From the Bookshelf of Diversity in All Forms!…

American Street

Ibi Zoboi

Start date: April 1, 2018

Finish date: April 30, 2018

Discussion: Monthly Group Reads

Why we're reading this: The diversity topic/theme we will be covering in April is Immigration Status.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
[close] The diversity topic/theme we will be covering in April is Immigration Status.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi

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What Members Thought

Mar 13, 2017 Rose rated it really liked it

Shelves: cultural, favorites, drama, multicultural, crime, glbt, coming-of-age, contemporary, netgalley-read-challenge-2017, realistic-fiction

Initial reaction: I enjoyed every moment of this novel because it was an emotional and realistic journey with a strong protagonist whose narrative voice stayed with me long after I finished the story. It's a difficult read to swallow in places because of the actions of some of the characters, but in the end, I was rooting for Fabiola to find her footing.

Full review:

I have so many emotions upon finishing "American Street" - and that's a very good thing.

It's a story with many layers to its narrati Initial reaction: I enjoyed every moment of this novel because it was an emotional and realistic journey with a strong protagonist whose narrative voice stayed with me long after I finished the story. It's a difficult read to swallow in places because of the actions of some of the characters, but in the end, I was rooting for Fabiola to find her footing.

Full review:

I have so many emotions upon finishing "American Street" - and that's a very good thing.

It's a story with many layers to its narrative, brought to life by the vivid narration and characterization throughout. "American Street" tells the story of Fabiola, a Haitian immigrant arriving in the United States, but separated from her mother along the way when she's detained by authorities at the airport. Fabiola ends up in Detroit, living with her aunt and three cousins as she tries to adjust to life in America between waiting for efforts to get her mother back and pursuing her own ends to make it happen. This is only part of the story, as Fabiola reflects on her experiences in Haiti, struggles to fit in alongside her cousins at school, discovers some tough truths involving the people around her, both friends and enemies alike.

I think Fabiola is one of the most well rounded and voiced protagonists I've read in a YA work in a long time. She's fiercely loyal to her family, faith (she practices Voudou, which is probably one of the few times it's actually portrayed in a non-stereotypical way that I've seen in many works, including YA), and goals. She's not without flaws, and the way she recounts her experiences in Haiti alongside her difficult adjustment to life in Detroit is vibrant and vivid. The relationship between her and her cousins (Primadonna, Chantal, and Pri) is wonderfully done. I liked the rolling banter between them in places, allowing the reader to get to know them in the way that is close to Fabiola, but also for their own motivations. The narrative allows a deeper eye into some of the side-characters through monologue snippets delivered between chapters in a seamless way. I was even taken by the scenes of romance and relationship building that I saw through the narrative. The diversity of the characterization feels natural, well established, and refreshing to read in many respects.

I'll admit "American Street" hit me hard on a number of emotional levels because of the way the story unfolds and the turns of conflict. The narrative takes an honest look at relationship abuse, drug dealing and abuse, inner-city life, cultural clashes, among a number of other subjects. One could say that in some ways, there quite a few threads that aren't completely tied, but its Fabiola's resilience and transformation that carries the momentum of the story despite places where the story could've had better closure. The weight of Fabiola's decisions also factor into the story and give some raw moments of grief and coming to terms that really stood out for me. In the end, I really appreciated the narrative journey that "American Street" took me on, and it's one I'd definitely read again.

Overall score: 4/5 stars. ...more

20 likes · Like · see review

Jun 28, 2017 Shomeret rated it really liked it

Shelves: my-reviews, contemporary-fiction, young-adult, alt-religion

The priorities of Fabiola Toussaint, the Haitian raised teen protagonist of American Street, are radically different from those of her American raised cousins. I appreciated the values of the eldest cousin, Chantal, who was focused on her studies, but all the cousins were getting pulled into the violent criminal world that dominated their school and neighborhood. Fabiola's first priority was on freeing her mother from detention by immigration authorities. Fabiola hadn't been detained because she ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 16, 2018 Tippy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2018, magic-realism, drama, diversity-in-all-forms-group

This is an exceptional book. Couldn't put it down. Super well thought out and consistent characters. From the author's note:

"Above all, I wanted to give Fabiola a strong cultural connection to Haiti so that she's spiritually grounded when faced with tough decisions. While Vodou is practiced by many in the Haitian diaspora, it still has a negative stereotype in the media as being associated with evil and witchcraft. Vodou has a complex pantheon and mythological system, much like Greek and Roman m ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Nikki rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, racial-ethnic-diversity

Wow.... That was not at all what I was expecting. But in a good way. And the audio was ON POINT. Definitely needs to be on people's to read list! ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Sep 05, 2018 Andrea Kemper rated it really liked it

This is the story of Fabiola, a teenage girl from Haiti who, along with her mother, decided to seek a better life in America. However, from the moment they step on American soil they are torn apart and Fabiola is forced to continue on her own. This story is a gripping, charming, emotional roller coaster.

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