42 pages • 1 hour read
Jennine Capó CrucetMake Your Home Among Strangers
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Jennine Capó Crucet's Make Your Home Among Strangers, Lizet Ramirez returns to Miami from her freshman year of college to find her family torn apart by divorce and relocation, while she struggles with academic pressures and financial stress. Lizet grapples with feelings of alienation from her community, a romantic proposal from her boyfriend, and her developing feelings for a fellow student. Her return coincides with the city's obsession over a young Cuban boy, Ariel Hernandez, which deepens her family's turmoil. Eventually, Lizet decides to accept a summer internship in California, leading to further estrangement from her family but gaining support from her father. Ultimately, Lizet reflects on her choices and their impact on her identity and relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Make Your Home Among Strangers by Jennine Capó Crucet is highly praised for its authentic portrayal of a first-generation college student's struggles. Critics appreciate its nuanced exploration of cultural identity and societal pressures. Some note a slow pace and uneven subplot development. Overall, it's a compelling and insightful read.
Who Should Read Make Your Home Among Strangers?
Readers who enjoy Make Your Home Among Strangers by Jennine Capó Crucet are often drawn to themes of immigration, cultural identity, and family dynamics. They may also appreciate works like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz, which explore similar topics with depth and sensitivity.