Esmeralda Santiago’s second memoir Almost a Woman was made into a movie for the PBS Masterpiece Theatre’s “American Collection.” Esmeralda Santiago is the only living author in this distinguished series featuring the work of James Agee, Willa Cather, Langston Hughes, Henry James and Eudora Welty. Esmeralda also wrote the screen play for Almost a Woman which won the prestigious George Foster Peabody-award honoring the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television.

“A courageous memoir…One witnesses the blessing, contradictions, and restraints of Puerto Rican culture.”

― Washington Post Book World

“An exquisite memoir…deserves a place among the classic American coming of age stories.”

― Detroit Free Press

“A universal tale familiar to thousands of immigrants to this country. But made special by Santiago’s simplicity and honesty.”

― Miami Herald

Two reader reviews…

“I had to read “Almost a Woman” for school and I honestly did not have high hopes because it is a memoir, but this book completely changed my perspective on this genre. The story has something for everyone, whether you’re an immigrant, have been bullied, have wanted to try something new, or just felt like an outsider. The book is…well-written, captivating, exciting and moving. I highly recommend this book to all ages and backgrounds.”

“Esmeralda Santiago describes the pull of family, of school, career, and lovers. She has to make a decision. I understand which pull she will respond to… and hope I would make the same decision. She describes the label she uses to refer to herself, "Puerto Rican” no longer works after she has been in USA for awhile and doesn't seem to be comfortable with "hispanic" either. She is torn between cultures and social classes (education, acting, and dancing) pull at her. She will have to find her own way. Esmeralda Santiago wrote this book to describe her amazing journey toward self-definition.”