an ARC, and I could not put it down. Following Celia’s early life in Cuba, her family’s escape by boat, their ten months in a detention camp, and her experience resettling in the United States at just seven years old, Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee is a beautifully written account of life, love, adversity, and conquering.
The narrative is personal and engaging, making you want to turn the pages, and the emotions evoked are widespread. By the end, I felt deep admiration for Celia’s journey and the obstacles she has overcome.
If you’re a fan of memoirs or inspiring life stories, this one is a must-read!
The narrative is personal and engaging, making you want to turn the pages, and the emotions evoked are widespread. By the end, I felt deep admiration for Celia’s journey and the obstacles she has overcome.
If you’re a fan of memoirs or inspiring life stories, this one is a must-read!
April 10, 2023
This book is a must-read.
Celia beautifully and bravely shared her childhood and experience of coming to the U.S. and living in Guantanamo Bay. Her writing and storytelling allowed me to really feel the emotions of her family's escape from Cuba.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. I was grateful to read her first hand experience.
Celia beautifully and bravely shared her childhood and experience of coming to the U.S. and living in Guantanamo Bay. Her writing and storytelling allowed me to really feel the emotions of her family's escape from Cuba.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put this book down. I was grateful to read her first hand experience.
May 2, 2023
A beautiful story about perseverance, optimism, and overcoming incredibly difficult life hurdles. I read this in 3 hours, not wanting to stop. The photos throughout helped build a connection with Celia and her family. The words painted a pretty clear picture. I’m so happy her professor encouraged her to write her story. To learn, to feel, and to rejoice in the peace and happiness this family found, made this a good read!
May 15, 2023
I absolutely flew through Celia's memoir. It's an important story full of details and information about what so many Cuban families experiences in the 90's.
Celia's writing is personable, and makes you feel as if she's telling you all of her memories over a cup of coffee. That, combined with all of the personal photos included within the pages, made it impossible for me to put the book down.
Celia's writing is personable, and makes you feel as if she's telling you all of her memories over a cup of coffee. That, combined with all of the personal photos included within the pages, made it impossible for me to put the book down.
May 2, 2023
Celia E. Ochoa does a wonderful job sharing her journey as a Cuban refugee who spent most of her early years on the run. This memoir is eye-opening in it’s first hand account of the difficulties that Celia was faced with and overcame. While I had general knowledge of the reign of Fidel Castro and of the difficulties of those living in Cubs during that time, I gained a world of knowledge through Celia’s story. I cannot thank her enough for sharing her journey and memories of such a difficult time.
October 12, 2025
So heartbreaking. As a Cuban immigrant this book is so hard to read, while my immigration journey was nothing like Celia’s I couldn’t help but feel the heartache, hopelessness and pain she must’ve gone through. As a human being couldn’t help by feel the pain in my chest were the aspects of domestic violence and metal health struggles were touch. Amazing book. I am so glad I could buy it in her current hometown.
May 1, 2023
New favorite memoir alert.
This one shot straight to the very top of my new favorite memoir list. I had the honor of reading an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee and I simply could not put it down.
I picked it up over lunch thinking I would do a quick look, maybe read a chapter or two and come back to it later but the story sucked me right in from the very beginning. There is something in this book for everyone. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat, I learned .. a lot.
Ochoa’s writing is personable, and while her story is an against all odds/ once in a lifetime level memoir, she has a way of making it super relatable. You feel like you’re with her right through the thick of it. But we weren’t. Very few people will every fully understand what it’s like to leave home and emigrate to America. Even less can tell us what it was truly like to be a part of the Cuban mass exodus. And that’s what makes this story even more important. It’s is one we should all know more about.
I urge you to take a few hours of your time and get swept away by this astonishing true tale of hope, family, and perseverance. While the story does cover some heavy topics, it does so gently. I will be encouraging my teenage children to also read this book. I think older kids like mine who grew up reading the “I Survived” series would particularly enjoy it, but read it first for yourself and see if you agree.
I’ll be recommending this one to everyone for a long time to come. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
This one shot straight to the very top of my new favorite memoir list. I had the honor of reading an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee and I simply could not put it down.
I picked it up over lunch thinking I would do a quick look, maybe read a chapter or two and come back to it later but the story sucked me right in from the very beginning. There is something in this book for everyone. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat, I learned .. a lot.
Ochoa’s writing is personable, and while her story is an against all odds/ once in a lifetime level memoir, she has a way of making it super relatable. You feel like you’re with her right through the thick of it. But we weren’t. Very few people will every fully understand what it’s like to leave home and emigrate to America. Even less can tell us what it was truly like to be a part of the Cuban mass exodus. And that’s what makes this story even more important. It’s is one we should all know more about.
I urge you to take a few hours of your time and get swept away by this astonishing true tale of hope, family, and perseverance. While the story does cover some heavy topics, it does so gently. I will be encouraging my teenage children to also read this book. I think older kids like mine who grew up reading the “I Survived” series would particularly enjoy it, but read it first for yourself and see if you agree.
I’ll be recommending this one to everyone for a long time to come. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
April 23, 2023
⭐️ARC review⭐️
Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee: A Memoir by Celia E. Ochoa 🇨🇺
One of my favorite books of all time is Refugee by Alan Gratz, so when I heard about this memoir from an actual Cuban refugee, I jumped at the chance to read. What I found was a heart wrenching story of survival and grit. Celia was born in 1988 (same year as me) who grew up in a completely different world. Cuba was thrown into poverty after the fall of the Soviet Union under the rule of Fidel Castro. Celia sharesher harrowing journey through the resulting widespread economic collapse, and subsequent decision to flee across the Atlantic. Celia shares her family’s trials and triumphs over detainment at Guantanamo Bay, an abusive father, and the journey to eventually land as refugees in America. This memoir made for a fantastic read as I am teaching Refugee with my students this quarter.
While the story is enrapturing, the writing felt underdeveloped. It was mostly telling rather than showing, feeling more like a summary than a whole memoir. I missed the inner monologue in the author’s voice as she battled bullies in various capacities throughout her life, as is mentioned in the final chapter. Personally, I think this memoir would benefit from a stronger editor and/or workshopping.
That being said, I devoured this in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this side by side with one of my favorite books. It was incredible to see the factual companion to the fictional characters I love so much.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee: A Memoir by Celia E. Ochoa 🇨🇺
One of my favorite books of all time is Refugee by Alan Gratz, so when I heard about this memoir from an actual Cuban refugee, I jumped at the chance to read. What I found was a heart wrenching story of survival and grit. Celia was born in 1988 (same year as me) who grew up in a completely different world. Cuba was thrown into poverty after the fall of the Soviet Union under the rule of Fidel Castro. Celia sharesher harrowing journey through the resulting widespread economic collapse, and subsequent decision to flee across the Atlantic. Celia shares her family’s trials and triumphs over detainment at Guantanamo Bay, an abusive father, and the journey to eventually land as refugees in America. This memoir made for a fantastic read as I am teaching Refugee with my students this quarter.
While the story is enrapturing, the writing felt underdeveloped. It was mostly telling rather than showing, feeling more like a summary than a whole memoir. I missed the inner monologue in the author’s voice as she battled bullies in various capacities throughout her life, as is mentioned in the final chapter. Personally, I think this memoir would benefit from a stronger editor and/or workshopping.
That being said, I devoured this in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this side by side with one of my favorite books. It was incredible to see the factual companion to the fictional characters I love so much.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 2, 2023
My rating is not based on the story or details but the writing style and writing. It is a true story, Celia’s personal story. It is not my place as a reader to rate her personal story, however, I am so glad I got the chance and honor to read it. The story itself is so interesting and also inspiring. Celia talks about how she was given this chance and isn’t going to waste it, and that is so powerful in this book. The amount of struggle and hardship she endured at a young age is so shocking, and reading this book made me so emotional and yet so proud to see how far she’s come. The story is so moving, it really teaches you how to not take anything for granted, to keep moving forward with all your strength. The words and chapters of this one flowed seamlessly. This was a very short read but I didn’t feel like I missed anything major, or needed more information. The pictures of Celia’s life intermixed in the story was an addition I enjoyed to help bring the story and insight together. I also loved the dual language use in the book, it made it feel as if I was there in those moments. The detail of this book was amazing, the story was so inspiring, a truly amazing read that everyone should check out!
Thank you Celia for the advanced copy. Proud of you for putting this moving story out into the world, and thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. 💙
🔹 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
- Short Chapters
- Insightful Reading
- Learning Something New
- Moving Stories
- Photos from the Events in Books
Thank you Celia for the advanced copy. Proud of you for putting this moving story out into the world, and thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. 💙
🔹 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
- Short Chapters
- Insightful Reading
- Learning Something New
- Moving Stories
- Photos from the Events in Books
July 20, 2023
After reading this inspiring memoir, I was left feeling in awe of the the author and all she and her family endured that made her the incredible person she is today. The bravery, courage love and determination displayed throughout the journey was so impressive and at times heartbreaking. I was so captivated, I read the book in one sitting. This is a must read for anyone wanting an eye opening, encouraging real life story of heroism and unity during a difficult time in history. Excellent read!
May 1, 2023
I am so grateful to know Celia’s story! Her book describes a childhood and journey that I could not even begin to imagine, and I am in awe of Celia and her family whose perseverance, resilience, and persistence helped them build the life they sought after and deserved. It was a new perspective I’ve never considered before, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have read and learned. Celia’s book is an easy and captivating read, and it reminds me of a personal essay with a wonderfully conversational tone. I would have loved more of a window into the array of emotions Celia must have experienced throughout her journey, but otherwise this book is a true treat, and, more importantly, an anecdote to be heard and considered.
Memoirs always swell my heart, and the bravery to share one’s story is truly an accomplishment and also a gift for the world. Memoirs keep me grounded in the fact that while we are all incredibly different, with different struggles/stories/experiences, our human spirits often are one in the same.
Thank you again to Celia, I’m so honored to know your story…
and y’all!!!
Go download her book ASAP.
Memoirs always swell my heart, and the bravery to share one’s story is truly an accomplishment and also a gift for the world. Memoirs keep me grounded in the fact that while we are all incredibly different, with different struggles/stories/experiences, our human spirits often are one in the same.
Thank you again to Celia, I’m so honored to know your story…
and y’all!!!
Go download her book ASAP.
June 12, 2023
I picked this up in honor of Caribbean American heritage month not expecting much out of it. This book was so well written & because of that it made it an easy read. The chapters were short but left me wanting to read more. It was a vulnerable story but I found myself relating to Celia in some ways. When I finished the book, all I could say was “wow, this is a must read!!” You learn about a personal experience of a child coming to America from Cuba & the hardships she overcame to become part of American society. Hearing stories of refugees from the source are hard to come by.. Celia’s story will leave a lasting impact on me!
May 1, 2023
Reading RYBCR felt like having a friend sitting next to you, pouring their heart out. All I could do was sit there and listen (read) from start to end. The conversational style of writing just sucks you right in until you've finished the book before realizing it. I was captivated with the way Celia recounted her early life in Cuba, to fleeing the country, to life in Guantanamo Bay, and after, too. The grit, strength, and resilience she and her family had to have to be able to overcome all the hurdles life through their way was incredible. A heartbreaking and yet beautiful story.
May 4, 2023
Rating: 5⭐️
What a powerful story !! This was my first memoir and i was captivated from the get go and could not put it down. Finished in one sitting - another first for me. !!! It was sad, beautiful and inspiring. I loved seeing all the photos from real time, it really put everything into perspective for a visual person like myself.
Happy belated birthday Celia!
What a powerful story !! This was my first memoir and i was captivated from the get go and could not put it down. Finished in one sitting - another first for me. !!! It was sad, beautiful and inspiring. I loved seeing all the photos from real time, it really put everything into perspective for a visual person like myself.
Happy belated birthday Celia!
May 8, 2023
What a read!
I couldn’t stop once I started it this morning! What a wonderful telling of some incredibly difficult times. Celia writes in a way that is concise and keeps your drawn in, wanting to know what is next. What a fabulous job! Glad you told your story!
I couldn’t stop once I started it this morning! What a wonderful telling of some incredibly difficult times. Celia writes in a way that is concise and keeps your drawn in, wanting to know what is next. What a fabulous job! Glad you told your story!
May 3, 2023
Touching and eye opening memoir
I learned a lot about Cuba from the perspective of a young Cuban, what it was like to be on the run, and how to overcome adversity.
I learned a lot about Cuba from the perspective of a young Cuban, what it was like to be on the run, and how to overcome adversity.
April 18, 2023
Celia Ochoa and I share an upcoming book birthday: May 1st, when both Coming Clean AND Celia’s memoir, Row Your Boat, are released! But that day is also Celia’s real birthday, so please make her birthday dreams come true and pick up her memoir, because you will absolutely want to hear her family’s story.
Celia takes us through her family’s narrow escape to the US from Cuba. So many times, their story could have ended in tragedy, but each and every person in her family—her abusive father, loving mother, sister, and herself—fought for life and freedom, through treacherous waters, life-threatening illness, betrayal, and more. Though she often touches on dark topics, Celia’s matter-of-fact writing treats the reader gently, and she focuses on the details that matter most to the story.
Row Your Boat reminded me of my own family’s journey to the US, and the dozens of small miracles along the way that made it possible. It is a quick, honest, and engaging read, and I look forward to seeing what Celia writes next!
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Celia, and excited to celebrate May 1st with you! 🥂
Celia takes us through her family’s narrow escape to the US from Cuba. So many times, their story could have ended in tragedy, but each and every person in her family—her abusive father, loving mother, sister, and herself—fought for life and freedom, through treacherous waters, life-threatening illness, betrayal, and more. Though she often touches on dark topics, Celia’s matter-of-fact writing treats the reader gently, and she focuses on the details that matter most to the story.
Row Your Boat reminded me of my own family’s journey to the US, and the dozens of small miracles along the way that made it possible. It is a quick, honest, and engaging read, and I look forward to seeing what Celia writes next!
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Celia, and excited to celebrate May 1st with you! 🥂
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April 30, 2023
💭 𝘔𝘠 𝘛𝘏𝘖𝘜𝘎𝘏𝘛𝘚
I don't usually read memoirs because the majority of them are written about celebrities in Hollywood and it just doesn’t interest me. However, I will read memoirs that are inspirational, raw, and heroic and remind you that you can overcome what life throws at you. This checks off all my requirements and more.
This is a book that everyone should read. Why? As a U.S. citizen, I myself and many others have a general knowledge regarding the Cuban raft exodus of 1994. What knowledge we received came out of a high school history class textbook. However, what we will never get out of a history textbook is what Cuban refugees actually experienced firsthand.
Thank you, Celia E. Ochoa (My Hero) for the gifted eARC copy of Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee: A Memoir by Celia E. Ochoa is available tomorrow, May 1st, 2023.
I don't usually read memoirs because the majority of them are written about celebrities in Hollywood and it just doesn’t interest me. However, I will read memoirs that are inspirational, raw, and heroic and remind you that you can overcome what life throws at you. This checks off all my requirements and more.
This is a book that everyone should read. Why? As a U.S. citizen, I myself and many others have a general knowledge regarding the Cuban raft exodus of 1994. What knowledge we received came out of a high school history class textbook. However, what we will never get out of a history textbook is what Cuban refugees actually experienced firsthand.
Thank you, Celia E. Ochoa (My Hero) for the gifted eARC copy of Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Row Your Boat Cuban Refugee: A Memoir by Celia E. Ochoa is available tomorrow, May 1st, 2023.
April 7, 2023
It was such an honor to read this beautiful, raw, and captivating memoir by Celia.
This powerful story about family, love, tragedy, and triumph surpassed all of my expectations in ways I never imagined. I heard Celia's voice, spirit, and passion in every captivating word she wrote. I felt the heartaches and the victories, the devastation and the hope. This memoir tugged at every heartstring. I'm so thankful that Celia chose to share her incredible story with the world. I know that these words and her story will impact everyone who reads it.
It was such an honor to read this beautiful, raw, and captivating true story.
This powerful story about family, love, tragedy, and triumph surpassed all of my expectations in ways I never imagined. I heard Celia's voice, spirit, and passion in every captivating word she wrote. I felt the heartaches and the victories, the devastation and the hope. This memoir tugged at every heartstring. I'm so thankful that Celia chose to share her incredible story with the world. I know that these words and her story will impact everyone who reads it.
It was such an honor to read this beautiful, raw, and captivating true story.
July 1, 2024
Not a day has passed where I don’t think of this book since I read it. Growing up Cuban, I have heard so many stories of obstacles families had to face to find freedom. In this book, Celia has shared her unapologetically raw story. Thank you for sharing your vulnerable story with the world!
April 28, 2023
Review to come!
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