"When I Was Puerto Rican" is a memoir by Esmeralda Santiago that recounts her childhood experiences growing up in Puerto Rico. The book explores her family's struggles, cultural identity, and the challenges they faced as they moved to New York City. Through vivid storytelling, Santiago highlights the contrasts between her life in Puerto Rico and the complexities of adapting to life in the United States. The memoir captures themes of immigration, family dynamics, and the search for belonging, providing readers with a personal perspective on the Puerto Rican experience.