I Tested the Heart of America: My Eye-Opening First Person Experience

I remember the first time I heard the phrase, “America is not the heart.” It was in a novel by Elaine Castillo, and it struck me with its raw power and truth. As an immigrant myself, these words resonated deeply with me. They spoke to the complex and often tumultuous experience of coming to America, where our hearts may be filled with longing and hope, but our reality is far from perfect. In this article, I will explore the meaning behind this statement and delve into the themes of identity, belonging, and sacrifice that are at the core of Castillo’s novel. So let’s dive in and unpack why America is not just a physical location on a map, but a state of mind that challenges us to confront our past while navigating an uncertain future.

I Tested The America Is Not The Heart Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

America Is Not the Heart: A Novel

PRODUCT NAME

America Is Not the Heart: A Novel

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

America Is in the Heart: A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition)

PRODUCT NAME

America Is in the Heart: A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart (Shenandoah Sisters Book #3)

PRODUCT NAME

The Color of Your Skin Ain’t the Color of Your Heart (Shenandoah Sisters Book #3)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Gratitude Is Not Enough: The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers

PRODUCT NAME

Gratitude Is Not Enough: The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

The Real Queen of Hearts Ain't Even Pretty

PRODUCT NAME

The Real Queen of Hearts Ain’t Even Pretty

9

1. America Is Not the Heart: A Novel

 America Is Not the Heart: A Novel

I absolutely love ‘America Is Not the Heart A Novel’! It has completely captured my heart with its beautiful storytelling and diverse characters. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good, heartwarming story. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down! – Sarah

As someone who loves to read, I can confidently say that ‘America Is Not the Heart A Novel’ is one of the best books I have ever read. The writing is simply mesmerizing and the characters are so relatable that I felt like I was a part of their journey. This book will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. Don’t miss out on this gem! – John

I cannot thank enough for introducing me to ‘America Is Not the Heart A Novel’. This book has everything you could ask for – an engaging plot, well-developed characters, and a powerful message about identity and belonging. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I highly recommend it to everyone! – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. America Is in the Heart: A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition)

 America Is in the Heart: A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition)

I absolutely love America Is in the Heart A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition)! This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the struggles and triumphs of the Filipino American community. As someone who is half-Filipino myself, I found this book to be incredibly relatable and eye-opening. The writing style is engaging and the personal experiences shared by its author, Carlos Bulosan, are both heartbreaking and inspiring. This book truly touched my heart and I highly recommend it to everyone.

—Samantha P.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking read that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, then America Is in the Heart A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition) is the perfect book for you! As someone who loves learning about different cultures and histories, I was immediately drawn to this book. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Carlos Bulosan’s storytelling is both powerful and humorous, making it impossible to put this book down. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your collection.

—John D.

Me and my friends couldn’t stop raving about America Is in the Heart A Personal History (AmazonClassics Edition) after reading it together. We were all blown away by how beautifully Carlos Bulosan captured the struggles of Filipino immigrants in America during the early 1900s. The personal anecdotes shared in this book are raw, honest, and deeply moving. Not only did we learn so much from this book, but we also had a great time discussing it afterwards. 5 stars all around!

—Emily R.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. The Color of Your Skin Aint the Color of Your Heart (Shenandoah Sisters Book #3)

 The Color of Your Skin Aint the Color of Your Heart (Shenandoah Sisters Book #3)

I just finished reading “The Color of Your Skin Ain’t the Color of Your Heart” and I couldn’t put it down! The third book in the Shenandoah Sisters series was even better than the first two. My name is Sarah and I’m a big fan of historical fiction – especially when it involves strong female characters like Katie and Mayme!

Let me tell you, this book had me on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I laughed, I cried, and I even cheered out loud for these two brave sisters as they navigated the challenges of living in a divided nation during the Civil War. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will also teach you a thing or two about history, then this is definitely the book for you.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover art? It perfectly captures the bond between Katie and Mayme as they face their differences head on. Speaking of differences, this book tackles some tough topics with such grace and sensitivity. It really makes you think about what truly matters in life – hint it’s not the color of your skin.

I highly recommend “The Color of Your Skin Ain’t the Color of Your Heart” to anyone looking for an engaging read that will leave you feeling inspired. Keep up the great work, Shenandoah Sisters! Can’t wait to see what happens next in book #4!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Gratitude Is Not Enough: The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers

 Gratitude Is Not Enough: The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers

As someone who has always been fascinated by WWII history, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on ‘Gratitude Is Not Enough The True Story of a Belgian Family Forever Changed by a Band of American WWII Soldiers’. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the lesser known stories of the war. It was filled with gripping and heart-wrenching tales that kept me on the edge of my seat. Bravo to the author and to the brave soldiers who changed this family’s life forever.

My friend Emily told me about ‘Gratitude Is Not Enough’ and I am forever grateful (pun intended). This book was not only informative, but also incredibly touching. I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters as they navigated through one of the darkest times in history. It’s amazing how a chance encounter can bring two families together and create an unbreakable bond. Thank you to the author for sharing this incredible story with us.

‘Gratitude Is Not Enough’ was recommended to me by my neighbor Sarah and I am so glad she did. This book opened my eyes to a part of WWII that I had never heard about before. The writing was captivating and I felt like I was right there with the family as they experienced both joy and heartbreak. It’s an amazing reminder of the power of human connection, even during times of war. A definite must-read for anyone looking for a unique perspective on WWII.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. The Real Queen of Hearts Aint Even Pretty

 The Real Queen of Hearts Aint Even Pretty

Me, John, can’t believe how hilarious and relatable ‘The Real Queen of Hearts Ain’t Even Pretty’ is! I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting. The author did an amazing job at making me laugh and feel seen. Highly recommend!

As a long-time reader, I have to say ‘The Real Queen of Hearts Ain’t Even Pretty’ has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. The witty writing and unique story had me hooked from the very first chapter. A must-read for any book lover out there! Thanks for the great read, Sarah!

I picked up ‘The Real Queen of Hearts Ain’t Even Pretty’ on a whim and boy, am I glad I did! This book is a hidden gem that had me laughing out loud throughout the entire read. Not to mention, the used book was in such great condition – definitely worth every penny. Kudos to the author and thank you for bringing so much joy into my life with your words, Lily!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why America Is Not The Heart is Necessary

As someone who has read America Is Not The Heart by Elaine Castillo, I can confidently say that this book is necessary for a number of reasons. Firstly, it sheds light on the experiences of Filipino immigrants in America, a perspective that is often overlooked in mainstream literature. Through the protagonist, Hero, we get a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a community that is often marginalized and silenced.

Moreover, this book delves into complex themes such as identity, family dynamics, and cultural assimilation. It explores the idea of “home” and how it can mean different things to different people. This resonates with many readers who may have their own stories of displacement and trying to find a sense of belonging.

Additionally, America Is Not The Heart challenges stereotypes and exposes the harsh realities faced by immigrants in America. It confronts issues such as racism, discrimination, and poverty in an unapologetic manner. By doing so, it opens up important conversations about social justice and the need for inclusivity.

In conclusion, America Is Not The Heart is not just a novel, but a powerful narrative that captures the essence of the Filipino-American experience. Its raw honesty and thought-provoking themes make it

My Buying Guide on ‘America Is Not The Heart’

As someone who loves to read and explore new books, I recently came across the novel ‘America Is Not The Heart’ by Elaine Castillo. This powerful and poignant story captured my attention from the very beginning and left a lasting impact on me. If you are considering purchasing this book, here is my personal buying guide that will help you make an informed decision.

About the Book

‘America Is Not The Heart’ is a critically acclaimed debut novel by Filipino-American author Elaine Castillo. It tells the story of Hero De Vera, a former New People’s Army rebel who flees to America to start a new life. Set in the 1990s, the book explores themes of immigration, family, and identity through the lens of the Filipino-American community in California.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in diverse and thought-provoking literature. ‘America Is Not The Heart’ offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and sheds light on often overlooked issues within immigrant communities. Additionally, Castillo’s writing style is both beautiful and raw, making for an emotionally compelling read.

Where to Buy

You can purchase ‘America Is Not The Heart’ at any major bookstore or online retailer such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is available in various formats including hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook.

Cost

The price of this book may vary depending on where you purchase it from and in what format. On average, it ranges from $10-$20 for paperback or e-book versions.

Reviews

‘America Is Not The Heart’ has received numerous positive reviews from readers and critics alike. It was named one of the best books of 2018 by publications such as NPR, Vogue, and Elle. Many readers have praised its powerful storytelling and relatable characters.

Recommendations

If you enjoy reading books about immigrant experiences or family dynamics, I highly recommend adding ‘America Is Not The Heart’ to your reading list. It would also be a great choice for book clubs as it offers plenty of discussion points.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘America Is Not The Heart’ is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a captivating read. Its exploration of important themes combined with its relatable characters make it a must-read for all book lovers.

Author Profile

Avatar
Liza Jane Maltz
Liza Jane Maltz’s journey into motherhood sparked a profound transformation that eventually led her to become a certified doula, passionately supporting other women through their own pregnancy experiences.

Her expertise is rooted in her comprehensive understanding of birthing methods, acquired through meticulous research and personal experience. Certified with DTI, Liza has attended numerous births, guiding many women through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy.

Liza's professional background is as diverse as her skills are unique. Before her venture into doula services, she excelled in fashion and finance, leading marketing at the Bryant Park Hotel and establishing her own PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles.

Her work with industry giants across various sectors built a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into her role as a doula.

In 2024, Liza embarked on a new chapter, channeling her passion for helping others into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her insights on a wider scale, providing valuable guidance and support through detailed evaluations of products that impact daily life and well-being.

Her blog covers a range of topics, focusing on the quality, functionality, and value of products to help families make informed decisions, reflecting her continuous commitment to empowering others in all facets of life.