A Sense of Belonging: From Castro's Cuba to the U.S. Senate, One Man's Pursuit of the American Dream
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Book Overview
The remarkable story of how a teenager rescued from Castro's Cuba rose to become a United States senator The swift and improbable rise of Mel Martinez to the top echelon of America's government began not with a political race but with a burst of gunfire. In April 1958, an eleven-year-old Martinez huddled on his bedroom floor while Cuban soldiers opened fire on insurgents outside his family's home in the town of Sagua la Grande. If political unrest made daily life disturbing and at times frightening, Fidel Castro's Communist Revolution nine months later was nothing short of devastating. When armed militiamen shouted violent threats at Martinez for wearing a medallion as a sign of his Catholic faith, his parents made a heartrending decision: their son would have to escape the Castro regime-alone. A Sense of Belonging is the riveting account of innocence lost, exile sustained by religious faith, and an immigrant's determination to overcome the barriers of language and culture in his adopted homeland. Though his story ends in the United States Capitol, Martinez has never forgotten the boy who experienced the loss of liberty under communism. A Sense of Belonging is a paean to the transformative power of the American dream.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0307405419
ISBN13:9780307405418
Release Date:August 2009
Publisher:Three Rivers Press (CA)
Length:240 Pages
Weight:0.70 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Touching regardless of political persuasion
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
To start, I should state that I am a hardcore liberal in utter, complete disagreement with Mr. Martinez's entire suite of backwards, harmful right-wing political ideals; as a Floridian, I vigorously supported his opponent in 2004 and would have done the same had he run for re-election. However, his autobiography in A Sense of Belonging is one of the most personal and touching memoirs that I have read in recent memory, and it reveals in vivid detail that Mr. Martinez is nothing less than a quintessential personification of the American Dream. Tracing Martinez's development from Castro's Cuba to Florida State Law School to the foremost halls of American power, this engaging and easy-to-read life story is sure to bring a smile to your face as it affirms the greatness of possibilities afforded by our nation. I would highly recommend this inspirational work to friends on all parts of the political spectrum, particularly since it is generally devoid of partisan jabs and insults.
How true, how true!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
As an American born in NY in the 40's of Cuban parents who took us early in the 50's to be raised in Cuba, I cannot even describe how true these feelings that Senator Martinez writes in his book identify with me. As Americans we were in danger of imprisonment (even as children) in 62 and were put on a plane without our parents who although were USA citizens, the Castro regime would not permit them to leave. Along with us were babies handed over to strangers to get them to the USA. The only difference with this book and my life is that we (my brother and I) as Americans could not receive any USA benefits since we were not considered refugees in our own country. We actually hid from being separated by the foster home agencies. The rest of this similar story we lived alongside many other Cubans. This is a must read for those who could use a boost as to loving this country of opportunity as they should. People have no idea how lucky we are in this country until you live in another country where you have no rights! From the time that Senator Martinez and all of us left Cuba to now, there has been no change. Thank you Senator Martinez for putting into words what many of us lived as we grew up (fast ) in the USA!
A true American
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I had the privilege of meeting Mel Martinez two years ago. He was instrumental in getting my sister-in-law freed from prison in Vietnam.... although she was a U.S. citizen, and had done nothing more disruptive to the government of Vietnam than to openly speak about individual rights, she was arrested and languished in jail for fourteen months. Senator Martinez lead the effort to secure her freedom, lobbying the Vietnamese Ambassador, and convincing president Bush to make her release an issue to be resolved before the president would travel to Vietnam. When he spoke at her Homecoming in Orlando, he talked about how well he understood the difference between democratic and communist countries from personal experience. I was so impressed by this man's integrity and tenacity .... I can say with complete conviction: THERE is a true American! Read his book, and be reminded what it is that has made this a great country.
a heartwarming story!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
His is such an inspirational story of strength and faith in God! I couldn't put it down...well worth the read.
Excellent, easy read
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
"A Sense of Belonging" is not your typical autobiography of a Washington insider, which is certainly refreshing. Senator Martinez's story is quite unique, and it is eye-opening to see how he got to be where he is. This touching memoir chronicles both his transition from Communist Cuba to the United States and his transition from a boy to a man. Mr. Martinez was forced to grow up very quickly and the details of his experience are remarkable. I don't necessarily agree with him on everything politically, but that is irrelevant where this book is concerned. With the exception of his feelings toward Castro's regime, Martinez is able to tell his story without delving into today's politics. This was a pleasure to read and I finished it in two sittings. Highly recommended for an easy weekend read.
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