Once I Was You: A Memoir

Review
“A powerful memoir that doubles as an essential immigration primer.” ―
Publishers Weekly (starred)
“Written in Latina journalist Maria Hinojosa’s honest, passionate voice,
Once I Was You is, quite simply, beautiful.” ―
BookPage (starred)
“Award-winning journalist Hinojosa narrates her turbulent life story as a marginalized woman with allegiance to two countries [in this] far-ranging and politically illuminating memoir [that] is also laser-focused and intimate . . . A fascinating and essential journalist's memoir.” ―
Booklist (starred)
“
Once I Was You is many books in one, a searingly honest memoir by one of this country’s most accomplished women, an inside view of the media, and a fact-filled indictment of our treatment of immigrants over time. Because Maria Hinojosa identifies with each one, anyone striving to understand and improve this country should read her story of what’s wrong and how to change it.” -- Gloria Steinem, author of My Life on the Road
“In these times of love and hate, Maria Hinojosa’s astonishing story is medicine, healing, illumination. She swallows fear as if she were a circus performer swallowing fire. She encourages, inspires, and challenges us to find our own courage.
Once I Was You is a dazzling gift she has bestowed upon us and America.” -- Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street
“Maria Hinojosa is hands down one of the most important, respected, and beloved cultural leaders in the Latinx community. . . . Hers is a voice we need to hear at this moment in our country!” -- Julia Alvarez, author of How the García Girls Lost Their Accents
“I’ve known and admired Maria for many years. She is truly an outstanding journalist. I loved reading
Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America. It was so personal and moving, and told a very timely and critically important story for all Americans. I learned a lot about Maria, but more importantly, I learned a lot about what’s going on in so many parts of our country. Thanks, Maria, for writing this powerful book.” -- Wolf Blitzer, lead political anchor for CNN
“Maria’s perspective is powerful and vital. Years ago, when
In the Heights was just starting off-Broadway, Maria got the word out to our community to support this new musical about our neighborhoods. She has been a champion of our triumphs, a critic of our detractors, and a driving force to right the wrongs our society faces. When Maria speaks, I’m ready to listen and learn.” -- Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and original star of Hamilton
“Maria Hinojosa writes about her life, her family, and her immigrant story in ways that will inspire you and break your heart—because that is what the immigration story is in America: part inspiration, hope, and triumph; part rejection, struggle, and heartbreak. Maria’s voice rings loud and clear, and her battle cry for America’s immigrants of color is both poignant and necessary.” -- Joy-Ann Reid, host of MSNBC's AM Joy
“Maria Hinojosa is a national treasure. I always know I can trust her in her reporting. Here, as an author, she steps forward with her usual clarity and a new surge of power to tell us a deeply needed narrative about ourselves.” -- Luis Alberto Urrea, Pulitzer Prize finalist and bestselling author of The Devil’s Highway
“As a POC journalist, feminist, survivor of sexual assault, and truth-teller, Maria Hinojosa is tough as nails. This expressive and captivating book not only reveals how she has fought to tell stories that are so often silenced by the mainstream media, but also lays bare the deep fissures in our politics and our society.
Once I Was You is essential reading for anyone who wants America to do better.” -- Jane Fonda, Academy Award–winning actor and activist
“I loved this heart wrenching, yet ultimately hopeful, book. Maria Hinojosa’s
Once I Was You puts you in the shoes of frightened immigrant children while laying out a path from fear to success. A guide to joy and empowerment—even in the hard-