Pati Navalta Poblete

When she was in early elementary school, Pati Navalta Poblete's was thoroughly American, even though her parents were both immigrants from the Philippines. Pati was really only aware of her different heritage when classmates in her predominately white school pointed it out. The arrival of Pati’s grandparents, however, brought new sounds, tastes, and smells to Pati’s home. This short memoir chronicles Pati’s life with them.

Poblete does an excellent job describing the feelings she had about her grandparents as a child, even when it doesn’t make her look very good. In the early chapters, she frequently comes across as a bit of a brat, but her responses seem authentic for a child of that age. Many of Poblete’s conflicts with her grandparents had to do with cultural differences, but there were times when, for me, generational differences seem just as significant.

The memoir does tend to be overly episodic, especially in the later chapters where huge spans of time are passed over quickly. It feels more like a series of vignettes than a fully formed narrative. But many of the vignettes are funny or interesting, and I enjoyed them. The overall arc follows a predictable pattern: second-generation child resents, but then comes to love, her ancestral culture. It’s not a new story, and it’s perhaps been told better, but this is nice and short and competently written. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

See my complete review at Shelf Love.… (más)

This story reminded me of my life! I used to be so mad when my grandparents told me to do one thing a certain way. I guess it was because I was so used to the "American way" but once i reached 12, i realized that it was tradition and I learned how to appreciate it. The book is about a girl named Patti, and how her "American life" is turned around when her four grandparents from the Philippines pay a visit to her; Grandma Fausta and Pati, and Grandpa Sunday and Paterno.As soon as she started junior high, her "american style" was interrupted when her grandparents force her to wear Filipino dresses, bring Filipino food to lunch, and do everything the "Filipino way." Pati hated how she couldn't do things the way she wanted it. But as Patti went through adulthood, she realized that everything her grandparents did, or "the oracles" did, was to keep their tradition alive and help Pati understand her roots and where she came from. Pati has changed into the naive bratty girl, to an understanding adult. Instead, she appreciates what the Oracles have given her and the opportunities she now has. My favorite character was Grandpa Sunday! He always had a positive and funny attitude. Especially the part where he listens to his CD player and mocks his wife.… (más)