DigeeBooks

A powerful, lush memoir about a Hawaiian woman who ran away from paradise to discover who she is and where she belongs.Born and raised in Hawai‘i by a father whose ancestors are indigenous to the land and a mother from the American South, Jessica Machado wrestles with what it means to be “local.” Feeling separate from the history and tenets of Hawaiian culture that have been buried under the continental imports of malls and MTV, Jessica often sees her homeland reflected back to her from the tourist perspective—as an uncomplicated paradise. Her existence, however, feels far from that ideal. Balancing her parents divorce, an ailing mother, and growing anxiety, Jessica rebels. She moves to Los Angeles, convinced shell leave her complicated family behind and define herself. Instead, her isolation only becomes more severe, and her dying mother follows her to California. For Jessica, the only way to escape is a reckless downward spiral.Interwoven with a rich and nuanced exploration of Hawaiian history and traditions, Local is a personal and moving narrative about family, grief, and reconnecting to the land she tried to leave behind.

Local: A Memoir by Jessica Machado

In her captivating memoir, Jessica Machado takes readers on a poignant and reflective journey through her life as a daughter of immigrants in a small town. With honesty and grace, she explores themes of identity, family, and the challenges of growing up bicultural.

Growing up in a predominantly white town, Jessica faced the daily struggles of feeling like an outsider. She grappled with her Mexican heritage and the expectations that came with it, while also trying to fit in with her American peers. This internal conflict led to feelings of isolation and a sense of not belonging.

As she navigated the complexities of her identity, Jessica found solace and strength in writing. She poured her emotions and experiences into stories and poems, finding a voice that allowed her to express herself and connect with others. Through her writing, she gained a deeper understanding of her own culture and history, and began to embrace her Mexican roots.

Local is not only a personal story of self-discovery, but also a powerful exploration of the universal themes of family, community, and the search for belonging. Jessica Machado's writing resonates with readers of all backgrounds, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a bicultural world.

This is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with their identity, or who is interested in learning more about the experiences of immigrants in America.