Jean's Reviews > An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream

I am attempting to read the books by those people running for president. There are too many running and that means too many books to read.

This is a memoir of Julian Castro. He and his brother, Joaquin, are identical twins. He was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His grandmother was an immigrant from Mexico. She had very little education, therefore, she pushed her offspring to get an education. Julian’s mother was politically active and taught her children to be active in local affairs and national politics. Both their parents were teachers. The twins went to Stanford University and then Harvard Law School. Both are active in politics. Joaquin is a member of the House of Representatives and Julian was the mayor of San Antonio; then was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Obama. He is now running for president.
This book is more about his personal life and less about his political beliefs or policies. I wished it had been equally balanced. I know I have complained in reviews of other candidates that their books were more on policy and less on personal life. I guess I cannot be satisfied. Overall, it was an interesting read and a look into the life of a Hispanic growing up in Texas. I do feel I have a better understanding of Julian after reading the book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and forty-four minutes. Julian Castro narrated this own book.